Vice President Sara Duterte Rushes to Davao Oriental After Massive 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake — Leads Emergency Meeting in Mati
Mati City, Davao Oriental —
In the wake of the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao, Vice President Sara Duterte made an unannounced visit to the devastated province of Davao Oriental on Saturday, October 11, to personally assess the situation, lead emergency discussions, and coordinate the ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
The earthquake — described by experts as one of the most intense tremors to hit the region in recent years — left residents shaken, homes damaged, and infrastructure crippled across several municipalities. In Mati, the provincial capital, aftershocks continued to rattle the area hours after the main quake, sending waves of fear through already traumatized communities.
A Sudden Visit Amid Chaos
Eyewitnesses reported that the Vice President’s convoy arrived quietly at the Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol early in the morning, escorted by local disaster response teams and military units. Her visit, though brief, carried a heavy message: the national government is present and ready to respond.
Inside a packed conference hall, Sara Duterte met with Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, provincial disaster officials, and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
According to official sources, the closed-door meeting lasted for over two hours and focused on three urgent priorities: rescue operations, distribution of relief goods, and long-term rehabilitation efforts for the quake-affected communities.
“We need to act swiftly and decisively,” Duterte said during the meeting.
“Our people are frightened, some have lost everything, and they are looking to their leaders for assurance and hope. Davao Oriental will not be left behind.”
Her firm tone reportedly reassured local officials, many of whom were still grappling with the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
Damage and Destruction: A Province in Shock
Initial reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) indicated that the earthquake struck offshore at a depth of approximately 60 kilometers, triggering tremors felt as far as General Santos City and parts of Northern Mindanao. While no large-scale tsunami occurred, authorities had issued and later lifted a tsunami warning, causing widespread panic among coastal residents.
In Davao Oriental alone, several bridges and major roads sustained cracks, while electricity and communication lines were temporarily disrupted in rural towns such as Baganga, Manay, and Banaybanay. Schools, churches, and government buildings reported structural damage, forcing many families to seek refuge in open fields and temporary shelters.
“We ran out into the streets when the ground started shaking,” said Luzviminda Reyes, a resident of Mati.
“It felt like the earth was roaring. I’ve lived here my whole life, but I’ve never experienced anything like that.”
Local hospitals quickly filled with injured residents suffering from fractures, bruises, and shock-related conditions. Volunteers from nearby provinces began pouring in to help with relief distribution, even as aftershocks continued to disrupt efforts.
Government Response in Full Swing
During the meeting, Vice President Duterte emphasized the importance of coordination between local and national agencies. She instructed the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to allocate emergency funds for medical supplies, food packs, and temporary housing materials.
“Our first mission is survival. Our next is rebuilding,” she stated firmly.
“No family should go hungry, no child should sleep on the ground, and no community should feel forgotten.”
Governor Dayanghirang, visibly emotional, thanked the Vice President for her swift response.
“Her presence means a lot,” he said. “It gives our people hope that recovery is possible, no matter how hard this feels right now.”
Officials also confirmed that the DSWD had already dispatched 5,000 family food packs, while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was working to clear debris and assess the safety of bridges and highways.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Air Force were placed on standby to assist in coastal evacuations and aerial transport of supplies to remote areas cut off by landslides.
Scenes of Resilience Amid Ruins
In Mati’s city plaza, hundreds of evacuees huddled under tents provided by humanitarian groups. Despite exhaustion and fear, stories of bravery and unity emerged. Volunteers shared food and water; teachers comforted crying children; and local youth groups helped in clearing debris from roads and schools.
“Even in fear, we stand together,” said Rey Morales, a 19-year-old volunteer.
“We’ve learned to help each other — because in moments like this, that’s all we have.”
Duterte made a short visit to one of these evacuation centers, speaking quietly with families and listening to their stories. According to one volunteer, she personally handed food packs to elderly evacuees and encouraged local officials to ensure that relief distribution reached even the most remote barangays.
“Leadership is not about photo ops,” she reportedly told a staff member.
“It’s about showing up when people need you most.”
Calls for Calm and Preparedness
As the sun set over the ravaged city, Duterte held a brief press conference outside the Provincial Capitol. She urged residents to stay alert but not to panic, reminding everyone to rely only on verified information from authorities.
“Please remain calm and vigilant,” she said. “The government is here, the agencies are working, and we are doing everything we can to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.”
She also underscored the importance of disaster preparedness, particularly in a country frequently struck by natural calamities.
“We cannot predict earthquakes,” Duterte added, “but we can prepare — through education, proper construction standards, and community drills. Let this be a lesson in resilience, not fear.”
Emotional Reactions and National Support
News of Duterte’s visit spread rapidly online, drawing praise from netizens and public figures alike. The hashtags #PrayForDavaoOriental and #SaraInMati trended nationwide within hours. Many expressed gratitude for her hands-on leadership style, while others shared heartfelt prayers for the victims.
“She came not as a politician, but as a leader who truly cares,” wrote one social media user.
“This is what real public service looks like.”
Celebrities, business leaders, and civic groups soon joined in the relief drive, donating cash and supplies to help affected families. Several universities launched volunteer campaigns, while local churches opened their doors as shelters.
Rebuilding Hope: The Road Ahead
Beyond immediate relief, discussions during the emergency meeting also focused on long-term recovery and rehabilitation. The Vice President reportedly instructed technical experts to assess the province’s infrastructure for earthquake resilience, particularly schools and hospitals. Plans were also made to strengthen local disaster response systems and to integrate community-based training in all barangays.
“Rebuilding Davao Oriental will take time,” Duterte acknowledged, “but we will not rebuild it the same way. We will rebuild it stronger — safer — and better prepared for the future.”
Experts from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) echoed her sentiment, emphasizing the need for sustainable reconstruction. They recommended stricter implementation of building codes and stronger collaboration between government and private sectors to create “earthquake-resilient communities.”
A Leader Under Pressure, A Nation United
Sara Duterte’s visit also comes amid broader political pressures, as her leadership continues to be closely scrutinized both locally and nationally. However, observers note that her swift, compassionate response to the Davao Oriental quake may mark a defining moment in her vice presidency.
Political analyst Dr. Ramon Casiple commented:
“In times of crisis, true leadership is measured not by speeches, but by presence. Sara Duterte’s decision to personally visit Mati — instead of issuing statements from Manila — sent a powerful message of solidarity.”
Indeed, her actions resonated deeply with a population weary from disasters but still hopeful for recovery. In the face of tragedy, the country once again witnessed its people’s greatest strength — their unity.
A Night of Reflection and Resolve
As night fell over Mati City, aftershocks subsided and a calm, uneasy silence replaced the chaos of the morning. Rescue teams continued to patrol the streets with flashlights, checking collapsed structures for anyone trapped. The faint hum of generators filled the air, blending with the murmur of prayer from makeshift tents.
Standing before reporters one last time before departing, the Vice President offered a message that struck both somber and hopeful tones:
“We are reminded tonight of how fragile life is — and how strong our people can be. We will rise again, not just as Davao Oriental, but as one Philippines.”
With those words, Sara Duterte departed for Davao City, leaving behind a province shaken but not broken — a province determined to recover, rebuild, and stand tall once more.
Epilogue: Hope Amid the Rubble
By Sunday morning, reports confirmed that aftershocks had weakened, relief distribution had accelerated, and hundreds of families had already received aid. Still, the scars of the earthquake — both physical and emotional — would take time to heal.
Yet through tragedy, a familiar truth emerged:
The Filipino spirit, though tested by fire and quake, never falters.
And in Davao Oriental, amid fallen walls and cracked roads, hope began to rise again — one act of kindness, one plan, and one promise at a time.
