ORMOC City---“Not just soldiers but builders and heroes”. This was how Romeo Caisug, a project director of Gawad Kalinga commend the soldiers of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade and 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion who volunteered in the Provincial Bayani Challenge held at So. Magocdoc, Brgy. Quezon Jr., Ormoc City from May 21-25, 2012.

“This place was once a battle ground of the communist rebels and government forces, but now the Goodland GK Village established here in So. Magocdoc, Brgy. Quezon Jr. is a hope for the homeless constituents. Thanks to Gawad Kalinga, the donor, soldiers and volunteers of this Provincial Bayani Challenge 2012”, Causig added.

For five days of test of endurance and volunteerism, Army troops and some 250 participants toiled to change lives, bring hope and build decent houses to the projected 30 recipients of the GK housing program. With the said activity, five duplex-type houses were successfully constructed in just five days.

Fourth district representative, Congresswoman Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez who was guest of honor during the closing ceremony of BC 2012 lauds the Army and other volunteers for the effort they have shared for the people of Brgy. Quezon Jr. According to her, giving people a house they can call their own is like giving them (beneficiaries) dignity.

“I would like to thank 19IB as well for securing the venue of this Provincial Bayani Challenge”, the Honorable Congresswoman remarked.

She also expressed her gratitude to Mr. Nicholas Pongos, the donor and Mr. Manuel Virtudazo, the Head of Gawad Kalinga in Leyte, for coming up with a sustainable housing project for her constituents in Brgy. Quezon Jr. Cong. Gomez’s office is one of the major sponsors of the activity. Initially, her office had pledged to support five out of the 30 units of housing project in Brgy. Quezon Jr.

Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, commanding officer of 19IB based in Kananga, Leyte revealed that ”Team Commando” had been extending assistance to the Gawad Kalinga Foundation since 2010 when the 3rd Provincial Bayani Challenge was launched in Isabel, Leyte. From hauling of materials and participants to building of houses, 19IB incessantly stands on its commitment in: “Serving the people, securing the land“.

“One moral lesson that we can acquire from the Provincial Bayani Challenge 2012 is the spirit of cooperation or ‘bayanihan’ which I believed was internalized by the participants who effortlessly ventured on building houses for the homeless.” Lt. Col. Nacnac said.

PR by the 8TH INFANTRY (STORMTROOPERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY