News

Cebu, Philippines – Oct. 5, 2025 – In response to the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on Sept. 30, 2025, various organizations, churches, groups, and entities within the Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC) have organized donation drives to deliver urgent aid to displaced and affected families.

Hope Channel Central Philippines (HCCP) was among the first to initiate a humanitarian drive, promptly launching a fundraiser to collect essential goods and monetary donations for the victims.

As the reported destruction from the Sept. 30 quake looms large, the focus has shifted from rescue efforts to large-scale relief operations.

On Oct. 3, the CPUC team set out for Northern Cebu, led by Pastor Eliezer "Joer" Barlizo Jr., CPUC president. The team included Pastor Berdandino Maniego, CPUC communication director, and Pastor Lemmuel Lauron, HCCP station manager.

They brought with them the goods that sponsors wished to donate. In addition to distributing relief supplies, they offered prayers for safety, health, provisions, and resilience.

As part of their relief distribution efforts, they also assessed the extent of damage to the churches and homes of Adventist brethren in order to raise additional funds to support victims as they gradually recover from their losses.

The ReACH Care Group, one of the CPUC care groups, also distributed relief goods on Oct. 4, 2025, to the brethren in San Remegio and other areas of Northern Cebu.

All of these groups have continued to raise funds and provide joy to the affected brethren in the north. Nearly all churches across CPUC, along with its departments, groups, singing clubs, and Master Guide Clubs, organized donation drives and distributed goods directly to those in need.

Ranel Hijapon, president of the Central Cebu District Association of Churches, who joined the CPUC team, recounted their experiences. He described how those affected have struggled amid fears of continuing aftershocks, discomfort from sleeping on the ground under makeshift tents, and urgent needs for food and water.

He emphasized the importance of extending assistance to one another, quoting Ellen White's statement from her book "Desire of Ages": "Every disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary."

In a social media post, Pastor Maniego expressed gratitude to all the donors for this trip, especially to Pastor Barlizo for taking the initiative.

Pastor Barlizo directed the trip's destinations, which included Caduawan Seventh-day Adventist Church, Dawis SDA Church, Lanao, Tambongon, Lambusan, Bogo Central SDA Church, and the Upper and Lower Nailon SDA Church.

He expressed his desire to visit all churches but regretted that time constraints prevented him from doing so. Nevertheless, he assured the congregations of his prayers and support.

"I understand your fears and losses because I have experienced them myself, and I will continue to seek more provisions to share. Most importantly, I pray that God will heal your pain and help you start anew," Barlizo shared.

He recounted an encounter with a man who approached them for a bottle of water. The man expressed, "I wouldn't be like this—begging for a bottle of water—if this calamity hadn't left us helpless."

"Imagine, he had to swallow his pride due to necessity. This was something he never anticipated having to do," Barlizo reflected.

Through this narrative, he highlighted the significance of a small act of kindness. He urged families to share and be a source of blessings to those around them.

CPUC will continue to seek support for those affected, urging all departments, entities, and businesspeople to contribute for the rebuilding their lives.

Lyn Lucero ⎸ CPUC Communication Department