With natural disasters somewhat of a regular thing in Philippine life, it’s only right that agencies and organizations have the right equipment to help them do their jobs. Ayala Foundation, the social development arm of the Ayala Group of Companies, recently got an electrified upgrade from ACMobility and BYD Philippines when it recently received three Shark 6 DMO pickup trucks and one Sealion 6 DM-i, all equipped with emergency gear needed when responding to crises.
The turnover was held last July 9 in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month, with the ceremony attended by ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Foundation president Tony Lambino, BYD Philippines country head Adam Hu, and representatives from community partners in Mindoro. These included Barangay Captain Manolito Bagos, Iraya Mangyan representative Wilson Pampilo, and Pablito de Jesus.
“These vehicles are tools for hope, equipped to support fast mobilization during emergencies and help deliver aid, equipment, and relief where they’re needed most. With advanced electric technology and modern rescue features, they’re built to serve communities in times of greatest need,” said Zobel de Ayala.
Aside from the four vehicles, ACMobility and BYD Philippines also committed to donate $100 for every Sealion 6 DM-i sold from its launch last July 25, 2024 until the end of 2024. The donations would be used to aid in disaster relief and preparedness after the damages wrought by Typhoon Carina last year.
Being the chosen beneficiary of this donation, Ayala Foundation will use the vehicles in the implementation of its disaster risk reduction and management (DRMM) program, as well as other programs led by its partner NGOs. Proceeds from the donation will also be used to purchase disaster preparedness kits and water filtration systems for distribution to vulnerable communities across Luzon.
“Every second matters in a crisis, and these vehicles will help us reach communities faster and safer. We thank BYD Philippines and ACMobility for sharing in our mission to uplift lives, especially in times of urgent need,” said Lambino.
No sooner had the vehicles been turned over when Tropical Storms Crising, Dante, Emong, and the Southwest Monsoon inundated Luzon. The Ayala Foundation utilized the Shark 6 to deliver food packs and Go Bags prepared by the foundation, Ayala Group volunteers, ACMobility employees, and partner organizations to flood-affected communities in Bagong Silang (Quezon City), Bangkulasi (Navotas), Parola (Manila) and Tumana (Marikina) last July 25 and 26.
The volunteer effort donated more than 900 food packs, 500 Go Bags, and 2,500 anti-bacterial medicines to affected families and communities, in coordination with local government units.
In addition to these efforts, BYD La Union also extended a helping hand to local communities in the province that were directly impacted by Typhoon Emong. Utilizing the Shark 6 and Sealion 6’s V2L feature, local residents were able to charge their mobile phones and gadgets while electricity service was cut in the aftermath of the storm. The free charging service organized by the dealership enabled residents of the community to stay connected over the weekend as emergency services worked to restore power to the affected areas of the province.
All these initiatives reflect a shared commitment among ACMobility, BYD Philippines, Ayala Foundation, and its partners to harness innovation and transformative mobility as a force for good, empowering communities and uplifting lives during times of crisis.