Ford Philippines and Ford Philanthropy, in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, mobilized emergency relief operations for communities in Glan, Sarangani Province following a devastating earthquake, delivering critical food assistance, transportation support, and psychosocial care to affected communities as part of the first phase of the Operation Walang Iwanan (OWI) program.

The first phase of mobilization and relief distribution included emergency response efforts, where the Ford Ranger played a pivotal role in reaching communities cut off by the disaster. The Ford Ranger was used to access difficult-to-reach areas and transport relief supplies, enabling initial batches of food and assistance to reach earthquake-affected families without delay.

In Brgy. Kapatan, one of Gawad Kalinga's adopted communities and among the hardest hit by the earthquake, five hundred (500) food packs were distributed to families in need. A disaster hub was established in Glan, Sarangani, to support disaster response operations and community needs, providing free internet connectivity and electricity through portable power stations, charging of mobile phones and essential devices, as well as the provision of a mobile kitchen. Ford's support was instrumental in enabling rapid mobilization and efficient delivery of community assistance.

Relief teams composed of volunteers from Ford Autohub Group in General Santos traveled to the remote community of Brgy. Taluya. Residents in the area shared that the Ford and Gawad Kalinga team was the first organized relief group to reach their community twelve (12) days after the earthquake — a powerful reminder of the OWI commitment that no community is left behind.

The support was also extended to affected employees within the Ford dealership network. Relief packs were distributed to dealer employees who suffered losses and injuries. Most of them also volunteered in relief efforts in General Santos.

At Hadji Musa Integrated School, a 20-day feeding program was launched for children and families affected by the earthquake, made possible through the support of Ford Philanthropy. The initiative was designed to address immediate nutritional needs while communities continue their recovery and rebuilding efforts. Volunteers from Ford Autohub Group took part in helping serve meals and connect with community members.

Beyond material relief, youth gatherings and psychosocial support sessions were also conducted to help young people process the trauma and anxiety brought on by the earthquake. These sessions focused on emotional healing and peer support, community solidarity and resilience, and disaster preparedness and recovery planning — underscoring that rebuilding communities requires restoring hope and well-being, not just infrastructure.

"The initial phase of our emergency relief program demonstrated the power of partnership, compassion, and bayanihan in times of crisis," shared Kent Primor, director, Government and Corporate Affairs, Ford Philippines. “With the support of Ford Philanthropy, Ford Autohub Group and Gawad Kalinga, we provided immediate relief and ignited hope. We look forward to implementing the next phase of our program as we begin the journey toward recovery for earthquake-affected families in Sarangani and General Santos."