TALISAY CITY, Cebu— Ford Motor Company’s Ford Philanthropy and Gawad Kalinga (GK) launched on March 13 a “Disaster Preparedness Hub” at the Mananga Riverside GK Village community in Talisay City, Cebu Province as part of Ford’s ongoing community service programs, which have been in partnership with Gawad Kalinga since 2013.
“Ford Philanthropy is the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, focusing on supporting communities where they work, the organization partners with local organizations like Gawad Kalinga and dealers to bring in resources, including employees and dealer volunteers, vehicles, and support,” said Jane Holloway, Senior Manager, Ford Philanthropy.
Ford dealers assist in logistics and manpower, ensuring they are always ready to help in times of need, such as earthquakes or typhoons. Ford Philanthropy is not limited to transportation; it involves bringing all company resources to help communities, including building capabilities in hard-to-reach areas, Holloway shared.
Dan Bercasio, Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga bared that the “Disaster Preparedness Hub” at the Mananga Riverside, Talisay City is a partnership project with Ford Philanthropy after this GK Village here was severely hit by typhoon Tino in 2025.
“Gawad Kalinga has built around 3,000 communities across the Philippines, focusing on community development and disaster preparedness. Ford's involvement has been crucial in providing infrastructure, such as water systems, and enabling access to remote areas,” Bercasio said.
The “Disaster Preparedness Hub at GK Village in Mananga Riverside aims to provide support and resources for disaster preparedness and response in the community, especially because this community is situated beside the Mananga River which overflowed every time there are typhoons.
One of the GK beneficiaries recalled the Village’s nightmare during typhoon Tino where flood waters were strong and rose above there heads and most of their houses and belongings were destroyed. “There was no place, like a multi-purpose building where people can temporarily stay, help one another,” a villager said.
Ford has been involved in various community development projects, including building homes, providing access to clean water, and offering medical and dental services, always in partnerships with communities like Gawad Kalinga, said Andre Borromeo, general manager, Fairlane Automotive Ventures, Inc, a Ford dealer in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Bercasio shared that during disasters, Ford's support has allowed Gawad Kalinga to act as first responders, aiding communities and even helping others. The partnership has been instrumental in strengthening communities and preparing them for future crises.
During typhoon Tino, GK beneficiaries at Mananga Riverside in Talisay City acknowledged how Ford helped build a water system for the community, which significantly improved the lives of residents who previously had to walk long distances to fetch water.
The partnership with Gawad Kalinga has enabled Ford to reach remote areas with no roads, demonstrating the power of collaboration, highlighting the importance of inviting partners and friends to support community efforts.
Ford and GK underscored the mutual benefits of the partnership, enhancing community resilience and response capabilities. The Disaster Preparedness Hub is a project where Ford and GK can explore ways to further work together before a disaster strike to better prepare and respond.
The hub also secures community health and
activities with the GK community in the area.
It now becomes a place where the GK Villagers can conduct disaster
preparedness training with other Gawad Kalinga communities and simulate joint
disaster response before a disaster strikes. (Photos: MBCNewman)
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