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PIDC TORONTO GK VILLAGE TO RISE IN BICOL

Eight long hours on the road on the 14th day of January, 2008, tired and sleepless but well worth it when the Canadian entourage arrived at the site 9:00 am where the PIDC Toronto- GK Village will rise. The village will be situated at the town of Jose Maria E. Panganiban, Bicol Region, as promised by the officers and supporters of the Philippine Independence Day Council. The town of Jose Panganiban is about ten kilometers away from Daet, a mountainous area overlooking the sea. The town is an old mining town that was gravely affected when mining stopped in the region. What is worse, it is often affected by typhoons.
The Canadian group consist of ANCOP Canada President, Ricky Cuenca, PIDC President, Jun Enverga, Liaison Officer, Rosemer Enverga , PIDC Council of Leaders, Sena Flores, Victor Dy and Gerald Huerto of Lucena City Association. The group was warmly received by the villagers especially the soon to be recipients of the houses.
As the van approaches the site, a long line of kids were lined up to greet everyone with warm smiles and giggles and a big streamer flutter along welcoming us. It was a grand reception no less, complete with fresh buko and lunch on the table covered with banana leaves full of native delicacies.
The reception was festive and emotional because PIDC Toronto has finally arrived to change the lives of 15 families out of 30 houses promised by the officers and supporters of PIDC and hence, “Make 30 families happy for the rest of their lives”. As the villagers made their presentations and token of appreciation, they chanted in unison, “Salamat sa inyong lahat, bibigyan ninyo nang kulay ang aming buhay!” A one- bedroom house for a family of 7 is very small to our Canadian standards but to someone who has nothing, the house will give them dignity and respect.
As we tour the area where the village will rise, poor families followed us along the way with praises and appreciation for what we are doing. This village is a tribute to the hard working officers and supporters of the various events of PIDC. This goes to say the “C” in PIDC could also mean Charity and Compassion.
After a couple of hours of entertainment and ground breaking ceremonies, we cannot help but notice in the eyes of dozens of other families milling around us, the question, “how about us?”, “can you help us too?”. We can only say in our hearts , “we will try our best and with the support of everyone in Toronto, we can make a difference to a lot more families and ANSWER THE CRY OF THE POOR!”

By this time all houses are fully constructed .. Thank you to all who supported this charitable event !