Gawad Kalinga Cebu’s Kalayaan Build
June 12, 1898, Araw ng Kalayaan — the day when the Filipinos gained independence from the Spaniards. But freedom means being free from negative forces that are controlling us. Poverty of one half supplemented with apathy of the other half… Now tell me, are we really free? 
Last week, June 11-12, 2011, the Gawad Kalinga volunteers and builders in Cebu joined the Kalayaan Build, an activity of heroism to continue the fight against poverty and apathy. I’m glad to have joined the movement. 
And it gladdened me more that, though only a few volunteers came, they wholeheartedly decided to spend the weekend at the GK village in Maguikay, Mandaue City. (Note: The other volunteers were at the GK village in Bogo, still for the Kalayaan Build). 
Wall clean-up: before, during, and after.
Despite the scorching heat of the sun, the volunteers/builders continued working, shoveling and passing around sacks of earth, cleaning the walls, etc. 
This went on for the whole duration of the build. And unlike during our Builders Camp where we were hosted by the Kapitbahayan, we took care of our own food this time. Thanks to Patrick’s Kalinga Team for the tasking! 
During the night, we had a little session wherein Patrick and Andrew shared to us some GK pointers, one of which I’ve already mentioned — that today, it’s not just about reliving our independence from foreign hands but continuing the fight against poverty and apathy (lack of human dignity and lack of sharing/giving). But what struck me the most was what Lea Stanke, a volunteer from Germany who was present during the Kalayaan Build, said about it.
Compared to other countries, I think you really have a good sharing here in the Philippines. That’s what I have figured out so far. I think you could be proud of what you are able to do together and what you share.
Lea Stanke
Hearing that from a foreigner made me realize that instead of fixing the blame, we should really just focus on fixing the problem. I guess it could be enough inspiration to continue doing good. With that, the current GK volunteers and I are hoping to gather more courageous and determined people to strengthen the army fighting against poverty. Come and join us! 
Gawad Kalinga volunteers & builders.
Last Monday, Rejzl’s article about the event and GK as a whole was published in Sunstar. You can read the article in the image below (click to enlarge). 
Category: Events, Gawad Kalinga, Photos, Rants and Raves. Comments: 3 Comments. RSS
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That is so wonderful of you! Love the photos aswell.
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Thank you dear!
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