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> > > MAIL USFor any comments and suggestions about the website, or for queries about Gawad Kalinga, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can e-mail us at gawadkalinga_uae@yahoo.com.Thank You. 
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo shakes hands with Mrs. Mercy Arborado as she inspects a newly completed housing unit at the Gawad Kalinga Missionville Housing Project this afternoon (June 14) at Barangay Saray in Iligan City. Looking on are Mercy’s husband, Terencio, and their two children, and Iligan City Mayor Franklin Quijano. (Malacañang Photo)
Wonders of CFC Gawad kalinga by Teodoro C. Benigno Originally appeared in The Philippine Star 06/14/2002 Lincoln Steffens, one of the great muckrakers of post-Depression America and a great journalist to boot, became famous for a one-liner he uttered after visiting Russia in the 30s: "I have seen the future and it works!" Russian communism was indeed impressive at the time Steffens visited but eventually - for a myriad reasons - it collapsed. I felt somewhat like Steffens ten days ago after a day-long sojourn in stifling heat visiting four housing projects of Gawad Kalinga, the glittering pearl in the oyster of Couples for Christ. The projects were astounding, the houses astonishing, the impact breathtaking. Where ugly jerry-built shacks and smelly barong-barongs stood before in the "poorest of the poor" slum districts of Metro Manila, there were now concrete residences gleaming with proud coats of paint in vivid, primary colors. Where mud and slush and tumbleweed and swamp water and dangerous crooked pathways before choked the neighborhoods I visited, there were now thickly paved concrete footpaths sloping up and down. And little gardens now flowering here and there lent an atmosphere of cheer, neighborliness and hope where nothing but misery and utter desperation existed before. Even violence. I looked at my escorts, actually my Couples for Christ (Gawad Kalinga) hosts Tony Meloto and Maria Montelibano, querulously. They had blended with the "poorest of the poor" without the patronizing hambug of the rich and powerful in Makati. They had bled and continue to bleed for the "cause", establishing personal relationships shorn of sham and pretense. You could see it. The poor, first in the Payatas area where our day started, then in Bagong Silang where it ended, took to them and the Couples for Christ with the gentle gurgle of brookwater nestling in a cove. What surprised - even shocked - me was that there were no priests around or nuns. Certainly none from the archbishopric of Manila where only recently Bishop Soc Villegas was quoted as saying the Church loved the poor, and to love the poor, the Church had to "love poverty as well". Shocking statement that. I had to take a second, a third, and a fourth look at Tony Meloto, CFC director, Couples for Christ, Social Ministries. Tony is the man behind Gawad Kalinga, tall, gangling, self-effacing, a real Christian. In my book, he was and is the Philippines' Dominique La Pierre, a French journalist smitten with the works of Mother Teresa and who himself settled down for years in Calcutta. La Pierre fraternized with the "living dead" in Calcutta, lived as they did. He also improved their living and health conditions, their education. What was more, he took out the pallor of approaching death from their faces. Dominique made them smile, made them laugh, made them realize hope was always there, so long as they didn't give up, so long as the breath of their religion and the national soul remained in their breasts, even if only a flicker. In the end, Calcutta, as a result of Dominique La Pierre's ministrations, was christened The City of Joy. Tony Meloto was born dirt poor in Bacolod City. Eventually he migrated to Manila where he made good in business and the corridors of politics. A scholarship earned him an Ateneo de Manila University degree in economics. In the end, the lure of doing something for the impoverished became a passion. He settled back in Bagong Silang, where squatters, crime and violence, the impoverished and the unemployed gave it a hideous and revolting notoriety, like: All thee who enter here, give up all hope. It was in Bagong Silang where the dream of Gawad Kalinga took shape, first a ministry of thought, then a ministry of hope, then finally the many-splendored "social ministries" (shelter, education, health, community development) that now form the impressive network of Couples for Christ all over the country. Maria Montelibano explained Gawad Kalinga was actually the Filipino concept and legacy of bayanihan in robust bloom. Maybe. Then the "social scientist" in me, the guy who looks at "the big picture" took over. "Tony," I asked, "how long can you keep at this? Can you really make a substantial dent in the nation's grinding poverty? Don't you feel you are racing against the clock?" I was terribly impressed by Gawad Kalinga. But the truth is, I felt there was hyperbole in Gawad Kalinga's vision of a future "where literally there are no more slums as it envisions this century rising out of its Third World conditions to claim its rightful place in the prosperous family of nations." Unperturbed, Tony Meloto simply replied: "Whatever happens, Teddy, I shall be doing what I am doing now, and Couples for Christ will persevere." Tony admitted the gap between rich and poor was a wide, almost unbridgeable chasm, and it was crushing poverty that bred almost all of the nation's ills - crime and violence, graft and corruption, near illiteracy, abysmal ignorance. It was like trying to storm hell with a water bucket brigade. But Tony could not be budged, as was Maria. These were the people who sought to walk on air, tread water, anoint the healing balm of early Christianity into the lives of "the wretched of the earth," as Frantz Fanon called them. Yes, in their presence, you stand bareheaded in the wind. |
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GAWAD KALINGA OFFICIAL WEBSITE October 14, 2003: Manila Bulletin Online: Angel Thought for Today We attended two “happenings” in the past week that inspired us about this country. One event was the launch of the Gawad Kalinga 777 and its expo and exhibit at the Fort Bonifacio Global City. There was also a grand concert directed by Maria V. Montelibano, formerly head of the RTVM (Radio Television Malacañang) during PCCA’s term that drew some 40,000 ticket-paying people to watch the likes of Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, the Apo and other artists performing until the wee hours of the morning for a cause. The “cause” was to raise awareness and funds for the building of 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in the next seven years. These houses will go towards empowering the poorest of the poor to own their homes, live in decent, well-planned communities and learn livelihood skills. The goal is nothing new. GK 777 is not about to re-invent the wheel. The people behind the project and their NGO partners and government “cooperators” are merely seeing to it that their dream will be translated into reality. In others, doing the “doable” in the least complicated way, free from red tape and corruption of government bidding procedures and “negotiated bids.” What impressed us most about the GK 777 is the esprit de corps behind the project. As Hubby observed during the expo of the model homes in the Global City, everyone involved in the project was so fired up with their commitment, it was actually “awesome.” Tony Meloto, one of the elders of the Couples for Christ which is the “mother” organization from whence GH 777 sprang, is a lowkey, soft spoken fellow who looks like an absent-minded professor, or a middle-level bureaucrat in government service. Until he opens his mouth and explains his vision to GK 777. Then you have a Pied Piper talking about his dream of a united nation because its citizens dared to care about each other in the spirit of hero Ninoy Aquino and EDSA I. The mechanics is simple: for people to help one family have a decent 22 square meter home. The GK 777 has pinpointed sites where communities can be built. Either the land is donated by a generous benefactor or the people occupying the lots have rights to it. They do not want to perpetuate squatting. After a team from GK immerses itself in the site and gets to know the people there, their needs, aspirations, etc., patners for the houses to be built are identified. A singled detached house costs around R40,000 with the labor costs be borne by the recipients, volunteers and neighbors. In a week, a house can be put up, painted in bright colors and landscaped with plants and shrubs. The recipient in turn helps his neighbor in building his home and so on. The pathways around the houses are paved with cement tiles with the help of children and youth. VazBuilt, the company of Gary Vasquez, has made available the cement tiles at cost to GK and the paved alleys and pathways will eliminate flooding and mud in the area. Clean and paved surroundings will also eliminate causes of illnesses like skin diseases during rainy seasons, aside from merely beautifyng the community. October 03, 2003: The Philippine Inquirer: Filipino Bravehearts FOR the past few days, and for the next two, hundreds of workers, performers and exhibitors converge in a fenced area in The Fort. Amidst grave concerns that plague people and nation, a mustard seed is being planted by patriots. Patriots. What a noble term for noble hearts. Filipino patriots. A rare breed. September 27, 2003: Manila Times: Batangas City relocation site for the poorest has zero crime BATANGAS CITY—Perhaps as a result of last week’s conference of 1,000 businessmen, local government and NGO executives, Batangas City – famous for being the host of the Batangas International Port and at least four power plants supplying about 60 percent power requirements of the Luzon grid—is now doing something to stress its being a responsible corporate body that builds homes for the poorest. August 21, 2003: Cyberdyaryo: Couples for Christ and Gawad Kalinga Bayanihan is the Filipino spirit of collectively pooling resources and efforts to get a job done. But the spirit of bayanihan—of helping, sharing, and coming together to help someone in need—seems to have faded in Philippine society now divided by strife, poverty and social disruptions. July 25, 2003: The Philippine Inquirer's write-up on the June GK National Build ONE-and-a half-years ago, in the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, I witnessed 18,000 leaders of the Couples For Christ (CFC) holding their annual Leaders Conference. There, in a passionate display of collective commitment, ordinary men and women entered an expanded vision of total human liberation in a radical movement for the poor. July 17, 2003: MILITARY’S BROKEN PROMISE: Capas Aetas still longing for new homes CAPAS - Looking out from her home, Nelia Candoli couldn’t help but compare her house with that of her neighbor’s just a few steps away. Her neighbor’s house has metal roofing, and although made of mostly bamboo wood, it looks well built and sturdy, with two spacious bedrooms, and a receiving area by the main door. June 27, 2003: Sun Star Bacolod: Housing village for fisherfolks to rise soon The National Housing Authority, the Habitat for Humanity Foundation Inc., Couples for Christ-Gawad Kalinga, the Phil-Canada Local Government Support program and the city government of Escalante, have launched a joint project to build houses for the fisher folks in Sitio Kalipay, Barangay Old Poblacion, Escalante City, on June 25. June 16, 2003: Inquirer News Service: Gawad Kalinga houses sprout in slum areas IN JUST three years, a civic community-building program has helped build 6,000 houses in various slum areas in the country. Now, the Gawad Kalinga is aiming to build half a million homes in the next five years. June 16, 2003: President GMA's Speech during the 53rd "Adlaw sa Iligan" Daghang salamat Secretary Cito Lorenzo, ang atong silingan gikan sa Bukidnon. June 05, 2003: Sun Star Davao: Sibol center ready for school opening IT is perhaps just another depressed area but what makes Barangay Gravahan in Matina, Davao City different from others is that it epitomizes the spirit of bayanihan. June 1, 2003: Personnel Management Association of the Philippines After the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by PMAP/COMREL on May 12, 2003, the Association headed by President Mon S. Medina and of course, COMREL, had its groundbreaking ceremonies last June 1, 2003, Saturday at the Arkong Bato Site in Pasig City. Said activity coincided with the celebration of the National Build Day where 2,000 houses were built nationwide for the GK recipients in various areas. After the MOA signing, PMAP released from the COMREL funds, the amount of P40,000.00 covering the cost of a unit. The GK June National Build April 25, 2003: CFC launches Gawad Kalinga - Ormoc City The Couples for Christ (CFC) announced the launching of the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Program National Build 3 scheduled on June. The religious movement made the announcement in a luncheon forum last Apr. 25 at the Rose Grand Ballroom of Sabin Resort Hotel attended by city and municipal officials, civic leaders, businessmen and academicians. March 31, 2003: Sun Star Bacolod: 21 squatter-families awarded lots TWENTY-ONE squatter-families from Barangay 6, Bacolod City, were given Certificates of Award (COA) Sunday to avail lots at the Provincial Government-Gawad Kalinga (GK) Socialized Housing Project in Kabugwason, Barangay Mansilingan. March 18, 2003: Visayan Daily Star: Gawad Kalinga-CFC may help media in city The Couples for Christ has informed members of the Dumaguete media of the possibility of erecting houses for them at affordable arrangements. March 05, 2003: Sun Star Bacolod: Multi-sectoral groups to help build houses HUNREDS of volunteers are expected to help build houses at the Kabugwason relocation site in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City as more than 10 multi-sectoral organizations have signified their support and cooperation to the provincial government’s housing project in partnership with Gawad Kalinga. March 04, 2003: Sun Star Bacolod: Capitol, city to relocate 211 squatters THE Negros Occidental Provincial Government will assist the transfer of more than 200 families from Purok Azucena, Barangay 6, to their new homes at the Kabugwason relocation site in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City. January 24, 2003: Bukidnon seeks volunteers to build houses for poor MALAYBALAY CITY -- There is a massive call for volunteers around Bukidnon these days. The project: to build houses for the poor. January 17, 2003: GMA lauds UNESCO efforts in helping poor President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today lauded the efforts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) in helping the Filipino poor...Unesco Asia and the Pacific is very much involved in the anti-poverty projects, many of which are connected with the projects of the Couples for Christ (CFC) Gawad Kalinga. July 03, 2002: Built under GK, Couples for Christ provides housing for B’laan tribe M’LANG, North Cotabato—"Since the start of the construction up to this moment when I’m standing in front of you, there is only one question that has baffled me: Is all of this true or just a dream?" June 03, 2002: Sun Star Cebu: Coloring lives In October last year, they counted 22. By today, they should be 50 in Cebu, all in the happy, fiesta colors of red, yellow, orange, blue and green. June 03, 2002: Sun Star Cebu: Couples for Christ to build 50 low-cost houses for poor AT LEAST 2,000 low-cost houses will be constructed all over the country on June 1 and 2 as religious group Couples for Christ (CFC) holds its shelter program simultaneously in 73 areas from Laoag to Tawi-Tawi January-March 2002: NEDA: CFC provides decent houses for the poor In 2000, the leper community in Jagobiao, Mandaue City had reason to rejoice. They were identified as one of the first beneficiaries of the housing program of the Couples for Christ (CFC). Philippine Fashion Show: The Beneficiary - GAWAD KALINGA It is about making a SIGNIFICANT and LASTING difference in the lives of the poor. It is more than just cosmetic measures or short term outreach. It is building relationships with people, finding out their real needs and responding with love until their dignity has been restored. PHOTOS of the SAGIP Program of CFC Pampanga. KFC-SAGIP (GK Childrens Program) CFC's Gawad Kalinga has provided thousands of houses nationwide to give to the poor. Building the colorful houses themselves.. it really is a sight to behold. |
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