A resolution expressing condolences to the families who lost their loved ones after a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the northeastern portion of Cebu province last Tuesday has been adopted by the House of Representatives.
During the session on Thursday, which lapsed into early Friday morning, House Resolution (HR) No. 325 authored by Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos Jr., and Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan was adopted via viva voce (communicated orally rather than in written form).
‘Whereas, the House of Representatives extends its heartfelt condolences and profound empathy to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy, and stands in unwavering solidarity with the Province of Cebu and all other stricken communities in their time of great need and collective recovery,’ HR No. 325 said.
‘Resolved, further, that the Members of the House of Representatives collectively and individually rise up to meet the challenges of relief and rehabilitation in the earthquake-stricken areas for the purpose of providing any form of assistance to the earthquake victims,’ it added.
Late Tuesday night, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck waters northeast of Bogo City, Cebu, damaging heritage churches and other structures, and knocking out power in parts of the central Philippines.
Latest reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) showed that the death toll from the Cebu earthquake is at 68.
Initially, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) measured the quake at magnitude 6.7 before upgrading it to a 6.9. The movement was tectonic in nature, and was recorded at a shallow depth of five kilometers below the ground.
Phivolcs then warned of a possible ‘minor sea-level disturbance’ and urged residents of Leyte, Cebu and Biliran to stay away from the coast. The warning was eventually lifted.
Previously, Dy assured the public that the House leadership is also discussing with district representatives how assistance can be provided for residents in quake-stricken areas. Dy also said the House extends its sympathies to families who lost their loved ones.
‘We are currently conducting coordination talks with agencies and local government units to ensure that the assistance needed would be immediately provided, particularly quick medical service and basic needs for areas hard hit by the earthquake,’ Dy said.
‘We are currently coordinating with the representatives of affected districts to support their goal of bringing help to their constituents,’ he added.