Cecile M. Genove

In what could have been a trailblazing effort of two institutions, Silliman University and Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. entered into a Memorandum of Agreement recently where Silliman University shall provide technical assistance through its Service Learning Program.

      The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement highlighted the GK Builders Institute Forum held at Silliman Hall and attended by about 60 stakeholders, like local government unit executives, businessmen, academicians, and students. The event marked the first time that an academic institution signed an agreement with Gawad Kalinga, which has set up the University of the Philippines-Gawad Kalinga Center for Nation - Building in Diliman, Quezon City.

      Representing Silliman University was Dr. Ben S. Malayang III. President and Reginaldo Balatayo, regional coordinator of GK Region 7, inked the agreement  on behalf of GK. Witnessing the signing were Dr. Betsy Joy Tan, vice-president for academic affairs; Prof. Emervencia Ligutom, chair of the Social Work Department and coordinator of the Service Learning Program of Silliman University; Atty. Raymund J. A. Mercado, provincial area director of the Couples for Christ; and, Engr. Carlo M. R. Borromeo, provincial head of the Couples for Christ and Gawad Kalinga.

      With its theme, “Building a First World Philippines and a World-Class Filipino,” the GK Builders Institute Forum was a multi-sectoral gathering of patriots and heroes from the academe, local government units, and civic organizations who were all concerned with nation-building.

      The Institute, considered as a think tank, is committed to developing effective templates and models for Gawad Kalinga programs through community and school-based research and development. It is also a movement committed to promoting love for God and country among students, teachers, and other community members by involving them in the work of nation building. Moreover, it is an institute for learning committed to teach, train, and form Gawad Kalinga teams – caretakers, beneficiaries, and partners – to replicate the best practices of Gawad Kalinga.

      The Institute is guided by the principles of faith and patriotism; convergence of spirit, science, and system; doing our best for the least (of our brethren); and, the spirit of bayanihan.

      As espoused by Mark Lawrence Cruz, national coordinator of Gawad Kalinga Builders Institute, the organization is built on faith-driven development. It believes in the innate dignity, worth, and excellence of every human person. This faith is anchored on love of God and neighbor. The Institute provides venues to put faith into action.

      With the coming together of spirit, science, and system, the Institute aims to synergize passion, wisdom, and organization. The inspiration of GK must be paired off with the insights of research, and find immediate replication through efficient organization and mobilization.

      One of the dictums of Gawad Kalinga is that people deserve to have the best, to have the “first pick of the finest harvest of the land.” Thus, the Institute aims to channel the collective genius of Filipinos from all sectors in order to “uplift and enrich the lives of the poorest of the poor.”

      Putting premium on the Filipino value of bayanihan, the organization’s initiatives and programs rely on the cooperation and convergence of various sectors – government, business, and civil society. It builds lasting relationships founded on a common love for the poor.

      With its growing network with academic institutions to pursue its goals, GK documents its best practices, introducing new approaches and technologies, and providing training programs. These are all aligned with the academic requirements and activities of the students and faculty of partner schools.

      One of its laudable programs is GK 1 MB (Isang Milyong Bayani) which is envisioned to be the hub of GK mobilization and involvement. It provides volunteers with activities and events where GK 1 MB members may fulfill their minimum volunteer requirement.

      The Institute also  provides opportunities for people willing and able to spend a year or more of their productive lives for nation-building. Members of the Corps serve at the forefront of national development and global poverty eradication. They work with various institutes and GK communities on research, development, and technology transfer. They enjoy the support of university partners and may pursue credited study programs.

      The province of Negros Oriental is credited for having at least seven Gawad Kalinga sites. These are the Bais City GK Village in La Paz, Bais City; Green Valley GK Village in Bajumpandan, Dumaguete; Kalinaw GK Village in Talalak, Kakha, Santa Catalina; GK-3 Village in Candau-ay, Dumaguete; Fishermen’s GK Village in Villareal, Bayawan City; The Promise GK Village in Banilad, Dumaguete, which was the first site established and inaugurated by no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; and, St. Alphonsus Centennial GK Village in Dagbasan, Mabinay, Negros Oriental.

            Among its institutional networks are Adamson Universities with 10 campuses nationwide, Ateneo de Manila University’s School of Government, Central Luzon State University, College of the Immaculate Conception, De La Salle University, Manila Central University, Rizal University Systems with 10 campuses, University of North Eastern Philippines, University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance, West Visayas State University, Xavier University, Ateneo de Davao, University of Eastern Philippines, Angeles University, and Corpus Christi School in Cagayan de Oro City.

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