Gawad Kalinga Foundation – Building a Better Nation One Community at a Time

Poverty has been a perennial problem in the Philippines. In a recent survey, it was said that more than half of the whole Philippine population are sinking below the poverty line. What is even more alarming is that economists and financial analysts are projecting that this year will mark skyrocketing unemployment rates, which would automatically intensify the country’s bout to combat poverty. It takes the help of organizations like Gawad Kalinga Foundation to launch a massive campaign to help solve this predicament.

It is an active and renowned socio-religious organization in the Philippines that aims to build a slum-free and squatter-free nation. Founded by humanitarian, Tony Meloto, the organization had its humble beginnings way back in 1995 through the initiatives of Couples for Christ in rehabilitating juvenile delinquents in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. The aftermath of its initial program was a success and readily produced positive changes in the lives of those who took part in the project. Since then, GK has evolved into a prime mover in nation building. To date, GK has 900 communities all over the Philippines and in other countries.

Joining the GK cause is also a great act for schools to develop their students’ social awareness. Having students immersed in the core values and objectives of the organization will develop in them a sense of patriotism and love for others. Some of the schools and universities that have collaborated with GK are the Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Miriam College, University of Santo Tomas, University of Asia and the Pacific, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Saint Paul College, and the Philippine Normal University among others.

Providing homes is only part of the efforts of GK. More than building and improving poverty-stricken communities, Gawad Kalinga Foundation is after transforming lives of its beneficiaries. Soon, with the help of various sectors in the society, GK would be able to improve the living conditions of 5 million poor Filipinos in the country.