GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Ayala Group, through its volunteer program Brigadang Ayala, has mobilized 150 volunteers across General Santos City and Sarangani Province to support relief and recovery efforts following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Mindanao on June 8.
The powerful quake caused widespread damage across Southern Mindanao, prompting immediate humanitarian response from government agencies, private organizations, and community groups.
Within 24 hours of the disaster, Ayala Foundation volunteers distributed relief packs to affected families in Purok Balite, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City. The Foundation worked closely with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), local government units, and partner organizations, including Globe, MDC, the Philippine Army, and local civic groups, to assess conditions and identify priority needs in affected communities.
As recovery operations expanded, Ayala Foundation and the WeAreAyala Business Club (WAABC) Davao mobilized additional volunteers on June 16 to support communities in South Cotabato and Sarangani.
The ongoing Brigadang Ayala mission has provided food relief packs benefiting approximately 6,500 individuals in Barangay Ligaya, General Santos City, and Barangay Kawas in Alabel, Sarangani.
“Brigadang Ayala’s disaster response combines immediate relief with volunteerism, including skilled expertise—supporting local government units together with communities and partners to address urgent needs while helping lay the groundwork for recovery and resilience,” said Tony Lambino, President of Ayala Foundation.
Beyond relief distribution, volunteers have been providing psychosocial support and community resilience programs aimed at helping residents cope with the emotional and social impacts of the disaster.
Under Project Aruga, a psychosocial intervention initiative, volunteers from the Psychology Community of General Santos conducted activities for more than 100 children staying in evacuation centers. The sessions were designed to help children process their experiences, restore a sense of safety, and promote emotional well-being following the earthquake.
Adults also participated in Psychological First Aid sessions to help them manage stress and trauma. At the same time, vulnerable families attended anti-scam awareness seminars conducted by Globe, equipping them with practical knowledge to avoid fraud schemes that often emerge during disaster recovery periods.
Volunteer engineers from MDC conducted safety inspections and structural assessments of school buildings to identify potential hazards and support the creation of safer learning environments for students.
The response effort brought together volunteers from across the Ayala Group, including Alveo, Avida, Ayala Land, Ayala Land Premier, BPI, Globe, and MDC. It was further strengthened through partnerships with 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 personal significance. Queenie Miranda-Asensi, Human Resources Officer of MDC Mindanao and a native of General Santos City, said helping communities affected by the earthquake was deeply meaningful.
“Volunteering for Brigadang Ayala reminds me that even small acts of service can make a big difference in people’s lives,” she said.
Ayala Corporation Chief Social Infrastructure Officer Paolo F. Borromeo expressed gratitude to volunteers and partners, emphasizing the group’s commitment to helping affected communities recover and rebuild.
As rehabilitation efforts continue, Brigadang Ayala remains committed to working alongside local partners and residents to strengthen community resilience and support long-term recovery across Southern Mindanao.|
