From building houses, Gawad Kalinga sets sights on helping build a nation

GK founder Antonio Meloto Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Aside from building homes for the homeless, Gawad Kalinga (GK) now wants to actively participate in nation-building by forging a partnership with the government to foster a culture of volunteerism and heroism in the country.

During the foundation’s 8th anniversary celebration Saturday at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) grandstand, GK founder Antonio Meloto Jr. pointed out that the venue was specifically chosen because “these are the grounds that raised a lot of heroes.”

“Our thrust is to help end poverty in the Philippines by 2024 by working closely with the national government, rallying corporations and schools, to build a culture of heroism and love of country,” Meloto said.

He added, “What we want to achieve is solidarity in nation-building—the unity of all Filipinos to build a prosperous and peaceful nation.”

Meloto acknowledged a “natural partnership” with the government, particularly local government units, through years of GK’s work of sheltering the homeless.

But the partnership was only formalized on Saturday night with the GK’s expression of support for the “Pilipinas Natin” movement, a government campaign that seeks to harness the  spirit of people power to steer the country toward progress.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary for Special Concerns Jose Mari Oquiñena told the Inquirer that GK’s 8th anniversary celebration was more of a nation-building expo advocating volunteerism.

“It is more on organizing and values formation.  More on engagement and involvement,” Oquiñena said.

“We are trying to engage foundations in our projects. GK is into community development so we are engaging them. Hopefully we can field volunteers to their projects,” he said.

“What is important here is that people will not just go and say, ‘I want to help.’ What is important here is they will participate not only out of the desire to help but because they are willing to change their minds and hearts towards unity,” Orquiñena said.

He cited President Benigno Aquino III’s recognition  of people empowerment, “so we are strongly advocating volunteerism.”

Oquiñena said that “Pilipinas Natin” was now organizing volunteers in every area. “We have modules, values formation and trainings. Hopefully as more members participate we could train leaders.”

He said several youth camps would be held this month in certain areas for  “training the trainers.”

Meloto told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that since it was founded in 2003, GK has established 2,000 communities nationwide, which in itself is a strong statement that people united in a cause can achieve anything. “These say it can be done,” he said.

“The bottom line is love of country.”

He said that GK had inaugurated the first of 25 “enchanted farms” in Angat, Bulacan, would it will replicate around the country . The Angat farm  is a self-sustaining community that grows only organic produce and is expected to serve 5,000 families in the province.