The University of the Philippines offers its deepest sympathies to those affected by the recent earthquake. Our hearts go out to the people of Cebu and other areas in the Visayas that felt the impact of this tragedy. We mourn the loss of lives, and our thoughts remain with the families of the deceased, those who are injured, those whose properties were damaged, and all who have been displaced by this unfortunate event.  

We stand with you in solidarity in the recovery and rebuilding efforts. Responders from our constituent universities, UP Cebu, UP Visayas, and UP Tacloban, volunteers from Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, and teams from campuses nationwide have mobilized to help through fund-raising and donation drives, disaster management, psychosocial support, and other forms of assistance. The expertise of our UP faculty, scientists and alumni have been invaluable in ensuring the safety of citizens in disaster-stricken and vulnerable areas. To our UP community, we are grateful for your selfless service to a nation in need. 

We encourage our students, staff, and faculty who experienced the tragic event to avail of the University’s debriefing sessions, guidance counselling, and psychological support services. Reports from our campuses indicate that emergency readiness programs helped in facilitating evacuations and deploying disaster response units. We urge our constituent universities and campuses to continue following safety protocols, and to review and update our crisis management programs based on this recent experience.  

We also commend the efforts of the emergency responders from the government and volunteers from the private sector who have been on the ground since day one, working tirelessly to provide relief and support to those affected. Your dedication in helping disaster victims is truly inspiring. 

We call on all Filipinos here and abroad to do their part, by volunteering, sending donations, or simply offering a kind word to those affected. Every act of compassion can make a difference. Together, we will emerge from this tragedy more resilient, more caring towards each other, and stronger as one people.