Fo Guang Shan Cebu Chu Un Temple and BLIA Launch Relief Efforts for 0930 Bogo Earthquake

Fo Guang Shan Cebu Chu Un Temple

On September 30, 2025, a strong earthquake struck Bogo City, Cebu Province, damaging houses, schools, and roads, with some buildings collapsing and landslides reported. Many families were forced to evacuate to temporary shelters, and continuous aftershocks left residents in fear.

At the time of the quake, over a hundred students were attending dance, Chinese, and Stars and Cloud musical rehearsals at Cebu Chu Un Temple. They were quickly evacuated to safety, where they gathered to chant prayers for the victims before returning home.

Reports from devotees indicated cracked and damaged homes, while some families near the epicenter faced collapsed houses and hardship, though no casualties were reported.

Fo Guang Shan Head Abbot and BLIA World President Ven. Hsin Bao, along with  Venerable Tzu Jung, immediately expressed concern and instructed Philippine temples to assist. Ven. Yung Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, and BLIA Philippines President Ms. Kathy Lim, directed BLIA Cebu and Ven. Zhi Rong of Chu Un Temple to lead the relief work.

On October 2, Chu Un Temple, together with BLIA Cebu Chapter and English Chapter, launched the first relief mission. Devotees prepared and delivered supplies such as drinking water, biscuits, noodles, and medicines to the city government’s relief center for distribution to affected areas.

BLIA members and the Siddhartha family personally went to the epicenter to assist with distribution, while meditation class students joined in carrying goods and comforting survivors. Many quake victims felt warmth and strength seeing the youth volunteers and Fo Guang members supporting them.

Chu Un Temple announced that a second round of relief will soon follow, with volunteers directly delivering aid to the most affected families, accompanying residents through this difficult time.