Beyond Relief: HTC Supports Earthquake-Affected Communities Through Humanitarian Outreach and Disaster Response Partnerships

Beyond Relief: HTC Supports Earthquake-Affected Communities Through Humanitarian Outreach and Disaster Response Partnerships

Holy Trinity College of General Santos City (HTC), through its Social Orientation and Community Involvement (SOCI) Team, extended its humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8. Recognizing the urgent needs of affected families, the College mobilized donations and volunteers to provide support to residents of Pangyan, Glan, Sarangani Province.

Through the distribution of food packs, the HTC SOCI Team brought assistance and encouragement to families experiencing hardship following the disaster. The initiative was made possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and members of the HTC community who shared their resources to help affected residents. Beyond providing immediate necessities, the outreach served as a reminder that communities facing emergencies are not alone in their recovery.

HTC’s humanitarian efforts also align with the broader coordinated disaster response initiatives of A-PAD Philippines (Asian Preparedness and Response Network) under its ATM with APAD PH – Tayo para sa Mindanao campaign. In partnership with the Maasim Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and A-PAD Human Resource Network (HRN) SOX volunteers, A-PAD Philippines conducted relief operations in communities affected by the earthquake.

In Barangay Tinoto, particularly in Puroks 7–10, affected families received hygiene kits and plastic tarpaulin sheets to support their immediate needs and provide materials for temporary shelter. As the relief operations progressed, A-PAD Philippines extended its reach to more than 200 families in Barangay Poblacion. Aside from distributing hygiene kits and tarpaulin sheets, the initiative also incorporated creative psychosocial support activities facilitated by A-PAD HRN SOX volunteers in partnership with the UCLM Community Awareness, Relations and Extension Services. The Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry also contributed food donations for affected families.

These coordinated activities demonstrate the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, humanitarian organizations, local government units, volunteers, and private organizations in responding to disasters. The combination of food assistance, hygiene supplies, temporary shelter materials, and psychosocial support highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to disaster response that addresses both the immediate and emotional needs of affected communities.

Through its SOCI initiatives and participation in community humanitarian efforts, Holy Trinity College reaffirms its commitment to service, solidarity, and community resilience. By extending assistance and supporting collaborative relief initiatives, HTC continues to demonstrate the importance of collective action in helping communities recover, rebuild, and prepare for future emergencies.