Typhoon Opong Aftermath: Earthquake Devastates Northern Cebu's Fisheries
Northern Cebu faced a double blow in late September 2025. Typhoon Opong was followed by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake, causing widespread destruction and loss of life, particularly in Bogo City. The fisheries sector, already challenged by the typhoon, suffered significant damage.
The earthquake, which struck on the evening of September 30, left Bogo City in ruins. At least 74 people lost their lives, hundreds were injured, and thousands were displaced. While specific reports on fisheries damage were scarce, the overall impact on northern Cebu was severe. A total of 5,745 individuals in the fisheries sector were affected, including 3,607 municipal fisherfolk, 1,534 fish processors and vendors, and 256 commercial fishers.
Bogo City's post-harvest fisheries suffered P20 million in damage. Aquaculture alone accounted for nearly P24.9 million in losses, with Bogo City bearing the brunt at P24 million. The earthquake also disrupted operations at Bogo City's fish port and ice plant, with recovery expected to take months.
San Remigio had the largest number of municipal fisherfolk affected, with 2,000 people impacted. Bogo City followed with 937, and Daanbantayan with 670. In total, municipal capture fisheries suffered an estimated P1.9 million in combined losses, contributing to the overall estimated loss of P46 million.
The earthquake's impact on the fisheries sector in northern Cebu is substantial. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) plans to strengthen disaster readiness by pre-stocking fishing gears and materials and promoting resilient infrastructure. Recovery efforts are underway, with the full extent of the damage and losses still being assessed.
