Manila/ Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 2 October 2025 – The 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Bogo City, Cebu, in the Philippines on 30 September has left a trail of destruction - thousands of families are now in desperate need of food, clean water, shelter, and medical care.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for CHF 8 million to support the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), which is on the ground delivering lifesaving assistance to affected communities.
“Our teams were on the move within hours of the quake, thanks to our strong network of trained staff and dedicated volunteers,” said Gwen Pang, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross. With the support of IFRC, the PRC teams have been deployed to conduct rapid assessments, provide first aid, clean water, food and psychosocial support. It has also deployed rescue vehicles, generators, and blood units.
“The needs are immense, but we continue to strive to provide the much-needed assistance to those affected by the earthquake. We urgently need support to sustain and scale up our operations.”
Access to the most affected mountainous areas remains a significant challenge due to damaged roads, while ongoing aftershocks continue to pose a threat to safety and delay rescue and relief efforts. Critical infrastructure and lifelines are currently non-operational in some areas.
Despite having one of the most robust preparedness systems in the country, with 102 chapters nationwide, over 1,900 staff, and more than 541,000 volunteers, the PRC is under immense pressure. Just months ago, it was responding to multiple typhoons and storms across the country. Now, as it continues to aid earthquake-affected communities, PRC remains on high alert as new weather systems threaten other areas.
“This is a compounding crisis, climate emergencies, disasters, and now an earthquake, all hitting communities already under stress,” said Sanjeev Kafley, Head of Delegation for the IFRC in the Philippines. “We are committed to supporting the Philippine Red Cross in this emergency and throughout the long road to recovery. But we urgently need the international community’s help to meet immediate needs and support a sustainable, dignified recovery.”
From Response to Recovery: A Two-Year Plan to Rebuild Lives
To ensure long-term recovery, PRC and IFRC are rolling out a two-year comprehensive recovery plan that goes beyond short-term aid. This initiative will provide access to safe shelter, medical care, clean water, psychosocial support, and livelihood restoration, ensuring communities can rebuild not just their homes, but their lives.
The IFRC is calling on donors, partners, and the public to help scale up its response, reaching more people, faster, and sustaining support well into the recovery phase. “Filipino communities are incredibly resilient, but we cannot recover alone,” Pang added.“With your support, we can rebuild stronger and ensure no one is left behind.”
For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]
In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641
In Geneva: Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709