Gawadkalinga

The Gawad Kalinga proves there is much hope that this nation will rise again if only people would come together and help one another fulfill a common vision. Driven by this spirit, people from all walks of life have come and now working together to help rebuild this nation by restoring the dignity of the poor and marginalized and helping realize th... eir dreams. The Gawad Kalinga is a community development program initiated by the Couples For Christ (CFC) but has now evolved into a growing multi-sectoral partnership that work toward the building of integrated, holistic and sustainable communities in depressed areas of the country. It helps in the upliftment of the poor by building their capacity to respond to opportunities and enabling them to reach their highest potential. The National Food Authority, now an active partner of Gawad Kalinga shares in the vision of building 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in 7 years or known as GK777. The officials and employees both in the central and field offices led by Adm. Arthur C. Yap took the challenge to help rebuild this nation by being involved in GK activities. NFA's partnership with CFC-GK initially was limited to livelihood component of GK program in terms accrediting rice outlets in Payatas13, the pilot area for the tie-up implementation, to sell NFA rice and other basic commodities. However, during the conclusion of the two-day National Manager's Conference last November 2003 held at the Food Development Center in Taguig. NFA's top executives, managers and others in attendance decided that their involvement with GK would be more than just accrediting rice outlets in the GK communities. That very moment Deputy Secretary Jose Tale and Issa Santos in their personal capacity as GK volunteer workers presented the program, NFA found its heart in the GK. Right there and then, Adm. Yap started the padugo, by pledging Php 40,000.00 which is equivalent to one (1) GK unit. A consensus was arrived - NFA would raise funds for 24 units in memory of the 24 employees who ...Read More