One of my most memorable experiences in Smart is the Gawad Kalinga Housebuild in General Nakar Quezon Province that was held on April 18, 2008 with the 58 cadet engineers who volunteered in the housebuild. I was told about it the day before the event (my first day in Public Affairs) and I was excited when I found out that I will also come in Nakar, Quezon because it’s been a long time since I attended a GK build in our Youth For Christ community.
It was my second day as an intern then. I helped in the registration, distribution of kits and food and I also assisted Sir AJ (the program head of the day’s event) in the other tasks. While we were on our way to Nakar, I observed that all the volunteers were really excited in the activities that were prepared for them. I was able to interview several of them. They entertained all my questions which made me more comfortable in mingling with them though at first they were shy because I was using a video cam to record their interviews. During the interviews, I was able to know them, their names and their expectations on the event. All of them were very excited and looking forward to build houses, to know more people in the local community
and most of all, to help. Majority of them were first- timers in a Gawad Kalinga 
housebuild but some had been in volunteer activities back in their high school and college days. I also asked what volunteerism for them is, and according to them, it is on volunteerism when one shares and finds happiness and fulfillment in helping others wholeheartedly without asking anything in return. I was also able to interview Manong Eric, our tour coordinator in Nakar, Quezon. Even if he is not a cadet engineer, he willingly volunteered himself to help in the housebuild.
Although it is a very hot and sun- drenched Friday when we got in Nakar, the volunteers were so cool. As a matter of fact, they did not mind the weather; they enjoyed every work that they have had. From the carrying of hollow blocks, getting water from the deep well, mixing pales of water, gravel and sand and mixing all of them to the cementing of the walls and floors- these were some of the experiences that the volunteers really relished and shared with one another. I was also able to talk to some of the residents of Nakar and it is very good to hear from them that they are very happy, grateful and lucky that Smart is helping them in the most possible ways it can.
They wish that the other Smart bosses could also come and visit their area so that the bosses can see the fruit of Smart’s initiative in catering the needs of their community. I saw their remarkable sculptures, mostly sculpture of fishes for the reason that fishing was their main source of living before the catastrophic typhoons hit their place. It amazes me not only of the artworks but because I found out that the makers of the sculptures did not undergo any formal training in sculpting. They only had a one-week seminar/ training for sculpting, courtesy of Smart and Mr. Rey Contreras, a professional sculptor.While we were on our way back to Smart Tower, the cadet engineers were still active. I interviewed some of the volunteers regarding their feedback on the event. After the housebuild, they are more proud that they are working in Smart and that Smart has various projects that help towards the development of different communities. They felt fulfilled and delighted not only because they became part of the housebuild activity but because they were able to help and contribute in the community through their volunteerism act. They said they are looking forward to participate to more volunteer activities of Smart.
Above all, I really enjoyed the whole experience for today. I hope to participate in more GK Housebuilds to come.
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These are some of the magnificent and one- of- a kind sculptures (made out ot wood) of the fishermen in Nakar:
nice!
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