PAMPANGA—Lubao, Pampanga has often been described as the “Cradle of Kapampangan Civilization”.
Some 84 kilometers northwest of Metro Manila, this area, known for its “soft mud and rich green fields”, is where the ANCOP Lubao Santiago community is fast rising to become one of ANCOP’s model sites.
“It’s emerging to be one of our model communities with the active collaboration of several stakeholders. By working together, they are making Lubao to be a village where the best of what the community has to offer comes to life,” shared CFC ANCOP Senior Operations Manager Efren Tompong in an interview.
Collaboration is key
He noted that onsite construction is nearing completion, inspiring homeowners to help create a place “where people live in harmony in a Christian community.”
According to Tompong, the key behind the Lubao site’s success is found in the synergy among several stakeholders.
“It’s a collaboration among several stakeholders: the LGU, the NGO, private donors, and the beneficiaries [who] are starting to get empowered. The Homeowners Association (HOA) is now leading in planning and in implementing programs for their own development, as guided by CFC chapter head…The HOA is alive and active,” he explained.
It can be remembered that the LGU funded the drainage and the road development; the potable water system was a barangay water project, while the government also set up a solar-powered deep well water facility for the site.
Cucumbers, eggplants, and more
Tompong was also quick to observe that all the homeowners are active members of Couples for Christ, many of whom are “thriving economically.”
“They are hard-working people, agricultural workers, farmers. The land is fertile. Ang sarap ng gulay doon. (The vegetables there are so full of flavor.) In terms of food sufficiency, they are good,” Tompong added, mentioning that the Lubao residents’ produce include cucumbers, eggplants, bitter gourd, etc.
In terms of education, the site is not far behind, with 27 of their young people currently being supported by CFC ANCOP’s Educational Sponsorship Program (ESP).
The best of ANCOP’s programs seem to be coming alive in Lubao, and it’s also thanks to the support of donors, who have not left since day 1.
Multi-purpose hall coming soon
One of them is Ruby Yap of Canada, who through her foundation, the Ruby T. Yap Foundation, donated the first 30 houses onsite in 2020, and has since pledged to fund the construction of a much-needed multi-purpose hall.
On January 24, Yap visited the site to celebrate her birthday and the Chinese New Year with the homeowners.
“She was happy to see the developments in the community, [particularly], the New Zealand-funded awning canopy of the houses,” shared Tompong.
One can safely say that the best is yet to come for the people of the ANCOP Lubao Santiago community.
“When you go to sites, you can feel right away that there’s a sense of contentment among the people, and that they have hope for the future. In Lubao, you can feel that,” said Tompong.
