A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the southern coast of Mindanao on June 8, 2026. Its epicenter was located offshore near the province of Sarangani and was associated with tectonic movement along the Cotabato Trench. Considered one of the most destructive earthquakes to hit the country in recent decades, the disaster claimed 78 lives, injured 1,339 individuals, and left 30 others missing. The earthquake caused widespread destruction across several parts of Mindanao, damaging homes, public facilities, schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure1. General Santos City was among the hardest-hit areas due to its proximity to the epicenter, recording 22 fatalities and 524 injuries. According to city reports, 35,741 houses were damaged, including 3,735 that were totally destroyed and 32,006 that sustained partial damage, leaving thousands of families affected by the disaster.
In response to the disaster, Tzu Chi Foundation Bohol mobilized volunteers, youth, scholars, and staff for a donation drive campaign at six (6) malls in Tagbilaran City on June 20, 2026 to support earthquake-affected families in General Santos City.
For Sister Vergie Almosura, a Tzu Chi Bohol Commissioner, the donation drive serves as an opportunity for people in Bohol to send love to the earthquake victims in General Santos.
“It is a very important activity because it allows Tzu Chi Bohol to extend assistance to another area and help people who have been greatly affected by the earthquake. Even if a person is unable to go to General Santos City, they can still feel that they have helped through this donation drive campaign by making a donation,” she said.
She also expressed her gratitude for the generosity of donors.
“Despite the difficulties we are facing today and the rising cost of basic goods, many people remain generous and continue to extend their help through donations, regardless of the amount. That is truly heartwarming,” she added.
Syril Jay Sinangote (rightmost) joined the donation drive activity for the first time, and it allowed him to experience the importance of helping others.
Similarly, Syril Jay Sinangote, an 18-year-old new Tzu Chi scholar shared that the activity taught him the importance of cooperation and communication with others.
“I feel genuinely happy that I was able to help through this activity. This is a big help to their situation right now,” he said.
“I learned many things from cooperating with my teammates and fellow scholars, communicating with other people, and interacting with different individuals through this activity,” he added.
Aside from volunteers and scholars, mall-goers also extended their support to the campaign. Maria Chona Lim, a 66-year-old resident of Tagbilaran City, shared that Bohol’s own experience with disasters encouraged her to help the earthquake victims.
“We have experienced the 2013 earthquake, so our hearts are sensitive to those affected by disasters. That is why our purpose is to help them,” Lim said.
She added that the destruction caused by earthquakes is difficult to forget, especially for those who have experienced similar situations.
“It is heartbreaking because we know the damages to the lives of people, their properties, and businesses. By helping even in a small way, together with our prayers, we hope that they will regain their strength and continue moving forward,” she said
On June 23,2026, Tzu Chi volunteers from the Municipality of Inabanga initiated a separate donation drive within their community to gather support from the residents. Local volunteer Charissa Mae Suello explained that the activity was conducted after learning about Tzu Chi’s fundraising efforts for the earthquake victims.
“Even small donations become a big help when collected together. We may not have a large amount to give, but through our small acts of kindness and our efforts to collect donations, we can help those who are experiencing difficulties in General Santos,” Suello shared.
The campaign also gained support from residents in Inabanga, including local workers and vendors who contributed what they could. Margie Degamo, a vegetable vendor at the Inabanga Market, shared that even small donations can provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake.
“I gave to help the victims of the earthquake. Even though it is only a small amount, it can still be a big help to them,” Degamo said.
Meanwhile, tricycle driver Dennis Manla also expressed his willingness to contribute despite having limited means.
“Even though our income is not that big, I gave because I want to help those affected by the earthquake. Even a small amount can still provide assistance,” Manla shared.
Tzu Chi Foundation continues to respond to disasters through relief and fundraising initiatives aimed at assisting affected communities across the country. Through the support of volunteers, scholars, and donors, the funds collected from the campaign will contribute to ongoing assistance efforts for families affected by the earthquake in General Santos City.
Individuals who wish to support Tzu Chi’s humanitarian and disaster relief initiatives may contact the Tzu Chi Bohol Office or visit its official social media pages for more information.
Sources:
1 (Death toll from Mindanao earthquake reaches 78; over 1.4M affected | GMA News Online, June 18,2026
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2 (General Santos City Public Information Office (CPIO), GENSAN Earthquake Update – Situation Report, June 23, 2026
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