A series of earthquakes and aftershocks jolted numerous areas in Mindanao spanning two weeks in October which affected more than 30,000 families across Central and Eastern parts of the island region.

As alumni from EAI-PH’s Tech Camp programs come from most of these affected areas, they have started to lead or volunteer in different relief efforts and programs to tend to those in need.

The first quake rattled Mindanao on October 16, recorded at magnitude 6.3, which prompted evacuation and suspension of classes.

A stronger quake followed in October 29 that shook Tulunan, Cotabato recorded at magnitude 6.6. Intensity VII (destructive) was reported in Tulunan and Makilala in Cotabato, Kidapawan City and Malungon Sarangani while Intensity VI (very strong) was felt in Davao City, Koronadal City and Cagayan de Oro City.

According to records by DSWD Region XII alone, almost 11,000 families were affected, resulting in over 3,000 houses totally damaged and almost 7,000 people displaced in four different evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, the towns of Tampakan, Surallah and Tupi in South Cotabato and Alabel in Sarangani reported Intensity V (strong) while General Santos City and Bukidnon was reported to have felt Intensity IV (moderately strong).

We have mapped the following relief efforts that our alums are leading or volunteering in: 

1. Mindanao Youth for Mental Health Coalition (General Santos City) – Psychological First Aid Materials
2. MSU-GenSan’s Tindog Mindanao (General Santos City) –  Rice, Bottled Water, Canned Goods, Milk for Infants, etc.
3. HRYAN’S Mindanow Donation Drive (CDO and Zamboanga del Sur) – Food, Bottled waters, Medicine, Blankets, Clothes, Hygiene Kits
4. AFS’ Donation Drive for Earthquake Victims (North Cotabato) – Food, Water, Hygiene Kit, Tarpaulin, Mats, Blankets, Malong, clothing, Monetary
5. Naswei Central Mindanao’s Call for Donations (Maguindanao, Cotabato City) – Donation Drive with need on Tent
6. Duyog Marawi’s Call for Donations (Iligan, Lanao del Norte) – A toy for a child and Malong for Makilala
7. SK Baranggay Lagao’s Call for Donations (General Santos) – Water, Tents, Rice, Canned Goods (non-pork), Medicines, Hygiene Kits
8. National Youth Volunteers Coalition’s Project Help: Tindog Mindanao (Koronadal City) – Canned goods, Non-perishable food, chocolates, drinking water, medicines, laminated sacks, etc.
9. AdZU SACSI and El Consejo’s Call for Donations (Zamboanga City) – Monetary and In-Kind Donations
10. Responsible Young Leaders Organization’s Lakaw Mindanao (Cotabato City) – Donation Drive
11. United Youth for Peace and Development’s Donation Drive (Sultan Kudarat) – Food, Tents, Water, Containers, Bedding, Clothes
12. Ateneo de Davao’s University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council’s #BangonMindanao (Davao City) – Ready to eat food, tent, water, hygiene kit, toys
13. KA1SA COMMUNITY’s Project Pahiyum (Quezon City, Paranaque/Muntinlupa, Makati/Taguig) – Monetary, Care Kits for Families, Hope Kits for Children and Tens, Medicines, Solar Lamps, Clothes, Blankets
14. Positive Vibes thru its Project TUWA (Tulong sa Kapwa) Program (Cotabato City) – monetary and In-Kind Donations