FOR his dedication to the people of Daet, Camarines Norte, Mayor Tito Sarte Sarion witnessed the awarding of certificate of recognition to Gawad Kalinga (GK) sponsors on August 15-17, 2008 in Shanghai, China upon the invitation of the Shanghai GK Leadership Team.

       Among the guests during the awarding were Maria Rowena Sanchez, Philippine Consul General to Shanghai, Michelle Teope Shen, Philcomsha president; Shanghai GK Leadership Team members Ferdie Dizon, Patricio Go, Danni Lim, Leo Quicho, Glenn Quiro, and others; together with the Filipino and Chinese communities in Shanghai.

       It can be noted that Daet is a recipient of Gawad Kalinga, a group that converges to help in the blatant problem of poverty not just in the Philippines but in the world. GK’s vision for the Philippines is a slum-free, squatter-free nation through a simple strategy of providing land for the landless, homes for the homeless, food for the hungry and as a result providing dignity and peace for every Filipino.

       The GK Pinyasan Vietnam – Shanghai Village in Barangay Bibirao in Daet, one of the three GK sites in the municipality, was named after Vietnam and Shanghai since the sponsors were based on these two distinguished cities.

        “We owe the realization of our dreams of giving shelter to our constituents which is one of the major focuses of the present local government administration to our sponsors. I would like to make special acknowledgment to these persons who have never ceased to help the people of Daet…,” Sarion stressed in his speech during the awarding as the guest of honor.

       It was a resonating trip for Mayor Sarion. Aside from meeting kind, generous and distinguished people who have been helping people to build houses and shelter millions of people around the world, he was also able to present the investment potentials of Daet among possible sponsors in Shanghai which could certainly boost the sustainable development of the municipality.

       They expressed their intent to invest in Queen Pineapple which is one of the main agricultural produce of Daet. LGU-Daet can also be a channel to other LGUs in the province of Camarines Norte to promote iron mining which is abundant in the province.

       Apart from the investment opportunities, the GK Team in China also committed to construct the SIBOL School, a center for academic excellence in the GK Pinyasan Vietnam Shanghai Village. There will also be a possible sisterhood or town twinning agreement between Daet and some key cities and municipalities in China to foster friendship and promote Daet.

       His presence in the event was very much appreciated by the GK Team and the sponsors were looking forward to a continuing partnership with Mayor Sarion and the Municipality of Daet.

       The all expense paid trip was made possible through Ms. Teresa Tan, country manager for China of Philippine Airlines, Figaro Shanghai, Mr. Danni Lim, Mr. and Mrs. Leo and Fe Quicho and the Shanghai GK Leadership Team.


IN CHINA. Daet, Camarines Norte Mayor Tito Sarion receives Certificate of Appreciation from Philippine Consul General to China Maria Rowena Sanchez. Also in photo are (L-R) Danni Lim, Leo Quicho and Philcomsha President Michelle Teope Shen during the awarding of certificate of appreciation to Gawad Kalinga sponsors in Shanghai, China.