State of calamity declared in Tarragona, Davao Oriental after twin quakes

The local government of Tarragona in Davao Oriental has declared a state of calamity due to the effects of the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes that struck off Manay town on Friday, October 10, 2025.

According to the local government, around 10,000 families were affected by the series of tremors, with 2,000 currently staying in evacuation centers.

Some of the evacuees are still afraid to return home due to frequent aftershocks.

One of them, Leigh Pogio, shared the struggle they are facing.

“Lisod gyud… gamay’ng linog, dagan… wala mi kasabot… walay mga trabaho kay unsaon man… panawagan nako unta naay makatabang sa amo kay ingon ani ang sitwasyon namo,” Pogio said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to distribute food packs and bottled water to residents affected.

“Hadlok pa gihapon kay nagalinog gihapon… pag matulog mi, di mi katulog og maayo, magbantay lagi,” another resident affected, Imelda Acido, added.

The local government has allocated P3 million from its Quick Response Fund for response efforts.

“All of the program and services are still ongoing as regular na ginagawa ng kawani kaso off-site kasi ang municipal building naka-code red. Ang evacuation center, as well as the municipal, tagged already as red me aning inhabitable, meaning di na pwedeng pasukan so nasa open space po kami ngayon,” Mayor Kaka Bulaong, said.

The local government has identified a 16-hectare relocation site for the families affected.

“Meron po tayong na-acquire, bago lang po… nasa 16 hectares ang LGU… we focused on land banking… anytime, kung may ibibigay po relating to construction of houses, meron po kaming i-offer… may pag-uusap na po si DHSUD, NHA at LGU,” Bulaong added. —GMA Regional TV