REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Sarangani Under State Of Calamity After Deadly Quake
Screengrab from PHIVOLCS-DOST
The provincial government of Sarangani has placed the entire province under a state of calamity following the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Maasim on June 8, leaving widespread destruction and thousands of residents in need of assistance.
The declaration, approved on Wednesday upon the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), will allow local officials to immediately access emergency funds and speed up relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts in affected communities.
As of Wednesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the death toll from the powerful earthquake had risen to 45, with 487 people injured and 17 others still missing. More than 149,000 individuals across Mindanao have been affected by the disaster.
Sarangani was among the hardest-hit areas, with strong tremors triggering landslides, collapsing buildings, and causing extensive damage to roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, government offices, and power and communication facilities. The earthquake, which struck on the opening day of classes, also prompted tsunami warnings that were later lifted.
Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao said the declaration of a state of calamity is necessary to ensure assistance reaches affected residents as quickly as possible.
"Sa ilalim ng State of Calamity, mas mapapalawak at mapapabilis natin ang pagpapatupad ng mga interbensyon sa mga apektadong lugar," he said.
Pacquiao, together with Vice Governor Danny Martinez, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, department heads, and other local officials, held an emergency meeting on June 10 to discuss urgent measures and prioritize response operations in heavily damaged areas.
Among the municipalities closely being monitored are Glan and Malapatan, which suffered severe impacts, as well as Alabel, Malungon, Kiamba, Maasim, and Maitum.
The Office of Civil Defense said search, rescue, and retrieval operations remain concentrated in Sarangani and neighboring General Santos City, where several structures collapsed during the earthquake. Initial government estimates placed infrastructure damage at more than half a billion pesos.
Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks that have been rattling parts of Mindanao since the earthquake. PHIVOLCS earlier warned that aftershocks may continue for weeks, prompting officials to advise residents to avoid damaged structures and remain vigilant.
Pacquiao urged the public to heed official advisories and cooperate with ongoing response efforts.
He also expressed gratitude to national government agencies, neighboring provinces and cities, humanitarian groups, private organizations, and volunteers that have extended assistance to Sarangani as the province begins the long process of rebuilding and recovery.
The declaration, approved on Wednesday upon the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), will allow local officials to immediately access emergency funds and speed up relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts in affected communities.
As of Wednesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the death toll from the powerful earthquake had risen to 45, with 487 people injured and 17 others still missing. More than 149,000 individuals across Mindanao have been affected by the disaster.
Sarangani was among the hardest-hit areas, with strong tremors triggering landslides, collapsing buildings, and causing extensive damage to roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, government offices, and power and communication facilities. The earthquake, which struck on the opening day of classes, also prompted tsunami warnings that were later lifted.
Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao said the declaration of a state of calamity is necessary to ensure assistance reaches affected residents as quickly as possible.
"Sa ilalim ng State of Calamity, mas mapapalawak at mapapabilis natin ang pagpapatupad ng mga interbensyon sa mga apektadong lugar," he said.
Pacquiao, together with Vice Governor Danny Martinez, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, department heads, and other local officials, held an emergency meeting on June 10 to discuss urgent measures and prioritize response operations in heavily damaged areas.
Among the municipalities closely being monitored are Glan and Malapatan, which suffered severe impacts, as well as Alabel, Malungon, Kiamba, Maasim, and Maitum.
The Office of Civil Defense said search, rescue, and retrieval operations remain concentrated in Sarangani and neighboring General Santos City, where several structures collapsed during the earthquake. Initial government estimates placed infrastructure damage at more than half a billion pesos.
Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks that have been rattling parts of Mindanao since the earthquake. PHIVOLCS earlier warned that aftershocks may continue for weeks, prompting officials to advise residents to avoid damaged structures and remain vigilant.
Pacquiao urged the public to heed official advisories and cooperate with ongoing response efforts.
He also expressed gratitude to national government agencies, neighboring provinces and cities, humanitarian groups, private organizations, and volunteers that have extended assistance to Sarangani as the province begins the long process of rebuilding and recovery.
Jun 10, 2026
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