Habitat launches 'I Build' campaign

MANILA, Philippines - Habitat for Humanity Philippines chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala geared up the organization’s “I BUILD...” campaign, the biggest build ever in the history of Asia, at Calauan, Laguna yesterday.

With the help of Youth Council chair Alex Madrigal Eduque, the youth build dubbed “1K for 1 Day” successfully mobilized more than a thousand youth volunteers from various schools, youth groups and organizations to be part of this momentous event.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines has set a four-year goal to celebrate its 25th anniversary of helping families in need of decent homes in sustainable communities.

With a donation of P90,000 per raw home, Habitat will provide Filipino families not only simple, decent and affordable houses but also capacity building workshops and, most importantly, the chance to build their lives in dignified communities.

Beneficiaries of the “I BUILD...” campaign are not limited to families living in densely populated areas, suffering from inadequate water and exposed to health risks.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala (left) and Pedro Roxas try their hand at making bricks. JOVEN CAGANDE

Habitat said it also wants devoted public servants and unsung heroes - public school teachers and firefighters - to have the chance to build and own a home through “sweat equity.”

“We invite you to partner with Habitat for Humanity in its mission to transform the lives of Filipino families in need and leave a legacy in nation building,” Zobel said.

Habitat has provided homes for 32,000 families, built and enabled more than 170 communities and has completed more than 300 classrooms and community centers.

Zobel also administered the oath to new officers of Habitat’s Youth Movement led by Eduque, Isabel Martel Francisco as president, and Simon Romulo Tantoco, Kevin Yang and Pedro Roxas as council members.

Other personalities who graced the event were Habitat ambassadors Karen Davila and Matteo Guidicelli.

Those interested to be part of Habitat’s “I BUILD....” campaign can e-mail or visit their website www.habitat.org.ph or call Ann Nagtalon at the Habitat office at 490-6122.