Through Brigadang Ayala, the conglomerate's volunteerism platform, employees and partners have been deployed across General Santos City, South Cotabato, and Sarangani Province to assist thousands of residents recovering from one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in recent years.
Rapid response
Within 24 hours of the earthquake, Ayala Foundation dispatched volunteers to Purok Balite in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City, where relief packs were distributed to affected families.
The foundation worked closely with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, local government units, Globe, Makati Development Corp. (MDC), the Philippine Army, and community organizations to conduct rapid assessments and identify urgent needs.
As recovery efforts expanded, Ayala Foundation and the WeAreAyala Business Club Davao mobilized additional volunteers on June 16 to support communities in South Cotabato and Sarangani.
The ongoing operation has provided relief food packs to approximately 6,500 individuals in Barangay Ligaya in General Santos City and Barangay Kawas in Alabel, Sarangani.
“Brigadang Ayala’s disaster response combines immediate relief with volunteerism, including skilled expertise — supporting LGUs together with local communities and partners to address urgent needs while helping lay the groundwork for recovery and resilience,” Ayala Foundation president Tony Lambino said in a statement.
Beyond relief
Apart from distributing aid, volunteers have focused on addressing the emotional and psychological impact of the disaster.
Through Project Aruga, a psychosocial intervention program designed for children in evacuation centers, volunteers from the Psychology Community of General Santos conducted activities aimed at helping young survivors process traumatic experiences and regain a sense of safety.
More than 100 children affected by the earthquake participated in the sessions.
Adults were also provided Psychological First Aid activities to help them cope with stress and anxiety brought about by the disaster.
Recognizing the increased vulnerability of affected communities to fraud and exploitation during recovery periods, Globe volunteers conducted anti-scam awareness sessions to educate families on avoiding online and financial scams.
Safety checks
Volunteer engineers from MDC carried out structural assessments of school buildings in affected areas to identify potential safety concerns and support the restoration of secure learning environments.
The initiative brought together volunteers from across the Ayala Group, including Alveo, Avida, Ayala Land, Ayala Land Premier, BPI, Globe, and MDC.
Additional support came from partner organizations such as the Philippine Coast Guard, Sultan Kudarat State University ECE students, the General Santos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and DZMM.
For many volunteers, the mission carried a personal significance.
“Volunteering for Brigadang Ayala reminds me that even small acts of service can make a big difference in people’s lives. Being able to help communities in my hometown during a difficult time made the experience even more meaningful,” said MDC Mindanao human resources officer and a native of General Santos City Queenie Miranda-Asensi said in a statement.
Long recovery
Ayala Corp. chief social infrastructure officer Paolo F. Borromeo said in the same statement the group remains committed to supporting communities beyond the immediate response phase.
“We are grateful to every volunteer across the Ayala Group and every partner who showed up with care, compassion, and discipline. Our commitment is to keep working alongside affected communities in Mindanao, supporting them as they recover and rebuild with dignity and hope,” he said.
As rebuilding efforts continue, Brigadang Ayala plans to sustain its collaboration with local governments, partner organizations, and community volunteers to help strengthen resilience and accelerate recovery in earthquake-affected areas. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
