Project Kalibo: Bridging Over in the Pandemic

Many think that those employed by the government are the luckiest when the pandemic arose. They have secure jobs despite the lockdowns. In our case, we are well provided for by our agency, the Local Government Unit of Kalibo, Aklan. As a matter of fact, we were not required to report to the Office anymore but to Work-From-Home instead in order to limit our possible exposure to the virus. BUT…how about those who need to be in the frontlines?

Yes, it could have been easier to turn a blind eye and ignore the fact that while we stay at home, many people had to report to their stations and face this invisible enemy, eye to eye. 

These were the thoughts that nagged us, personnel of Kalibo LGU,  as soon as the lockdowns began. The late night thoughts that kept us awake brought us unquantifiable fear not for ourselves but primarily, for those at the frontlines and their families.

The thought of those serving at the frontlines, possibly defenseless in the face of danger pained us. We became worried particularly for the health workers and all the people in the frontline, with no PPE to protect them, for the government’s limited budget for COVID19 emergencies, for health facilities unready for the worst case scenario, for the cessation of public transportation, for businesses closing, and for people losing jobs and going hungry! 

The late night thoughts turned into an aching desire to explore what we can do to help those who are affected. We are but employees of the Local Government Unit of Kalibo but we knew that if we pool our resources together and reach out to others who may want to join in our cause we can make a difference. So we set out a mission to bridge the gap between the pressing needs of the frontliners and the availability of resources. As a government employee myself, I felt it was necessary for me to help respond to these concerns. I knew I needed to do something. 

Then, Project Kalibo – Kapit-bisig para sa Frontliners ng Kalibo was conceived. 

Belonging to one Agency, LGU Kalibo, allowed us to form a Core Team of volunteers. We are all young professionals with a passion for servant leadership.

Maximizing the use of Social Media, we solicited for PPEs and funds to provide for meals for the frontliners in Kalibo. These frontline workers included those who are in health services, solid waste management services, peace and order council, border control, and barangay volunteer workers. The outpouring of support from here and even abroad was overwhelming! As a matter of fact, the donations altogether in cash and in kind reached over a million pesos! 

Private Corporations and local businesses partnered with the Team to reach out to more beneficiaries. We were able to distribute food packs to the TODA Drivers of 16 Barangays in Kalibo. The public transport sector became one of the sectors greatly affected by the pandemic as many had no income during the community quarantine. 

The people we have helped and reached, the lives we have touched, everything was made possible because of the people who supported us. Our benefactors trusted us with their well meaning donations because they knew, we are on a mission: we are letting ourselves be the bridges between those who have and those who do not have, between those who can, with those who cannot. And because we embrace our being #lingkodbayan, our ultimate mission is doing service #parasabayan.

Because beyond the four walls of a government building, are men and women whose hearts are aflame for selfless service and utmost compassion. Beyond the walls of government service, are zealous government employees willing to build bridges of love, of peace, and of hope until we overcome this pandemic.

Our group created a campaign that even in the comfort of one’s own home, he/she can take part and make a change in the lives of his fellow Kalibonhon!

SANGGATOS PARA SA SANGKA BAYANI CAMPAIGN was created where one could donate P100.00 which is equivalent of helping 1 Kalibonhon frontliner as we get to provide him/her: one sumptuous meal (2 viands, 1 cup of rice, 1 fruit, 1 bottled water) or one set of tailor-made face masks (4 pieces per set)

The Story of Manong Wilson:

Manong Wilson used to be a TODA driver but because of the pandemic, he lost his livelihood. The roof of his house also needed immediate repair.  With the help of friends from Aklan Barter Community, we were able to provide him and his family some food assistance as well as fix the roof of his house.

During the Distribution of Food Packs to TODA Drivers: each food pack contains rice, whole dressed chicken, and vegetables. Project Kalibo sourced out for sponsorships for each of the TODA Drivers.

Launched in April 2020 at the height of the community quarantine, and while waiting for the PPEs we collected for the Kalibo Frontliners, we also launched the Adopt-a-Toda.