Project BUILD III

PROJECT BUILD III - Day Three
A dream fulfilled!

part 3 of 3

September 2, 2006, I got there earlier than usual. Our Chairman – Orlando “Jojo” Bautista was there just before the assembly gathered for prayer. Normally; volunteers arrived a little after eight. To my surprise, they were there half an hour earlier, I wonder what nudged them to come in a little early this day. Could it be that they enjoyed what they did in the first two schedules that preceded this? Maybe…even Our Chairman Emeritus - Ma’am Del Vitangcol together with our Board Treasurer - Aida B. Francisco fresh from the U.S. was there with our friend Gigi Bundoc. Soon after, another Board member - Ernesto “BOY” Bautista graced us with hi presence. Our AVP for HROD Jude O.L. Tiongco came with two of his children Carlos and Bettina to lend a hand in the venture.

We have finished the first home, now occupied by a family of four or is it six and their pet dog. Two more houses to go, but as it turned out; the supposed two homes to be painted is now three, one more added because what was supposed to be a single structure was made into a duplex type unit. Surely, another family will benefit from this. Once more roller paint brushes, rags and dust masks were given to an enthusiastic pack of would be Picassos. We immediately began the task as we received our tools. Paint here, move there, mix every now and then, wash a bit and transfer to another wall, was the order of the day for us who participated. There were drops of paint to the face, a smear on the sleeve and a streak to the hair, even dust in the eye but not a whine, from those of us who were affected by the nuisance of the trade. How time flies when you love what you do and true to the cliché “many hands make light work”, we were done just before noon.

Again as we gathered in front of the VANA Multi-purpose hall, tired but with smiles on our faces, it was announced that to commemorate the birthday of one of the caretakers of the project we will again be having our lunch together with the residents of VANA compound. As if planned, making the celebration complete, comes our Executive Vice President and COO Ernie C. Santiago with sando bags in hand; brought with him ice-cream. Now, that’s what I call providence.

A commitment!

Looking back, after all that has been done. What started out as a mere response to participate in a corporate affair, turned into a personal vow to give a hand to others who have little or often times none. I firmly believe that uplifting the lives of our impoverished brethren is a concrete and positive act in re-building this nation. Given this rare opportunity we’ve decided to offer our time, effort and riches to help alleviate the pains brought about by poverty.

Better yet in being God-centered - committed to promoting the Word of God and models of a loving, prayerful, sincere and moral St. Peterian way of life - we considered it our social duty to extend a helping hand and return the favors that God has bestowed on us.

May the St. Peterian tribe increase.