World Chefs Without Borders, the humanitarian arm of Worldchefs, has donated €18,000 to support relief operations in the Philippines following the earthquake and Tropical Cyclone Kalmaegi.
- World Chefs Without Borders (WCWB) has donated €18,000 to support disaster relief efforts in the Philippines.
- Working alongside chefs on the ground through the LTB Philippines Chefs Association, funds provided essential relief kits. These kits included food, water storage, and sleeping materials for affected communities.
- This donation follows WCWB’s continued global humanitarian impact, including support efforts for Myanmar in early 2025.
Paris, 8 January 2026 – World Chefs Without Borders (WCWB), the humanitarian arm of Worldchefs, has donated €18,000 to support disaster relief operations in the Philippines following a series of devastating natural disasters, including a powerful earthquake and Tropical Cyclone Kalmaegi.
In the latter part of 2025, Cebu, a major island in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, was relentlessly battered by natural disasters, from strong earthquakes to powerful typhoons. One of the hardest-hit areas was Balamban, a town in western Cebu, where landslides cut off roads, isolated communities, and made it extremely difficult to reach survivors and deliver aid to thousands of families. Entire communities were displaced, infrastructure damaged, and essential services disrupted.
To support urgent relief efforts, WCWB mobilized its global chef network and partnered with chefs on the ground through the LTB Philippines Chefs Association, Worldchefs’ national member in the Philippines. The funds were allocated to prepare and distribute essential relief kits to families in the most affected areas.
Supporting Communities in Crisis
On December 14, 2025, the LTB Philippines Chefs Association, together with Chef Celina David’s team and Duyan sa Paglayum, a local charitable organization, set out on a mission to the communities of Cantuod, Nangka, and Owak in Balamban to distribute relief packs to affected families. Though mountain roads had been cleared, the surroundings still bore stark reminders of the devastation the typhoons had inflicted on the island.
Each family received relief packs containing much-needed sleeping mats, blankets, towels, and rice, small comforts that meant so much to those who had lost almost everything. Back in the city, the team also extended relief to Subangdako, a community heavily affected by flooding, as well as to another neighborhood recently ravaged by a devastating fire that left hundreds homeless.
According to JA Ventura, President of the LTB Philippines Chefs Association, the situation in Cebu was critical:
“After being hit by a strong earthquake, Tropical Cyclone Kalmaegi wreaked another havoc in Cebu, leaving communities wiped out and hundreds either dead or missing. Electricity and communications were also cut off… ”
Working closely with local leaders, chefs on the ground assessed urgent needs and streamlined logistics. Community members pooled resources, including transport and volunteer manpower, to ensure aid reached those most in need as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Mobilizing a Global Network
Through the unwavering support and funding of Worldchefs Without Borders, the team was able to extend relief to approximately 2,500 families—2,500 homes given not only material aid, but also a brief moment of comfort and a powerful reminder that even as the earth shakes and the waters rise, they are not alone.
This initiative follows WCWB’s continued global humanitarian impact. Earlier in 2025, WCWB and its international chef network also mobilized support for earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to standing with communities in times of crisis.
“World Chefs Without Borders is committed to supporting communities in times of crisis,” said Willment Leong, chair of the committee. “Our chefs come together across borders to provide relief, nourishment, and hope. We stand with the people of the Philippines and the local chefs working to help them recover.”
Acknowledgements
WCWB and the LTB Philippines Chefs Association extends heartfelt thanks to all those who made this relief effort possible:
- Duyan sa Paglayum – for organizing communities and connecting the team with areas in deepest need, ensuring limited time and resources reached those who needed help most.
- Chef Celina David’s team and the homeowners of Mahogany Grove Subdivision – for their relentless dedication, courage, and compassion in organizing relief operations, braving treacherous roads and long days to support fellow Cebuanos.
- The generous donors who supported this mission.
Your aid did not only bring essential relief to 2,500 families, but it also brought hope. Through your compassion, strangers became allies, distant shores became closer, and communities were reminded that beyond the storms and tremors, there are hands willing to reach out and hearts ready to stand with them. From devastation, a community can rise again—and our global network of chefs proved that.
– END –
About Worldchefs
The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a federation made up of 110 national chef associations. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries years of history since its founding in 1928 at the Sorbonne by the venerable Auguste Escoffier.
Representing a mobilized international membership of culinary professionals, Worldchefs is committed to advancing the profession and leveraging the influence of the chef jacket for the betterment of the industry and humanity at large.
Worldchefs is dedicated to raising culinary standards and social awareness through these core focus areas:
- Education – Worldchefs offers support for education and professional development through the landmark Worldchefs Academy online training program, a diverse network of Worldchefs Education Partners and curriculum, and the world’s first Global Culinary Certification recognizing on-the-job skillsin hospitality;
- Networking – Worldchefs connects culinary professionals and provides industry networking opportunities through endorsed events and the biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo;
- Competition – Worldchefs sets global standards for competition rules, provides Competition Seminars and assurance of Worldchefs Certified Judges, and operates the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge;
- Humanitarianism & Sustainability – Worldchefs Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe.
Visit www.worldchefs.org to learn more.
Media contact:
Olivia Ruszczyk communications@worldchefs.org
