Over 1k Cebu earthquake victims receive free medical services from GMA Kapuso Foundation

Months have passed since a 6.9-magnitude earthquake rocked Cebu in 2025, but some residents in Medellin still do not have proper shelter after the quake damaged their homes.

According to a "24 Oras" report on Wednesday, some residents have resorted to using tarpaulins as shelter, which are not enough to protect them from changing weather conditions.

Resident Armida Calbang and her family have been using a tarpaulin as shelter after their home was destroyed by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu last year. Due to the inadequate shelter, her granddaughter has been getting coughs.

“’Mainit basta tanghali. Meron siyang asthma, ginamot na, hilot okay na. Lagi siya ubo-ubo,” Armida said.

Armida and her granddaughter are unable to get a medical checkup due to the lack of funds, per the report.

To help, the GMA Kapuso Foundation conducted a Kapuso Kalusugan Caravan in Medellin, where volunteer doctors from the municipal health office and partner hospitals gave free medical consultations.

“We continued her maintenance medication na lang, which is also offered here. Tapos nag-eye check-up na lang din kasi diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy,” said Dr. Niña Christine Sy, a family medicine resident at Perpetual Succour Hospital of Cebu.

According to Cebu Provincial Health Office officer-in-charge Dr. Mary Ann Josephine Arsenal, laboratory tests for cholesterol, uric acid, and sugar, as well as X-rays, ECG, and dental check-ups were also conducted.

GMA Kapuso Foundation also donated vitamins, hygiene kits, medicines, and free prescription glasses to the residents. Overall, more than 1,200 residents benefited from the Kapuso Kalusugan Caravan.

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, Shopee, and Palawan Pay. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—Nika Roque/CDC, GMA News