The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Ford Philanthropy, the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, and Ford Philippines have donated a brand-new Ford Ranger Sport 4×4 to Gawad Kalinga to support its nationwide operations during the launch of the Ford Building Together.
The Ford truck will help GK in transporting essential goods, supporting relief operations during disasters and emergencies, and enabling volunteers to reach more communities in need. The Ranger Sport 4×4 will serve as a reliable mobility partner for GK in reaching far-flung areas and provinces with its performance, efficiency, and superior off-road capability.
Ford Building Together is a global initiative that brings the full power of Ford to support the communities it serves by working alongside its expansive dealer network in communities across the country, sharing the skills and expertise of its employees through volunteering, and lending technology and vehicles to scale the services of its nonprofit partners.
The vehicle turnover and launch of Ford Building Together was led by Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy, together with Pedro Simoes, the managing director of Ford Philippines. Culler highlighted the collective power of Ford Philippines’ dealers, employees, volunteers, Clubs and owner groups, and partners in delivering support to the communities, which is the essence of Ford Building Together. “Strong communities are built through strong partnerships. By working closely with local leaders and volunteers, we are able to respond to urgent needs while helping create long-term opportunities for families,” she said.
For his part, Simoes said: “Ford Building Together is more than a philanthropic effort. It’s about mobilizing our extensive dealer and volunteer network to lend a helping hand – from donation turnover, community development, mobility support to volunteerism – especially during challenging times.”
Ford Building Together brings under one platform the long-standing collaboration between Ford and GK, combining mobility, volunteerism, and community leadership to strengthen resilience before, during, and after crises.
A key pillar of the partnership is disaster preparedness through Operation Walang Iwanan which Ford has supported GK’s disaster response hubs in six regions, equipping them with Starlink mini-satellite internet, emergency tents, relief-grade waders, mobile kitchens, EcoFlow solar battery power, water filtration systems, and communication tools. Between 2024 and 2025, these efforts supported more than 11,500 individuals affected by typhoons, fires, and earthquakes. Ford vehicles played a vital role in enabling volunteers to reach isolated communities and transport essential supplies when they were needed most.
The event also marked the renewed collaboration with Scholars of Sustenance Philippines, a food rescue organization that redistributes surplus food from businesses to communities experiencing hunger. The initiative supports both food security and sustainability by reducing food waste in Nueva Vizcaya while expanding access to nutritious meals for vulnerable families.