The government has begun deploying psychometricians and psychosocial responders across Northern Cebu to help earthquake survivors cope with trauma and stress, marking a crucial shift from rescue to recovery following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.
Mental health care has become a top priority as communities continue to endure aftershocks and emotional distress.
‘We are now in the recovery phase, and that includes mental health-especially for those who lost loved ones and for our exhausted health workers,’ said Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-VII) Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brilliantes.
‘We’ve started deploying psychosocial teams to various areas. We urge everyone to remain vigilant, especially with the ongoing aftershocks.’
Teams of psychometricians and mental health professionals from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Center for Behavioral Health have already arrived in San Remigio Gym to conduct psychological debriefings and post-earthquake interventions.
Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, daughter of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, confirmed that additional teams from DOH Manila will be deployed in the coming days to continue the mission of healing and support.
The initiative is part of the government’s expanded recovery operations after the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) officially terminated Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) operations on October 2 in San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and Bogo City. All missing persons have been accounted for.
Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros, who joined President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to Bogo City, underscored that while the search phase has ended, the mission to sustain and protect lives continues.
‘The period of saving lives has now shifted into the period of sustaining lives,’ Cabreros said.
According to the latest data from the OCD and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the quake left 72 people dead, more than 500 injured, and around 171,000 individuals affected across 53 barangays in northern Cebu.
More than 4,000 families-about 20,000 individuals-remain displaced, many of them sheltering in open areas and tent cities.
Experts stressed that mental health care is not optional in disaster recovery but essential. Earthquakes can leave invisible wounds-anxiety, grief, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress that persist long after physical injuries have healed.
Children, the elderly, and those who witnessed death or destruction are especially vulnerable. Without proper intervention, these psychological impacts can hinder recovery, strain relationships, and deepen suffering.
Post-trauma care helps individuals process their experiences, regain a sense of safety, and rebuild emotional resilience. It also supports health workers and responders who face immense pressure and emotional fatigue.
By prioritizing psychological support, the government affirms that recovery is not just about rebuilding homes-it’s about restoring lives.
To further ensure access to care, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has directed PhilHealth to implement zero-balance billing for earthquake survivors and the families of the deceased.
Patients referred to private hospitals or DOH facilities-including VSMMC, Eversley Childs Sanitarium, Talisay District Hospital, and Cebu South Medical Center-will receive full coverage under this directive.
PhilHealth Regional Vice President Marjorie Cabrieto and officers from PRO VII have conducted hospital visits in Northern Cebu to assess urgent needs and validate patient data.
The Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package remains available for accredited hospitals treating quake-related injuries.
Meanwhile, relief efforts continue with the distribution of aquatabs, hygiene kits, water containers, and essential medicines.
For health emergencies, DOH-Central Visayas has activated its 24/7 Emergency Healthline, accessible via #0711 for Globe and TM users, with alternative numbers available for Smart and landline subscribers.