THE presence of countless challenges and tribulations all over the country for the past years has somehow caused the spirit of optimism among Filipinos to plummet or if not vanish. It cannot be denied that everyone is suffocated with the disheartening updates relayed by social media regarding the perennial problems we faced, such as COVID-19, the inflation caused by continued crisis between Russia and Ukraine, the emergence of several catastrophes, and several like.
I claimed to be resilient all through these years, but sometimes my strength and hope dwindle when I heard several displeasing information from the media sources. It is hard to pretend, but since we are all humans with sensitivity to feel the anguish suffered by most of us, we can inevitably come to the point of losing hope to rise from the toxic society.
One time, out of boredom, I made a quick glance to my Facebook timeline to know for updates and status posts from my friends. Though several disparaging information were displayed there, one caught my attention was the imminent spirit of volunteerism by the members of the youth ministry of Loon. While having a perplexed brow earlier due to so many concerns, I found my irked system at lull when I read between the lines, the post of our parish vicar, Rev. Fr. Gamaliel Reyes. It was all about an initiative that gives shelters to the less fortunate to have a place called home.
Somehow, I realized that even if some parts of the societal system weaken our immunity to fight the distressed world, there is something that truly brings promising hope. So, I did a thorough scrutiny to go about it.
Perhaps, this benevolent and kindhearted act is underrated by publicity. Nonetheless, I found this deed worth knowing by some, just to show that in the midst of the chaotic society, there stand the Good Samaritans willing to show off their kindness when the world focuses the dilemmas to be in the spotlight.
With intense level of exuberance, I went on my way to get the birds eye view of the notable and noble act of mercy. So flamboyant that the parish vicar never gave a second thought to unveil the facts about the program.
The Balay sa Kabus Program has been an initiative by the Diocese of Tagbilaran through Bishop Alberto Uy. This aims to provide equitable housing opportunity to the lowly among the lows. The program has been implemented by the parishes of the diocese. By far, there have already been 100 houses built since the program was launched.
Chaired by Rev. Fr. Felix Silagan and Vice chaired by Rev. Fr. Gamaliel Reyes, who were previously assigned in Antequera parish, the housing project has changed the rugged lives of many homeless individuals in the said town. When the reshuffling of the priests subsequently took place, the project is still continued to the towns where the officers are assigned.
According to Rev. Fr. Reyes, the group eyed possible recipient through ocular assessment of the surrounding barangays of the parish through the coordination of the barangay chairpersons to exactly point out the deserving. After which, the validation interview would then be conducted to screen out the recipient. There were also instances that Fr. Reyes actually made a personal survey of the community to look for the most deserving.
Once identified, the construction would then start with the volunteers of the project. There have been existing volunteers who would receive an honorarium to compensate their labor. While the materials are mostly funded by the diocese, other materials are taken from the parish funds or from other generous sponsors who preferred anonymity. The structure is semi-concrete which is completed in 7 days. Owning an instant house, the recipient enjoys living in a safe and comfortable space, far different from their original home.
On the flip side, Fr. Reyes also shared that there were times he could spend his own funds for the snacks of the volunteers and to purchase for the other materials once there is a shortage of supplies.
But that is not what matters most. Slashing personal funds is never an issue for him. Seeing the entire work done with the spirit of solidarity, generosity and kindness among the volunteers and donors is truly the most rewarding part of the missionary work.
In Our Lady of Light parish-Loon, one lucky recipient is blessed by heaven through this program. A boy, who is with his family living entirely in a makeshift for a long time in a bare floor, has his life changed in a moment, through the supports poured by the philanthropist group led by Fr. Reyes.
As of this time, the construction is on going with the special participation of the Parish Youth Ministry and several other volunteers. Certainly, this life changing deed would inspire Loonanons and the rest of the world to appreciate the beauty of giving to see another family smiling as its gestures of gratefulness.
Definitely, the Pograma sa Kabus does not just uplift the plight of the needy, but provide an avenue for the Good Samaritans to share what they have through voluntary works and supplies to materialize the project. More than just helping, it brings forth the virtues of unity and kindness among the involved individuals. It therefore proves the saying that, in unity there is strength.
When asked about the impact of the project to the entire existence of the recipients, Fr. Reyes told in verbatim that the housing access has created a great difference to the lives of the recipient. More than poverty alleviation, the housing privilege has motivated them to do better in their lives and increase their likelihood to prosper and live with enough reason to celebrate God’s goodness and greatness.
More so, the opportunity afforded to the recipients has strengthened their religious faith which is evident through their worship involvement to church.
Overwhelmed by the verbosity of facts presented by Fr. Reyes, I found myself awed and mesmerized by the impact of the simple, yet noble act. I exclaimed in silence the greatness of the Lord for sending forth several kindhearted fellows who unconditionally devote and commit themselves to such commendable acts.
In a nut shell, this is something worth emulated and replicated. We can never provide everything to everyone in need, however, our simple act of compassion brings a ripple of positive impact to the lives of the underprivileged and underserved. It is through being sensitive and responsive to the needs of others that can truly make us all worthy to inherit the kingdom of God.
Moreover, by being virtuous, we can be the catalyst for change to our ailing society. This may not be the only way to express our care and proactivity, nevertheless, this tells us that if we allow ourselves to be the bastion of others, then we can make our existence worth it.
To end the productive interview, Fr. Alel parted the talk with the motivating line “Nothing is impossible to people who work hand in hand”, or in vernacular, “Walay butang imposible sa mga tawo nga nagtinabangay”.
Hail Good Samaritans for you are in the right track!
