MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino has praised the Gawad Kalinga (GK) for helping and building communities and for contributing to national development.
During last Friday’s 3rd Global Society Business Summit and GK’s 13th anniversary celebration in Angat, Bulacan, Aquino said the organization’s initiative was close to his heart as he noted the spirit of volunteerism among Filipino youth.
“Since 2003, GK has been helping our countrymen and building 2,500 communities mostly in areas that are vulnerable to calamity and conflict,” Aquino said.
Expressing fascination for locations like the GK’s Enchanted Farm in Angat, the President admired the idea of the farm serving as a university for social education, a destination for social tourism and a hub for social business.
He thanked GK founder Tony Meloto and the social entrepreneurs as well as the communities “who give meaning” to GK’s work.
“Cooperation between the government and GK is not new,” the President said, noting that his administration had several projects with the organization.
One of these projects is the agri-social enterprise showcase of the Department of Agriculture in Enchanted Farm, which is helping provide livelihood to farmers.