Aboitiz Foods has rolled out relief operations in Iligan City following the impact of Tropical Storm Basyang (international name: Penha), which affected more than 24,500 individuals across 21 barangays.

On 12 February, Aboitiz Foods, through its subsidiary Pilmico Foods Corporation, partnered with the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to distribute assistance to over 1,000 families in Barangays Ubaldo Laya and Tubod. Many of the recipients were receiving aid for the first time since the storm struck.

The company provided food packs containing rice and other groceries, hygiene kits to help prevent illness, and sleeping kits for displaced families staying in evacuation centers.

“Iligan City has been Pilmico’s home for over 60 years. This community has grown with us, supported us, and shaped who we are today,” said Engr. Alexis Revantad, Pilmico’s vice president for Iligan Site Management and Flour Operations. “In moments like this, we stand by you, our fellow Iliganons, in your darkest hour. We are part of this community and we are here as your partner to help rebuild our city.”

Aside from relief kits, Aboitiz Foods also donated water storage drums and 1,500 sacks to support clearing operations led by the ICDRRMO. The materials are intended to improve access to previously impassable areas and facilitate the delivery of assistance.

The relief effort was supported by volunteers, including Pilmico employees who helped pack and distribute aid, some of whom were also affected by the storm.

Tropical Storm Basyang struck Iligan on 6 February, bringing heavy rains that caused the Tubod River to overflow and trigger widespread flooding. The storm left five people dead, displaced hundreds of families and caused nearly P200 million in damage to public infrastructure and livelihoods, including crops, livestock and micro, small and medium enterprises. The local government declared a state of calamity.

Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao thanked the company for its support.

“On behalf of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the City of Iligan, we sincerely thank Aboitiz Foods, through Pilmico, for their timely relief assistance to families affected by Typhoon Basyang. Their support significantly strengthens our coordinated disaster response efforts and ensures that essential goods reach the most vulnerable communities. We value this partnership in promoting resilience and community recovery,” Siao said.

Aboitiz Foods said the initiative forms part of its Adopt-A-City program, a partnership with the Iligan local government aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, response and long-term resilience.