1.5-km 'pasa load' marks Vizcaya GK village launch

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines  – It was a different type of “pasa load,” the now common practice of sharing or passing on (pasa) phone loads.

To establish another Gawad Kalinga (GK) village for homeless families, hundred of volunteers from various sectors throughout this province gathered the other day in Dupax del Sur town to take part in a 1.5-kilometer human chain, passing stones from a river to the one-hectare GK village site to be used for an initial 22 houses for homeless families.

The human chain, which highlighted the launching of the province’s newest GK village in Barangay Mangayang, showcased the voluntary spirit that imbues every GK project, said board member Efren Quiben, one of the GK founders here.

“This enables those who are with us, even only for the very short period like this launching of a new GK village, to play a part in its establishment,” said Quiben.

Gov. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, Vice Gov. Jose Gambit and town officials headed by Mayor Wilson Giron also joined the human chain.

GK, with assistance from the provincial government, had put up similar villages in other towns of the province such as Solano, Diadi and Bambang.

Quiben said that at least four more GK villages will be put up in the province for homeless residents.