Emergency teams respond to twin disasters in the Philippines

2 October 2025

Plan International has mobilised emergency response teams in the Bicol and Visayas regions of the Philippines following the passage of Typhoon Bualoi and a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu.

Aftermath of Typhoon Bualoi in Masbate, Philippines © Plan International

The tropical storm — locally known as Opong — struck multiple provinces on 26 September, causing flooding and affecting more than one million families. Masbate was among the hardest-hit provinces, with over 100,000 families impacted. In the municipality of Mobo, evacuation centres have been set up as families await access to essential supplies.

“Typhoon Opong left more than just uprooted trees and broken roads — it left children and families living in fear,” said Hazel Rivas of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office in Mobo, which is coordinating the local response.

Just 4 days later, a powerful earthquake hit Cebu province, disrupting transportation, damaging infrastructure, and overwhelming health facilities. Local authorities have declared a state of calamity to expedite support and resource mobilisation.

Plan International has deployed response teams to both affected provinces. In Masbate, hygiene kits have been distributed to families in evacuation centres. Assessment teams are en route to Cebu to coordinate with government partners and local communities, and support relief operations.

“Our teams are on the ground and continuing to assess the extent of the damage,” said Plan International Philippines Executive Director Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang. “Right now, our focus is on getting essential items to affected families as quickly as possible.”

“Emergencies often widen existing inequalities,” she added. “Girls face unique risks — from loss of privacy to interrupted education. Our response isn’t just about delivering aid, but about making sure girls are safe, supported, and able to carry on with their lives as communities begin to recover.”

“Our response isn’t just about delivering aid, but about making sure girls are safe, supported, and able to carry on with their lives as communities begin to recover.”
Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang, Executive Director of Plan International Philippines

Plan International will continue working alongside local authorities to support both immediate relief and longer-term recovery, centering the needs of girls, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities.