Spirit of volunteerism, ignited. As part of the Aboitiz Group’s OneAboitiz disaster relief efforts, Aboitiz Foods volunteers brought aid to 2,110 families affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan. In Negros Occidental, the team distributed relief packs supporting 300 families.
In the wake of Typhoon Kalmaegi (local name: Tino) and Super Typhoon Fung-wong (local name: Uwan) in November 2025, more than 2.5 million families across the the Philippines faced disrupted lives, damaged homes, and uncertain days ahead. Hitting the Philippines just a week apart, the tropical cyclones battered provinces in Luzon and Visayas regions, affecting nearly 9 million people.
For Aboitiz Foods, responding to the disaster meant more than delivering relief packs—it meant showing up with empathy, standing alongside communities, and bringing hope when they needed it most.
As part of the Aboitiz Group’s OneAboitiz disaster relief efforts, Aboitiz Foods employee volunteers mobilized to provide aid. They successfully delivered relief packs to 2,110 families in several areas including Cebu City, Dinagat Islands, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Catanduanes. These relief packs contained essential items such as food, water, medicines, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and solar lights.
Every pack distributed tells a story of compassion and determination from our volunteers. More than distributing necessities, these volunteers became a symbol of hope for families in need.
Read how their experience exemplifies the Aboitiz Foods values of teamwork and responsibility – a testament that even in the toughest times, they are committed to helping communities recover.
Small Efforts, Meaningful Impact
In Cebu City, Jane Bacolcol, Admin Assistant Manager and point of contact for the area, witnessed how teamwork transformed challenges into a meaningful action. Amidst time constraints and the scarcity of resources in Cebu, the team’s sense of urgency and accountability prevailed, providing immediate support to the affected families.
“Volunteering for the Typhoon Tino-Uwan relief operations was both challenging yet fulfilling,” Jane shared. “Seeing the people’s gratitude made me realize that even small efforts can create a meaningful impact when we step up together.”
For Jane, responsibility was not just a corporate value – it became a deeply personal commitment.
“Responsibility went beyond simply finishing our assigned tasks,” she said. “It motivated us to step forward, act with both care and urgency, knowing that there were families waiting for our assistance.”
During the relief operations, Jane heard stories of loss, fear, and uncertainty from beneficiaries. But what struck her the most was their optimism to recover and resilience to keep moving forward.
“Hearing their stories made me feel humbled, emotional, and deeply grateful. To them, our presence and support truly mattered,” Jane recalled. “I hope that the spirit of bayanihan and shared responsibility will continue, ensuring we remain prepared to support each other.”
Reaching Remote Communities, Together
In the Dinagat Islands, reaching affected families meant long travel hours and rough seas. For Territory Business Manager Joel Brangca, the journey itself reflected the spirit of teamwork. From land travel to pump boats and coaster buses, Joel and the team navigated challenging routes just to reach isolated communities.
“The struggle to travel to the affected areas was real—the water was rough, filled with waves that were somewhat large,” Joel shared. “But our win was that we successfully distributed 420 food packs to the affected areas.”
The grueling 10-hour journey to bring aid to affected families only deepened the team’s connection as they demonstrated the Aboitiz Foods values in action.
“The task was easier to finish with the help of reliable people in the team,” he said. “Activities like this deepen our sense of responsibility as a human being, as a team, and as a company.”
To Joel, speaking with beneficiaries left a lasting mark as they recounted how they lost everything.
“They told us their houses were destroyed and their water and electricity were heavily affected,” Joel said. “Despite everything, they stayed strong and persevered. That stayed with me. I hope our relief efforts can somehow help them recover from the traumatic experience.”
Showing Up in Moments that Matter
In Leyte and Southern Leyte, Territory Business Manager Wendelyn Madelo described the relief efforts as both emotional and meaningful.
“Spearheading the relief operations on behalf of Aboitiz Foods, we are truly fortunate and grateful, knowing we were instruments of hope for the people in need,” Wendelyn shared.
Despite challenges sourcing supplies and transporting goods, collaboration across teams made timely delivery possible.
“People that have been part of the relief operations really made helping personal,” she said. “Spending time and effort despite time constraints, extending networks to push delivery, and taking it to heart to help—that is responsibility in action.”
For Wendelyn, one moment stood out at the core of these relief efforts: seeing families begin again.
“We saw people restarting, rebuilding their houses and farms, and being courageous and hopeful again,” Wendelyn said. “It compelled us to do better so we can help more.”
More than just a relief mission, Aboitiz Foods’ disaster response demonstrated how the company shows up in moments that matter—with action, coordination, and care. The initiative not only reflects the company’s purpose but also strengthens collaboration and resilience while ensuring that impact is felt on the ground.
For Aboitiz Foods volunteers, the disaster response was a shared responsibility. It meant working together across teams, and standing with communities, and offering support where it is needed most. In times of crisis, these moments of compassion and connection helped restore not just homes and livelihoods, but also a sense of stability and hope—reminding us that resilience is built, together.
FAQs:
- Where did Aboitiz Foods implement its Typhoons Tino-Uwan disaster relief efforts?
As part of the OneAboitiz disaster response, Aboitiz Foods conducted its relief operations in Cebu City, Dinagat Islands, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Catanduanes.
- What kind of assistance did Aboitiz Foods provide for families affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan?
Aboitiz Foods provided relief packs containing food, including rice and groceries, water, medicines, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and solar lamps.
- How many disaster-affected families were supported?
The Aboitiz Foods team specifically reached 2,110 families through their volunteer-led efforts. On a broader scale, the combined OneAboitiz relief operations (which include Aboitiz Foods and its sister business units) supported over 12,500 families across the affected regions.
- What were the challenges encountered by the volunteers?
Aboitiz Foods volunteers navigated logistical challenges to reach isolated communities, scarcity of resources in hardest hit areas, and the distribution of essential food, water, and solar lights in areas without power.
- What Aboitiz Foods values resonated with the volunteers?
Based on the experiences shared by the volunteers, the relief efforts were a powerful demonstration of the Aboitiz core values of responsibility and teamwork in action.
