Davao Oriental – The provincial government has launched a unified and full-scale disaster response following two powerful earthquakes — a 7.6-magnitude quake and a subsequent 6.8-magnitude tremor — that struck the province on October 10, 2025.
A Joint Emergency Meeting was immediately convened at the Governor’s Mansion, Subangan Tourism Complex, to coordinate urgent actions among provincial departments, law enforcement, and national agencies. The meeting, attended by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard, and other partners, underscored the united response of the provincial government to ensure rapid and organized coordination across affected areas.
According to the latest report from the PDRRMO, three individuals were confirmed dead — two in Mati City and one in Tarragona. A total of 360 others were injured, with the Municipality of Caraga recording the highest number of casualties.
The twin earthquakes have affected 70,142 families provincewide, with Governor Generoso reporting the largest number of affected families at 20,123. Damage assessments revealed 107 totally damaged houses and properties, with Baganga recording the highest at 61, while 590 structures were partially damaged, the majority of which were in Cateel.
Engineers from the Provincial Engineer’s Office, led by Engr. Ruel C. Dumadag and Engr. John Argallar, together with the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), have begun rigorous structural assessments of hospitals, schools, bridges, and public buildings to ensure safety and stability following the twin quakes.
DSWD Regional Director Rhuelo Aradanas confirmed that food and non-food assistance are being distributed to affected families, particularly in the municipalities of Tarragona and Manay — areas heavily affected by the tremors. The relief package includes 1,000 food packs, 240 jerry cans, 125 modular tents, kitchen kits, sleeping kits, family tents, and hygiene kits. In Mati City, 1,938 individuals have been evacuated to temporary shelters, as PSWDO teams continue to assess needs in other municipalities.
Provincial Administrator MGen Jose Eriel Niembra emphasized that immediate priorities include ensuring access to clean water, food supply, and the deployment of well-equipped rescue and medical teams. From the Provincial Health Office, Dr. Reden Bersaldo confirmed that all patients of the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center (DOPMC) have safely returned to their respective facilities, except for DOPMC Manay, which remains under structural evaluation.
The AFP has mobilized troops to assist local government units in rescue and logistics operations, while the Philippine Coast Guard continues to issue sea travel advisories every two hours to ensure maritime safety amid continuing aftershocks.
Provincial officials also conducted on-ground and aerial inspections to assess the full extent of the damage. The inspection covered the Municipality of Manay — the epicenter of the initial 7.6-magnitude quake — and nearby areas affected by the 6.8-magnitude aftershock. Teams also inspected the newly constructed Provincial Capitol Building to ensure the safety of government personnel and facilities.
The provincial government reaffirmed that public safety and the continuity of essential services remain its highest priorities. “Let us thank God that despite the twin strong quakes, Davao Oriental remains standing with minimal damages. What matters most is that our people are safe,” the provincial leadership said in a statement.
Consolidated damage reports are expected within the day, alongside preparations for a province-wide disaster response training for uniformed personnel from the AFP, DOPPO, and BFP to strengthen preparedness and coordination in future emergencies.
Through the collective efforts of its agencies and partners, Davao Oriental continues to embody a “Gobyeronong Nagkakaisa para sa Ligtas na Davao Oriental” — united in ensuring safety, swift recovery, and resilience for all its communities.