300+ Datalbukay Earthquake Survivors Receive Relief Resources from USM; ESO Deploys Volunteers

DATALBUKAY, SARANGANI — Through a centralized call for donations initiated by the South Cotabato Youth Volunteers Organization (SCYVO), in partnership with the University of Southern Mindanao – Extension Services Office (USM-ESO), over 300 individuals deeply affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Sarangani received crucial relief resources during a relief operation on June 18, 2026.

Headed by ESO Director Dr. Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua and USM National Service Training Program (NSTP) Director Bonifacio C. Solsoloy, the ESO team distributed over 300 relief packs containing essential food items, including rice, canned goods, instant noodles, coffee, and milk.

An orientation was first held at the Glan Youth and Sports Center to ensure health, safety, and security protocols were strictly followed during the relief delivery. Following the briefing, volunteers from various organizations headed to the site under the security guidance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Situated in the northern, mountainous terrain of Glan, the team navigated 42 kilometers of rugged, unpaved roads to reach the isolated communities of Brgy. Datalbukay.

“Kung gabi nangyari ‘yung lindol, hindi namin alam kung mabubuhay pa kami kasi talagang natabunan ‘yung bahay namin,”. This is how resident Emilita Conde recalled her experience as their village was partially covered by debris shifted by a massive landslide.

As families try to recover from the disaster, temporary tents made of tarpaulins were installed by the survivors to shield themselves from the unpredictable weather; yet, although facing distress from the landslide, they still hope for long-term rehabilitation and the rebuilding of their homes.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga kasama namin dito kasi nagtutulong-tulong kami para maitayo itong mga trapal kasi kami-kami lang naman po ang nandito. Nagpapasalamat din po kami sa inyo (USM) kasi malayo talaga itong area namin pero nakatanggap pa rin kami ng mga tulong,” Emilita stated.

The successful relief operation was facilitated by ESO unit heads and staff volunteers: Anamarie B. Uyangurin (Monitoring and Impact Assessment), Florence Roy P. Salvaña (Extension), Rahima A. Cabunto (EPS I), Jimwell P. Pande (Extension Editor), Diether M. Barro (Extension Staff), and Arnabie M. Murray (Project Staff).

Conducted through close coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Glan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the initiative ensured that essential aid was safely secured and guaranteed to reach the most severely affected families. As part of its commitment to bolstering volunteerism initiatives with partner organizations, USM continuously thrives as a Regional Volunteerism Hub in Region XII, providing resources, expertise, and time for its clientele.