From Ruins to Resilience: JCI Manila and GMA Kapuso Bring Shelter to Aurora

The Silong Kapuso Project is a flagship initiative of JCI Manila, developed in partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation, aimed at providing shelter, aid, and hope to underserved communities. This project aligns with JCI Manila’s mission to create positive change and empower individuals while fostering sustainable development and uplifting lives.

Uniting for Recovery and Resilience

In December 2024, JCI Manila and GMA Kapuso Foundation launched the Silong Kapuso Project in Dinadiawan, Dipaculao, Aurora, following the devastation caused by Typhoon Ofel earlier that year. The typhoon left many families without homes and livelihoods, highlighting the urgent need for immediate assistance and long-term recovery efforts. Over the course of a month, the project provided essential resources, rebuilt shelters, and offered much-needed support to the affected residents.

The success of the Silong Kapuso Project was made possible through the collective effort of JCI Manila members, the local Aurora community, and partners like the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The bayanihan spirit was alive as volunteers, government agencies, and organizations worked together to construct homes and distribute relief goods. The project demonstrated the power of unity in rebuilding not just structures but also the lives of those affected.

Stories of Survival and Strength

On January 23, 2025, the project was officially turned over to the community in a heartfelt ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone in the collaborative effort to restore hope and build a more resilient future for the residents of Dinadiawan. JCI Manila’s commitment to service and leadership was evident as they handed over the materials and homes to families in need.

One of the beneficiaries, Kat Dinapaan, expressed her gratitude, saying: “Thank you for helping us. We needed this help lalo na walang wala na po kami.”

Among the many families impacted by Typhoon Ofel, the Mendoza family stood out as a testament to both tragedy and resilience. Their small bamboo home, situated near the coast, was no match for the storm’s fierce winds and floodwaters. In the chaos of evacuation, their three-year-old daughter, Liza, was swept away by the flood, and despite desperate efforts, her body was never recovered.

The Mendozas spent months living in a makeshift tent, struggling with grief and uncertainty. When the Silong Kapuso Project arrived in their community, it provided them with a new, sturdy home, relief goods, and counseling services to help them heal. At the turnover ceremony, Mrs. Mendoza shared: “Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Nawalan kami ng lahat—kasama na ang aming anak—pero dahil sa tulong ninyo, nagkaroon kami ng bagong tahanan at panibagong simula. Hindi po namin makakalimutan ang inyong kabutihan.”

Through the project, the Mendozas and many other families found hope in the midst of despair and a chance to start anew.

Future of Continued Collaboration

Despite the project’s success, the journey was not without its challenges. Given the short preparation time in late December, securing sponsors and resources was a race against time. However, through unwavering dedication and faith, support poured in, enabling the project to meet its goals. As JCI Manila Member Kirby Ong shared, “I guess God touched the hearts of the sponsors with their quick action to make sure our countrymen are well taken care of.”

The impact of the Silong Kapuso Project has paved the way for future collaborations. GMA Kapuso Foundation has expressed interest in working together again, while DHSUD Region 3 and Waves for Water have also shown eagerness to reconnect for upcoming initiatives. The success of this project reinforces the need for sustained efforts in disaster response and recovery.

The project was widely shared across JCI Manila’s pages, internal group chats, and GMA’s media platforms, reaching a broad audience and inspiring more individuals to contribute to humanitarian efforts. As JCI Manila continues to champion initiatives that uplift communities, the Silong Kapuso Project stands as a testament to the power of unity and service.

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