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Block S2 (!?)
SIGA, The New Young Pinoy
Dr. Jose Rizal, our
biggest role model for nationalism, believed the youth to be the hope of
our fatherland.
Gawad Kalinga embodies this hope by
giving the youth an opportunity to realize their full potential. Through
Gawad Kalinga, Ateneo has been given the opportunity to touch the lives
of many young and bright minds – the teens of Payatas 13 Blue Eagle
Village. In the span of 2 years the school and its members have been
witness to the amazing transformation of these children from lacking
hope and being misguided to being the source of confidence and guidance
for others. These youngsters are called Servants in God’s Army or SIGA.
The SIGA of Payatas 13
are among the first to undergo numerous training programs in areas such
as sports, literature, music, dance and theater through the partnerships
forged with school organizations and professional groups such as the
Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
Last March, SIGA
organized its culminating project, a variety show entitled SITAW, to
honor and present the talents they honed through their training. The
program was conceptualized, produced and performed completely by the
SIGA members with their mentors merely working as advisers. The event
showcased interpretative dance numbers, a short play, a mini fashion
show and even original songs composed by Payatas 13’s youth band,
Kwerdas.
The event’s success has
opened many doors for the Payatas 13 SIGA. The children have begun to
train other communities in forming their own youth organizations. They
have also volunteered to aid other SIGA in GK villages so that they may
produce their own version of the SITAW variety show in the next year.
We asked the youth how
their thoughts and feelings on SIGA and Gawad Kalinga. Here are some of
their thoughts:
Jerome, a SIGA leader at
Payatas 13 said, “Dahil sa gk naimprove ko ang aking talents, nakarating
ako sa ibat-ibang lugar para ibahagi ang aking mga natutunan at
nagkakaroon ako ng lakas ng loob sa pagiging isang leader. Naisip ko na
hindi pala kelangan mamatay para maging bayani.”
Grace, another member,
adds, “Dahil sa gk unti-unting umanid ang pamumuhay sa payatas at
nalaman ko na may pag-asa pa pala para sa Pilipinas at sa Pinoy.”
Dr. Jose Rizal, our
biggest role model for nationalism, believed the youth to be the hope of
our fatherland. It’s too bad he couldn’t be alive today to witness just
how powerful the youth have become.
©2006 GK Ateneo. Jez Panaligan. All Rights Reserved