Surigao Sur Provincial Government leads coordinated response following twin quakes
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Aligned with the national government’s call for a resilient, responsive, and well-coordinated disaster management system, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur and its local government units swiftly mobilized comprehensive response operations following the twin earthquakes that struck Mindanao on October 10.
A magnitude 7.4 quake at 9:43 a.m. and a magnitude 6.9 tremor at 7:12 p.m., both off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental, prompted the DOST–PHIVOLCS to issue a tsunami warning, triggering immediate preemptive evacuations in coastal municipalities across the province, including cities of Tandag and Bislig.
Unified response for safety and preparedness
Demonstrating proactive governance and adherence to the Whole-of-Government approach in disaster response, Governor Johnny T. Pimentel, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), issued Advisory Nos. 10 and 11, series of 2025, directing all local chief executives to activate their emergency operations and initiate precautionary evacuations for coastal residents.
Pimentel underscored the importance of collaboration and vigilance in disaster preparedness, echoing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen local disaster resilience and achieve zero casualty during calamities.
The coordinated provincial action supported by local DRRMOs, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other partner agencies and non-government organizations, resulted in the safe evacuation of those living along the coastal areas. Initial report revealed a total of 6,770 families or 27,439 individuals from high-risk areas were temporarily relocated inside and outside the evacuation centers across the province following the tsunami warnings issued on October 10, according to the PDRRMO. 5,616 families or 25,555 persons were temporarily sheltered in 46 evacuation centers, while another 1,154 families or 1,884 persons sought temporary shelter with their relatives and friends, until the lifting of the tsunami warning by the authorities.
Based on the PDRRMO initial report released on Oct. 11, no casualties were recorded, underscoring the effectiveness of early warning dissemination and prompt evacuation protocols. Families from the towns of Cortes, Cagwait, Lianga, Marihatag, and the cities of Tandag and Bislig temporarily stayed in evacuation centers and later returned home after the tsunami warning was lifted.
LGUs mobilize rapid assessment and relief efforts
In San Miguel, the landlocked town, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) reported that 33 families or 99 individuals from 18 barangays were affected, with an initial report of damages reaching P11.2 million, of which P2.36 million were in housing and P8.9 million were in infrastructure and agriculture. The most affected barangays were San Roque, Libas Sud, Mahayag, Patong, and Umalag, where barangay halls and water systems sustained severe damage based on the initial report submitted.
Mayor Michael T. Corilla, along with other local chief executives in the province, immediately activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and ordered the Post Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (PDANA) to determine urgent requirements. Classes and work were suspended on Friday, Oct.10, to ensure public safety.
ASTMMC ensures continuity of health services
At the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) in Tandag City, hospital officials immediately activated Code Blue Alert after the initial quake to safeguard patients, watchers, and personnel.
Through organized protocols, 254 inpatients and 65 outpatients were safely evacuated to designated areas. The hospital also established makeshift wards, tents, and an Advanced Medical Post (AMP) to maintain uninterrupted medical care.
Infrastructure assessments confirmed that hospital facilities remained safe for occupancy, allowing the resumption of essential health services.
ASTMMC extended gratitude to the Provincial Governor’s Office, local DRRMOs, PNP, and AFP (75th IB and 36th IB) for their timely assistance and logistical support during the emergency response.
A testament to ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ in action
The twin earthquakes tested the province’s preparedness, and highlighted the strength of inter-agency coordination and community solidarity, key pillars of the Bagong Pilipinas vision of responsive governance and empowered citizenry.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways–Surigao del Sur 1st District Engineering Office reported that the Tago–Gamut Bridge has been temporarily closed due to damages caused by the earthquake and motorists are advised to take the Tago–Lapaz Diversion Road as an alternative route while inspection and repair works are underway.
On Oct. 12, local authorities officially declared the Tago-Lapaz Bridge safe for all types of vehicular traffic after a thorough inspection by the DPWH confirmed the structure sustained no damage or defects following recent seismic activity.
In a statement, the local government assured the public that the bridge remains structurally sound based on the DPWH’s assessment report. However, motorists are reminded to remain vigilant due to possible aftershocks and ongoing monitoring in the area.
This declaration underscored the LGU’s commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining smooth transport operations across Tago.
As aftershocks continue, the provincial government of Surigao del Sur remains steadfast in conducting structural assessments, providing psychosocial support, and assisting affected families in rebuilding their lives, advancing the national agenda for resilience under Bagong Pilipinas. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)