Countries around the world are extending aid and support to the Philippines after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the province of Cebu on September 30, leaving 72 dead and displacing thousands.
In a recent letter of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Wong offered his condolences to the victims and assured that the city-state is ready to provide assistance for the ongoing emergency response.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives and the widespread damage caused by the earthquake that struck northern Cebu on 30 September 2025.
“On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and my sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of those who were injured,” Wong said.
Singapore Red Cross has also sent SGD50,000 ($38,807) to help the victims with emergency needs such as medical aid, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), among other support, the Philippine News Agency reported.
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Japan ‘stands with Philippines’
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, in a letter to Marcos, said that “Japan always stands with the Philippines in overcoming this time of difficulties.”
China, the US, Canada, France, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia also expressed their sympathy in letters to Marcos, wishing the victims a swift recovery.
The United Nations, for its part, praised the national and local authorities for their swift response and emphasized that the organization and its partners stand ready to support the Philippines.
“In moments of crisis, unity and compassion are our greatest strengths.”
“The United Nations reaffirms its commitment to stand with the people of the Philippines and to help build back stronger, safer, and more resilient communities,” the UN said in a statement.
Pope, other religious leaders offer prayers for Cebu
In a deeply religious country like the Philippines, prayers from leading church figures hold great significance. On Thursday, Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu said he received a message from Pope Leo XIV through the Philippines’ papal nuncio, Archbishop Charles John Brown, offering prayers and condolences for the victims of the 6.9-magnitude quake.
“(The nuncio) called me to convey the Holy Father’s heartfelt sympathies for all the survivors of the earthquake, and his prayers for the eternal repose of the victims,” Archbishop Uy said.
He has also released a notice instructing parishes in severely affected areas to temporarily suspend Masses inside their church buildings.
In Manila, the Archdiocese of Manila has organized a second collection during Masses on October 4 and 5 to raise funds for the earthquake victims.
Moreover, the Tzu Chi Foundation, a Taiwanese Buddhist humanitarian organization, has initiated relief efforts to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake.
Their response includes the distribution of emergency supplies and support for the rebuilding of damaged communities, CHiNOY TV posted on Facebook.
Cebu suffers aftershocks
Currently, residents are forced to camp outdoors on open grounds, fearing another earthquake as aftershocks continue to shake the province.
As of Saturday, October 4, Cebu has recorded a total of 5,336 aftershocks, 22 of which were strong enough to be felt by locals, with magnitudes ranging from M1.0 to M5.1, the Philippine Star reported.
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