CEBU CITY, Philippines – While a deadly 6.9-magnitude earthquake claimed at least 26 lives across Central Visayas on Tuesday night, one medical team in Cebu City stood their ground and delivered life instead of loss.

As tremors shook buildings, cut electricity, and sent people fleeing into the streets, an obstetrics (OB) team in Cebu City rose to the challenge when a pregnant woman suddenly went into labor. With hospitals disrupted and chaos unfolding, the team performed an emergency roadside delivery.

“Linog raka, manganak gyud si misis. OB team, last team standing,” said Dr. Queen Grasya, recalling the unforgettable moment. She shared that it was already her second time assisting in childbirth outside a hospital — but this one, she admitted, will remain one of her most remarkable experiences of 2025.

Both the mother and newborn survived the ordeal safely, offering a rare story of hope amid widespread tragedy. Witnesses praised the team’s courage and professionalism, calling the successful delivery a symbol of resilience for Cebuano families.

The quake struck just before 10 p.m. local time, its epicenter off the coast of Cebu City. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially issued a tsunami advisory but later lifted it, saying “any effects due to minor sea level disturbances have largely passed.”

The city of Bogo and other affected areas have declared a state of calamity as search-and-rescue operations continue. Authorities warn of aftershocks and urge residents to remain cautious.

But for many, the story of the OB team — bringing new life to the world in the middle of disaster — has become a symbol of faith, hope, and the unshakable spirit of healthcare frontliners.

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(Photos courtesy of Dr. Queen Grasya)