Rescuers search for three people who were reported missing under the rubble of a collapsed building in Bogo City on October 1, 2025. Ted Aljibe, AFP
MANILA — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr said Wednesday the agency was identifying specific areas where the P20/kilo rice would be sold in earthquake-hit Cebu and nearby areas in the Visayas region.
Tiu Laurel said this would ease the burden of victims and would aid in their recovery.
"We have enough supplies yun nga pinabukas ko na rin ang P20 rice also in that area na tinamaan for for all, for at least 1 month para makatulong sa mga, including Masbate and Eastern Samar," the agriculture chief told reporters.
"Affected areas of Cebu we have people on the ground now malalaman natin kung anong areas. Bogo, epicenter sigurado," he added.
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit Bogo on the evening of September 30. As of writing, over 60 have been reported dead.
Cebu quake likely triggered by fault relatively steady in the past 400 years
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered his cabinet secretaries to assess the situation on the ground and extend crucial help such as medical assistance, shelter as well as in the repair of communication, power lines and other infrastructure.
Cebu province declares state of calamity due to powerful quake
Aftershocks rattle Cebu after deadly quake
More details to follow.