It takes a village…

Beta Sigma Fraternity of Western USA has launched a task to help build the BETA SIGMA-GK VILLAGE for the poorest of the poor alongside with Gawad Kalinga and ANCOP USA (Answering the Cry of the Poor).  Beta Sigma Fraternity is the first Philippine-based fraternity to embark this kind of project.   

Gawad Kalinga (GK) is an organization that provides an alternative solution to the growing problem of poverty, not just in the Philippines, but also in the world.  Together with volunteers and partners, GK’s objective is to build decent homes and provide food to families and communities in need, and as a result, bring dignity and peace for every Filipino.  

In behalf of Beta Sigma Fraternity of Western USA, I would like to request other Beta Sigma chapters as well as individual members all over the world for their generosity, cooperation, and support. Let us do this together and help build the BETA SIGMA-GK VILLAGE -- a “global village” of communities and hope.  Beta Sigma Fraternity will be instrumental in positively changing the lives of an entire Filipino community.

Fraternally,

GP Jet Salas III
Western USA

Beta Sigma-GK Village Project on overdrive

On April 27, 2007, Beta Sigma Fraternity Western USA met Tony Meloto, founder of Gawad Kalinga, who believes that, "the Filipinos can and will build a squatter-free, slum-free, and hunger-free Philippines by committing their collective genius, passion and strength to restore the dignity and the potential for excellence of the poor, the weak, and the powerless. The spirit of the poor is rising because those with the most share their best with the least."

On May 5, 2007, Western USA has formally launched its partnership with Gawad Kalinga/ ANCOP-USA at Airtel Plaza Hotel Gulfstream III-IV Ballroom, 7277 Valjean Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406. Concurrent with the event, Western USA held its initial fundraising campaign towards the construction of the first university-based fraternity GK Village.

MALMON GK VILLAGE

BARANGAY GUIHING, HAGONOY, DAVAO DEL SUR

Sprawled along the shores of Southeastern Mindanao, Davao del Sur is a place of natural wonders and rarities. It boasts of the country’s highest peak - Mt. Apo, the most prized Philippine orchid species like the Vanda Sanderiana, some of the most exotic fruits, and the endangered Philippine Eagle.

Davao del Sur is host to ethnic groups whose culture and ways of life have been preserved. These are the Bagobos, the Mandayas, the Mansakas, the Atas, the Kalagans, the Tagakaolos, and the Mangguangans. Their arts and crafts are on display in museums and shops.

There is a wide choice of white sand beaches and resorts. In the city, there are numerous hotels and inns where there is good food and a lively nightlife.

The Davao area has great opportunities for two-wheeled tours. The pristine hills and whitesand beaches of Samal Island make it a popular bike destination, and a well-attended race is held here annually. From Davao City you can make day trips to the rugged foothills of Mt. Apo, the archipelago’s highest peak.

Davao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Digos City and it is surrounded by Davao City to the north, and Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani to the west and to the east lies the Davao Gulf.

Davao City used to be part of the province until it was made into an independent city. The city administers itself, separate from the province, and has its own Congress representatives.

The term “Guihing” believed to have been derived from an old time, well-known Chinese merchant “Gua Hing.” He had a big store at the corner of the road, in front of the present Guihing Central Elementary School. The natives, B’laan and Kalagan, found difficulty in pronouncing Gua Hing but very easily for them to say the word ‘Gui Hing.’ From that time on, the place was called “Guihing.”

The place was created into a barangay in the year 1947. In commemoration of that even, it has regularly celebrated its “Araw ng Guihing” every 3rd Saturday of October. The barangay has been classified as urbanized because of the influx of migration, mostly job seekers due to the presence of 4 of the big agri-industrialized firms in this barangay. It has a land area of 1,699 hectares with 2,255 households and a total population of 9,594 as of 2004.

The strategic marker of the barangay is the dilapidated, almost collapsible bridge adjoining the thoroughfares/travel routes of Davao-Digos-Gen. Santos Cities. The river after which the bridge is built has been an outlet of the huge Padada-Balatukan Rivers. In the past, this bridge had witnessed more than five (5) major floods and baby tornados that relocated many residents, including the historical typhoon Titang in 1970’s.

These are pictures of the “decade-old” dilapidated bridge with houses built along its concrete dike that could hardly protect them during flood and high water level on rainy days.

The barangay is abundant with agro-industrial crops such as sugarcane, coconut, banana and mango since it is the original seat of the plantations in the province owned by the big players and food exporters.

(source: Gawad Kalinga)

All contributions are 100% tax-deductible. All checks must be made payable to ANCOP, USA indicating Beta Sigma-GK Project on the memo, and sent to:

Beta Sigma Fraternity
P.O Box 280285
Northridge, CA 91324-9998

Please email Gene Gatmaitan, Beta Sigma Western USA-GK/ANCOP Project Coordinator, at Genegat1@netzero.net  for more information.

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