It will never be forgotten the fury of super typhoon "Reming" (international code name: Durian ) last December 1, 2006, that wrought havoc in Southern Luzon especially Albay Province. Devastation is, perhaps, an under statement if we are to describe the aftermath of Albay, which I personally witnessed. Hundreds of lives were lost, several communities (barangays) completely buried under the volcanic mud and the means of livelihood totally destroyed. To thousands of families, Christmas of 2006 was the gloomiest and the most depressing as they spent the season under make shift tents in a very miserable condition (sweltering heat by day and in the cold of the night) pondering on what the incoming new year will bring. Twelve months later this year, hundreds of families will be spending Christmas away from the villages were they had spent much of their memories. Instead, they will be happily celebrating the birth of the Lord in a newly restored community which they themselves helped built through the coordination and donations of kind hearted people in partnership with Gawad Kalinga Foundation, Inc. The development of this new community that give hope and inspiration to the thousands of calamity victims as they regain normal lives is a noble task of gallantry and compassion. The Lions of District 301-A2 and the Lions of MD 106 Denmark Disaster and Relief Foundation are among those breed of men and women who joined hands with Gawad Kalinga Foundation to construct 60 units of resettlement houses in Barangay Anislag, Daraga, Albay as part of the 400 units community. Upon learning from IPCC Nelson Go last December 2006 that the MD 106 Denmark Disaster and Relief Foundation was looking for some partners in the Philippines who are willing to supervise and administer the entire project for the benefit of typhoon Reming victims, the then District Governor Ramon A. Cariño wasted no time and got in touch through e-mail with the foundation’s representative, PCC Ole Priess. DG Ray went to coordinate with former Albay Provincial Governor Fernando Gonzales and Provincial Engineer Lion Dante Baclao, who by chance was the club president of Legaspi City Host Lions Club, for a possible site. DG Ray compiled all the required documents and immediately sent to Denmark. Realizing the urgency of the situation, the Denmark Foundation approved a grant in the amount of US$ 80,000.00 for the construction of 60 resettlement housing units and remitted half of the amount last March, 2007 to DG Ray. Details were discussed and agreed upon then a Memorandum of Agreement signed with GK Foundation, who became the local partner of the Lions and allowed the 60-units houses to be built as part of the current 400-unit community. GK Foundation is a recipient of an international award for its on-going global concerns for people displaced by natural disasters. As part of the agreement DG Ray turned over US$20,000 under GK Official Receipt No. 26231 dated March 27, 2007 to GK’s Executive Director Jose Luis Oquinena upon signing of the MOA. Another US$20,000 was again remitted to GK last October 8, 2007 and was also issued GK Official Receipt No. 28821 by Mr. Oquinena. The remaining US$40,000 was kept at RCBC Bank in the name of Lions District 301–A2 Philippines earmarked to be released to GK before the start of the next 30 housing units. Since the ground breaking last April, 2007 at the site of what we now call the “Lions Village”, half of the 60 units have been turned over to qualified beneficiaries in two separate ceremonies with each unit costing P65,000.00. The first on August 5, 2007 and the second was November 15, 2007, both events were witnessed by Lion members from Legazpi City Host Lions Club, Bicolandia Lions Club, Tabaco Host Lions Club, Albay United Lions Club, the Bulan Lions Club, the GK staff and the local government personnel. On both occasions, the teary-eyed children of the recipients gaily presented songs and dance numbers. They were then given candies and toys by spouses IPDG Ray Cariño and Elynn who have been regularly visiting the site to monitor and oversee the construction. The couple, as well as other lion members from Bicol area, even rolled up sleeves under the weather to provide labor for the houses, e.g. paint application, masonry, carpentry. Notably the signature colors of Lions Clubs International – purple and yellow gold were utilized where possible. What a heartwarming way to spread love and to glorify God. Despite the distance from Manila, IPDG Ray and Elynn committed themselves and continued to supervise and coordinate the project at their own expense until the last unit is completed and turned-over to the recipient. IPDG Ray also assures everyone that the entire sum of US$ 80,000 are being spent directly for the Lions Village only, no incidentals, no traveling, hotel, and nothing about representation expense or what have you. Secondly, as the Grant Administrator, it is the sole responsibility of IPDG Ray to account direct on to the donor the whole amount of the grant up to the single cent. "It is an honor and a privilege to be closely working with the GK volunteers and the lion members of Bicol area" --- according to IPDG Ray and Ellyn. Everyone is very cooperative and hardworking looking after the success of the “Lions Village”. Everyone, including the recipients wishes to extend their endless thanks to the lion members of MD 106 Denmark - Disaster & Relief Foundation who provided the means by which to give these unfortunate victims of calamity the kind of hope and compassion. |
| The LIONS VILLAGE Barangay Anislag, Daraga, Albay. Philippines Year-End Administrator's Report, December 2007 |
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welcome to:
LIONS VILLAGE
LIONS VILLAGE