Bring Hope and Healing to Earthquake Survivors in the Philippines

Oct 1, 2025

Philippines Earthquake Update – October 1, 2025 | 9:00 AM ET

A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Bogo City, Cebu Province at 9:59 PM local time on September 30, 2025, causing widespread damage and disruption. At least 22 aftershocks have been recorded, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reports 69 confirmed fatalities and 147 injuries, pending further validation.

We are grateful to report that Salvation Army officers, staff and volunteers in the affected area are safe, as confirmed by local leadership. A structural assessment of Salvation Army facilities is underway.

An assessment team, led by Majors Allain and Marialyn Nietes from the Visayas Islands Division, is en route to the impacted communities. Initial reports indicate urgent needs for clean water, food, and tents, especially as communication remains difficult due to cell service disruptions.

The provincial hospital sustained damage, forcing patients and medical staff to shelter in tents. There is currently no formal evacuation center, and significant structural damage has been observed in multiple municipalities.

We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

Please continue to keep the people of Cebu in your thoughts and prayers. Your support makes a difference.

The Salvation Army’s Work in the Philippines

The Salvation Army operates 88 corps and 26 outposts across the Philippines, delivering holistic support to vulnerable communities through a range of faith-based and development programs.

Less than two months ago, The Salvation Army supported another disaster in the Philippines.

In the wake of Typhoon Emong, which struck Northern Luzon in July 2025 and displaced over 278,000 people, The Salvation Army responded swiftly to meet urgent humanitarian needs. With support from SAWSO, relief teams provided food, clean water, hygiene kits, clothing, and essential medicines to 1,000 families in the hardest-hit areas of Pangasinan. Working in close coordination with local government units and community leaders, the response brought immediate comfort and stability to families sheltering in evacuation centers and flood-affected homes. These efforts not only addressed critical health and protection risks but also reinforced The Salvation Army’s commitment to compassionate, community-led disaster recovery.

Key Areas of Work for The Salvation Army in the Philippines

• Independent Living Skills Project at Bethany Children’s Home: Equips children with essential life skills to support their transition to adulthood.
• Integrated Community Development Program: Empowers local communities through training in economic resilience, violence prevention, and youth development.
• Education Programs at Joyville Children’s Home: Provides ongoing academic support and enrichment for children in care.
• After-School Feeding Program: Offers nutritious meals to children from low-income families in surrounding communities.
• Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Program in Tacloban City: Supports income generation and small business development for families recovering from disaster and poverty.

One of The Salvation Army’s most recent initiatives in the Philippines is the Integrated Community Development Program, which aims to strengthen its service capacity by equipping local officers and staff with tools and training to identify community needs, develop solutions, and implement impactful projects. The program focuses on faith-based facilitation, community engagement, and project management, enabling staff to lead with spiritual guidance and collaborate with residents to create sustainable change. To date, it has actively engaged 32 communities, with 6,440 individuals participating in training programs on economic resilience, violence prevention, and youth development. Additionally, 3,387 people received financial literacy training, 1,344 gained income-generating skills, and 1,010 completed violence prevention training—contributing to safer, more self-sufficient communities.

Learn More About The Salvation Army's Work in the Philippines

Learn More About The Salvation Army World Services Office Disaster Relief and Recovery Work