Casino Plus’ Color Your World Foundation extends aid to quake-hit communities in Mindanao

Color Your World Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Casino Plus, is mobilizing short- and long-term aid to victims affected by the magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao last week.

Through its flagship disaster resilience pillar, “Project Bigkis,” Color Your World complements the ongoing government and partner-led disaster response efforts by delivering immediate and coordinated humanitarian assistance to thousands of affected families.

“Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao during this devastating time. When disaster strikes, the truest measure of who we are — as organizations, as people — is not what we say, but how quickly and meaningfully we show up. We are committed to acting swiftly — providing temporary shelter, essential supplies, and the immediate support they need to begin healing”, said Casino Plus Chief Executive Officer Evan Spytma.

Color Your World Foundation is distributing over P3-million worth of emergency packages consisting of at least 150 livable tents, nearly 1,500 hygiene and medicine kits, over 1,000 units of solar-powered lamps and provide potable drinking water in the most-affected areas in General Santos City and Sarangani Province.

“Bigkis means bond. And that is exactly what this response is about — binding resources, binding partners, binding people together around the families who need us most. Because no family should have to face the aftermath of a disaster alone. Casino Plus is here to recolor the lives of Mindanaoans — one family, one community, one act of compassion at a time,” said Casino Plus Director for Corporate Social Responsibility Michael Angelo Horfilla.

Tent village built; safe water delivered

Color Your World’s efforts have started last June 13 at Barangay Lagao, General Santos City, where it partnered with the local government unit to build a tent village.

Color Your World provided livable tents and over 2,000 gallons of drinking water to evacuees and affected residents of Barangays Lagao and Calumpang in General Santos City as hundreds of families struggle in accessing safe drinking water and temporary shelter.

The deployment has so far faced intense localized hurdles, including heavy downpours and persistent seismic activity. “Color Champions” experienced a sharp magnitude-5.6 aftershock that caused minor property damage in the area. Despite the rainfall and structural challenges, the team have successfully distributed life-saving resources without interruption.

“The need on the ground is immediate, and the reality facing many families in the evacuation centers is heartbreaking,” Mr. Spytma recalls. “When you see parents worried about where their children will sleep, or families struggling to access basic necessities, it reminds you that behind every disaster are real people trying to get through each day. Our Color Champions — our employees and volunteers on the ground — are committed to standing with these communities, not only by providing immediate relief such as shelter and clean drinking water, but by helping them rebuild and move forward in the months ahead.”

For hundreds of families still grappling with trauma and seeking refuge in open-air covered courts and makeshift shelters, the arrival of physical shelter marks the first step toward stability.

Fernando Tatad, Jr., community leader of the Purok 20 association, said their community would prioritize the elderly and children for accommodation in the tent village, emphasizing that many residents continue to stay in open areas because of the ongoing aftershocks.

“Ang laking tulong talaga, sobra-sobra. Ang laking pasalamat namin kasi ‘yung tent, magre-request sana ako kaso binigay na ni Lord at ng Casino Plus sa’min,” Mr. Tatad said.

Access to clean and safe water has also been a challenge amid disruptions to local water systems. In addition, damage to roads and bridges has hampered distribution efforts, particularly in remote communities.

Another quake survivor, Maureen Ortega, thanked Casino Plus and the Color Your World Foundation for providing water gallons, adding that obtaining clean water and hygiene supplies has been difficult over the past week.

“May dalawang maliit pa ako [na anak], sobrang hirap pag walang malinis na tubig. Siguro okay lang walang kuryente, pero tubig ang kailangan namin dito. Hindi madali ‘yung nangyari sa amin. ‘Yung mga anak namin, nanginginig, sobrang takot kapag may lindol,” Ms. Ortega shared.

Rebuilding efforts

To ensure its long-term commitment to progress and assistance to vulnerable communities, Color Your World Foundation targets to rebuild classrooms. This will ensure safe and functional learning spaces needed by thousands of affected learners and teachers amid the start of the new academic year.

Aside from these, the foundation will also roll out livelihood programs targeting hardest hit communities, equipping them to color their lives again with the skills, tools, and opportunities to rebuild not just their homes but their hope for the future.

“Casino Plus’ commitment goes beyond immediate relief. We are in this for the long term — helping communities rebuild, recover, and rediscover the hope, dignity, and joy that define them. Together with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), we will work to ensure sustained support for the Color Your World Foundation as we continue our mission of helping create more Makulay Lives for Filipinos,” added Mr. Spytma.

As communities begin the difficult journey toward recovery, Color Your World Foundation will continue its mission across Sarangani, safely reaching more affected families and delivering immediate relief to those who need it most.

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