Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit off the coast of Mindanao on June 8, Ayala Group through Brigadang Ayala launched rapid relief and recovery operations across General Santos City and Sarangani Province.
Within 24 hours of the disaster, Ayala Foundation deployed volunteers to distribute relief packs to families in Purok Balite, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City. Working with local government units, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and partners including Globe, MDC, Philippine Army and other organizations, the team conducted rapid needs assessments to prioritize assistance.
On June 16, additional volunteers from Ayala Foundation and WeAreAyala Business Club (WAABC) Davao joined the efforts to expand operations in South Cotabato and Sarangani. To date, relief food packs have reached around 6,500 individuals in Barangay Ligaya (General Santos City) and Barangay Kawas, Alabel (Sarangani).
Beyond immediate aid, the response covers multiple support areas:
• Psychosocial support: Through Project Aruga, volunteers provided emotional assistance to over 100 children in evacuation centers, while Psychological First Aid sessions were held for adults.
• Infrastructure safety: Engineers from MDC conducted structural assessments of school and government buildings to ensure safe spaces for learning and community use.
• Information support: Globe facilitated anti-scam awareness sessions to help families avoid fraud during recovery.
Volunteers came from various Ayala Group companies including Alveo, Avida, Ayala Land, BPI, Globe and MDC. The initiative also involved partners such as Philippine Coast Guard, Sultan Kudarat State University, General Santos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and DZMM.
“Brigadang Ayala’s disaster response combines immediate relief with volunteer expertise, working with communities and partners to address urgent needs and build long-term resilience,” said Tony Lambino, President of Ayala Foundation.
The organization remains committed to supporting affected communities as they rebuild. Individuals and organizations may extend support via: http://donate.ayalafoundation.org
