Philippines Earthquake Relief - Cebu Province

Cebu Earthquake Response Program – Final Report Project Overview

The Cebu Earthquake Response Program was implemented following the October 2025 earthquake that impacted Northern Cebu, affecting over 450,000 people and causing widespread damage to homes and critical infrastructure. All Hands and Hearts mobilized rapidly to address immediate humanitarian needs while supporting early recovery through shelter, water access, and community-based interventions.

The program was designed to address urgent post-earthquake needs, including temporary shelter, access to clean water, psychosocial support, and community recovery, while laying foundations for safer, more resilient rebuilding.

Key Achievements

The program successfully delivered a range of emergency and early recovery interventions, including:

• Distribution of generators and approximately 3,030 family food packs to meet immediate post-earthquake needs
• Construction of 29 emergency shelters using locally sourced materials and resilient design principles
• Installation and distribution of water filtration systems to improve access to safe drinking water
• Delivery of Psychological First Aid (PFA) activities for children, youth, and adults
• Engagement of local and international volunteers to support construction, distributions, and community activities

These interventions directly addressed critical gaps in shelter, water access, and wellbeing for earthquake-affected families.

Team & Volunteer Contributions

The success of the Cebu program was made possible through the dedication of All Hands and Hearts staff, local partners, and both local and international volunteers. Volunteers played a vital role in shelter construction, water filter distributions, PFA activities, and community engagement, helping to foster trust, dignity, and ownership throughout the response.

Community Engagement & Participation

Community members were actively involved across all phases of the program, from needs assessments to shelter construction and water filter demonstrations. This participatory approach strengthened local capacity, ensured cultural appropriateness, and reinforced community-led recovery.

Challenges & Resilience

The program faced several challenges, including staffing gaps, supply chain constraints, recurring typhoons, and difficult site conditions. These challenges were mitigated through adaptive planning, strong coordination with local partners, flexible construction approaches, and continuous problem-solving by the team and community members.

Program Close-Out & Impact

All program activities have been successfully completed, including shelter construction, water filtration distributions, and community support services. The Cebu Earthquake Response Program delivered:

• Safer, dignified temporary shelter for displaced families
• Improved access to clean water and reduced waterborne health risks
• Enhanced psychosocial wellbeing and community cohesion
• Increased community confidence and preparedness for ongoing recovery

Overall, the program represents a meaningful contribution to post-earthquake recovery in Northern Cebu, characterized by strong partnerships, volunteer engagement, and community-centered impact.

Closing

Thank you to all donors, partners, volunteers, and community members who supported the Cebu Earthquake Response Program. Your contributions helped families take critical steps toward safety, recovery, and resilience in the aftermath of the earthquake.