Casino Plus’ Color Your World Foundation Builds Tent Village, Delivers Safe Water to Quake-Hit Mindanao Communities

Powered by its flagship disaster resilience pillar, “Project Bigkis,” 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. Earlier Saturday, “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,” said Casino Plus Chief Executive Officer Evan Spytma.

“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,” Spytma added.

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,” 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,” Ortega said.

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.