30/09/2026
A MESSAGE OF REMEMBRANCE, GRATITUDE AND RESILIENCE
September 30, 2026
One year ago today, Northern Cebu was shaken by a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake.
Kitang tanan nahinumdom sa gabii nga kalit lang nangurog ang yuta, nangaguba ang mga balay ug mga istraktura ug daghang pamilya ang napugos sa pagbiya sa ilang mga panimalay. Sa San Remigio ug sa ubang lungsod sa Northern Cebu, nakita nato ang tinuod nga kahuyang sa atong mga komunidad atubangan sa usa ka dakong kalamidad.
But that night also showed us something more powerful than the earthquake itself — the strength, courage and bayanihan spirit of the people of Northern Cebu.
Sa panahon sa kalisod, wala kita nag-inusara. Neighbors helped neighbors. Volunteers came forward. Our responders, barangay officials, government workers, civic organizations, private individuals and ordinary citizens all played a part in helping our communities rise again.
Sa atong mga kabarangay nga naapektuhan, especially those who lost their homes, livelihood, properties and loved ones, our prayers and solidarity remain with you. Dili nato kalimtan ang inyong mga kasinatian ug ang mga leksyon nga gitudlo sa maong trahedya.
One year later, the work of recovery continues. Some structures have been rebuilt, some families have begun again and many communities continue to recover. But rebuilding is not only about concrete roads, houses and buildings. It is also about rebuilding confidence, strengthening preparedness and making sure that our people are safer when the next disaster comes.
As we commemorate this day, let us not remember the earthquake only with fear. Let us remember it with courage, gratitude and a renewed commitment to disaster preparedness.
Ang labing mahinungdanon nga leksyon sa maong trahedya mao kini: we may not be able to stop an earthquake, but we can prepare our communities, protect our people and stand together when disaster strikes.
Sa atong mga barangay, kinahanglan ipadayon nato ang disaster preparedness, community drills, public awareness, safe construction ug pagtambayayong sa tanang stakeholders.
To the people of San Remigio and Northern Cebu: padayon.
We have been tested, but we have also shown what we are capable of when we stand together.
Dili nato hikalimtan ang nahitabo. Dili nato hikalimtan ang mga nanginahanglan. Ug dili nato hikalimtan ang kusog sa atong panaghiusa.
May this anniversary remind us that after every shaking, there is always a community ready to rise again.
Let us remember. Let us prepare. Let us rebuild. And above all, let us continue to care for one another.
Mabuhi ang katawhan sa Northern Cebu.
Mabuhi ang San Remigio.
Padayon ta — nanaghugpong, lig-on ug andam.
Abiba, San Remigio!
ATTY. AL PESTOLANTE
Former Mayor
San Remigio, Cebu