9 Hours, 279 kilometers away lies Bgy. Macabenga, Dupax del Norte.

The community is situated above one of the many mountains of Region 2. Being in the mountains, basic neccesities and creature comforts we take for granted were pretty scarce. For light and heat, you’d need to build a fire from scratch, for safe drinking water, it was a downhill/uphill walk to the nearest water source or just wait for rain.

These are the daily struggles of the inhabitants of this obscure little village in the mountains of Dupax del Norte.

Up until Extreme Makeover Home Edition: Philippines in partnership with Bestank came along.

EMHE, led by the show’s host, Paolo Bediones, set out to build 28 houses, for 28 deserving families in the community. Each home was equipped with power and a 600-liter rain-harvesting system supplied by Bestank. The turnover ceremonies overflowed with gratitude and tears from the residents of the “new” GK Aluyon Community, which in the local tongue meant “cooperation”.

On top of everything, Bestank also outfitted the Community Center with its own 2000 liter water storage system to ensure that the new residents of the Aluyon Community will never be out of water again.
9 hours and 279 kilometers was sure worth the smiles and gratitude we received.