SAMAL, Bataan – In the span of a few months, the St. Oscar Romero Catholic School in West Sussex, United Kingdom was able to raise Php 2.2 million for the construction of a much-needed multi-purpose hall at the CFC ANCOP/CCO-AA Imelda Housing Community, located in Barangay Imelda.
“We are grateful for their generosity and their willingness to go beyond giving monetary amount. It is my hope that they also encountered Christ in the stories of the people they met there. May God bless their hearts and families,” said Community Development – Shelter/HOA Department Head Evan Fucal in an interview.
‘The power of projects’
As of the first week of July, the 3.7-meter high structure, with a floor area of 26 square meters, is 60% complete, and is set to be finished by August 2026.
Senior Operations Manager Efren Tompong related that the first batch of students from St. Oscar Romero Catholic School visited the Samal community last year, and this was where they committed to raise funds for the MPH. It was this second batch of 29 students and 3 teachers which spearheaded the donation of funds for the MPH.
He noted, “This is a testament to the power of projects that transform the lives of the poor as seen by people who have visited and experienced living in an ANCOP community.”
According to Fucal, the multi-purpose hall will serve as a main gathering space for the local community, adding: “It will bring together the community in meaningful endeavors and create an avenue for the beneficiaries to truly build camaraderie and growth, especially for the future generations of community.”
A shared space
Aside from being a place where guests and immersion participants can meet the beneficiaries, he said the MPH will be a “vital space” for values formation activities like CFC gatherings and assemblies, livelihood and skills training programs, Holy Mass and other important events.
Located in Block 3 near Road lot 4, the MPH will have:
- Two (2) separate Comfort Rooms
- One (1) Kitchen / Working Area
- 2 small storage rooms
- 1 Office for the HOA (Homeowners’ Association)
- 1 Cooperative store
