The Link That Connects Us: GK Cabug and the Taytungian Community

You stare at the sight in front of you for the longest time You can’t understand the mushy lump of emotions in your heart as you see fellow students, teachers, and various volunteers interacting with their community In such a way, you feel compelled to join in as children and their parents; thank you and your group for your aid, with smiles so honest and grateful, you can’t help but return the gesture Some of you are giving out toys and books to the children who gleefully hold what they’ve just received A lot of you strongly carry boxes and bags filled with food and necessities to the adults Every face that you come across is filled with happiness and gratitude The sensation of the chilly winds of December on your skin snaps you back into reality.

You hear your name called by the outreach coordinator; it’s your turn to hand over the donated goods and toys to the community of Gawad Kalinga Cabug The Taytungian community has been involved with the GK Cabug since 2017. In the span of five years, they have been dedicated to giving the community the resources, experiences, and aid they need They heard the stories of ceaseless hardship, love, and sacrifice They connected with the admirable people of GK Cabug and witnessed their passion as one unified community Inspired, they brought together the Taytungian community with a mission to evoke the spirit of unity amongst themselves and GK Cabug through servitude fueled by generosity

By: Reeney Napoles

It takes dozens of interlocking gears for a machine to operate on its precise action Much is the same for a community working to help another. With carefully planned programs and events, the Taytungian circle regularly extends its helping hand to GK Cabug Feeding programs filled bellies with nutritious food and hearts with gratitude Donation drives, like the yearly Bundles of Joy program, consistently deliver happiness and peace wrapped in love to our GK Cabug brothers and sisters during Christmas After all, the best gift is the gift of giving We can’t forget the beautification drives that help create a wonderful and long-lasting environment for them Gleeful memories from entertainment events linger in the hearts of the community for years to come as Tay Tung and GK Cabug unite thanks to generosity, service, and compassion

You pause to reflect on how and why you’re there, handing a young girl a book as she thanks you You’re a Taytungian who volunteered at a donation drive. You wanted to serve and help your brothers and sisters in GK Cabug You realize that your community inspired you to do so, as well as the compassion and generosity you feel towards them Yes That was what you were feeling the whole time; it’s what everyone around you feels You turn and see the girl you gave a book to. She’s reading it to a younger child with grins on their faces Certainly, the spirit of generosity in these communities will live on