UIC Senior High Stude Receives Gawad-Basnig Award

The Badjao Community in Barangay Bucana, Talomo District seldom experience auspicious attention from private citizens until a new face of philanthropy shone on them, but she may not be what you expect – University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) high school student Kristin Labarite.

While other young people of her age were occupied with mobile games, social media, malling, etc., the young Kristin was busy conducting fund raising projects for the natives in their community, producing more or less TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS!

With the money, she endeavoured to help augment the plight of the Badjaos in their barangay, making her the unanimous pick of Barangay 76-A Council to be the first ever recipient of the Gawad-Basnig Award, the highest civilian award given to persons who had made exemplary contribution in their community.

She used the raised amount to finance the construction of a public toilet for use by Badjao males and females. She also allocated a portion of the funds for the construction of a concrete foot bridge so that the coastal settlers can traverse with ease. Also, the Badjaos now enjoy potable water after she allotted amount for water installation for them. But that’s not all. She also used part of the funds for supporting the barangay’s ecological solid waste management program, thru which many residents were encouraged to support proper waste disposal and garbage segregation.

The Barangay 76-A Council name her the unsung hero of today, touching peoples’ lives without expecting anything in return. She is an inspiration to all not to let age hinder them from making a big difference! To them, Kristin perfectly epitomizes the ideal Filipina youth and more than worthy to be recognized.

Hence, the young Kristin Labarite was formally conferred with the Gawad-Basnig Award in an awarding ceremony held at S.I.R. Phase 1 covered court gym, S.I.R. Barangay Hall, New Matina, Davao City last June 3, 2013. The award was presented by the Punong Barangay Hon. Robert E. Olanolan who hailed UIC as Kristin’s school, quoting “…the success of your student is a living proof of how you mold their minds and be productive as they venture eventually in the real world.”  /written by MG Barluado