Just outside of Cebu, Philippines, the road into Mananga, Talisay City feels ordinary at first. But as our vehicle moves closer, the signs of a community rebuilding begin to emerge—piles of lumber stacked beside homes, newly framed roofs rising next to older structures still being repaired, and neighbors working side by side.
Just months earlier, Cebu had endured a devastating sequence of disasters. On Sept. 30, 2025, a 6.9‑magnitude earthquake struck the province late at night, damaging homes and infrastructure across the region and affecting hundreds of thousands of people. Many families were displaced as buildings collapsed or became unsafe. Before communities could fully recover, Typhoon Tino swept through central Philippines in early November, bringing severe winds, flooding, and landslides that compounded the damage and forced people to evacuate once again.
It was my first visit to Cebu since the natural disasters occurred, and it didn’t take long to understand the resilience of the communities here.Like many disasters, those early days drew global attention. Images circulated around the world, aid organizations mobilized quickly, and communities worked urgently to meet immediate needs.
But recovery doesn’t follow the same timeline as the headlines.
Deep Community Roots
By the time I arrived in Cebu in March 2026, the international spotlight had moved on. What remained was the steady, determined work of rebuilding.
This reality is exactly why Ford Building Together exists.
Launched last year, this community initiative unites the full strength of Ford—our employees, dealers, vehicles, and philanthropy—behind nonprofit partners deeply rooted in their communities around the world. When a disaster strikes, these local organizations are the ones who rally resources and mobilize people on the ground, and Ford Building Together helps them not only respond quickly but also remain present long after the initial emergency has passed.
In Cebu, one of those partners is Gawad Kalinga.
For decades, Gawad Kalinga has worked alongside communities across the Philippines, helping families rebuild homes and strengthen local resilience.
Because of their established disaster response hubs and local volunteer networks, their team was able to mobilize quickly after the 2025 earthquake struck. Within hours, volunteers were distributing hot meals and more than 1,000 relief packs to families impacted by the disaster.Gawad Kalinga also deployed tools that helped communities stabilize in the critical first days—water purifiers for safe drinking water, EcoFlow generators to restore power, Starlink connectivity to help people reconnect, and mobile kitchen equipment capable of preparing meals for large groups.
Support also came from across the broader Ford community. Local Ford Ranger and Raptor club members organized donations of meals, rice, and water for families in affected areas. Local dealerships loaned vehicles so Gawad Kalinga could transport supplies and reach remote communities across Cebu.
Here for the Long Haul
The rebuilding efforts were what stayed with me most when I visited Mananga.Months after the earthquake and typhoon, families were repairing homes piece by piece, volunteers were helping construct new structures, and children played nearby as work continued around them. The energy in the community wasn’t defined by what had been lost; it was defined by determination to move forward.
It was a humbling reminder that recovery is measured not in days, but in months and years.
That’s why long‑term partnerships matter so much. Organizations like Gawad Kalinga are integral to supporting communities before, during and after disasters, from helping people in the immediate aftermath to working to restore stability and strengthen resilience for the future.
This visit to the Philippines left a lasting impression. Not just because of the challenges communities have faced, but because of the resilience I saw everywhere I went.
Disasters may happen suddenly. Recovery, however, is built day by day—through preparation, partnership, and people showing up for one another.
And long after the headlines fade, that work continues.
Jane Holloway is the senior manager of global programming for Ford Philanthropy. She specializes in supporting global nonprofit organizations in countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, South Africa and more.
