Another victorious ground-breaking ceremony was held last July 3, 2018 at Brgy. Sancagulis, Bayambang, Pangasinan for the cooperative shelter project of CFC ANCOP Canada, Mojares Family, Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation, Inc. (KKSBFI) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bayambang. This new ANCOP site will be called Mojares CFC Ancop Canada-KKBSFI-LGU-Bayambang Community, which will soon accommodate 30 units of houses that is promised to be given to the chosen beneficiaries on Christmas this year.
Present in the ceremony were the delegations from CFC ANCOP including the CFC ANCOP Canada President Bro. Ricky Cuenca, CFC ANCOP Global Foundation represented by Shelter Head Bro. Chito Mata, and CFC ANCOP Pangasinan Head Bro. Roehl Bautista. There were also representatives from the partner organization, KKSBFI, led by Managing Director Mr. Levin Uy. It was also attended by the LGU of Bayambang headed by Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao. Present as well are the CFC Area Governance Team of Pangasinan with Provincial Area Director Bro. Leopoldo Mendoza, all the 77 Barangay Captains of Bayambang, and the potential beneficiaries of the shelter project.
The program started with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Fr. Oscar Roque from St. Vincent Ferrer Parish. The guests were welcomed by Municipal Vice Mayor Raul R. Sabangan, who expressed his gratefulness to everyone who took part in this project that will soon give permanent solution by providing homes to the poorest of the poor people of Bayambang. The profiling and evaluation of beneficiaries were coordinated by CFC ANCOP Pangasinan with consultancy from the Office of the Mayor, KKSBFI, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
It was soon followed by a project briefing by Bro. Leopoldo Mendoza, wherein he presented the proposed site which covers a 1.9-hectare lot located at Brgy. Sancagulis, situated at about three kilometers from the town proper, and is near at public places such as schools, markets, hospitals, and the barangay hall. The lot was previously owned by the Castillo Family and was sold to one of the partner organizations, KKSBFI. 15 units of duplex houses are soon to be constructed in the site, with a total of 30 units of houses, with a dimension of 22 sqm per unit house or 45 sqm per duplex house. Planned as well are areas for open spaces necessary for common purposes such as Multi-purpose Halls, Chapel and access roads.
There also took place the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing participated by CFC ANCOP Philippines representative Bro. Chito Mata, CFC ANCOP Canada President Bro. Ricky Cuenca, Bayambang Municipal Mayor Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao, and KKSBFI Managing Director Mr. Levin Uy, who are God’s instrument in revealing His transforming love to the poor people.
Bro. Ricky Cuenca shared during the ceremony that the houses were donated by the Mojares Family from Vancouver, Canada. The Mojares Family told Bro. Ricky, “Wala namang meaning at halaga kung ang biyaya ng Diyos ay gagamitin sa sarili. Mas magiging masaya Siya kung maibabahagi ito sa mga mas nangangailangan.” (God’s blessings would have no meaning and value if it’s use for one’s self. He will be happier if you chose to share it to other people who needs it the most). He also shared that the Couples for Christ is very eager to help the poor as it is part of their mission, he said, “this is our faith in action, and kaya naming ginagawa ito bilang CFC [ay] out of our love for God and out of our love for the poor.”
The Municipal Mayor of Bayambang, Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao, also gave a word in expressing his gratitude to CFC ANCOP, as he said, “ang ANCOP ay napakaganda sa bayan ng Bayambang, dahil ito ay angkop na angkop sa programa kong Poverty Reduction Action Plan.” He also told the importance of a house, as it represents the people’s identity and dignity. He also expressed gratitude to the partner organization, KKSBFI, which will provide the electricity lines, water system and roads in the community.
The program ended with the lowering of the time capsule, which contains important documents of this project and a letter from Mayor Cezar. This time capsule would be opened after 10 years which will mark the end of the revolution in fighting poverty in the municipality. “I hope that by the time this letter is opened and read, you have turned these houses into your homes. I hope you have filled it with love and laughter, with your wife, husband and your children,” said Mayor Quiambao in his letter.
The guests also had time in inspecting the project site then immediately proceeded in a meeting with the concerned parties. (CFC ANCOP Communications)
