GREAT HAPPINESS THIS CHRISTMAS
Another two families will surely be celebrating Christmas with joy in their hearts. Last December 19, 2011, Mrs. Gelacia Payot and Mrs. Felisa Bangcua were awarded brand new house units by University of Mindanao at GK Pueblo Antonio in Barangay Catigan. The two recipients were living in the place as tenants of the Habana family and according to them the dream of having a concrete house is in fact very impossible. Both Nanay Gelacia and Nanay Felisa stand as the breadwinner of the family.
Nanay Gelacia who is 60 years old and Nanay Felisa aged 71 years old both still manage to till their farm which they plant with various root crops and vegetables. During the turn-over ceremony Mrs. Payot and Mrs. Bangcua sincerely offered their thanks to the University of Mindanao for giving them this kind of gift especially this season of Christmas. Mr. Jaime Severino the GK Project Director quoted that “Mao kini ang labing dakung gasa nga gihatag sa ginoo karong kapaskuhan ngadto sa amo ug magpasalamat kami kay gidala niya and UM nganhi sa among gamay nga komunidad” – this is the greatest blessing that God has given us this Christmas season, and we are thankful that he brings UM here in our small community”.
Mrs. Bangcua also added that they really appreciate the help of the UM students, faculty and staff who from time to time lend their hands to help in the construction of the houses. This initiative is part of UM’s Community Extension Program dubbed as “Sariling Bahay, Matatag na Buhay” Housebuild Program. Every semester the University sponsors one unit of house at GK Pueblo Antonio. The construction is assisted by the Colleges of Engineering and Architecture. Other colleges also take part in painting the house and in landscaping job. Housebuild also incorporates other program components such as livelihood, education, health and environment.
As such during the current school year, the College of Business Administration assisted the GK community in organizing their farmer’s cooperative. At present the cooperative has started earning well and members have been very active in strengthening their enterprise. UM embraces the vision of GK movement which is to help in nation building and true enough upon looking at the faces of the two recipients, who through the small actions that were taken by each individual in the University, has brought immense difference in their lives and the lives of others especially those who are in need.