Gawad Kalinga has evolved into not just a work with the poor but also a work of nation building, from a simple but daring CFC intiative to a growing multi-sectoral partnership by the same spirit and vision.
GK hosts people-empowering activities moving towards building integrated, holistic and sustainable communities focusing first and foremost on depressed areas throughout the Philippines. Not one organization has the capability to rebuild the country, not even the government. The challenge that lies before us, the very stability and growth of a people and nation, compels more and more of us to work together.
GK gives priority to dismantling the pattern of despair and feeling of abandonment which overwhelm the lives of the impoverished. GK starts with establishing caring relationships with those who are among the most used, abused and neglected of society. GK then moves quickly to help restore the dignity of the poor and marginalized and revitalize their capacity to hope and dream. This is why GK builds brightly-painted homes, beautiful parks and playgrounds, colorful gardens and clean surroundings.
The caring spirit moves strongly to become a sharing one, and GK symbolizes the revolution of love and the vision of total human liberation. It begins with the CFC leadership and membership through the padugo system (bleeding for a cause), which institutionalizes the giving of resources and exemplies the culture of sharing.
The ideals of GK state that "no one is too poor that he cannot share, that no one is too rich that he cannot care." GK reflects the determination of CFC and its partners to heal relationships in society, from within the family to the national environment. Rebuilding broken relationships translates to bridging gaps between people, and opens new and unlimited opportuinities for huamn interaction and the exchange of resources.
GK defines resources as beyond the monetary to that which has value to life and community. That is why GK goes beyond the management of funds to the management of relationships and sharing of resources. Architects and engineers design houses and create color schemes, doctors and nurses can attend to the people's health, teachers can contribute their time and knowledge to the young, and business leaders can tutor others towards economic enterprises
What does Gawad Kalinga hope to achieve?
GK hopes to achieve the following:
1. Community Empowerment
GK envisions empowered communities whose residents are not just receivers but are givers as well. The work is not about dole-out or charity, but stewardship. It is about uplifting the dignity of the poor by building their capacity to respond to opportunities and enabling them to reach their highest potential.
2. Massive Mobilization of Volunteerism
The Filipino is known for "bayanihan," the collective efforts of heroism in our local communities. Heroism is not confined to men and women of history who gave up their lives, but it also honors the ordinary men and women who choose to make sacrifices for the greater good. It not only pertains to a single outstanding individual who wants to help his/her community but the whole community working together to achieve success for all.
3. Partnership in Nation Building
The task of nation building is indeed massive, but the challenge is not insurmountable if all Filipinos learn to work together. Not one group or agency can do it alone. Government is not hopeless, but it is helpless without the support of civil society. Each Filipino must take part in realizing the dream of the Filipino nation rebuilt.
What is a Gawad Kalinga community?
A GK community has certain distinctive aspects.
1. Faith Community
... where there is mutual respect among community members for each other's religious beliefs. Each one is free to express one's faith. The community is bonded by their common love for God, and from this, love is expressed concretely in terms of respect and care for each other.
2. Peace Zone
... where the community members, regardless of their religious or social beliefs, live in peace and harmony. Conflicts and misunderstandings among community members are settled based on the higher interest of peace, justice and solidarity. Peace is achieved when broken relationships are healed and rebuilt.
3. Tourist Spot
... where the sense of beauty of the surroundings befitting human dwelling and habitation is a priority. Brightly colored houses and landscaped environment are an expression of hope and the transition from a survival mentality to living a full life of dignity.
4. Productivity Center
... where the potential of the community, both human and natural resources, are developed and tapped to sustain the growth of the community in terms of self-sufficiency and eventually to be "givers" not just "receivers."
5. Environmentally Healthy Community
... where the preservation of the environment is as urgent and as important as self-preservation. The community, through proper waste management, waste disposal and planting of trees and plants to preserve the natural habitat, concretely expresses their value for the environment.
What are the programs of Gawad Kalinga?
The basic programs of GK are the following:
1. Shelter
Through Tatag, GK builds or improves the houses. The program also provides other physical structures such as pathways and drainage systems, water and toilet facilities, a school, a livelihood center, a multi-purpose hall, a clinic, etc.
2. Education
Through Sibol, pre-school children (3-6 yrs old) are given values-based education. Through Sagip, street children (7-13 yrs old) are given tutiorials and trained in sports and the creative arts to help them discover their talents and potential. Through Siga (Serving in God's Army), scholarships are provided those with the mental aptitude to pursue higher education. Also through SIGA, youth offenders and juvenile delinquents are rehabilitated without committing them to institutions, and they are integrated into the social masinstgream as productive citizens.
3. Health
Through Lusog, malnutrition especially among children is addressed and arrested, and the parents are taught the values of proper diet and nutrition. The health profile of every family beneficiary is also monitored and every problem is then given proper medical attention.
4. Livelihood
Through Sikap, livelihood skills are provided, capital and materials are furnished, and the market for products produced is also provided. Food self-sufficiency is encouraged by putting up vegetable gardens, urban agriculture quail raising, tilapia and hito culture, etc.
5. Community Development
Through Kapitbahayan, a neighborhood association is established to inculcate the values of stewardship and accountability, team effort and cooperation, unity and community spirit. It is the mechanism for sustainable development as it institutionalizes the principle of helping the poor help themselves.
For more information, please visit Gawad Kalinga Website at: http://www.gawadkalinga.org/
