Isuzu Philippines Corporation goes beyond just building rugged trucks and commercial vehicles, they also take an active part in the community. The automaker showed up in Barangay Burias this week with 250 relief packs for families still picking up the pieces after the earthquake that rattled this part of Sarangani.
The effort came together through a partnership between IPC, its General Santos dealership arm, and the local barangay government. Each family walked away with hygiene kits, bottled water, and food supplies, the kind of basics that suddenly become hard to find when roads are cracked open, and the corner store has half its shelves knocked over.
Burias took a heavy hit from the quake, and getting around the area hasn't been easy since. Blocked roads and damaged shops meant residents were struggling just to buy what they needed day to day. The relief drive focused on senior citizens and folks in the coastal pockets of the barangay, vulnerable groups that tend to get hit hardest when disaster response gets complicated.
Imelda Bernas, IPC's Assistant Vice President for Administration, handled the turnover on behalf of the company. “IPC believes that being a responsible corporate citizen means standing beside our communities, especially during difficult times. Through this relief initiative, we hope to provide not only essential supplies but also encouragement and reassurance to the families of Barangay Burias as they recover from the effects of the earthquake. We are grateful to our partners at Isuzu General Santos and the Barangay Local Government Unit for making this meaningful initiative possible,” said Bernas.
Barangay Captain Venancio Siao Wata III expressed his gratitude for the timely assistance of IPC and its partners. He stated, “On behalf of the people of Barangay Burias, we sincerely thank Isuzu Philippines Corporation and Isuzu General Santos for their generosity and compassion. Your support has brought much-needed relief to our residents, particularly our senior citizens and families who continue to face the challenges brought about by the earthquake. Your kindness reminds our community that we are not alone during these difficult times.”
Recovery in Sarangani is still ongoing, and there's plenty of work left before things return to normal. In its press release, IPC said it hopes the initiative will help ease the burden on families affected by the earthquake, while also reinforcing the spirit of solidarity and compassion that enables communities to rebuild stronger together.
