...an expatriate living on south Cebu Island near Bato in the Philippines"A tropical paradise there, for sure (punctuated by sporadic natural disasters).
A retirement income goes a long way there.
I moved to another island (Davao City) from Ormoc City, Leyte, two weeks ago. The city and the surrounding areas are mostly destroyed with tens of thousands (probably 100's of thousands) homeless and destitute.
Do not send money to the Red Cross, but instead consider the Assemblies of God Relief Agency. Like the Salvation Army, they are a ministry, not a business!
Convoy of Hope!