MANILA – More than 80 families will have safer homes and renewed hope after Globe, Ayala Foundation, and Makati Development Corporation (MDC) worked and collaborated together to distribute shelter kits to residents affected by earthquakes and fires.
The initiative aims to help families rebuild stable homes while opening opportunities for long-term recovery and community resilience.
This was made possible after over 200,000 Globe customers donated their Globe Rewards points through the Group Goals campaign starting January 2026. The local government of Mati also provided financial counterpart support through its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
Beyond housing, Globe also introduced new opportunities to help residents restore their livelihoods through digital tools.
Under a pilot initiative, 26 community members, including parents, local government staff, and senior citizens, were trained as Globe Digital Ambassadors. The program aims to help them operate small digital retail businesses within their communities.
Participants received Autoload Max credits and training on the Globe Benta application, enabling them to offer mobile load and other digital services.
The program seeks to expand residents’ knowledge in mobile commerce, financial management, and entrepreneurship to provide sustainable income sources from their homes.
According to Ayala Foundation Project Lead for Mindanao Cenen Milan Jr., the program demonstrates how communities can recover while enhancing their capabilities to thrive again in the digital economy.
“We are thrilled to see our communities not only recover but gain skills that empower them to thrive in the digital economy,” said Milan.
The shelter kit distribution coincided with the observance of Safer Internet Day 2026, which highlights responsible use of digital platforms. Globe also integrated its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), with 80 parents and senior citizens participating, along with 15 representatives from the local government.
Now in its tenth year, DTP aims to educate communities on online safety, data privacy awareness, critical thinking, and responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
It also strengthens awareness among local residents against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) to help protect children and other vulnerable sectors.
“This initiative demonstrates the value of combining disaster response with digital education. It strengthens both homes and livelihoods and allows our community to rise stronger and more resilient,” said Mati Mayor Joel Mayo Almario.
The project also highlights the collaboration of Globe, Ayala Foundation, and MDC in promoting inclusive community development.
Through the Brigadang Ayala volunteer program, employees contributed time, skills, and resources to directly support the recovery of communities in Mindanao.
“This initiative reflects the strength of partnerships within the Ayala Group in supporting communities through recovery. By working together, we can help families in Mati rebuild their homes while opening digital and livelihood opportunities that strengthen their resilience,” said Globe Mindanao External Affairs Lead and WeAreAyala Business Club Davao Chairman James Lopez.
Globe Assistant Director for Sustainability and Social Responsibility Rofil Magto said the initiative provides new opportunities for families living in the city.
“By integrating shelter support with digital literacy and micro-entrepreneurship, we are enabling the community to build a more stable and self-sustaining future,” he added.
With safer homes, strengthened digital awareness, and new livelihood opportunities, the City of Mati demonstrates how recovery efforts can lead to long-term community development.
This shows that rebuilding after disasters is not only about restoring structures, but also about providing the knowledge, connectivity, and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital age. [END]
