Instead of the usual balls and parties, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) batch 1987 opted for something more meaningful for their 25th homecoming this December, which is to build houses for 10 families in the SHS-AdC GK Village in barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City.
In a press conference last week, batch chairman John Dytian said they wanted to do something more than just hosting a party so they poured in resources to build ten houses and a multi-purpose hall in the village in partnership with the Gawad Kalinga Foundation.
Dytian said they also need help from other sources who want to make a difference in the lives of others this Christmas.
The village is located in a 3,653 square meter lot in Maguikay that can accommodate a total of 30 houses.
“We have already built ten homes and we need help for the 20 more. We got commitments from the student body organization which raised P180,000 by passing a bottle for donations. Batches 71, 74 and 77 have also given their commitments to help,” said Jay Aldeguer, SHS-AdC batch 87 vice chairman.
According to GK Cebu head Gerome Awit, Cebu needs more projects like this from the private sector, especially those with prominent family names to build more confidence for more partnerships in the future.
“In our GK villages, we don’t only provide shelter but also help promote values among the beneficiaries as well as teach them how to earn a living,” said Awit.
On Dec. 8, the batch will also hold a medical mission and turn over three more homes to the beneficiaries. /REPORTER AILEEN GARCIA YAP