The Makati-Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Program, dubbed “GK Dreamlandville,” was presented yesterday as a pioneering model that will form part of the Asian template for community development and poverty reduction at the GK Global Summit 2009 at Harvard University in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
The summit brings together Philippine leaders for the unveiling of the GK 2024 vision with a 21-year timeline to end poverty for five million poor Filipino families and build a first-world Philippines.
Makati Mayor Jejomar C. Binay, one of the featured speakers on the first day of the five-day summit, underscored the importance of promoting values reformation alongside providing viable opportunities to the poor in order to “bring back their dignity and honor.”
Citing the Chinese philosopher Confucius who said, “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home,” Binay said that the goal of leaders and anti-poverty advocates must be “to build homes, not just houses; to provide lasting opportunities instead of temporary dole-outs; and to transform our seemingly forgotten human resources into productive members of society, rather than a burden to it.”
GK Dreamlandville, situated on a 3.2-hectare property acquired by the city government in Brgy. Kay Pian, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, is aimed at providing informal settlers in Makati decent homes within a livable community, as well as sustainable livelihood.
During the launch of the Makati-GK partnership last December 5, the city government called on the business sector to pool their giving power to provide GK homes for 480 poor families by the end of 2009, and was able to raise almost P7 million in donations and pledges that night.
The biggest pledges were made by Rockwell Land, SM Development Corporation and Makati Rep. Mar-Len Abigail Binay using her congressional development fund.
BDO Foundation is by far the biggest donor with its P2.8 million donation. Their employees also render community service at GK Dreamlandville village in a 3.2 hectare land acquired by the city government. The BDO volunteers have generously committed their time to help build for 10 Saturdays since May.
GK Founder Tony Meloto said he hopes the Makati partnership would be replicated in other parts of the country. "I hope the other 1,600 mayors of our country will follow."
Aside from new housing units, the city government also plans to build a park and playground, a commercial building and other amenities within the community. So far, well-paved roads are already enjoyed by its residents. Livelihood programs are also being set up in order to help the families start life anew.
To raise the funds to help build the Makati GK community, the city government has entitled Makati donors to a full or limited deduction on taxable income equivalent to the amount donated pursuant to National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, and a tax credit equivalent to ten percent of the donor's contributions, applicable to local taxes up to one year.
Inquiries for donations may be coursed through the Makati Urban Development Department, courtesy of Mr. Xenon Walde or Ms. Cherrie Pidor at 870-1738 or email upd@makati.gov.ph. About P50 million are needed to provide homes for 480 families by end of 2009.
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