Most areas in the Philippines have implemented the community quarantine to help contain the spread of COVID-19. In Cebu, we are on enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) with stricter border controls. This results to many people stranded somewhere else.

Every time we post COVID-19 updates on our Facebook Page, we always come across comments about (1) those who are from other provinces outside Cebu but are stranded in Cebu and (2) those who are from Cebu but are stranded in other provinces.

Not trying to give you false hopes, if you are stuck in Cebu or somewhere else, it will be really difficult (almost impossible) to go home during this time. But in this post, we will (at least) try to address these aforementioned concerns.

1: STRANDED IN CEBU

With the rising cases of COVID-19, Cebu has recently imposed a stricter border control — inter-city traveling is even more difficult now. With the closed outbound ports in Cebu, it’s not yet possible to get out.

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia has also pointed out that even Cebu opens its outbound ports, other local government units down to the specific barangays will be hesitant to have you stay, especially that you came from a city with the highest COVID-19 cases in the region. They will also need to ensure the safety of their people.

The best thing to do for now is seek for cash aid or assistance from your local government unit. Try this:

• Most local government units (or even Barangays) already have their own Facebook Pages.
• You can also try finding your Mayor’s and Barangay’s name on Facebook.
• Reach out to them by messaging on Facebook. Usually, they also include the contact numbers where you can call them.

2: CEBUANOS STRANDED IN OTHER PROVINCES

The Cebu Provincial Government has launched a centralized assistance center for stranded Cebuanos where qualified individuals will receive a cash aid. To avail this, here are the steps:

1. Go to the Stranded Cebuanos Assistance Center Facebook Page. Find the form posted on their Page.
2. Print/download this form, fill it up and send a copy through messenger by messaging them on Facebook. Or you can just type the information required and send through messenger.
3. An original copy of your application will be required before any form of assistance will be released. Keep your original copies and wait for any advise where to send it.

For inquiries, you can call the Cebu Provincial Government Assistance Center at call (032) 888-2329 loc 3011 & 3013.

Alternatively:

In most cases, the Cebu Provincial Government will only accept those Cebuanos who are from the Cebu province (and NOT from Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City).

• Most local government units (or even Barangays) already have their own Facebook Pages.
• You can also try finding your Mayor’s and Barangay’s name on Facebook.
• Reach out to them by messaging on Facebook. Usually, they also include the contact numbers where you can call them.

COVID-19 Cebu

As the threat of the Coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 rises every day, the Cebu province has taken a proactive approach and is pulling all stops in protecting the island. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 and its symptoms: https://sugbo.ph/2020/corona-virus-in-cebu/

With this, an Executive Order was issued for the implementation of the drastic but necessary measures to avoid the spread of the virus. For more information, head on to: https://sugbo.ph/2020/cebu-implements-drastic-measures/

If you are sick and think you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention, call the local Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice: 0922-397-2334 / 0943-568-3298 / (032) 402-3091 / (032) 402-1269.