The Color Your World Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Casino Plus, has earmarked more than P3 million in emergency assistance for communities devastated by this week's powerful Mindanao earthquake.
In a statement on Friday, the foundation said it launched 'Project Bigkis' — a disaster response program — to support relief efforts following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake off Sarangani. The quake has killed at least 55 people and injured over 1,100 others.
The aid will focus on General Santos City and Sarangani province, where affected families are still grappling with the aftermath. The relief package includes at least 150 livable tents, the foundation said.
Casino Plus operates several gaming establishments in the Philippines, including casinos in Metro Manila and Cebu. The company's Color Your World Foundation has previously funded education and health projects, but this is its largest single disaster response initiative.
What the aid covers
The P3-million package prioritizes shelter. The 150 tents are designed to be durable enough for extended use, not just emergency tarpaulins. The foundation said additional relief goods are being sourced locally to support distribution in the hardest-hit barangays.
General Santos City and Sarangani province were among the areas nearest to the quake's epicenter. Many families there lost their homes or are afraid to return indoors due to aftershocks.
The death toll from the June 10 earthquake rose to 55 as of Friday, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reporting 1,128 injured. Search and rescue operations continue in collapsed buildings.
Why tents matter now
With thousands displaced, shelter is the most urgent need. Many evacuation centers are overcrowded, and some schools used as shelters are damaged themselves. The tents from Casino Plus provide an alternative for families who prefer to stay near their properties while repairs are made.
The foundation said it's coordinating with local government units and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure the aid reaches the intended beneficiaries without duplication.
Casino Plus isn't the only private company stepping up. Several other firms have also pledged cash and goods. But the P3-million commitment from a single gaming operator stands out in scale.
Background on Casino Plus
Casino Plus is one of the Philippines' largest integrated resort and casino operators. Its Color Your World Foundation was established in 2018 and has focused on community development, medical missions, and school building. The foundation's budget for 2025 was around P50 million, making this quake response a significant portion of its annual spending.
The company has faced criticism in the past over gambling-related social harms, but its disaster response efforts are generally well-received by local officials.
What happens next
The foundation expects to complete the distribution of tents within the next week. It's also assessing whether additional funding will be needed as the full extent of the damage becomes clear.
For now, the 55 dead and over 1,100 injured are the official numbers. But with aftershocks continuing and some areas still unreachable, those figures could rise.