Hats off to Team Katipunan Bayani Challenge volunteers

By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - The five-day test of endurance and courage of Gawad Kalinga (GK) Bayani Challenge 2013 held on March 23-27 at the municipal in Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte succeeded in drawing support from the volunteers coming from the various sectors of the society.

On the opening day, the Katipunan gymnasium was filled with volunteers consisting of students, government officials and employees, police officers, members of Philippine Army, businessmen, people’s organizations and even ordinary folks, all raring to respond to the call for nation-building and ending poverty.

Putting in plain words his presence at the Bayani Challenge launch, Jose
Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) President Edgar S. Balbuena said: “JRMSU is mandated to perform extension services especially to the underprivileged and we are here to be part of the people of Zamboanga del Norte through this heroic call for ending poverty.”

JRMSU is the Gawad Kalinga institute of the province and one of the major partners for the success of GK Bayani Challenge in Katipunan town.

There were games and competitions introduced to boost the morale of the volunteers and to develop the spirit of camaraderie among them. And to sustain the momentum of fun and excitement, they were entertained with music and cultural shows during the Kalinga Night.

A song titled “Diwa ng Bayanihan (Spirit of volunteerism)” was constantly played to lift up the eagerness among volunteers to take the five challenges: home build, school refurbishing, paraisong pambata, climate mitigation and health mission. Every time the music was played, the volunteers could not resist wiggling their bodies with the unity dance steps.

“To become a volunteer is very important, for if we won’t then who else will be? No one will be left behind for our nation and for Pilipinas Natin,” said Pilipinas Natin Regional Coordinator Rico Juan Tiquel.

  

Paraisong Pambata

Mr. Eddie Baron and his family of Baron Bakeshop sponsored the feeding program for about 500 children in San Antonio and 250 children in Miatan.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) also sponsored a feeding program for the five-day activity.

Children also received school supplies from benevolent donors.

“We didn’t feel exhausted despite the challenges because we were filled with ‘laugh trip’ especially in Paraisong Pambata. Honestly, we really wanted the activity extended because we had a feeling that those children need our attention and we are more than willing to give it to them,” declared Ridge Balolong, a Pilipinas Natin volunteer.

“I thought that I would be the one helping these children, but it was the other way around, because I was the one being taught by them. From simple things we can get simple joys and nothing is impossible if we will join forces,” he added.

Health mission and social services

Lectures on family planning, immunization, maternal care, sanitation and others were conducted by the Municipal Health Office (MHO) with housewives in attendance.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) also gave lectures on personal hygiene and how to give first aid.

Free medical and dental checkup was also conducted in the two recipient-barangays by the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte through the “Tabang ni Lando sa Comunidad” (TLC) project, Provincial Health Office and ZaNorte Medical Center.

Moreover, the Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO) distributed fresh milk to children while the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) was giving out rice to barangay.

Furthermore, “Kasalan ng Bayan (mass wedding)” was conducted by the Provincial Indigenous People’s Coordinating Unit (PIPCU).

“Because of Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge, 250 households have been assisted,” said Timuay Chieftain Hipolito Andig of barangay Miatan.

School refurbishing

Volunteers from Department of Education (DepED) refurbished and repainted the classrooms of San Antonio Elementary School. Other volunteers also cleaned the school surroundings.

Climate mitigation program

Volunteers from the academe, municipal officials and employees worked hand in hand for a coastal cleanup.

Residents along the coastlines were also taught proper waste disposal and “hanging garden” making.

Pilipinas Natin volunteers together with the youth of Barangay San Antonio, employees from Municipal Agriculturist’s Office (MAO) and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) also embarked on mangrove planting  .

In barangay Miatan, on the other hand, JRMSU students and other youth volunteers participated in a tree planting activity.

Farm build

In barangay Miatan, volunteers patiently cultivated and tilled the land despite the scorching heat of the sun just to make garden beds for the beneficiaries. This will be planted with root crops and vegetables for their consumption and livelihood. 

The Office of Provincial Agriculture of Zamboanga del Norte distributed vegetable seeds to the residents.

Home build

Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Dick Romarate disclosed that 60 to 100 houses would be constructed as planned. But for the five-day activity, two houses for barangay Miatan and another five for barangay San Antonio would be initially constructed. 

In barangay San Antonio, members of Katipunan Bikers Club, some police officers from Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZNPPO), municipal officials and employees, and barangay residents worked tirelessly in building houses for the beneficiaries.

For Barangay Miatan, volunteers from 20^th Special Forces Company of Philippine Army, PIPCU employees, JRMSU students and the locals worked together to finish the construction of houses.

“I can say that Filipinos can really make a difference in this country if only we are united, compassionate, truthful to one another, and most of all being faithful to Almighty God,” said another Pilipinas Natin volunteer Kaye Sevillaester in an interview.

“There is ‘bayani’ in every individual and if we ignite the loving and sharing spirit in each one, no person will live in poverty,” said Ma. Teresa de Jesus, Project Manager of Dipolog-Dapitan-Polanco-Roxas-Manukan (DDPKaRoMa) Alliance and a member of the steering committee of GK Bayani Challenge 2013 in Katipunan. (PIA9)