Sarie Guanzon-Laserna, M.D., FACOG
President, NCVAPP and Vice Chair, Filipino United Network (USA)
Coordinator, US-GK-Taguig Partnership for Philippine Rebuilding
Recognizing the sad flight of the Philippines’ poor (70%),
…. Profoundly impressed by the Gawad Kalinga Home Construction
Program of Couples for Christ, initiated by Tony Meloto with its holistic
upliftment and empowerment of the poor …. and greatly inspired
by love of country and fellowmen …. 3 physician leaders connected
with the SPSA (Drs. Manny & Fe Cacdac (Indiana) and Dr. Sarie
Guanzon-Laserna (Virginia) on a personal basis pledged to launch a
vigorous fundraising campaign to enable them to build a GK village
in the metro Manila area. Their prime objective was for them to construct
a village that can serve as a template and showcase for other patriots
and groups to see and emulate all over the Philippines.
In mid 2006, the three (3) physicians were finally able to locate
a perfect site through the assistance of Makati Rotary president Mr.
Bobby Rodrigo. Last December 18, 2006, Drs. Manny & Fe Cacdac
and Dr. Sarie Guanzon-Laserna along with Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga,
participated in the historic ground breaking of their GK Village named
FIL-AM FRIENDSHIP GK VILLAGE in Taguig.
Although not a specific SPSA project, the SPSA has given a total of
$10,000 through its fundraising chaired by Drt. Sarie Guanzon-Laserna
and co-chaired by Dr. Fe Cacdac. Individual donations raised by both
physicians came not only from personal donations of SPSA officers
and members but also but also from Friends Ltd., USTMAAA Jubilarians
from Class 65/66, PMA’s led by NCVAPP Foundation and SWVAPP
Foundation and personal friends of both physicians in the U.S. The
Paraiso Fundraiser in the Terre Haute community, Indiana, chaired
by Dr. Fe Cacdac brought in over $20,000.
As of July 2007, aside from Drs. Fe Cacdac and Sarie Laserna, a third
lady physician, Dr. Aleflor Ragaza from Connecticut has joined the
Fil-Am Friendship GK Taguig Fundraising crusade! They are also connected
with Filipino United Network (FUN) whose main MISSION is to assist
in Philippine Nation Rebuilding!
The group’s recent visit to Taguig last December 4, 2007 gave
sheer delight to everyone. Twenty eight (28) homes were already built
and another 48 homes are under construction for a total of 76 homes.
The other 24 homes (already funded) will be built in another Taguig
location that will contain a total of 1,500 homes. (N.B. Mayor Tinga
is donating to Gawad Kalinga some 200 hectares of land along Taguig’s
shoreline.)
The 3-story multipurpose community center will have a roof deck. A
covered facility of about 500 sq. feet will be used as office and
conference center for SPSA and other Medical Alumni Associations (US
& Phil. Based) & possibly serve as Gawad Kalusugan main headquarters.
Each floor of the 3 multipurpose complex will have 150 sq. meters
(1,500 sq. ft.) total floor area.
The 1st floor will house the Free Clinic (c/o PEACE) & Daycare
CTR (c/o NCVAPP/SWVAPP/CAPP 2nd floor is for vocational and livelihood
training program c/o Drs. Cacdac (US) & the Tansecos (Phil) 3rd
floor will be funded by Makati Rotary (c/o Bobby Rodrigo) & will
be used for computer and business training, infotech and skills MX.
It may also have a LIBRARY
