The Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) Foundation, a Negros-based non-government organization, has raised donations to build 105 houses for residents of La Carlota City in Negros Occidental whose homes were washed away by Typhoon Tino, and is now aiming to literally bring back color into their lives.
The foundation is now seeking donors to help transform the bare plywood structures into a vibrant village of hope.
Paint will help preserve the marine plywood used for the bahay kubo-inspired houses, but NVC president Millie Kilayko said on Sunday, March 8, that color also serves a deeper purpose: “healing the dark and somber moods of families who have lived for months in evacuation centers”.
“Color can infuse fresh hope, and a new village in various hues can serve as a daily reminder to its wounded and scarred residents that life can begin again,” she said.
Kilayko said that the dream to paint the 105 houses has officially moved to its next step with the help of “The Little Prince.”
Shortly after she shared the idea in a Facebook post, Stephen Matti, the Negrense who translated the book “The Little Prince” from French to Ilonggo, stepped up and committed to providing the paint for two of the homes.
With 103 houses still to go, Kilayko said she remains hopeful that the hearts of more individuals or perhaps a paint firm will be touched to help bring color into the lives of these recipients who have already endured so much suffering.
It costs P10,000 to paint each house, she said.
The families who will move into the 105 houses being built on property owned by the La Carlota City government in Sitio Ferlu, Barangay La Granja, cannot return to the areas where they previously lived because they have been declared “no-build zones”.
The donors for the houses are from around the Philippines and various parts of the world who responded to NVC’s call for help on social media.
“A lot of them I don’t even know personally. And I’ve also began to form friendships – some virtual, some physical – with a lot of them”, Kilayko said.
The 26-square meter bahay kubos being built by NVC feature two bedrooms, a living room with a balcony, and a toilet.
The first house was finished on Valentine’s Day and so far, 31 are now standing.
The target is to finish the construction of all 105 houses by May, Kilayko said.
As the foundation continues its mission, Kilayko said she has faith that God will continue to touch the hearts of more people to help transform the new village into a vibrant canvas of new beginnings.*
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