Gawad Kalinga Sibol School Inauguration and Blessing

The ribbon cutting, inauguration and blessing of Gawad Kalinga Sibol School in Perpetual Help, Iriga City, Philippines officially took place on March 5, 2009. It was witnessed and graced by Iriga City’s Honorable Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen; Fr. Juan B. Jaria III, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church; Mr. Benito Ngo, President of Rinconada Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Representative of the National Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry-Metro Manila; Brgy Capt. Elpedio V. Dimaiwat of Perpetual Help, Iriga City; Mr. Edwin Tantiado; the GK Caretaker Team; GK Kapitbahayan officers & members; Sibol beneficiaries; Parent-Teachers Association and Mrs. Vivian Lopez, Teacher-InCharge, GK Sibol School.

Sibol which means “to grow” in the Filipino language is one of the programs of Gawad Kalinga (to give care). Gawad Kalinga is more than about building houses for the poorest of the poor. Providing a decent home is just the beginning of the transformation of the people and the community. Sibol caters to early childhood education and it is a value-based education program for pre-school children ages 3 to 6 years old. GK Sibol in Iriga City is headed by Mrs. Linda C. Contreras being the Child & Youth Development Manager.

The blessing was officiated by Fr. Juan B. Jarcia III, Parish Priest at Our Lady of Fatima Church

The school was made possible and came into realization through the unselfish and generous donation from its benefactors, the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry represented by Mr. & Mrs. Antonio How, Mr. Benito S. Ngo and Engr. Allan L. Tan and in partnership with LGU Iriga City.

(from left) Honorable Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen, Mr. Benito S. Ngo, Mr. Edwin Tantiado and Mr. Benjie Gonzales, Gawad Kalinga Iriga City Project Director

Sibol's pre-schoolers rendered their intermission number during the inauguration

Mayor Gazmen led the official ceremonial ribbon cutting with Mr. Benito Ngo (above left), Brgy. Capt. Elpedio Dimaiwat (above right) and Mr. Edwin Tandiado (right)

GK-Iriga City's Child and Youth Development (CYD) Choir showcases their singing talent during the inauguration of Sibol school building