Transforming Our BVAHAI

Each community has its own history, characteristics, traditions and ways of doing things. Sociologists say that as in every family, a community has its own culture. To change a community starts with the changing of its culture. Transforming communities is a dance of many steps. But as in any journey, it starts with the first little step. Know your culture. Discover what you want to change. Get people concerned to “want” to change, then implement an action plan towards that change.

Bankers Village III, a subdivision of more than 50 years now may be likened to a mature person gaining wisdom from its past experiences. By current standards, ours should be a first class subdivision. It boasts wide paved streets, a water system, a relatively efficient electrical network, and a set of active officers and members of the village association.

And yet, there are so many things to gripe about. Bankers Village III is far from being a premier subdivision in Antipolo City, if not in Sumulong Highway alone. Its proximity to the town proper and the Provincial Capital of Rizal Province has failed to attract new people nor increased its market value. The place has not even enticed some of the lot owners to build their dream houses and stay in the subdivision.

If these absentee owners and the present residents of the subdivision will be surveyed, what will they indicate as their transformation’s wish for the subdivision. But will they be willing to take the initiative of changing? How do we go about the long and difficult process of transformation?

We must congratulate the present Board of the association for initiating a giant step towards what I hope will be a realization of a vision for the people of Bankers. It has already started with its cleaning and beautification drive. We hope this will be a continuing effort.

For me, the most significant action thus far is the setting up of the Committee on Social Interactions. In contrast with following rules and regulations or receiving demand letters and circulars, we can now meet and talk with real people, paving the way to friendly negotiations and ironing of differences. Their initial move was the holding of the KAPITBAHAYAN FESTIVAL. It was not only a festive occasion with entertainment from the youth of Bankers and game members of BVAHAI (Bankers Village Antipolo Homeowners Association Inc.).We came face to face with each other. We discovered we were not alone and shared the same aspirations. We give credit to the efforts of Chairman Rey Agustin and Community Relations Officer, Dr. Lilian M. Collado, a pediatrician whose residence and clinic is on Phase 2.

Events like these help in strengthening bonds and building our community. I hope with this, a process has begun: the process of bridging gaps, engaging the youth and setting up community consultations. Community: the word evokes many images. I hope we can give meaning to these images. I am sure we are all interested to live in a vibrant environment where we can live, work and congregate. I hope the leadership will take courage to pursue the change process that has started.

By Rey Halili