In Bantayan town GK launches Bayani Challenge

CEBU, Philippines - Gawad Kalinga is currently staging the 6th Bayani Challenge in Bantayan town.

The event, which runs from April 4 to 9, will have teams of 15 people each go on an adventure to promote camaraderie and peace.

GK has partnered with the Presidential Communications Operations Office, through the Office for Special Concerns (OSC), for the event, which is in line with President Aquino’s call for public-private partnership.

Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Jose Marie Oquinena said that while GK is sought in building communities, OSC has expanded the opportunities for volunteerism.   He said the event has over 2,000 volunteers from the Philippines, Australia, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, Spain and Canada.

Among the participating countries, Singapore has the most number of participants which reached to 55.

This year’s “Bayani Challenge” is composed of six activities. First is the “Building of Homes,” which enables participants to experience building a house.

Second is the “Paraisong Pambata,” in which delegates will have a fun with children aged six to ten years old by holding feeding program, story telling, games and sports clinic. Third is the “Building of School” in which participants will repair public schools.

Fourth is “Island Greening,” wherein volunteers will participate in coastal cleanup, mangrove planting, and tree planting.

Fifth is “Building of Farms,” which will have participants set up farm’s infrastructure such as fences, compost sheds and family plot markers.

Last is the “Health Mission,” which involves holding of nutrition program, medical checkup and consultancy.

In line with this, there will be a forum at the Bantayan Gym today to be attended by representative of local government units and national leaders.

The forum will be hosted by Bantayan Mayor Christopher Ian Escario. — (FREEMAN)