The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on Sept. 30 caused extensive damage to livestock and veterinary facilities, with total losses estimated at P170,955,100, according to a report from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO). Field assessments indicated moderate to significant impacts on the livestock and poultry sector in several local government units (LGUs), particularly in Bogo City, San Remigio, Tabuelan, Sogod, Borbon, Tabogon, Medellin, and Daanbantayan.
Animal shelters, slaughterhouses, feed storage areas, and backyard pens were damaged, resulting in livestock deaths and disruptions in feed and water supply. The quake also affected power and water systems that are vital to veterinary operations.
The municipality of Tabogon sustained the most severe losses, amounting to P154 million, after a large sinkhole destroyed livestock structures and disrupted agricultural activities.
Other areas in northern Cebu also reported significant losses following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake. Bogo City sustained an estimated P6.27 million in damages to its livestock and slaughterhouse facilities, while San Remigio recorded P5.93 million in losses affecting livestock, poultry, slaughterhouses, and farm housing. Daanbantayan suffered P1.51 million in damages to livestock, poultry, and slaughterhouses, and Borbon incurred P1.42 million in losses, mostly involving livestock and pig housing.
In Medellin, damage to the municipal slaughterhouse was placed at P560,000, while Sogod reported P107,870 in losses to livestock and poultry housing. Madrilejos recorded P315,000 in damage to pig housing, Catmon P750,000 to its slaughterhouse, and Tabuelan P39,000 in livestock losses. In total, the affected LGUs reported 470,387 heads of livestock and poultry-including 41,195 swine, 13,598 cattle, 3,304 carabaos, 30,410 goats, and 381,880 poultry.
To address the crisis, the Provincial Veterinary Earthquake Response and Recovery Framework was immediately activated, focusing on the rescue and evacuation of animals, emergency feed and water provision, and veterinary medical assistance.
During the emergency response phase (0-72 hours), the PVO coordinated with the DRRMOs, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and local government units to rescue trapped animals and establish temporary holding areas for livestock. Carcass retrieval and safe disposal were also prioritized to prevent outbreaks of diseases.
During the early recovery phase (72 hours to two weeks), teams conducted damage and needs assessments, administered vaccinations and deworming, distributed antibiotics and vitamins, and provided psychosocial support to affected farmers.
Beginning Oct. 16, focus has shifted to rehabilitation and long-term recovery, which includes restocking and dispersal programs for cattle, swine, goats, and poultry, rehabilitation of municipal and city veterinary facilities, slaughterhouses, and animal shelters, training for livestock aides and farmers on Disaster Risk Reduction in Animal Health, and integration of veterinary DRRM strategies into local disaster plans
The PVO emphasized a ‘One Health Approach’, linking animal, human, and environmental health interventions to strengthen resilience against future disasters. The earthquake, which struck near Bogo City, was followed by multiple aftershocks and subsequent tremors recorded on Oct. 13 and 15. The province remains under a State of Calamity, as declared on Oct. 1.