Counting blessings
“Habitat changed our lives. Having our own home is the best thing that ever happened to us,” Ginalyn proudly shared.
Working as a freelance bookkeeper, 56-year-old Ginalyn is well-accustomed to handling finances not only for her clients but most especially for her family. She knows how to save up for the rainy days as well as to enjoy and be grateful for the sunny days. But whether they’re having good or tough times, she considers every day as a blessing. And their Habitat home is one of the greatest blessings they’ve had.
Gina's family has been living in the Habitat community in Pinagsama, Taguig City for 20 years now. A lot has already changed since they moved in 2004 but Gina could still remember the joy of being a new homeowner.
“I felt so rich that time because I dreamed of having a small home of our own in Manila. I was thinking that if I were able to have our own home, I would be able to fulfill all our dreams for our children. That was my vision,” said Gina.
It was a difficult journey turning that dream into reality.
The beginning of a dream
From 1996 to 2004, Gina and her family moved to three different places, renting housing units. They experienced being evicted because they could not pay rent on time. The last place they moved to was near an informal settlement area in Taguig City, where they rented a small condo-type unit for P3,000. She and her husband were barely earning enough to put food on the table and provide for their two kids, so, the cost of rent was an added burden to them.
“Being a renter was hard. Our landlord could kick us out anytime they wanted. There was a time when the landlord would ask for rent on New Year’s Day without any consolation. I had to borrow money to pay rent. It came to a point when no one would lend us money because they knew we could not repay them,” recalled Gina, adding, “I told my husband, I didn’t want that kind of life. Moving from one place to another was exhausting.”
Despite going through a rough patch, Gina believed that a time would come when this would just be another story to tell. There would be a light at the end of the tunnel.
“I would always tell myself, I would not be like this forever. Not every day is Lenten season. Christmas will come. We will get there,” she said, keeping a strong faith that God would answer her prayers.
Gina’s seemingly far-fetched dream of having their own home was about to manifest when an opportunity knocked on her door.
Building blocks to a better life
A former local government employee, Gina learned about the announcement of a housing project in the city in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines. They did not hesitate to apply. Eventually, they were selected as one of the future homeowners in the project.
“We did 500 hours of sweat equity. We fixed the tie wires, carried CIBs (concrete interlocking blocks), and cleaned the area. It was tiring but we were happy because that’s where we got to meet our future neighbors and create a bond,” said Gina.
The housing project was composed of five buildings with 60 units and nine row-house units. Gina’s family was among the first families to get a unit. She could still remember the day it was awarded to them by none other than Linda Fuller, who co-founded Habitat for Humanity.
“We were jumping with joy when we went up the stage to receive the certificate. I said, ‘This is it! This is what all of us prayed for - the fruit of our labor!’ It was worth all the hard work, sweat, and tears,” recounted Gina.
From then on, Gina and her husband would save money to improve their forever home. It started with just having plywood as dividers for two rooms until they were able to replace them with better materials and install tiles for the flooring.
“The Lord is really gracious. He gave us a good home and two good kids. My dream was just to have a small home we could sleep in at night. But God unexpectedly blessed us with a bigger one and we’re so much happier,” said Gina.
Having their own home helped Gina’s family save more and do the things they’ve always wanted like eating in good restaurants and buying appliances such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a flat-screen TV, which is one of Gina’s aspirations. Most of all, her two children are about to graduate from college – another dream come true for Gina and her husband.
“When you have your own home, you would not stress over having to pay rent and move. Our children are safe and secure that they will always have a place to live in,” said Gina, adding, “We are grateful to Habitat for Humanity Philippines and to all the donors and volunteers. You’ve changed our lives and we are truly blessed.”
Growing up in a Habitat community
Gina’s 22-year-old daughter Althea still remembers the good old days when she and her childhood friends were just little kids playing in the Habitat community.
“The kids and I made a strong bond here because we grew up together. We used to play marbles and volleyball. I’m happy that I experienced that kind of childhood,” said Althea.
Althea was only three years old when her family moved to Pinagsama. She might not have a recollection of how their life was before, but she knew that life in the Habitat community was different.
“Here in our community, the adults would supervise the kids while playing. The kids are safe. Everyone cares for each other,” described Althea, adding, “I learned good traits here like being polite, using‘po’ and ‘opo,’ and ‘pagmamano.’ I still carry it with me anywhere I go because that’s how my parents taught me.”
Growing up in a Habitat home and community, Althea witnessed how everything evolved. For her, their home in Pinagsama would always have a special place in her heart even if they were able to buy a bigger house.
“This is our stepping stone toward a bigger dream, a better future. My older brother and I have already planned that we will still live here when we start working. This will always be our family home,” said Althea.
Proud and grateful to be part of the new generation of Habitat homeowners, Althea has her own vision of her beloved community – an environment that continues to flourish, improve, and provide a safe space for children.
“I hope more children will be able to live in this kind of community, where they will learn good manners and they will be well taken care of,” said Althea, adding, “I am thankful to all who helped improve our community. You’ve given us and the future generations a beautiful, comfortable, and safe environment to grow up in.”