Serbisyong Totoo: Unang Hirit reaches quake-struck Cebu and Davao

The whole country was still reeling from the powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Cebu when another tremor shook Davao Oriental just days later.

In less than two weeks, two strong quakes left thousands of families displaced and in urgent need of help—a painful reminder of how vulnerable many Filipino communities remain.

The Visayas Earthquake

In Cebu, homes crumbled, roads cracked, and hospitals were forced to move patients outdoors for safety. While many residents were still trying to cope and absorb the shock of the dreadful quake, Unang Hirit, GMA Network’s longest-running morning show, immediately flew to Cebu to bring its brand of “Serbisyong Totoo” straight to the affected areas. 

UH anchor Susan Enriquez and resident chef JR Royol traveled to the quake-stricken communities to report on the situation, listen to survivors’ stories, and extend public service through relief operations in partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Their coverage began in Bogo City, one of the hardest-hit areas and closest to the epicenter of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake. The local hospital suffered significant damage, prompting patients and medical staff to evacuate in fear of aftershocks and potential collapse. Tents were quickly set up as makeshift wards, where doctors and nurses continued treating the injured in the open air.

“Mahirap po, kawawa (ang mga pasyente). Kita n’yo naman, mainit. Prone to respiratory tract infections ‘yang mga ‘yan,” said Dr. Zoraida Yurangco, Chief of Hospital of Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo. “Kahit gaano mo pa sabihin sa kanila na safe na, when the earth shakes, matatakot at matatakot talaga sila.”

Amid the challenging conditions, Chef JR, who assisted in the distribution of hot meals, highlighted the efforts of hospital staff providing nourishment to patients. “Meron po tayong lugaw, care of ng ating magigiting na Nutrition and Dietetics Services Department ng Cebu Provincial Hospital. Sila po ‘yung nagpapakahirap para makapagbigay ng libreng pagkain para sa mga pasyente,” he said.

The Unang Hirit team also visited a community in Barangay Polambato where many homes were damaged beyond repair.  Some families stayed close to their damaged homes, watching over what remained of their belongings while waiting for assistance.

“Nananawagan po kami sana mabigyan po kami ng pabahay dito. 224 families po kami dito. Nasa kalsada lang po kami ngayon nakatira. Sa araw nandito kami sa village, sa gabi nandoon kami sa bukid. Takot na takot kami. 10 minutes ang lindol pero ‘di namin kinaya,” said Neralyn Montejo, a resident of the community. 

On the following day, the team traveled to San Remigio, another town heavily hit by the quake. Hundreds of families were still sleeping in makeshift tents after their homes were destroyed.

“Tatlo po kaming pamilya dito (sa isang tent). Dito na sa labas natutulog ang iba dahil wala nang space sa loob. Napakainit sa loob,” a resident shared, describing how cramped and uncomfortable their temporary shelter had become.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation played a key role in bringing much-needed relief to earthquake-affected communities. Together with Unang Hirit, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and volunteers, they delivered essential supplies and relief goods to the people of San Remigio in one of Unang Hirit’s live coverage. Chef JR also joined the effort by preparing hot meals to bring comfort to evacuees. 

Among the survivors was Bryan, who showed the injuries he sustained during the earthquake. Fighting back tears, he shared, “Tinakip ko po sa ulo ko ‘yung kamay ko... Yung mga taong nagligtas sa buhay ko, sila ‘yung nawala. Yung mga taong tumutulong, sila pa ang nasawi.”

The Davao Oriental Quake

Barely had relief efforts in Cebu settled when another major quake — this time of magnitude 7.4 — struck off the coast of Davao Oriental, shaking parts of Mindanao late at night of October 10. Many residents fled their homes and stayed in evacuation sites, fearing a tsunami that thankfully did not materialize.

Susan and UH weather presenter Anjo Pertierra traveled to Davao Oriental to lead Unang Hirit’s special coverage following the earthquake. They visited some of the hardest-hit areas to speak with residents, gather on-ground updates, and highlight ongoing relief efforts.

They went to Tarragona National High School, where classrooms were severely damaged.

“Kung titignan mula sa labas, parang walang pinsala, pero sa loob nito makikita yung matinding pinsala… bumagsak yung kisame. Nagkataon na nung lumindol nasa labas yung mga estudyante. Imagine kung nasa loob sila.” said Susan as she described the extent of the damage inside one of the affected schools.

They also visited the Tarragona Municipal Hall, which had been converted into a tent city and evacuation site for hundreds of displaced residents. Together with the Philippine Red Cross, they helped distribute hot meals to evacuees. 

“Hindi pa kami ok dito meron pa kasing mga aftershocks. Hindi kami bumabalik doon sa aming tahanan kasi dito libre ang pagkain... wala na kaming mga pangastos.” said an evacuee. 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also provided psychosocial support to families coping with fear and trauma after the strong quake and its aftershocks.

“Meron po tayo ritong trauma center to make sure yung mental and emotional state ng mga evacuees natin,” explained Anjo, referring to the support facilities set up for affected residents.

“Nagsasagawa po kaming mga social workers ng psychosocial support… very important po na ma-process natin yung mental health nila,” added a social worker assisting evacuees in the area.

As of this writing, the country continues to be on edge as more earthquakes are felt throughout the Philippines, keeping residents vigilant and communities alert.

Across both the Visayas and Mindanao, stories of loss were met with stories of hope. As they wrapped up their special coverage, Susan left a message of faith and solidarity: “Patuloy tayong magba-bayanihan at magdarasal para sa ating mga kababayan.” Her words encapsulate the very essence of Unang Hirit’s core — Serbisyong Totoo — a commitment to stand with Filipinos and serve them especially in times of hardship and recovery.

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, and Shopee. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.