Programs
Through TATAG, GK builds colorful, durable and secure homes for the
poorest of the poor. TATAG in the Filipino language means “to build” or “to establish.”
The program also provides other physical structures such as pathwalks and drainage systems,
water and toilet facilities, a school, a livelihood center, a multi-purpose hall and a clinic. In
some areas, other structures such as basketball courts and libraries are also constructed once
basic infrastructure needs are set up.
GK provides value based education for pre-school children, aged 3 to 6
years old through its program called SIBOL, which means “to grow” in the Filipino language.
GK provides a support program for street children of elementary age, from 7 to 13 years old.
They are provided with academic tutorials, sports and creative workshops as well as a very solid
values formation program through a program called SAGIP, which means “to save a life” in the
Filipino language.
Through the SIGA program, scholarships are provided to those with the
mental aptitude to pursue higher education. There is also a strong youth rehabilitation program
where juvenile delinquents are provided with a range of activities and counseling sessions to help
them live productive lives without committing them to rehab institutions. They are then integrated
into the social mainstream and are eventually gainfully employed. SIGA in the Filipino language
means “to light.”
LUSOG, meaning “healthy” in Filipino, is GK’s program for community
health care. The health profile of every family in a GK community is carefully monitored by a
volunteer team of doctors and paramedical practitioners; most GK areas now have a clinic.
Malnutrition especially among children is addressed and arrested not just through feeding programs
but also through parent education regarding proper nutrition and hygiene.
Through GAWAD KABUHAYAN (translated to “to give livelihood” in Filipino),
GK conducts livelihood and skills training, provides start up capital and materials for
microfinance and micro-enterprise, and assists in the marketing of the GK communities’ products.
Food self sufficiency is highly encouraged by teaching technology for backyard farming, urban
agriculture and poultry raising.
Even the very act of building homes and common facilities teaches new masonry and carpentry
skills since the poor “pay” for their homes through “sweat equity” or by building their neighbor’s
house side by side with the GK volunteers. This not only builds community spirit but also
contributes to greater peace. After all, how can a GK Homeowner fight the neighbor who helped him
build his house?
Every GK community is organized into a KAPITBAHAYAN Neighborhood
Association, which is established to inculcate stewardship and ensure accountability, cooperation
and unity. Guidelines for community living are decided upon by the members, and new leaders who
espouse the values of the association start to emerge. Peace is achieved not by force, but by
mutual adherence to an agreed set of values. This new culture is the key to the community’s
sustainability, and sets the community on the road to self reliance.
Gawad Kalinga is pro-poor and pro-environment. We empower the poor to become caretakers of
the environment instead of being its exploiters. GK teams are encouraged to plant fruit-bearing
trees in and around GK communities and produce seedlings for tree-planting. We also educate the
poor in solid waste management in partnership with environment groups and government agencies who
provide their expertise and resources in these projects. Finally, GK communities are provided with
clean, potable water for consumption and cleaning as a response to providing total quality of life
for the poor.
Our communities showcase the best of the Filipino--warmth, hospitality, and the many colors
and dimensions of our rich culture. We aim to make every GK Village a tourist spot showcasing the
inherent charm and uniqueness of each community. The beauty of the Philippines lies not only in its
natural resources but in the triumph of our people against poverty and oppression. Inspiring
stories are well told in the vibrant smiles and shinging eyes of our residents in our GK
communities.
Visitors are welcomed by happy residents of our GK communities, proud of their homes, grateful
for their blessings and hopeful for the future. GK is introducing performance arts such as painting
and sculpture and literature to the communities to strengthen the Filipino identity and to make the
GK residents proud of their roots.
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