Gethesmane Council 13515 in Casuntingan, Mandaue City, Visayas, Philippines, constructed an emergency access road and drainage system to aid families whose homes were often flooded during the the rainy season. The work earned them the International Community Activity Award.

2006 International Community Activity Award

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When the rainy season comes to Mandaue City in the central Philippines, it often means isolation for many residents who are cut off from public services due to extensive flooding. That is no longer the case for many inhabitants, thanks to the efforts of the Knights of Columbus Gethsemane Council 13515.

Despite 20 years of washed out roadways, which prevented affected residents from receiving prompt emergency assistance, local officials had not been able to secure necessary funding for improvements. Gethsemane Council negotiated with city officials and landowners to devise and construct an emergency access road and drainage system to alleviate the damage and inaccessibility caused by flooding.

In three months time, council members cleared trees and dug drainage canals, performing all the work with hand tools rather than heavy construction equipment. Despite the limited resources, the project was completed before the heavy rains arrived.

For its dedicated efforts in providing for their community’s needs, Gethsemane Council 13515 was awarded the Knights of Columbus International Community Activity Award at the 124th annual Supreme Council meeting in Orlando, Fla. Aug. 2, 2006. Grand Knight and Mrs. Rey Ruyeras accepted the award, along with Visayas State Deputy and Mrs. Eduardo Laczi accepted the award.