Humanitarian group Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines (TCFP) was among the first good samaritans that brought relief goods to victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in northern Cebu on 30 September.

By 5 October, officials of and volunteers from TCFP and its local affiliates were in Barangay Libaong, San Remigio, the worst-damaged town in the province. They distributed food, medicine, hygiene kits, blankets and water to 350 families that lost their homes and livelihood.

Many displaced families were sheltering in evacuation centers and makeshift tents by the roadside, fearing of returning to their damaged homes due to the risks posed by frequent aftershocks.

An estimated 26,140 families were displaced by the disaster and they would be needing more help in the days to come, including construction materials and jobs. So TCFP is raising funds for procuring more essential supplies starting with its staff giving the contents of their coin cans on 8 October.

TCFP provides its staff, volunteers and even beneficiaries with coin cans intended for donation to people in need. The TCFP staff showed their care, love and support for the Cebuano community by sharing their saved money to help in their recovery.

On 9 October, Angelo King Foundation Inc. (AKFI) presented a P1-million donation to support TCFP’s relief efforts in northern Cebu.

Officials of the two foundations met at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila to discuss how the fund can help beneficiaries recover.

TCFP and AKFI have been helping disaster-stricken communities get back on their feet.