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Gawad Kalinga

Gawad Kalinga homes in Bacolod

I don't know much about Gawad Kalinga (GK) but I've seen tangible results of their works. My masseuse first told me about GK in 2006 and I was impressed that she was able to get a house through the GK organization. She showed me her home in the outskirts of Roxas City.  It has two tiny bedrooms, a living room, a toilet with shower. The dining room and kitchen share the same space. Her house was built with the help of other GK residents which is a requirement in the construction of these homes. Anyone with a GK home must put in his time to help build his own house and those of others in the neighborhood. The property is usually donated as are the materials used in the construction. My masseuse's only complaint was that the title to her property had not been transferred to her name because there was a problem with the payment of real estate taxes pertaining to the entire GK project in her neighborhood and at the time we spoke, it had not been addressed. This issue was to be resolved by her GK neighbors which is why it was stalled.

GK's mission is "to end poverty for 5 million poor families".  It was founded in 1995 by Couples for Christ with the original intent to reach out to troubled youth in the Caloocan City area. GK has now expanded its mission to other countries like Cambodia. For more information about Gawad Kalinga, follow this link: http://www.gk1world.com/. 

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Photo by Charie
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