The Ayala Group deployed 15 volunteer engineers and 20 psychosocial counselors, along with medical workers, to Cebu to support disaster response operations following the destructive magnitude-6.9 earthquake on Sept. 30, 2025.
Ayala Foundation, in coordination with the We Are Ayala Business Club (WAABC) Cebu, spearheaded the initiative to provide skills-based support beyond the distribution of traditional relief goods. This included deploying employees with professional expertise in engineering, counseling, and medical services to affected communities.
Makati Development Corp. (MDC) engineer Rommel Ga-an was among the technical volunteers who conducted rapid visual inspections of damaged structures across northern Cebu.
“It was overwhelming at first,” Ga-an said. “But in times of crisis, we can do anything to help those in need. Even the smallest effort can change lives and give people hope to surpass every struggle.”
Ayala Foundation president Tony Lambino underscored the value of professional skills in disaster recovery.
“Relief goods meet immediate needs, but professional skills are of tremendous value in helping people rebuild,” Lambino said.
“When our volunteers share their expertise, whether in engineering, counseling, or community work, we’re able to give more than aid. We help communities recover with confidence and hope,” he said.
More than 500 Ayala volunteers participated in sorting, repacking and distribution activities. They delivered 3,000 relief packs to families in the municipalities of Bogo, Medellin, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Tabogon and Borbon.
Psychosocial support volunteer Francis Jay Pacatan said his background in community work and basic counseling helped him listen and respond with empathy.
“I felt a strong urge to be present. Not just to offer help, but to remind people that they are not alone,” Pacatan said.
“Volunteering is my way of showing solidarity and compassion in a time when hope felt fragile,” he said.
Nurse Randy Abac also volunteered, bringing his training as a frontline responder. “The first thing that came to mind after hearing about the devastation was simply to help,” Abac said. “As a nurse, we are trained to be frontline responders, educators, caregivers, and leaders. And that’s what I carried with me to the affected areas.”
Volunteers came from various Ayala business units including Ayala Land, Ayala Malls, MDC Active, U-Freight Phils., Generika Drugstore, BYD Cars Philippines, ACMobility, Alveo Land, Ayala Land Premier, BPI, Globe, Ayala Multipurpose Cooperative, Ayala Property Management Corporation, BPI-MS, GCash, Healthway, LGC Logistics, AMove, Cargohaus, Iconic Dealership Inc. (Honda, Isuzu), Seda Ayala Center Cebu, ACEN, AC Health, AC Logistics, AC Industrials and Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) alumni.
Ayala Foundation and WAABC Cebu continue to encourage employees and the public to participate in future volunteer and donation initiatives under the corporate citizenship and volunteerism program.
