Ford Philippines, Ford Philanthropy extend support to typhoon-affected families and communities

Ford Philippines and Ford Philanthropy joined hands to extend support and bring relief to families and communities in the Philippines affected by typhoon Kristine (international name: Trami), particularly in the Bicol region.

With Gawad Kalinga’s Operation ‘Walang Iwanan’ (Leave No One Behind) project, individuals and organizations are coming together driven by the spirit of compassion and generosity to extend a helping hand to those in need.

The typhoon caused at least 97 fatalities and P4.34 billion in damage to infrastructure and agriculture, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), citing an October 28 data.

In response to the storm’s impact, Ford Philippines worked alongside Gawad Kalinga to provide urgent medical aid, essential supplies, and emotional support to those in need.

Resilient Mobility for Relief Efforts

Ford Philippines mobilized quickly to support Gawad Kalinga, deploying a Ford Ranger to navigate the rugged, flood-affected regions of Bicol. This all-terrain vehicle enabled teams to access hard-hit communities, including Daet, Camarines Norte, overcoming high floodwaters and limited road access. The Ranger’s reliability and durability played a vital role in ensuring relief reached affected areas safely, extending a lifeline to families facing severe conditions.

Community-Focused Assistance and Support

On October 25, Gawad Kalinga teams arrived in Daet after a challenging 12-hour journey, where they repacked and prepared relief goods for distribution across the region. Through Ford’s support, relief operations continued seamlessly across multiple barangays, including Calangcawan Norte and Mantigbe. These efforts prioritized urgent needs, such as clean drinking water and essential supplies, ensuring consistent and effective relief distribution to underserved communities.

Nourishment and Emotional Care for Children

Ford’s support extended beyond mobility, funding meals for over 2,700 children in Camarines Sur, many of whom had lost access to food and cooking equipment in the floods. In collaboration with 95 dedicated volunteers from various youth and community organizations, Gawad Kalinga conducted play therapy sessions to uplift the children’s spirits, offering emotional relief and allowing them moments of joy and self-expression.

Lifesaving Medical Missions and Healthcare Innovation

On November 2, Ford and Gawad Kalinga facilitated a medical mission in Bula, Camarines Sur, reaching 143 patients with the help of Bicol University, the local government, and volunteer networks. This mission not only addressed immediate health concerns but also provided holistic care through a new telemedicine platform, extending essential healthcare to those facing ongoing challenges due to the storm. Twenty volunteers rallied to deliver these services, reflecting Ford’s commitment to supporting community health and resilience.

A Coordinated Network of Relief

Ford’s continued collaboration with Gawad Kalinga, and ably supported by its network of volunteers from the Zero Hunger Alliance Bicol, SK of Camaligan and Gainza, Nagueño Youth, and Bangon Uragon, has reached over 23 barangays in Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Albay. This far-reaching effort included establishing community kitchens, distributing supplies, and meeting the logistical and emotional needs of families impacted by Typhoon Kristine. The partnership underscores Ford’s dedication to resilience and recovery for affected families and communities, ensuring comprehensive support during times of crisis.

A Message of Gratitude

Ford’s contributions have been invaluable to Operation Walang Iwanan, from transportation to medical missions and meal provisions, showing that resilience and solidarity drive impactful change. Together with Gawad Kalinga, Ford continues to support the journey toward recovery, delivering compassion, hope, and empowerment to communities in need.