Bahay Atenista Housing Project, through Center for Community Development office, is one of the special projects of Ateneo de Naga University. Its vision is to provide a conducive home to the chosen families where children will be raised well. Since 2004, this vision has become a reality through the generous contribution of sponsors.
This year, the family of Joseph Perez, a resident of Brgy. Barobaybay, Magarao, Camarines Sur, will be the recipient of the 31st Bahay Atenista Housing Project. For the past twenty years, his brother’s house becomes their home. Given their living condition, it is his dream to have their own house where he can raise his family. But because of their financial constraints, this dream seems impossible. He only earns Php300 per day from his job as hollow-block maker in the nearby hardware. His wife Shirley remains at home to take care of their children. Because of their situation, two of his sons Jomarie and Joshua chose to help their father instead of going to school.
Though Joseph’s family is also a member of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a bridging program for Filipino Family, the amount of money they receive from the government is not enough. He and his wife have to feed their seven children and provide their basic needs instead of saving up for their dream house.
It might be impossible for him to construct a house through his daily earning but Joseph keeps on hoping that someday he will be able to provide his family a concrete house where they do not have to worry when rainy season comes.
Thankfully, through the support of the Joy of Sharing Foundation, the University gladly informed Joseph’s family that this coming June 2017 their dream house will commence. A total amount of $3,800.00 or Php 189,373.00 cash donation is forwarded by the foundation to the University for the House Construction.
As the University continues to look for special families, we thank our sponsors for giving hope to our recipient. Joy of Sharing Foundation of South Korea and various donors thru the initiative of Fr. Kim Chonguk, S.J. have been financially supporting the project since 2011 and able to construct 6 Bahay Atenista houses for the past years.
by Aldrin Belmes and Alma Jane Babilonia
