Habitat Philippines Launches I Build My Philippines Coffee Table Book

Makati City, Philippines, August 31, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Philippines recently gathered government and business leaders as it launched its “I Build My Philippines” coffee table book, the first of its series, through a Prime Movers Night held last August 23 at Peninsula Manila Hotel.

Housing czar and Vice President Jejomar Binay was the evening’s guest of honor. He was the first to receive a copy of the coffee table book, which honors Habitat partners, both public and private, who contributed to the organization’s “I Build” campaign. It is a four-year campaign of HFH Philippines that seeks to serve as a unifying catalyst in creating a community building and development model by providing innovative and sustainable housing solutions to achieve milestones in uplifting the Filipino family.

According to Binay, “I am privileged to work not just with the dedicated servants in the key shelter agencies but with visionary organizations such as Habitat. I am therefore pleased and inspired by tonight’s celebrations. As we launch this book, appropriately titled “I Build My Philippines,” let us gain new light and strength from the tales enshrined in its pages. Let us, most especially the young leaders who, one day, shall hold the reins of office, find a renewed inspiration in the beauty of vision 2020.”

“Habitat for Humanity has done much to slake nation’s thirst for dignified housing. Just as we seek to create communities, Habitat goes beyond building mere shelters and labors to create sustainable communities to uplift Filipino families. The “I Build" campaign in particular has met with the warmest receptions if not admirable success, and the seeds for healthy and vibrant communities have flourished because of this movement,” Binay said.

HFH Philippines also paid tribute to its major partners: San Miguel Corporation President Ramon Ang; and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman. Ron Terwilliger, the Chairman of the Global Capital Campaign Cabinet of Habitat for Humanity International handed over the plaques signed by former US President and Habitat volunteer, Jimmy Carter.

Habitat Ambassador Karen Davila, the creative brains behind the book, shared the highlights of the “I Build My Philippines” coffee table book, from Habitat founder Millard Fuller to the late Philippine President Corazon Aquino and to many others who were honored in the book. Habitat Hero Ambassador Cong. Manny Pacquiao shared how proud he is to be part of this endeavour. Habitat Ambassadors Derek Ramsay, Kim Atienza, Chris Tiu, Matteo Guidicelli, Margie Moran, Arnold Clavio, and Alex Eduque and Habitat Youth Council President Kevin Yang presented the chapters of the book through a touching ballad by Ms. Kuh Ledesma.

“We are eternally grateful for the generosity and dedication of our partners,” said Charlie Ayco, Habitat Philippines CEO and Managing Director. “We could not have accomplished so much without their support.”

Also present during that night were Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Archie King of the Angelo King Foundation, Zondy Garcia of ING Bank, Doris Magsaysay-Ho of the Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, Roberto Panlilio of JP Morgan Chase, Ben Chan of Bench and Virgie Ramos of Swatch.