Gawad Kalinga (GK) is a Philippines-based NGO dedicated to eradicating poverty and restoring the dignity of the poor. Established in 2003, GK has impacted over 2,000 communities through its holistic approach to empowerment, focusing on values formation, leadership development, and social entrepreneurship.
As a leading movement for nation-building in the Philippines, Gawad Kalinga continues to transform lives by providing cash assistance, building sustainable communities, and creating opportunities for economic growth. GK’s mission is to lift 5 million families out of poverty by 2024, making it a beacon of hope for marginalized populations across the country.
What is GK?
Gawad Kalinga, which means “to give care” in Tagalog, is an organization in the Philippines that works to help poor families escape poverty. Founded in 2003, the organization focuses on providing homes, education, and leadership training to people in need. By creating safe communities and teaching valuable skills, Gawad Kalinga aims to restore the dignity of those who have been struggling.
The organization’s work isn’t just about giving money or food but also about helping people build better lives for themselves. Gawad Kalinga partners with volunteers, businesses, and local governments to support projects that create jobs, provide clean water, and promote health in communities. Through these efforts, Gawad Kalinga is making a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people in the Philippines.
History
Gawad Kalinga, which means “to give care” in Filipino, started as a movement to help the poor in the Philippines. It was officially founded in 2003 by Antonio Meloto, though its roots go back to 1994 when the group began building homes in Manila’s slums in an attempt to help the communities rebuild following the destruction caused by the typhoon Haiyan. Later, the organization started focusing more on improving the lives of the poor by providing housing, education, and job opportunities, with the ultimate goal of ending poverty for five million families by 2024. Over the years, GK has expanded to over 2,000 communities in the Philippines and other countries, earning recognition and awards for its efforts. Despite some challenges, including a separation from its original partner organization—the Catholic group Group Couples for Christ (CFC)—in 1999, GK continues its work to uplift communities and restore human dignity.
Logo
The GK (Gawad Kalinga) logo features the initials “GK” in bold white letters against a vibrant orange background, symbolizing hope, warmth, and positivity. Alongside the letters are three stylized human figures, representing the community, unity, and collective movement towards a better future. The ascending sizes of the figures suggest growth, progress, and the empowerment of people working together to uplift lives.
Mission
“Ending poverty for 5 million families by 2024.”
Vision
“Gawad Kalinga is building a nation empowered by people with faith and patriotism; a nation made up of caring and sharing communities, dedicated to eradicate poverty and restore human dignity.”
Core Values
GK is guided by a set of core values that shape its approach to community development. These values are the foundation upon which GK builds caring and sharing communities dedicated to restoring human dignity.
GK’s core values include:
- Faith and Patriotism: Believing in the power of faith and love for country to transform lives and communities
- Bayanihan: Promoting a spirit of community, cooperation, and collective action to achieve shared goals
- Dignity: Recognizing the inherent worth and value of every person, regardless of their socioeconomic status
- Stewardship: Responsible management of resources to create the greatest impact and ensure sustainability
- Excellence: Striving for the highest standards of quality in all aspects of their work
- Servant Leadership: Prioritizing the needs of others and leading by example to inspire positive change
Mandate
As a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) in the Philippines, GK employs a holistic approach to empower communities through various initiatives aimed at restoring dignity and fostering sustainable growth.
Its mandates include:
- Poverty Alleviation: Committed to eradicating poverty for five million families by 2024 through integrated community development.
- Community Empowerment: Fostering local leadership and self-sufficiency by training community members to manage their own development projects.
- Social Enterprise Development: Encouraging the establishment of social enterprises to create jobs and promote economic sustainability within communities.
- Disaster Response and Recovery: Providing support and rebuilding efforts in communities affected by natural disasters.
- Education and Skills Training: Implementing educational programs and vocational training to enhance literacy and empower individuals with marketable skills.
- Health and Nutrition: Addressing health issues through programs that focus on nutrition, access to clean water, and health education.
These mandates guide GK’s mission to build caring and sharing communities, ultimately aiming to create a nation where every individual can thrive.
Powers and Functions
As a transformative movement dedicated to eradicating poverty through its programs, GK has since evolved into the leading NGO in the country. Its powers and functions include:
- Mobilizing community members to form cohesive groups that work collaboratively towards common goals.
- Securing funding, materials, and volunteers to support community projects and initiatives.
- Providing education and skills training to empower local leaders and residents in managing their development.
- Building relationships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sectors, and non-profits, to enhance support for community initiatives.
- Executing various programs aimed at improving living conditions, health, education, and economic opportunities within communities.
- Assessing the impact of programs and initiatives to ensure effectiveness and make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.
Organizational Structure
GK operates under a structured organizational framework designed to effectively implement its mission of poverty alleviation and community empowerment in the Philippines. The organization is composed of various levels of leadership and functional teams that work collaboratively to achieve their goals, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively.
At the top of the structure is the Board of Trustees, responsible for governance and strategic direction. Below them, the Executive Team manages the day-to-day operations and oversees the various departments such as finance, program development, and community engagement. Community Development Coordinators (CDCs) are also present and they are the ones who work directly with local communities, facilitate programs, and ensure that initiatives align with community needs. Additionally, GK has established regional offices to address local challenges and foster partnerships with stakeholders. This multi-tiered approach allows GK to maintain a strong connection with the communities it serves while effectively managing its resources and initiatives.
Benefit
GK offers a range of benefits to the communities it serves, focusing on empowerment, social justice, and sustainable development. These benefits include:
- Community Empowerment: GK supports the creation of small, tight-knit communities centered around common goals and projects, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging among members.
- Restoration of Social Justice: By addressing the root causes of poverty and providing access to resources, GK helps restore social justice and equity within disadvantaged communities.
- Economic Development: GK’s initiatives, such as social enterprise incubation and agricultural programs, aim to create jobs, generate income, and promote economic growth in impoverished areas.
- Capacity Building: GK invests in education, training, and leadership development to empower individuals and communities to become self-sufficient and resilient.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: GK’s work relies on partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and civil society organizations, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem for development.
- Inspiration for Change: GK’s innovative approach and success stories have inspired other countries and communities to adopt similar models, contributing to a global movement for poverty alleviation and social transformation.
Coverage
GK is dedicated to ending poverty through community development and empowerment. Since its establishment, it has worked with over 2,000 communities, focusing on restoring dignity and building a culture of caring and sharing among its beneficiaries.
These beneficiaries include:
- Survivors of Natural Disasters: Individuals and families affected by calamities, such as typhoons and earthquakes, who require immediate support and rehabilitation.
- Low-Income Families: Households living in poverty, often in informal settlements, seeking better living conditions and opportunities for economic improvement.
- Homeless Communities: Groups without stable housing that approach GK for assistance in securing land and building homes.
- Disadvantaged Youth: Young individuals who benefit from educational programs and skills training to enhance their future prospects.
- Farmers and Agricultural Workers: Those in rural areas who receive support for sustainable farming practices and access to markets.
- Children and Mothers: Families targeted by health and nutrition programs aimed at addressing malnutrition and improving overall well-being.
Programs and Services
GK advocates for the end of poverty and shows its support to its beneficiaries through the following programs and services:
1. GK Builders Institute (GKBI)
This initiative creates and runs training programs that deepen the involvement and commitment of everyone working to fight poverty.
2. Community Development Coordinators (CDCs)
GK assigns trained coordinators to mentor and support poor communities, helping them implement various programs and build connections with local governments and volunteers.
3. GK Villages
GK helps provide safe and comfortable homes for the poor, fostering a culture of caring and cooperation as community members contribute to building their homes.
4. Kusina ng Kalinga (KnK)
A program designed to fight child hunger and malnutrition by preparing and delivering nutritious meals to children and mothers in need, supported by community teamwork.
5. Aral Program
GK offers intensive reading programs to help children ages 7-13 improve their literacy and comprehension skills, essential for their overall learning.
6. SipaG
Through sports, particularly football, GK teaches discipline, perseverance, and teamwork to children from poor communities, enhancing their chances of future success.
7. SEED Program
This program trains young people in agricultural entrepreneurship, focusing on countryside development to address poverty and create opportunities in rural areas.
8. Daloy ng Pag-asa
GK works to bring safe water to poor communities by installing water systems and ensuring the water sources remain uncontaminated.
9. Goodbye Gutom
Goodbye Gutom is GK’s initiative to combat hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need. The program focuses on ensuring that no child goes hungry, promoting community-driven solutions to food insecurity. Through collective efforts, it helps reduce hunger and improve overall nutrition in vulnerable communities.
10. Yamang Kalusugan
GK promotes health and well-being by educating communities on proper nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle choices to overcome common health challenges.
11. BayanAnihan
This program supports farmers by providing them with resources, training, and market connections, empowering them to improve their livelihoods.
Video: Gawad Kalinga Omnibus Video
This GK Omnibus video showcases the transformative journey of communities in the Philippines as they rise out of poverty through the organization’s holistic approach to empowerment. Discover how Gawad Kalinga’s mission of restoring dignity and fostering self-sufficiency is creating lasting change for millions of Filipino families by watching this one:
Summary
Gawad Kalinga’s unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities in the Philippines has positioned it as a beacon of hope and transformation. By the end of the year 2024, GK aims to fulfill its mission of lifting 5 million families out of poverty, creating a sustainable and dignified future for generations to come.
Contact Information
Gawad Kalinga
Main Office Address: 2/F Choa Co Siu Hoo, 212 Haig St., Brgy. Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City
Contact Number: +63-2-5332217, 0272192729 (Globe), 0279556081 (Globe), 0285332217 (PLDT)
Email Address: info@gawadkalinga.com, partnerships@gawadkalinga.com
Official Website: https://www.gk1world.com/home
Official Social Media Pages
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/gawadkalinga/
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gawadkalingahq?si=L5TTLVkqRjdYrsKM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gawadkalinga?igsh=MXVwdXoxbXViZTBseA==
X: https://x.com/GawadKalingaHQ?t=iqalZe3Gv84Thtk9WH1u0Q&s=09