“Self-reliance and sustainability through the Gawad Kalinga (GK) community model.”
ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – The dream of a decent home is soon a reality for a number of Subanons with the launch of TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc’s housing project for the indigenous peoples of Zamboanga del Norte. The housing project is being done in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK).
To date, 50 Subanon families are now contributing man-hours as part of their commitment in building new homes for themselves in Tanuman Village, Barangay Kilalaban, Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte.
Soon, these Subanon families will be living in a concrete, 2 bed-room (with bathroom and wash area) single-detached houses in a parcel of land inside their sprawling 8,000 hectare Subanon ancestral domain.
Celestino Guinagag who spoke during the groundbreaking ceremonies could not contain his joy on the benefits he has been getting from TVIRD. “The wait is finally over. Our families will soon have our dream homes, thanks to TVIRD”. Guinagag, one of the Subanon beneficiaries of the resettlement project, also works as a security officer for the company. He, along with other families, was relocated when the company started its operations in the place where they lived a few years back.
During the ceremonies, Tito Cajules, GK’s National Director for Partnerships said, “The important thing is TVIRD and GK are building a community of people that help each other. And to start community building, their first need is to have decent homes”.
Renne Subido, Vice-President for Corporate Social Commitment of TVIRD said: “We don’t only want to give them houses but we want them to be a thriving community that can stand on their own and united in their efforts for sustainable development even after the company is gone.”
During the launch, Renilda Limbang, also a beneficiary, said. “I expected the company to build us a shelter but I didn’t expect it could be as beautiful as this. Surely, we can never build a house like this considering our meager income,” she added.
The Tanuman GK village is expected to be finished by the middle of 2012 and another community for the next 50 families will start after. (Joseph Arnel Deliverio)
20