DBNA members show togetherness at ‘gotong royong’ activity

KUCHING: It was a display of unity and togetherness as members of Dayak Bidayuh National Association ( DBNA) led by its president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik took part in a ‘ gotong royong’ ( work party) to clean up the compounds of DBNA headquarters at Jalan Kumpang here yesterday.

They also planted almost 20 saplings of local fruits, palm and fan ferns in the hope that these will grow and beautify

the compounds of the headquarters, where the increasingly popular DBNA multi- purpose hall and Awah Cafe are located.

Some of them cleared away old and discarded items which had accumulated and became an eyesore behind the old building.

The work party started at 9am and ended three hours later for lunch, during which the participants were served traditional dishes and continued with a short karaoke session.

Ik Pahon, in his remark during the lunch, said he admired the togetherness shown by the members during the gotong royong.

“This gotong royong was organised by DBNA Kuching urban branch. We welcome other branches to organise gotong royong at the headquarters and we at the Supreme Council will provide assistance,” he said.

Organising chairman Billy Sujang said the gotong royong was organised to spruce up the DBNA headquarters, since many members had expressed concern over the condition of the compounds.

He was also happy that it had turned out a meaningful event with the participation of around 60 members comprising those from the Supreme Council and members of Kuching Urban, Bau, Serapi, Kuching Tengah, Penrissen, Padawan, Samarahan, Siburan and Bung Sadong branches.

“It’s become more like working together to give our ‘ home’ ( DBNA headquarters) a fresh new look. We also hope those involved will come back to check on the saplings they had planted to make sure they grow well,” he said.

Also present yesterday were DBNA deputy president Charlie Ungang, vice- presidents Joseph Jindy, Jimas Jimel and Jeannoth Sinel, secretary- general Jubilant Austinway and treasurergeneral Asem Linkin.

Ik Pahon (fourth left, front row) and the others including Billy (on Ik Pahon’s right) plant a mangosteen sapling on behalf of chief advisor Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.

Participants of the DBNA tree-planting work party led by Ik Pahon (third right, squatting) pause for a group photograph.