OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HOMECOMING OF STRUCTURES OF MUTUAL SUPPORT

MESSAGE OF SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA
OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HOMECOMING OF STRUCTURES OF MUTUAL SUPPORT, PHILIPPINE PAVILION AT THE 17TH VENICE ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE

May 25, 2024 / 4:00 PM
Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm, Brgy. Encanto, Angat, Bulacan

Friends, Partners, and Guests,

I extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you as we gather today for the momentous occasion of the homecoming of the Structures of Mutual Support exhibition. Today marks a significant milestone in our journey—a journey that began with a vision to put forth the ingenuity, resilience, and collaborative spirit of the Filipino people on the world stage.

As we stand here today, surrounded by the tangible fruits of our collective efforts, I am filled with profound gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. The road to this moment has been marked by countless challenges, but it is precisely through our unwavering commitment and determination that we have overcome every obstacle that stood in our way.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every individual who has contributed to the success of this project. To the members of the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm community, whose unwavering dedication and hard work have brought this vision to life, your resilience and creativity are truly an inspiration to us all.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to the curators, Sudarshan V. Khadka Jr. and Alexander Eriksson Furunes, whose visionary leadership and innovative approach have shaped this exhibition into a powerful testament to the transformative potential of mutual support systems in architecture. Your commitment to excellence and your passion for community empowerment have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

To our partners and supporters, both here in the Philippines and around the world, I extend my sincerest thanks for your unwavering support and encouragement. Your generosity and solidarity have played a crucial role in making this dream a reality.

As we celebrate the homecoming of the Structures of Mutual Support exhibition, let us also reflect on the profound significance of this moment. This exhibition is not simply about buildings or structures; it is about people—it is about communities coming together to create something truly extraordinary. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and collective action in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Throughout history, communities around the world have demonstrated the power of mutual support in times of need. From the Irish Meithal and Norwegian Dugnad to the Brazilian Mutirão and Indonesian Gotong-royong, examples abound of communities coming together to support one another through adversity. These traditions, rooted on empathy, care, and solidarity, serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of mutual support in building resilient and cohesive societies.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to continue working together, hand in hand, to build a better world for future generations. May the Structures of Mutual Support exhibition serve as a source of inspiration and hope for all who encounter it, and may it continue to spark meaningful dialogue and collaboration in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

Thank you, and may we all continue to strive for excellence. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Isang luntiang Pilipinas sa ating lahat.