"More than the physical accomplishment, there is that feeling, that sense of solidarity you get from working together with others for the community," said Oquiñena, who took a break from helping dig a septic tank to explain why he has made volunteerism his life's work. This year's Bayani Challenge is unique because it was done simultaneously in five provinces and initiated by GK in partnership with the Office of the President through Pilipinas Natin, a program of the present administration that seeks to mobilize volunteers for nation building. Gawad Kalinga (GK) executive director Luis Oquiñena said the Bayani Challenge demonstrates that Filipinos can sacrifice and even get resources from their own pockets to help the less fortunate, adding that is the kind of attitude that the country lacks and sorely needs.
(Smart) helped spread their inspiring stories by providing broadband services all throughout the event.Īside from a dedicated Internet connection for the downloading and uploading needs of organizers, Smart also provided free wi-fi services at the town plaza where volunteers gather so they could share with others what they've been doing through social updates and spark the spirit of volunteerism everywhere.
Although repainting, cleaning, and helping to landscape schools were not easy tasks, she said she would not hesitate to volunteer again if the opportunity arises.ĭela Cruz was part of eight teams that were assigned to five public schools in Amlan.Īnother volunteer, Amlan Municipal Councilor Ana Linda Esparcia, said that while her muscles ached from helping lay the foundation, mix concrete, pile hollow blocks, or dig a septic tank for a house, she gets a sense of fulfillment from her efforts to help provide shelter for families left homeless by rampaging floodwaters at the height of Typhoon Sendong.ĭela Cruz and Esparcia were among 2,000 volunteers who built homes and undertook other community projects in Amlan in line with the holding of the Bayani Challenge 2012, and wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. Volunteers from all over the country braved the searing heat and worked tirelessly for five days during the Bayani Challenge 2012 last week and, at the end of the event, agreed that nothing compares to the feeling of accomplishment that one gets from helping complete a house or refurbish a school.įirst time volunteer Kim dela Cruz, 18, said she had fun and felt good that she was able to help in her own little way.
They came together in the town of Amlan in Negros Oriental, where they built houses, beautified schools, taught and entertained children, cleaned and planted, and showed how communities can be transformed through selflessness and sacrifice.
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