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a day at bayanijuan with habitat for humanity

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to join a Habitat for Humanity build, so when the Design Folder team was invited to the Bloggers’ Build a few weeks ago, we jumped at the chance.

When we arrived at the build site in Calauan, Laguna on a Saturday morning, I noticed right away how organized everything was. We first visited Site 2 of Habitat’s flagship project in Calauan called BayaniJuan where they, together with partners, are building 1,000 homes for families presently living in the danger zones along the Pasig River banks.

I enjoyed every activity we got to do in the site, especially the first one! The obsessive-compulsive in me really liked filling the holes of the Concrete Interlocking Blocks (CIB) with cement. I liked it even more because while doing the activity, I got to talk to one of the recipients of a Habitat home. She told me how happy she was to be in the community and told me stories of the friendly volunteers of different backgrounds and nationalities who’ve been to the site.

I guess I liked that first activity a little too much because they had to pull me away so we can proceed to the next activity – hauling of CIB. We joined the Habitat Youth Council in laying out the blocks to form the walls of each 20 square meter row house. It was kind of nice seeing everybody work together for one cause. And because the building process was so organized and efficient, I just blinked and the walls of about 5 or 6 row houses were almost halfway done!

Another great thing about the build is that we had a chance to learn about the future communities that will develop in BayaniJuan. I’ve always wondered what happens after construction materials have been put away and homes have been built. It’s comforting to know that the recipients of Habitat homes will be provided access to facilities, clean water, a daycare center, education and livelihood opportunities.

Thank you to Habitat for Humanity Philippines for inviting us to join this very rewarding experience! It was a great way to spend a Saturday. Learn how you too can join a Habitat for Humanity build by going to their website or contacting them at info@habitat.org.ph or at telephone number (632) 8973069.

*Photos courtesy of Nicky Sering

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