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A TEAM FROM COLORADO HELPS BUILD A BRIDGE IN DAVAO
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(May 5, 2001)
Most people around the world take a small bridge for granted. But for the indigenous peoples of the
mountainous regions of the southern Philippines, a bridge can save many lives. Each year, both children and
adults drown in rivers that must be crossed in order to access food, school houses, and other things. TMFI had been
raising money for some time to complete a bridge over the Davao river which claimed lives every year. The final completion
of this bridge was a tremendous blessing.
TMFI took a team from Colorado who helped build this bridge which now stands in Gumitan. "We had a grand time," said Pio Arce,
who helped lead the team. The team was there for 3 days, but put in a couple weeks of work in the humid heat.
For all who participated, it was really exciting to see the bridge take form. There were 15 who came from Colorado
to help. The army also came along to ferry supplies by helicopters. The army presence was also because of the
on-going measles epidemic which is taking the lives of a lot of children. Some of the children were brought to
hospitals. During the visit there were four kids who died.
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His T-shirt reads:
"HOW DID GOD BUILD A BRIDGE?
A HAMMER AND THREE NAILS."
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One of the team members who came was Charlotte Chonko, the sister of
Joseph Chonko
who Pio Arce had met previously. Joseph was the team's inspiration for making the trip.
He died tragically while snowboarding in Vales, Colorado at the age of 28. He had contributed a substantial amount
to help kick off the project and had wanted to help in the construction. His friends came on his behalf. "This bridge
was Joseph's dream," said Charlotte of her brother. She received a token of appreciation form the natives.
Charlotte Chonko receives a special gift from the Matigsalug commemorating her brother Joseph.
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