SHS-Ateneo de Cebu alumni pledge houses to GK

CEBU, Philippines - As part of their homecoming activity, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Batch '87 officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement and pledged P1,150,000 for a housing project with Gawad Kalinga and Mandaue City last Friday.

Batch '87 will start the "Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Village" with the construction of ten homes and a multi-purpose hall for families in need. This will be located in Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City, behind SHS-Ateneo de Cebu. The Mandaue City government provided 3,653 square meters of land for this project wherein 86 informal family settlers from Mandaue are the beneficiaries.

Batch '87 Chairman John Alex Dytian said that this year marks a milestone for their batch since they are celebrating their 25th year since they graduated.

"We have to do something sustainable that could show our appreciation of all the blessings that we received for the past 25 years and most of all something that would live up the motto of our school which is being a man for others," Dytian shared.

Batch '87 Co-Chairman Jay Aldeguer said that they always try to take the extra step in celebrating their homecoming. He said they chose GK since it is known for helping unfortunate people build their homes.

He also shared that later they will be implementing livelihood programs for their beneficiaries and for the whole community. 

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said they are fortunate to have this project since GK not only builds houses but also communities. Cortes also said the livelihood project will teach the people not to become lazy and dependent. 

GK Executive Director Luis Oquiñena said that he is not building partnerships but friendships with Batch '87. He said the goal of this project is to build a community of empowered people to ensure a future generation will have an equal chance of making it good in society.

Oquiñena added that since the beneficiaries will not be paying for the homes, they are required to help in building the village.

Oquiñena added that next week, they will purchase the materials needed for the construction.

He said that the project will be turned over on December 29, 2012 which is the homecoming of the school. Batch '87 is looking to spend their Christmas in the village with the beneficiaries. 

— (FREEMAN)