Bayanihan is one of the distinct practices that make Philippine culture. Originally, it is the act of helping a neighbor transfer his nipa hut from one location to another. Since we are already in the contemporary era, we rarely practice this tradition, until Gawad Kalinga re-introduced the Bayanihan spirit.
Gawad Kalinga has reinvented the core meaning of Bayanihan. If you have been into one of the organization’s site construction projects, you would know what I mean. GK wants to build a sense of camaraderie among beneficiaries, and part of doing this is having members of the community help in building houses of their neighbors. In this way, they would be able to bond and build trust among themselves.
The Bayanihan spirit is a powerful concept used by GK in calling for massive volunteerism. Universities, NGOs, business sector, and government officials all unite to push the GK goal. It is an amazing how the organization is able to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
Gawad Kalinga has revived the spirit of Bayanihan. With the movement pushing people out of their indifference, we can be sure that GK will be a driving force for social transformation. From building houses to changing lives, Gawad Kalinga continues to lessen the gap between the haves and have-nots in the country.
GK SAGIP will be having its annual GK SAGIP CONGRESS on August 29,2009 at the College of St Benilde Theatre from 1:00 - 8:00 pm. Registration fee is P50 per head.
ReplyDeleteWe are inviting all GK SAGIP Volunteers and those who would want to be involved in the children's program.
Gawad Kalinga