WCK Responds to Mayon Volcano Eruption in the Philippines
As roadways in affected areas were cut off and many families were displaced, WCK connected with community members and local restaurant partners to best serve families in need.
In late 2025, WCK teams responded to a devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the region around Cebu. During this time, we worked closely with longtime restaurant partners to ensure families had comforting meals. Less than a month later, our teams returned, working with many of the same restaurant partners, after Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the same region and caused power outages, infrastructure damage, and mass evacuations.
Only a few days later, our operations expanded as Typhoon Uwan made landfall in the Luzon region. Between these three responses, WCK teams served over 2.9 million meals and worked side-by-side with restaurant partners who were the first to stand up for their communities.
Serving Families Impacted by the Eruption
Thousands of families in Camalig, Philippines are grappling with the aftermath of the eruption of Mayon Volcano. Ash clouds pose health risks and can damage local infrastructure. WCK teams are supporting residents of Barangay Sua, at the base of the volcano, with hot meals as they navigate the difficult conditions.
Our teams are serving over 100 villages like Camalig as we support their recovery.
Meet Ceazar
Ceazar’s home in Camalig, Philippines is a shelter he built with wood, bamboo, and tarpaulin—not strong enough to withstand the ashfall from Mayon Volcano. He is currently staying with family for safety, but his connection to his home remains strong. WCK is supporting Ceazar and his community with hot meals as they navigate the ongoing volcanic activity and work toward recovery.
Chef Gil on Serving His Community
Chef Gil didn’t show up after the volcano eruption in the Philippines for the recognition. He showed up because his neighbors needed help—because doing something good was reason enough.
But Chef Gil’s contribution goes beyond the meal. A culinary trainer and community advocate, he has responded with WCK twice in the Philippines—each time combining food relief with hands-on training for local farmers and residents. Teaching practical cooking techniques, nutrition, and how to make the most of locally available ingredients, he ensures that the knowledge he shares outlasts the response itself.
“You are not just helping people. You are building a community once again.”
For Chef Gil, cooking is about restoring dignity, building confidence, and creating communities that are stronger and more self-sufficient long after WCK’s teams have moved on. That’s the WCK Way—and it’s how we are able to serve thousands of meals daily in the Philippines and everywhere else we show up in the world.
Ming on Her Fourth #ChefsForPhilippines Response
Meryl, more well-known to her community as Ming, first learned about WCK after graduating from culinary school in the Philippines. She knew that she wanted to support families in need, and she didn’t need to wait long—Cebu was struck by an earthquake late last year. She became a critical part of our Relief Team, making sure that every meal got where it needed to go. She joined us again a few months later during our response to Typhoon Kalmaegi, which impacted her hometown, and then again almost immediately when Typhoon Uwan struck.
Today, during her fourth response with WCK, Ming is serving communities impacted by the Mayon Volcano eruption, working closely with families to learn what they need and ensuring they have warm meals. Team members like Ming are the heartbeat of what WCK does every day—caring for neighbors with relentless compassion and making sure everyone in need has food.
