FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Recovery efforts are underway in the Philippines after a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Tuesday, killing at least 72 people and injuring more than 360.

In Fresno, members of the Filipino community are mobilizing to help those affected, including the owners of Bread and Butter, a popular bakery in northeast Fresno.

Chef Mark and Jam, who are originally from Cebu, one of the impacted islands, say the disaster hit close to home.

“When you see pictures now through social media, the reality is there. It faces you, and we felt the magnitude of it,” Jam said.

The couple immediately contacted loved ones in Cebu, who were unharmed but shaken. Many were forced to sleep outside due to fears of aftershocks and structural damage.

“It’s heart-wrenching,” Jam said. “Most of our family and friends are elderly, so we want to make sure they are safe.”

The epicenter of the quake was near the town of Bogo, where a 300-year-old church collapsed. Homes were destroyed, and landslides added to the devastation.

“It was nighttime. People were sleeping when it happened,” Jam said.

To support relief efforts, Bread and Butter is donating 30% of all sales to an earthquake recovery fund. The fundraiser runs through October 11, coinciding with Fil Fiesta 559, an event that celebrates Filipino businesses and culture.

“That is the spirit of the Filipinos,” Jam said. “We come together, not just in happiness, but in tragedy.”

Proceeds will go to organizations providing food, water, and other necessities to those affected.

On Saturday starting at noon, Chef Mark and Jam will host a pop-up outside their bakery, serving traditional Filipino dishes until they sell out. Thirty percent of all sales will go directly to earthquake relief.

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