GK, Berjaya PH spread hope, joy in Comval
THERE IS no doubt that the horrors brought about by Typhoon Pablo in December 2012 still haunt many of us today.
Classified as a Category 5 typhoon by US meteorological experts, Typhoon Pablo crossed various areas in Mindanao, including the town of New Bataan and the villages of Poblacion and Andap in Compostela Valley, leaving more than 1,000 people dead, 834 missing and damage to infrastructure and agriculture amounting to almost P37 billion.
However, the Filipinos’ innate nature to persevere and make the best of whatever is left have allowed them to recover and rise from the debris. And the good news is that they are not alone in this battle.
Various volunteer groups have always been on hand, ready to lend their support and serve as beacon of hope for the survivors.
Among these volunteer groups included a team from Berjaya Philippines Inc., which recently led the formal turnover of its sponsored Gawad Kalinga (GK) housing units in Compostela.
Coordinated under the auspices of GK and the local government of Compostela Valley, the home-building initiative of Berjaya Philippines has provided a total of 100 duplex-type homes for indigent families. The units—of which 50 are located in Berjaya S.O.P. Kahiusahan Uswag GK Village Osmena Compostela Purok 8 and the other half, in Monkayo—completed the company’s pledge during the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2013.
The brightly-colored, practically designed homes built on a much safer ground that was delivered by Berjaya and GK, served not only as an inspiration to its recipients but also as a solid testament that strong will when combined with the synergy of minds, passion and commitment can withstand the strike of any calamity.
“I never dreamed I would have my own home again after the tragedy. I thought it was the end of it all, with my house and farming livelihood destroyed by the floods. Now, I amlooking forward to start a new life here in my new GK home,” said Alfredo Fuentes, head of the GK Kapitbahayan in Berjaya S.O.P. Kahiusahan Uswag GK Village.
In return, plaques of appreciation were given to Berjaya Philippines and Berjaya Malaysia in recognition of their support.
Paul Soo, country head of Berjaya Philippines personally accepted the tokens from Compostela Valley Mayor Lema Bolo and Compostela Valley Gov. Arturo Uy and witnessed by GK founder and chair Tony Meloto.
“This is indeed a very festive occasion for the entire Berjaya Group. We are blessed to be part of the solution, in turning around the lives of the Typhoon Pablo victims by giving them homeownership opportunities,” Soo said in a statement.
In his speech, Soo likewise reiterated that the Berjaya Group is very happy to become a part of the mass housing project which he said is their current top priority.
“Seeing the joy in so many happy faces is enough encouragement, motivation and payback for us. We are glad to be of help in our own little way. We hope that through our efforts, we can inspire other private entities to take the opportunity and do their share in making lives better for the needy through housing,” Soo added.
Meanwhile, Meloto was quoted as saying that the foundation was truly delighted to partner with Berjaya Philippines in their efforts to deliver decent shelter to the typhoon survivors.
“Our message is simple. We just want to show that it can be done. If we start treating our poor countrymen as family, as friend and as equal members of society, we help them gain hope and dignity. More people are willing to help. And the event with Berjaya just shows the change that arise from the power of solidarity,” Meloto concluded.