I arrived in Zamboanga City expecting to go to Tulungatong town for the opening of the Bayani Challenge but the facilitators informed me they didn’t have an activity that day, so Tito Judi Bentoy asked to visit Tungawan instead.

Approaching Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay

Tungawan is a 3rd class Municipality in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. It has a population of about 33,194 according to the 2000 Census. Its main source of livelihood is agriculture and produces rubber, coconut, corn, rice, and seaweeds from farming and fishing.

Together with Tito Judi Bentoy, the GK Area Coordinator for Western Mindanao, we were welcomed by Mayor Randy Climaco, a very active and passionate servant leader. We then went to the build site where Team Zamboanga Sibugay kicked-off their Bayani Challenge activities. About 2,000 volunteers participated in the opening activities of the Bayani Challenge in Tungawan town.

Mayor Randy Climaco and Tito Judi Bentoy welcoming the volunteers

“This is the first time that Tungawenyos work together to build homes for the poor and we wish to continue this very good intitiative” said Mayor Climaco.

While walking around the build site, we passed by an old man who was joining the bayanihan line where they were passing on sacks of gravel and sand. Mayor Climaco then introduced me to Manong who to my surprise was the land donor of the village. He is one of the leaders of the Kalibugan Tribe.

Manong (with hard hat) gives the best for his fellow Subanons

I spent time talking to him as I was intrigued by why he donated his lot when he can choose to sell it and earn enough money to sustain his livelihood. But what he said struck me: “You know, money isn’t important to me with my age right now. Even if I sold it, the money I’ll get from it would only be for a short time, and I will be the only one benefiting from it. I’m already 76 and I’d rather give the land to my fellow Subanons and leave a legacy to the people of my tribe, a legacy that everyone can share.” Asked how he felt about the convergence happening during the Bayani Challenge, he said “I’m happy to see this happening here in Tungawan. I’m happy to see Muslims and Christians working together. I’m happy to see that this place is becoming a happy place.”

Manong has one of the unique stories I’ve ever encountered through my journey in Gawad Kalinga. Manong, apart from being the donor is also one of the beneficiaries of the Tungawan GK Village as he is part of the poorest of the poor in the town, truly one of the least that gives the best for his people, for his country, and for his Creator.

Gawad Kalinga is not a charity, rather, it's an organization that aims to end poverty by building empowered and productive communities. This would not be possible without the partners and volunteers who have journeyed with us in changing the lives of others. Like Manong, you too can be a hero to the poorest of the poor and partner with us in making sure that no one is left behind. Walang Iwanan!

* Bayani Challenge Home Page
* BC 2013 Day 1
* BC 2013 Day 2
* BC 2013 Day 3

* BC 2013 Day 4

* BC 2013 Day 5