GK YGAT 2008 Luzon Visayas Mindanao MISSION POSSIBLE
By Marie Oconer Date Posted: March 22, 2008
In spite of all the advancements in the world, the issue of disparity of wealth remains paramount. In a single country alone, a quarter of the people live in vast wealth while the other three quarters live in shanty towns and slums. The image is heartbreaking yet so real for those whose lives are plagued by poverty. We often ask ourselves What can I do to change this situation? While some find the question too difficult, others consider the options and take up the challenge.
In January and February, 62 young people took up a unique challenge, a mission in fact, they boarded a plane and crossed the ocean to do so. In the hope of bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, they became heroes and joined the ranks of others who have gone before them.
The Mission: to build simultaneously in the three main regions of the Philippines Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao. The practical considerations in organising this proved to be challenging but inspired by the work of Gawad Kalinga (GK), the people of the Philippines and the belief in the greater good of humanity, the mission was brought to life.
The Luzon team of 28 was welcomed wholeheartedly by the beneficiaries and soon to be beneficiaries of GK Alabat, an island in the province of Quezon. The team, who worked through monsoonal rain and strong humidity, became heroes to the local villagers. However it was the villagers themselves who proved to be the heroes, with one even carving with his own hands a crutch for one of the injured participants to use.
The Visayas team of 24 were indeed the travellers, journeying by pick-up truck and building in not one but two villages GK ERH in Bacolod and GK Sinigayan in Sagay City. Their travels were not only blessed by the hospitality of the locals but also by a brush with fame, with a chance encounter with the iconic Lea Salonga.
The Mindanao team of 10 truly felt at home in their village of GK Riverdrive in Davao. Theirs was a special experience, immersing themselves in one of the most diverse, unique and beautiful parts of the country. They were also fortunate enough to have full-time worker Bai-Linda share her unbelievable and inspirational life story with them.
Ultimately it was not just a mission that involved 62; when in fact, it was the locals whose compassion, kindness and generosity contributed the most to remind us of how rich in spirit the Filipino people are. If ever there was doubt as to whether this country could ever rise out of poverty, the two weeks with the Filipino people has proven otherwise.
Mission LVM was accomplished but the journey will continue for the 62 participants who have no doubt been inspired to continue working for the poor along with other volunteers, full-time workers and beneficiaries in the Philippines and around the world. The vision now is not just about overcoming poverty, it is about understanding we are one global family who share one planet which we must treasure, preserve and protect. The fulfillment of this realisation will be tough, but the reward will benefit not just ourselves, but generations to come.
*** Please visit our GK Youth Australia Photo Gallery for photos of the GK YGAT 2008 Mission: LVM ***
The Luzon team of 28 was welcomed wholeheartedly by the beneficiaries and soon to be beneficiaries of GK Alabat, an island in the province of Quezon. The team, who worked through monsoonal rain and strong humidity, became heroes to the local villagers. However it was the villagers themselves who proved to be the heroes, with one even carving with his own hands a crutch for one of the injured participants to use.
Mission LVM was accomplished but the journey will continue for the 62 participants who have no doubt been inspired to continue working for the poor along with other volunteers, full-time workers and beneficiaries in the Philippines and around the world. The vision now is not just about overcoming poverty, it is about understanding we are one global family who share one planet which we must treasure, preserve and protect. The fulfillment of this realisation will be tough, but the reward will benefit not just ourselves, but generations to come.
