GK Toyota community of Sta. Rosa together with National Rugby Union Team

There is no one-size-fits-it all definition of poverty.

When we say poverty, we cannot trace how it started nor can we say exactly how it will end. It is also a common mistake to say that poverty only exists in less fortunate people, because poverty may be experienced by rich people as well. For example, I may have one 500 peso bill per day, but my standard of living is very high that I cannot maximize it. For Gawad Kalinga, "Poverty is not a lack of resources, but a lack of caring and sharing."

>> Learn more about Gawad Kalinga’s definition of poverty

Non-Government Organizations have the initiative to at least lessen the poverty we see around us. Gawad Kalinga's mission is to end poverty for 5 million Filipino families by 2024.

Last April 23, I was able to get a closer glimpse of Gawad Kalinga’s work with the poor. It was just an ordinary day for me; my purpose was to experience how GK works outside its headquarters/office, and I was eager to see the actual things that are happening in the community. It was my first time to be in a GK site that is currently on progress; in short, it was my first time to be in a build.

When we went there, everyone was energized and helping in the construction – from the breadwinners of the family to youth. Then I get to know Nanay Lita. 8 years ago, she was once a caretaker of a landfill (palayan). Together with her family they started to live in a slum area, with many informal settlers. They started to organize their own community in that slum area, but eventually things weren’t going so well anymore. This was when GK came in and started to help the community change for the better. She said, “Dati, tambay tambay lang, walang ginagawa.” But now, “araw-araw nagta-trabaho kami, hindi pwede ang tambay tambay lang tulad noong dati, dahil ngayon kahit papaano, inaalala din naming yung ibang pamilyang kelangan din ng tulong at nangangarap na magkabahay”.

>> Learn more about how GK does community building

The true spirit of “bayanihan” prevails in GK sites. Nanay Lita mentioned that at first they were just building 11 units of houses and they never thought that it will expand this big, but later they noticed that they were down to the last 30 units of houses in the community. It may sound cliché but being in GK is such a blessing to Nanay Lita. She is now able to let her children feel that they are in a secure area.

At first she was hesitant to let me interview her, though I can say that she also is trying to reach out by opening herself with what she experienced living in a slum area for 8 years. But because she had redeemed herself from the lowest point of her life, she was able to boost up her confidence. There are many inspiring stories in that community, not only Nanay Lita’s life but there are hundreds of them.

Now, they are gradually building a new community away from chaos hoping that someday they will look back to where they came from and not only to share what they experienced but also to inspire others.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Gawad Kalinga is not a charity, rather, it’s an organization that aims to end poverty by building sustainable communities. GK works with over 2,000 communities around the Philippines, and like Nanay Lita's story, there are many stories of transformation that have inspired many to continue this fight against poverty. You too can be part of our global army of volunteers and nation-builders! To get involved, please email info@gk1world.com.