“Our lives have changed dramatically ever since we lived here in Dreamland “, a testimonial from a mother of six children Lilia Soriano, who is fondly called “Dragon” by her fellow Kapitbahayans. Her family now runs a sari-sari store which is also situated in their house. She and her family are one of the many recipients of the 100-recently turn overed houses donated by Berjaya Group Philippines in GK Dreamland located in Brgy. Kaypian in the City of San Jose Del Monte Bulacan. She now runs a sari-sari store which is also situated in their house. “We are now very happy and contented. We only lived in the squatter’s area before. But now, we can finally say that where we’re living at is not just a house, but a home. We are very thankful to Gawad Kalinga and Berjaya for giving us the opportunity to start our dream.”
The simple yet very memorable turn over ceremony was held last March 13, 2014 and was graced by the Berjaya Group Philippines headed by their country head Paul Soo, Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Luis Oquinena, Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay, San Jose Del Bulacan Office of the Mayor Chief of Staff Engr. Leo Nicholas and Barangay Kaypian Brgy. Captain Zosimo Lorenzo. The Kapitbahayans previously lived in Makati City and were later on resettled in GK Dreamland.
“This is a very pleasing and joyful sight for us, seeing the beneficiaries happy. Their hapiness, in return, also gives us happiness in our hearts, that we are able to be a part of what we can say, a better future for them”, says Berjaya country head Paul Soo in his speech. Mayor Junjun Binay also reiterated the development that he sees. “Progress means better and ample opportunities for our people. The challenge now is to provide education for your children, so that they can have a better future ahead”, he added.
It is indeed joyful and heart-warming to see our kababayans build the lives that they dreamed of having. Being the answer to the prayers of the unfortunate makes us humble and pushes us to instill the kind of faith and perseverance that we Filipinos have in us, ever since the start. The hope of giving home to every homeless Filipino is indeed not impossible, as long as there are people who stands beside us in every adversity, we start to believe that we “can” and we “will”.