Army backs GK Provincial Bayani Challenge 2012
The
“Team Commando” spearheaded Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cabansay during the
five days Provincial Bayani Challenge in Brgy. Quezon Jr., Ormoc
City. |
By 19th Infantry
Battalion, 8ID PA
May 26, 2012
ORMOC CITY – “Not just soldiers but builders and heroes”. This was
how Romeo Caisug, a project director of Gawad Kalinga commend the
soldiers of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade and 19th Infantry
(Commando) Battalion who volunteered in the Provincial Bayani
Challenge held at So. Magocdoc, Brgy. Quezon Jr., Ormoc City from May
21-25, 2012.
“This place was once a battle ground of the communist rebels and
government forces, but now the Goodland GK Village established here in
So. Magocdoc, Brgy. Quezon Jr. is a hope for the homeless
constituents. Thanks to Gawad Kalinga, the donor, soldiers and
volunteers of this Provincial Bayani Challenge 2012”, Causig added.
For five days of test of endurance and volunteerism, Army troops and
some 250 participants toiled to change lives, bring hope and build
decent houses to the projected 30 recipients of the GK housing
program. With the said activity, five duplex-type houses were
successfully constructed in just five days.
Fourth district representative, Congresswoman Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez
who was guest of honor during the closing ceremony of BC 2012 lauds
the Army and other volunteers for the effort they have shared for the
people of Brgy. Quezon Jr. According to her, giving people a house
they can call their own is like giving them (beneficiaries) dignity.
“I would like to thank 19IB as well for securing the venue of this
Provincial Bayani Challenge”, the Honorable Congresswoman remarked.
She also expressed her gratitude to Mr. Nicholas Pongos, the donor and
Mr. Manuel Virtudazo, the Head of Gawad Kalinga in Leyte, for coming
up with a sustainable housing project for her constituents in Brgy.
Quezon Jr. Cong. Gomez’s office is one of the major sponsors of the
activity. Initially, her office had pledged to support five out of the
30 units of housing project in Brgy. Quezon Jr.
Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, commanding officer of 19IB based in
Kananga, Leyte revealed that ”Team Commando” had been extending
assistance to the Gawad Kalinga Foundation since 2010 when the 3rd
Provincial Bayani Challenge was launched in Isabel, Leyte. From
hauling of materials and participants to building of houses, 19IB
incessantly stands on its commitment in: “Serving the people, securing
the land“.
“One
moral lesson that we can acquire from the Provincial Bayani Challenge
2012 is the spirit of cooperation or ‘bayanihan’ which I believed was
internalized by the participants who effortlessly ventured on building
houses for the homeless.” Lt. Col. Nacnac said.