World Vision and The Coca-Cola Foundation deliver aid to earthquake-affected families in Caraga, Davao Oriental

Davao Oriental, Philippines | World Vision Philippines, with support from The Coca-Cola Foundation Inc., has delivered essential relief assistance to 600 earthquake-affected families in the municipality of Caraga, Davao Oriental, helping communities recover months after a series of strong earthquakes struck parts of the country in 2025.

“Disasters like earthquakes disrupt every aspect of life from homes and livelihoods to children’s sense of safety. Through this response, we are working alongside LGUs, schools, and communities to ensure families receive the support they need to recover,” said Jocelyn Maung, Response Team Leader for the Philippine Earthquake Response of World Vision Philippines. 

Families from five barangays received Non-Food Items (NFIs) and Hygiene Kits to support their immediate health, protection, and daily living needs during the early stages of recovery.

The assistance reached:

• 262 families from Barangay Santiago
• 74 families from Barangay San Miguel
• 106 families from Barangay San Luis
• 117 families from Barangay Lamiawan
• 42 families from Barangay Sta. Fe

Each hygiene kit included bath soaps, laundry soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, underwear for men and women, nail cutters, malong, Aquatabs, and a 20-liter jerry can with faucet for safe water storage.

Families also received essential household items, including fleece blankets, mosquito nets, plastic mats, and solar lamps to support daily living conditions while many continue repairing their homes.

Supporting children’s well-being and education

Beyond household assistance, World Vision also supported children’s recovery through child protection and education interventions.

A total of 600 children received learning materials and participated in structured psychosocial support sessions through Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS), helping them cope with the stress and fear brought by the earthquakes.

The support reached:

• 349 learners from Santiago Elementary School
• 251 learners from San Miguel Integrated School

Each learner received a school kit containing notebooks, intermediate paper, pencils, pens, crayons, colored pencils, a ruler, a sharpener, and a foldable umbrella.

These interventions aim to help children regain a sense of normalcy, safety, and routine as they continue their education.

Hardest hit communities near the epicenter 

On October 10, 2025, two strong earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 struck Davao Oriental, causing significant damage to homes, schools, and infrastructure across the province. The municipality of Caraga, located about 47 kilometers from the epicenter, was among the hardest-hit areas.

Barangays Santiago and San Miguel recorded some of the highest numbers of damaged homes, with several families still living in temporary shelters or staying with relatives.

Some houses remain located in coastal zones vulnerable to tsunamis or in highland areas near fault lines and landslide-prone zones, leaving families at continued risk during aftershocks.

Commitment to helping communities recover

Months after the earthquake, affected families continue to recover, making sustained support essential. For many, the assistance brought immediate relief. 

Narciso Moring Jr., 46, whose home was totally damaged by the earthquake, shared his gratitude. “Daghang kaayong salamat sa inyong tabang. Dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa amo, labi na kay totally damaged among balay. Wala gyud mi nabilin ato. Ang hygiene kits ug mga gamit makatabang gyud sa among adlaw-adlaw nga panginahanglan.” (Thank you very much for your help. This is a big support for us, especially since our house was totally damaged. We were left with nothing. The hygiene kits and other items will really help us with our daily needs.)

Children were also thankful for the school supplies they received.

A Grade 6 learner from San Miguel Integrated School said: “I’m very happy because we don’t have problem anymore with my parents to buy me more school supplies.”

Parents echoed the same sentiment.

“Dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa amo nga mga ginikanan. Aside sa mahal ang school supplies karon, kabalo ko nga naa pod mi responsibilidad nga ampingan kinin nga mga grasya kay kabalo ko gikan ni sa mga buotang tawo nga willing kayo mutabang sa mga bata.” (This is an honor as a parent that our children received school supplies. Aside from the fact that it is expensive to buy, we need to take good care of these items because I know these things are gifts from good people who are willing to help our children).

The local government also expressed appreciation for the partnership.

Mr. Eutiquio Jr. Pagsac, Municipal Administrator of Caraga, said: “We are grateful for the support of World Vision and The Coca-Cola Foundation in helping our communities recover from the earthquake. Partnerships like this are very important because they allow us to reach more families and ensure that children and vulnerable households receive the assistance they need.”

World Vision continues to work closely with local government units, schools, and community leaders to support long-term recovery and strengthen community resilience against future disasters, helping ensure that children can grow up safe, protected, and able to continue their education.