Dreams meet reality in this new GK village for the disabled

It was only just a dream. The Samahan ng may Kapansanan sa Dabaw (SAKADAB) never realized how their flimsy vision of a home could become existent. Yet they never dared to let go of such little possibility they thought there was because they always believed in God’s perfect universal plan. Sometimes, it might seem so delayed, even utterly wrong in our human perspective. However, we are not to judge. God indeed works His marvels in ways we cannot fully understand but in the end is when we realize how everything falls perfectly in place. This is where the members of the SAKADAB plant their hopes upon. This is their faith.

Members of the Samahan ng may Kapansanan sa Dabaw (SAKADAB)

Early on, they found shelter in the friendly pillars of the Our Lady of Victory Training Centre. They have been recipients of the generous efforts wielded for the wellbeing and productivity of the physically challenged society. At the moment, they are well provided with care and vocational training for their future needs. However, the training course is to run for just a period of time. When they are already fully equipped with technical skills to help them earn a living, they are bound to go back to wherever they used to live. Now the big setback is, most of them from SAKADAB don’t have homes to go back to. Though they never lost hope, the vagueness of their tomorrow is poignant enough. 

Day 1 of the "Bayani Build"

Well, such dream is now only a thing of the past. Gawad Kalinga Davao, in partnership with the City Government of Davao and various personalities, organizations and companies have joined hands to create reality out of what was once only a vision. On November 24, 2012, people from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the opening of what is called the “Bayani Build” — a week-long house build challenge that is customarily organized by Gawad Kalinga. Sponsors and volunteers all participated in the construction of the new village in order to make the “work” less like work and more fun instead. The builders all worked hand in hand, and you wouldn’t even recognize who’s who when they are already working on site. Everyone gets dirty. Everyone sweats hard. Everyone gets to endure the scorching heat of the sun. Everyone spares time for a common cause, that is, to make someone else’s dream come true. But these builders don’t really think this is just for someone else; this effort is for the members of SAKADAB, their fellowmen and their friends, nonetheless.

SAKADAB members join in on the fun

As days passed, walls started to rise high, windows and doors done, roofs were plastered in place piece by piece and colorful paint gracefully glow under the sunny sky. What beautiful view it is for any passerby! Although it was not fully done yet, you can only imagine how the beneficiaries felt at the sight of their new village rising. Tears could not define their overwhelming appreciation for all who contributed to the project. During the closing ceremony of the build, they came to offer the builders an array of beautiful songs. They said they really have nothing to repay everyone for their generosity and kindness, so they can only sing them songs from their grateful hearts. As soon as they sung, the magic of music filled the air. All the stress, fatigue and whatever kind of exhaustion slipped away. At that same moment, people realized how worthwhile it was to help in the build in spite of all the difficulties they encountered.

New homes rise as volunteers give all their efforts

The week-long program was over by November 28, 2012 but the Bayani Build continued. Heroes never leave any work undone, don't you agree? After four months of working on the marvelous village for our physically-challenged brethren, the houses finally reflected the full vivacious colors that symbolize hope — that priceless trophy that made us jump out of the dream and make reality. Concrete paths were already in place and the backyards are all ready for gardening and landscaping. Just a few more touches and these houses will all be ready to become homes. Just a few more weeks and it will already become a GK community with happy beneficiaries — a blissful thought that we only once imagined.

Colorful homes now stand in GK Our Lady of Victory

If there’s one very important lesson that one should learn from the Bayani Build experience, it’s that dreams meet reality in your very own hands. They don’t come true in just one whoosh of a wand. Remember that you can not only build your own future with your hands, you can do well with others’ too. Be Inspired. Mobilize. Make Change. Be the hero that our country needs today.

MABUHAY KA BAYANI!

And to the members of the SAKADAB, we from Gawad Kalinga hope for the fulfillment of the rest of your endeavours. It is God who made this all come true for you. We are even very lucky because He chose us to become instruments in this miracle. Keep your faith, and He will bless you more. Big smiles everyone! =)

Gawad Kalinga is not a charity, rather, it's an organization that aims to end poverty by building empowered communities. During the "Bayani Build" last Nov 24-30, 2012, volunteers gathered to build homes for the residents of Our Lady of Victory Rehabilitation and Training Center (persons with disabilities) at the relocation site in Los Amigos, Tugbok, Davao City. This is in cooperation with the City Govt. of Davao, private corporations like Pilipinas Shell, Coca Cola, Holcim Phils., Davao Light and Power to name a few, as well as student organizations, private individuals and other volunteer groups.

You too can help build communities like this! To find out how, click here.