NWU Community upholds sense of volunteerism
The NWU students, faculty and head of offices proved that their hectic schedule is in no case a hindrance for them to uplift the spirit of volunteerism and unity as they joined the Bayanihan Challenge 2016 which aims to build and renovate houses for the residents of Gawad Kalinga Namnama Village.
The Bayanihan Challenge is an annual activity of the Gawad Kalinga Foundation, a Philippine-based movement, which generally targets to restore the dignity of the poor and give care without leaving anyone behind. As part of the target, the foundation specifically aims to end poverty for five million families until 2024 by employing an integrated and holistic approach empowerment with values-formation and leadership development at its core.
One of the beneficiaries of the said activity are the residents of Gawad Kalinga Namnama Village, Talingaan, Laoag City. Held on May 13-15, 2016, the three-day weekend event comprised of several activities such as cultivating of ornamental plants, rug-making for livelihood, gift-giving for the children and a basketball tournament for camaraderie development. The “Build a House” activity is the highlight of the event which was actively participated by the graduate students and faculty.
The volunteers, as well as Dr. Elsie C. Pilar, the Dean of the VJSSGS and Director of University Center for Research and Development, assisted in carrying and laying out hollowblocks. They also painted the finished houses.
Prof. Imelda Dawang, dean of Student Affairs, spearheaded the cultivation of ornamental plants. Recycled plastic bottles and used car tired served as the pots for the plants in order promote sustainable waste management.
Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, the University President, also participated in the undertaking as he stood in a human chain where participants carry and pass hollowblocks to each other until these would reach the endpoint.
Atty. Nicolas said that the activity is an eyeopener to everyone as he and the participants was able to internalized the vision of Gawad kalinga to extend help to the needy. He also expressed his support to the foundation’s tagline, “Walang Iwanan sa Pag-Unlad.”
“Namulat ang aming mata sa lawak ng hangarin ng Gawad Kalinga Foundation para sa bansa dahil hindi lamang pabahay ang kailangan ng ating mga kababayan, kailangan rin ng magandang trabaho at tulong para walang maiiwan sa pag-unlad ng bayan,” Nicolas said.
He also said that Northwestern University, as an educational institution has a purpose to help the students attain their dreams in life, however, he encouraged them to think not only of themselves but also to think of others and extend help to the needy.
“Ang isang sa mga pakay ng Northwestern University, bilang isang educational institution, ay para matulungan kayong mga estudyante na makamit ang inyong mga pangarap sa buhay. Pero hindi susulong ang ating bayan kung ang iniisip lamang natin ay
ang sarili natin. Huwag nating kalimutan ang ating mga kababayan na kapus palad. Kaya naniniwala ako sa pilosopiya ng GK na walang iwanan. Kung may pagunlad, dapat walang maiiwan,” he said.
He further emphasized that being an ordinary citizen is not a hindrance to help, thus, encouraged everyone to unite to attain the vision of GK.
“A public official has a big role in the nation building, pero tayong mga ordinaryong mamamayan, ang pagtulong natin, pag-aruga at pagmamahal sa kapwa, hindi nangangailangan ng boto, hindi nangangailangan ng termino, kaya sama sama tayong makiisa sa hangarin ng GK,” he added.
Rodolfo Lanusa, team leader of GK North Luzon, expressed his gratitude to Northwestern University for cooperating with them in the attainment of their vision to end poverty. He said that the activity which was supported by NWU serves as a key so that other schools and universities in Ilocos Norte will also open their doors and join their team in their endevour.
“Inumpisahan na ng Northwestern University ang pagtutulungan at kooperasyon dito sa GK community Ilocos Norte, kaya itong gagawin natin dito ngayon, ito ang magiging susi para bumukas sa oportunidad ng pagtulong ang ibang eskwelahan at tularan ang NWU. It’s a legacy. Maraming salamat po,” Lanusa said.
