The municipal government of Jose Abad Santos (JAS) has expressed gratitude to the City Government of Davao for delivering essential relief goods to families affected by the recent 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao. The assistance was sent on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, reflecting the compassion and solidarity of Davao residents with fellow Mindanawons during times of crisis.
Gratitude from Jose Abad Santos
“The Municipal Government of Jose Abad Santos extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Sebastian Duterte, the City Government of Davao, and the people of Davao City for their timely support and generosity,” the LGU, led by Mayor Jason John Joyce, stated on June 16, 2026. “Your assistance brings hope and encouragement to our communities as we continue our recovery and rebuilding efforts.”
Additional Needs Identified
Mayor Joyce acknowledged the aid but emphasized that the municipality still requires additional supplies, including tents, blankets, sleeping mats, flashlights, solar lights, and tarpaulins. He provided details on how donors can contribute: in Davao City, drop-offs can be made at Coloseo and Momo’s. For bulk donations such as water, coordination through his office is encouraged to arrange proper drop-off points. In General Santos City, donations may be delivered to J&G Propiedad Unit 26, Purok Malakas, San Isidro, or coordinated through LGU staff Cely Hope Lampayasen-Tacabil.
Relief Operations Details
Earlier, the Davao City government sent approximately 11 truckloads of relief goods to General Santos City, Sarangani, and Jose Abad Santos on June 16. The shipment included 4,000 food packs and 3,000 one-liter bottles of water. Davao City Information Office head Harvey Lanticse reported that 42 personnel from various city offices were deployed to assist relief operations in the affected areas. These teams came from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Mayor’s Office, and security units.
“Kani siya, this is part of the ongoing assistance natu sa mga quake affected area (This is part of our ongoing assistance to the earthquake-affected areas),” Lanticse said in a media interview on June 16, 2026. He noted that the city routinely extends assistance to disaster-hit areas, including relief goods and water distribution through coordination with the Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region, and the transport of patients from Sarangani to the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
Impact of the Earthquake
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the earthquake has resulted in 65 deaths, 36 missing individuals, and affected more than 736,000 people across Mindanao. RGP WITH REPORTS FROM FRANCES KIM CACHILA/ADDU, SUNSTAR INTERN
