On March 12, 2011 (Saturday), Habitat for Humanity Philippines proudly launched its massive social responsibility campaign entitled, “I Build...What Will You Build?”. The campaign period is in line with Habitat’s upcoming silver anniversary in 2013. Over the years, Habitat has built over 32,000 homes for families in need in 22 provinces across the Philippines. The country’s housing needs, however, are immense, and continue to increase each year. Currently, more than four million families or 20 million individuals are without a home. Habitat aims to build over 70,000 homes by 2015. The houses that will be built are for the following programs: Disaster Response and Risk Mitigation, Urban Renewal and Development, Peace Build, and Housing for Public Servants.
Habitat expresses thanks in its 23 years of existence, families in need were given the chance at better lives because of Habitat and its partners. As a gesture of gratitude, Habitat showcased an activity that gave volunteers, donors and advocates the chance to meet other like-minded individuals at the Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk. The audience was treated to a special dance performance by Steps Dance Studio followed by a touching presentation on the impoverished Filipino’s “This is a Familiar Story” – a look into the vicious cycle that keeps underprivileged families trapped in a world of poverty. The story showed the current state of poverty in the country and how easy it is for more privileged citizens to help improve their lives simply by extending a helping hand.
Diverse advocates and ambassadors for Habitat in a show of faith towards one mission, individuals and groups from different sectors have signed up to rally for Habitat’s vision of providing homes for Filipino families in need. Celebrity ambassadors have committed to become the voice of the organization and to help inform the public about how to make a difference through Habitat. Key personalities from the news and entertainment industry have offered their support and commitment statements at the launch: theatre actress Cris Villonco and Star Magic’s Matteo Guidicelli, who are Habitat’s Youth Ambassadors; Habitat Youth Council founder Alexandra Eduque, basketball sensation Chris Tiu, GMA news anchor Arnold Clavio, ABS CBN award-winning broadcaster Karen Davila, model/actor Derek Ramsay and TV host Kuya Kim Atienza as Habitat Ambassadors; and Queen of All Media Ms. Kris Aquino as the Habitat Nation-builder ambassador. Ms. Aquino surprised Mr. Zobel de Ayala with her donation to build six houses. A tribute to the late President Corazon Aquino demonstrated the former president’s dedication and passion for nation building and transformation. The event was hosted by ambassadors Karen Davila, Arnold Clavio and Kuya Kim Atienza.
Over 300 guests joined Habitat in its festivities, engaged in a meet-and-greet with the celebrity ambassadors and enjoyed treats from sponsors, such as refreshments from Pepsi, the official thirst quencher, and scrumptious donuts from Krispy Kreme. Attendees pledged their own “I Build…” commitment statements through a photo opportunity sponsored by iFlick Photo Booth. Habitat celebrated the commitment of its Prime Movers in a special gathering with “I Build…” campaign Chairman and Habitat for Humanity International Board of Trustees member Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala at Chateau.
Towards one cause chaired by Fernando Zobel de Ayala, “I Build” is a four-year initiative of Habitat for Humanity Philippines that will celebrate 25 years of providing decent shelter for families in need. Habitat works with partners to provide holistic, transformational and sustainable solutions to uplift the lives of Filipino families. “I Build...” embodies the substance and soul of Habitat. It mirrors Habitat’s continued commitment to build much more than houses. It is a call to action for every sector of society to commit something that will create a meaningful change to the country. The success of the launch event was made possible with the amalgamation of various members of each sector: Ayala Malls for the venue, PricewaterhouseCoopers & Isla Lipana & Co., Philippine Seven Corporation & Philippine Seven Foundation, Inc., Karen Davila, Senator Chiz Escudero, Max’s Restaurant, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc., Krispy Kreme, iFlick Photo Booth, C2 Iced Tea, Panasonic, K2 Interactive, Inc., the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin and BusinessWorld.
Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) is a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes. We bring together partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities. Established in 1988, HFHP is a country affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International based in Georgia, USA.
HFHP envisions that every Filipino family has a decent place to live.
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