The Gawad Kalinga 777 project
Building 700,000 homes in 7000 communities in 7 years.

From shanties to colorful homes.
From sickness and malnutrition to health.
From streets to caring schoolrooms.
From slums to peaceful communities.
From poverty to self-reliance.
From a people in despair to a people with hope

Hope is still there for the Philippines. With backing from all over the Philippines, Filipinos all over the world, The Philippine government, Multi-national Companies and the International Community we can make the Philippine rise to become a first world nation. NO MORE SLUMS...NO MORE POVERTY...NO MORE VIOLENCE...BRINGING TOGETHER RICH AND POOR....CHRISTAINS AND MUSLIMS.

People, rich and poor have been building communities for the poor not only to provide shelter but also education, livelihood, health and community empowerment. Criminals such as drug dealers, gang members, theives, etc have become peaceful and have started to rebuild their once run-down community because the people of GK777 have trusted them and believed in them. From Payatas to Maguindanao...new communities have found happiness, love and hope.

Everyone in the world has now been involved. There are Canadian Villages, American Villages (by states such as Texas Village, California Village), Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australian Villages, etc in the Philippines named afrter the people and countries that have helped BUILD and FINANCE their new lives. Even TNCs are involved, SMART Village, Procter & Gamble Village, McDonalds and even Ateneo de Manila village.

It only takes 50,000 pesos or 1,000 USD to build one home. 5,000 USD to build a school in a GK community. You dont even need to spend that much, just come and help to build homes for the poor.

Even England's 9th richest man under 30 has commited himself fulltime to this project. He sold is BMW M3 in England and built a Village which he now calls the BMW M3 Village. And using his Computer Gaming Company (England's Largest) he contributes to build even more communties. He now resides in the Philippines working for GK.

The Government is also fully commited to this project. GMA has now tie-in several government projects with GK777. Various departments, senators, congressmen, mayors, etc have been working with GK. Some even using the money they took through corruption to help support GK! Thats crazy. Former Presidents Aquino and Ramos are fully commited to GK.

http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_communities/images/amparo_before.jpg
http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_communities/images/amparo_after.jpg

For more pics and information visit: http://www.gawadkalinga.org/

btw, the pics i posted are not the best. I've seen so much more impressive ones. I can't find them in the internet though.

That's a pretty good organization: SALUDO AKO! :)

YUP...i fully support it. Thats why i am now saving about 10% of my monthly allowance to GK. And on this December, I will go home to the Philippines and build homes for the poor.

I forgot to say that GK777 was started by CFC (Couples of Christ) but you do not need to be member of CFC to be involved. In fact, most people in GK are not members of CFC.

Kiel...why dont you go and help build some homes??:D

nice: but the houses are built are.. well.. ermm:
http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_communities/gk_datu_paglas/4_bg.jpg

oooh traditional housing doesnt mean "poverty" most times ;) if one goes to Japan, u'll see many of the houses are made of wood in the older "pre-westernisation" way, and that can mean they may look abit grubby erc: but Japan is one of the richest countries on Earth. Also, at Kampong Ayer in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei at first glance, ppl think the community is one of slums, but THESE are the homes of some of the on average richest people in SE Asia.
http://www.tropicalisland.de/BWN%20Brunei%20Kampung%20Ayer%202.jpg

actually i dont mind those houses.. "lets make our country look good..."...

Its really good that they're showin that they helping to make things look nice and do things charities should do like give the people books and education and train them: but does this REALLY eliminate poverty i wonder... i read about the Community Empowerment aims of the association, and its so nice to read and to hope, but the real test comes 50/60 yrs later, when one can return to these "barangays of hope" and see how the people of those barangays THEMSELVES have treated it and the opportunities that had been given to them by the charity-givers and organsations like Gawad Kalinga. We know that the Philippines and the Pilipino has a trend of setting up visually appealing sights, homes, developments with the promise that because such a thing is pleasing to the eye, it will spur our economic development blabla; and yrs later WE, the next generation, watch it deteriorate because of the general social lax rampant in our country... the answer doesnt lie in charity alone, but how the people in those barangays are going to utilise and REALISE the real changes that can occur if they STUCK at it to actually make us the chartiy-giver some sense of relief that OUR investments havnt been wasted over Mahjong and Sabong :D...

is there a way to get the people of these GK communities to actually STICK at rebuilding their communities? electric shock treatment perhaps? :crazy::lol:

I'd fully support it and go help build houses if I have the time. :) If I was just older and had the money I'll donate 10% of my income to this organization. I'll tell my parents about it. :)

but Gawad Kalinga is not Charity. It is nation rebuilding. They just dont build homes and then leave. They stay with the communities they built for how ever long it takes. They make sure that there are jobs, education, healthcare, etc. Even if it means staying with the communities they built forever. Once again, GK is NOT just a Charity.

I'd fully support it and go help build houses if I have the time. :) If I was just older and had the money I'll donate 10% of my income to this organization. I'll tell my parents about it. :)

You dont need to be an adult to help. I'm only 17 and i will help. There are kids in the USA that are only 8 or 9, etc that are helping. One kid from Texas even made drawings and sold it to his neighbors to earning enough money to build 10 homes!!!

but Gawad Kalinga is not Charity. It is nation rebuilding. They just dont build homes and then leave. They stay with the communities they built for how ever long it takes. They make sure that there are jobs, education, healthcare, etc. Even if it means staying with the communities they built forever. Once again, GK is NOT just a Charity.
woah! thats cool!! :D.. i take back everythin i accused Gawad Kalinga of doing, i'm all for it now! Go go GK! :D:D:D:D :okay:

Many of the people that used to gamble (mahjong, etc), sell drugs no longer do that because of GK, Lumpia. Many people have said this is the only thing that is actually working to help the poor in the whole world. The International community that know about GK have even recognized the Pinoy as the most "beautiful people" for their dedication, hope and love. Even the UN praises GK777.

and btw, the houses of GK that we both posted are not the best. I cant find pictures of the really good communities on the internet!! AHHH!

:( GK DONT have office branches in London (despite hain them in switzerland? there are WAY more pinoys workin here in the UK, and i'm sure they'd definately wanna help too.. :( ) so HOW on earth can i help now?? :(:(

Just go to their website... www.gawadkalinga.org and click "I want to help"

Believe it or not, even MILF has now gotten into the GK777 project. GK volunteers and MILF members have built homes in Mindanao for poor muslims.

and btw, the houses of GK that we both posted are not the best. I cant find pictures of the really good communities on the internet!! AHHH!
cool! :D no worries, i dont really mind how the houses are now: its the community and the communities economy and chances of future development that counts..

cool! :D no worries, i dont really mind how the houses are now: its the community and the communities economy and chances of future development that counts

exactly...that is what counts. Also peace for the Philippines.

You dont need to be an adult to help. I'm only 17 and i will help. There are kids in the USA that are only 8 or 9, etc that are helping. One kid from Texas even made drawings and sold it to his neighbors to earning enough money to build 10 homes!!!

ooh, wow :D i'll definitely go and help then.

oops, me sound like a Malaysian business tycoon.. :lol:

realistically: in the end its the PEOPLE themselves that count.. i would love to witness the day when the Philippines has no more poverty! no more street kids (that sinks my heart) and no more depressed families believing theres no hope to their situation..

they build not just houses right? it's a community with the necessities of life?

interesting stuff ryan. i'll have a look at it.

yup...but most volunteers stick to building houses or financing them. Full time workers deal with the community stuff that takes how ever long necessary.

i fully support this organization.....it's absolutely, without question, the best way where philanthropist can donate their money.....i mean, instead of giving donations to worthless basketball games or art galleries....all rich people should just donate to GK.

PS: i was really pissed off last election. GMA tried to use GK as a front in her campaign...oh well, i guess it helped her win against the mindless actor. i guess everything happens for a reason

Found out about it thanks to Eric. :D

Must......help......this......organization.....but.......have......too......many.......to.......support....

Our family supports this organization.Last year, the GK in Germany gathered in a hall in Frankfurt witgh thousands of visitors for the launching of the first ten German Villages in the country.There,they explained the gola and purpose of the foundation.

Yeah...they had a GK forum in Indonesia last Friday. the videos, sharing and stories really touched my heart. That is why im pretty dedicated to this organization.

there's a GK in indonesia? how come? isn't indonesia at a desperate state as the philippines? how come they would donate when they too are in crisis?

No. It was a GK forum for Filipinos and other foreigners in Indonesia to help out in the Philippines. There is an "Indonesian Village" in Tondo, but they people involved are filipinos living in Indonesia (Including my family!). Some Indonesians do contribute. But yes, you are right that Indonesia needs a similar organization to help out Indonesians.

the idea of sustainable development being employed by GK should be emulated by our government.

kasi naman yung mga politician natin, puro papogi lang.....they feed fish but don't teach how to fish

kasi naman yung mga politician natin, puro papogi lang.....they feed fish but don't teach how to fish
kaya nga mga politician eh... hehehe. :jk: peace po.

http://www.iateneo.com/bluerep/merrily/images/merrily-poster.jpg


MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
a thrilling and compelling masterpiece by Stephen Sondheim about
friendship, compromise and the high price of success.

The story begins in the present and rolls back in time, tracing the lives of wealthy, jaded composer Franklin Shepard and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their personal and professional lives. The show ends with a touch of rueful irony, as the three best friends at the start of their careers face a bright future: young, talented and enthusiastic about the worlds waiting to be conquered.

A poignant and emotional contemporary story about the importance of staying true to one’s ideals, Merrily We Roll Along is a show that crackles with wit, humor and intensity, touching the heart of anyone who has ever dared to pursue a dream. The message is simple: it’s our time…breathe it in…worlds to change and worlds to win. Whether we look back, look around or look beyond, there is this to believe in – We can change the world.

----------------

Proceeds of this show will go to the Gawad Kalinga Program, an organization backed by the whole Ateneo community with the aim of not just providing housing for the poor but more importantly of building the whole nation through the development of socio-spiritual homes and communities. Together, we can dream of changing the world.

Show dates are scheduled on December 10, 11, 17 & 18 (8pm) and December 12 & 19 (3pm) at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Buendia corner Ayala Avenue, Makati City. For tickets and other inquiries, contact JB Pascual at 0916 5565404 or log on to www.bluerep.org or me 09162142282.

Gawad Kalinga leads typhoon rehab effort
By Perseus Echeminada
The Philippine Star 12/12/2004

The tragedy that befell typhoon-stricken provinces has rekindled the bayanihan spirit among Filipinos.

At the helm is Gawad Kalinga, which is conducting the rehabilitation effort in typhoon affected areas in Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Aurora and Mindoro provinces in coordination with the Department of Social Services and Development (DSWD) and other national government agencies.

Gawad Kalinga, or GK, which was tasked by President Arroyo to lead the rehabilitation effort has started a massive fundraising campaign to help victims of the calamities rebuild their shattered lives the Kalinga way.

"We have received pledges for typhoon victims from all over the world," Tony Meloto, Gawad Kalinga director, said.

GK, ABS-CBN, The Star, Ateneo de Manila University, Couples for Christ make up the core group that is now working out an action plan that will rebuild devastated communities and restore homes, dreams and dignity of the victims of calamity.

GK, a movement founded by Couples for Christ volunteers five years ago, has been building low cost houses for poor communities in various parts of the county.

The group is a growing multisectoral partnership with a vision to address the slum problem in the metropolis. Most of the benefactors of the GK are big companies and donors from all over the world, particularly in the US.

The group recently launched "GK777" which stands for building 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in the Philippines in the next seven years.

"GK is not a work of charity, but a mission of nation building and crusade for all Filipinos. It involves every sector of society," Meloto said.

Beneficiaries of GK homes help in the construction of other homes as part of the so-called sweat collateral, which they contribute to the mission.

Apart from low cost housing, GK also undertakes livelihood skills and assistance programs and medical missions

Terence Grana, GK coordinator in Quezon City, said that with the rise of GK homes, slums are disappearing with rich and poor, Muslims and Christians government and the private sector building communities together.

"The poor are re-discovering their dreams, and are being empowered to build a better future for their families," Grana said.

This is to start a discussion on one of my missions to be able to give affordable housing in the city. As everyone here knows a big contributor to urban blight is informal settlement, which basically is a rejection of the 2 -3 hour commute from where they can afford to buy housing. Considering 4 million official squatters are in the city plus how we fix this problem is important, lets see what going on in this field. You never know when the next smokey mountain condo (an architecturally internationally recognized project!) may rise beside you.

This is not only of course to discuss what's going on in Low Cost Housing within MetroManila but to highlight the latest projects that serve this market.So let's see where the good deals are, and the good projects are within the lowcost price range. Also comments on the architecture/design, engineering safety etc will be welcome.

As the BIR has recently announced that VAT exemption is now raised to Php 1,500,000 values, lets use this round number as the defining guideline as to what projects should be discussed here.

Special points for Php750,000 flats which are officially low cost and Php 225,000 (if you canfind any) which are socialized.

Post away.

Socialized housing in Mandaluyong City

Presidential Response : Under the government’s housing project in the
101-hectare Welfareville property in Mandaluyong City, the 18,000 families of informal settlers at the Neptali A. Gonzales Integrated Day Care Center in the Welfareville Compound would have a chance to own a house under a 50-year, renewable lease contract.
The settlers would be given the necessary title, which they could use as collateral to borrow capital to start livelihood projects. The monthly rental of a housing unit would not exceed P1,500, and upon the expiration of the lease contract, the settlers could acquire the property through lease purchase. The houses would be awarded to the informal settlers on a 50-year lease contract pending the revision of Republic Act 5260, which authorizes the sale of the property through public bidding. I wanted to make sure that poor settlers would have equal access to the project, that’s why I rejected the proposal to conduct a public bidding for the housing project.
– PGMA, PND News Release, 20 January 2005

The government has started to move the squatters out, they only need to add small scale industries near the relocation site to employ them.....

The only low cost housing I know is the Bliss project from years back......Is there something new...

yeah the gov't need to work on building more low cost housing flats, hopefully we will see some built in the comming year

I remember Atienza introduced some 5-story low-rise cheap affordable gov't building housing somewhere in Manila (duh) :D

Relocating squatters to far off places won't help without building industries and employment opportunities, how about building low-cost commieblocks near industries?:D They should give it again another shot, like the ones beside the rail road tracks along Osmena highway.

However the problem is that people want to live without hearing what's happening in the next door. So step in more budget for erecting these buildings. ;)

Did that make sense?

Another component to what Renell proposed is the development of local industry in the provinces. Many government resettlement programs end up failing because as Bustero suggested, there is a rejection of the long commute, but even before the problem of the commute, there is also the problem of employment in the provinces. Government resettles informal settlers only for the informal settlers to find what forced them to head to Manila in the first place: that there are few, if any, employment opportunities in the provinces.

Indeed. Rural to urban migration cannot be stopped, what the government can do is develop cities, or encourage such, so that this migration will be evenly spread out, not just in MM.

The Residencias de Manila, low-cost low to mid-rise condominiums in Paco Manila.
I think it's a project of Atienza and PGMA.

err.. i don't think so http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/FJ02Ae01.html theres a tiny pic of Residencias de Manila. Looks Posh to me. and i was doing some searching. and Atienza gave a Unit of that place to Manny Paquiao..so i don't think its Low Cost

That was a really interesting article btw. Thanks.

But it does look uhmmm... "cheap" (read: inexpensive) when you look at it up-close.

Haha well my bad then.. its confusing when the article says that this is suppost to be another "Greenhills" sort of development.

Boybaha: yea. it is a interesting article.. very depressing one though :(

Oh, I remember another lost cost housing project of Atienza also under his "Buhayin ang Maynila" program. The U.N. Gardens.

there is this urban land reform program here wherein the govt buys a piece of land to be distributed. i do not see anything good for the govt to award sort of certificate of stewardship or land titles to settlers which in return be used as collaterals for loan purposes. a govt program will always bound fail once youd advertise ideas on loan, which most urban poor think as dole-out. also, these lands are faraway that total travelling time consume more than half their lifespan. yes, the idea may be good but the main problem is the implementation. govt is not good in managing business.

let the private sector do the business (with the help from the govt through HDMF). i go for the idea of providing the poor with socialized flats in a place wherein they can work or do business within a 3-5 km radius. Residencias maybe too posh for the urban poor but too cheap for the elite. Why not categorize the poor as to how much they can afford, build clusters of buildings, make them payable in 25 years and to have some fall back, teach them how to fish... make them skilled or entrepreneur for them to be able to pay amortizations.

putting a politician's name in a project would make it somehow look like a dole-out project.

another thing is urban migration, creating urban centers in the provinces will help address this problem as well as good program on population control. i go for 1-2 child policy.

www.cityofmanila.com.ph

http://www.cityofmanila.com.ph/photo2004/keygardens.jpg

ATIENZA INAUGURATES UN GARDENS HOUSING PROJECT

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza receives from Ms. Zenaida Marquez, president of Empire East Properties, Inc., the symbolic key to the UN Gardens medium rise housing project during its inauguration. The housing project was a joint undertaking by the City of Manila and the property development firms as part of the housing component of Atienza's Buhayin ang Maynila program. There are 360 units with a floor area of 30 square meters each in the housing project. Also present during the inauguration were (from left to right) 4th district Rep. Rudy Bacani, 5th district Councilor Ric Ibay, Robert Ortega, Mitch Cuna, Kim Atienza, Boy Isip and former Councilor Roger Gernale.

(Photo Release Feb. 27, 2004)

Just a heads up that cheap condo's (whether they're bult for the poor or not is another question) do exist. Check out the model units for Cityland Pasig Mansion (or something like that). They have a 13 sq.m. studio selling for 390,000 Php and dig this.. a 3 bedroom 29 sq.m. apartment selling for 900,000 Php. All sold out I believe. Anyway you have to see it to believe it specially shoehorning 3 bedrooms in 29sq.m.

whew! 13 sq m? looks like a boarding house. 29 sq m 3 BR? i cant imagine. i saw an episode of tahanang pinoy where they featured several projects on condos for the masses. there are some fairly decent ones. but honestly to me, an sikip tingnan. prices range from 400+ to 1M+.

Effective Housing for Filipinos: (not cheap housing)

This is a big problem in the philippines...why because most of our politician only think short term (what would make them smell & look good in their term). Nobody thinks long term and what is for the greater good. Effective Housing cannot be addressed without the supporting factors such as the following:

1. Population control - whats the point of building tons of mass housing if our population growth rate overcomes all this effort. Its like capping 10 bottles with 9 caps....u knw what I mean.

2. Decentralization of Government - this is federalization or implementing a Parliamentary form of government so that each region in the Philippines are independent and manages their own finances and creating oppurtunities within the region. In the end this will curb the exodus to manila coz we have oppurtunity in the provinces. This can also easily pinpoint which federal state is corrupt, doin something, or just sitting it out waiting for a miracle to happen. Those w/c are not progressing obviously are doin something wrong or are corrupt and the national government can focus on this region to be helped and weed out the corrupt officials. This also encourages competition among states, and as we all know competition is good for the economy.

3. Infrastructure - we need a very effective high speed transportation system especially in Luzon and the mindanao island as this are the two big islands. We need a contineuos hidhspeed expressway from tip of north luzon to the bicol provinces ( a real north-south highway) A highway system similar to malaysia's north-south expressway it can take you from singapore to the border of thailand in just 8-10 hours. Mindanao needs 1 too, and the visayas maybe 2nd class dedicated highways for the separate islands and high speed ferry (roll on - roll off ) terminals. Cebu needs a dedicated north-south highway too. To complement this we must also have a high standard high capacity heavy rail system on all the islands. We need a competetive Airline system too (high end and no-frills airlines). So far we are the only SEA country not joining the band wagon of no-frills airlines. And I think all the no-frills airlines in SEA cant come inside philippine air space is coz its being blocked by PAL (Traditional chinese businessman like Lucio Tan cannot thrive in a deregulated business, they only flourish when they are the monopoly).

4. Effective Social Security System - similar to Central Provident Fund (CPF) here in singapore. This really takes care of everything for their citezen, from housing to health care to economic restructuring shares. I would like to address how our SSS and GSIS treats their policy holders. I am so appalled by how they treat someone who applies for a loan, after paying your dues dilligently and u finally decided to take a loan for your housing, they treat you like a rubbish in their offices instead of being entertained coz you are gonna be doin business with them. In singapore ones you decided to take a loan for housing, they treat you like a King and not merely just uutang. They have a very expensive house prices here in singapore compared to the philippines coz of the scarsity of land, but CPF makes it very affordable for them coz their system is carefully studied and very effective.

Theres alot more...but this is what I believe as the few basic pillars to progress, share your ideas and sentiments...hopefully a sane public official actually frequents this site and starts listenin'..... Cheers...

For a poor country like ours it's nice to have all of these but not so easy.

Actually Pag-Ibig in not only like the CPF but patterned after it. This was during Marcos time under the Dept. of Human Settlements, unfortunately during Cory time a lot of agencies and projects got politicized and worse. Right now HDMF(Pag-ibig) is not doing to badly. They're relatively well run, profitable and able to provide anyone house financing as long they are qualified.

and... isn't GA connected with the Pag-Ibig?

It is, I think it is because of Pag-Ibig that units can be paid in installment.

It's actually a Pag-Ibig city which means that there are a certain number of units which must be below their Php2million financing level.

HDMF's interest rate is much higher than our provident fund.

True but it's lower than the prevailing interest rate locally. Cost of money in Singapore is definitely cheaper. But at least it allows a minimum wage earner to buy a house as long as that person is gainfull employed.

Is Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity doing the same thing?

Is Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity doing the same thing?

Habitat for Humanity Philippines
Families Served: 7,346
House Sponsorship Cost (USD): $3,110
Unit A, 12th Floor, PET Plans Tower
444 EDSA, Guadalupe Viejo
Makati City 1221
Philippines
Phone: +63-2-897-3069
Fax: +63-2-897-3248
E-mail: hfhphil@habitat.org.ph
URL: www.habitat.org.ph

Philippines

THE PHILIPPINE archipelago encompasses a thriving economy, a multitude of vibrant cultures and some of the natural wonders of Asia. Yet, more than four million Filipino families live below the poverty line. Crowded squatter areas proliferate in Metro Manila and other urban centers. The shortage of affordable land and a fast-growing population thwart efforts by government and private-sector housing effort to tackle homelessness and poverty housing. In coastal areas, homes may be raised on stilts, but these are often inadequate to withstand severe weather or seasonal typhoons.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is one of the largest HFH programs in the region. Habitat began in Metro Manila in 1988, and now works in rural and urban areas. “Building in Stages” (“core” houses) and “Row House” designs are the principal models used by the 29 affiliates and 18 satellite groups. Core houses, which can be added to once initial mortgages have been paid down, measure 30 sq. m. and two-story row houses cover some 40 sq. m.

HFH works with microfinance partners to extend its reach. It pioneered “Save & Upgrade” for families in urban areas who own land, but cannot afford to build or upgrade their homes. In response to escalating urban land costs, Habitat has developed three-story, multi-family residences with grant funding from the European Union. The increasing use of interlocking concrete and compressed earth blocks, both of which can be made on site, provide a cheaper and more attractive alternative to normal hollow cement blocks.

HFH Philippines has a large and active volunteer program. It has hosted dozens of international work teams, as well as mobilizing local church congregations and tens of thousands of local students and youngsters for regular “Build on Faith”, youth and other special events such as “Peace Builds” with Moslems in the troubled south. In 1999, HFH Philippines hosted the Jimmy Carter Work Project. This brought together over 14,000 volunteers from all over the world to build 293 houses in a single week.

HABITAT HIGHLIGHTS

§ Disaster response and community transformation initiative project in a fire stricken part of Manila’s port area involves 1,000 families. First homes under construction in mid-2004.

§ Partnerships with other organizations such as the European Union, Asian Development Bank, Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, HFH Korea, HFH Netherlands as well as government, commercial and other service-oriented bodies.

§ Sixteen Global Village volunteer teams built 22 houses and “Building on Faith” events added 214 houses in 26 sites in 2003.

§ Over 300,000 volunteers have worked on Habitat sites in the Philippines to date.

COUNTRY FACTS
Area: 300,000 sq. km.
Population: 84,619,974 (2003)
Capital: Manila
Ethnic groups: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, others 3%
Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and others 3%.
Languages: Filipino, English, Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano and regional languages

Affiliates in Philippines
Rizal HFH
Antipolo City
Negros Occidental HFH
Bacolod City
Balintocatoc HFH
Balintocatoc
Western Batangas HFH
Batangas
Butuan HFH
Butuan City
Oro HFH
Cagayan de Oro City
Metro Cebu City HFH
Cebu City
Davao Del Sur HFH
Davao del Sur
Homes of Hope (Domy Nadziei), HFH
Gliwice
IIigan HFH
IIigan City
Ilongo HFH
Iloilo
Kidapawan HFH
Kidapawan City
Central Plains HFH
Ligtasa, Tarlac City
General Santos City, HFH
Mabuhay, General Santos City
Metro Manila HFH, Greater
Makati City
Muntilupa HFH
Malate Metro Manila
National Capital Region HFH
Malate Metro Manila
Midsayap HFH
Midsayap
Muntinlupa HFH
Muntinlupa City
Bicol HFH
Naga City
Dumaguete City HFH
Negros Occidental
Visayas-Mindanao HFH
Negros Occidental
Las Pinas HFH
Pamplona, Las Pinas City
Paranaque, HFH
Paranaque City
Iloilo HFH
Pasig City
Peurta Princesa HFH
Puerto Princesa City
Saguday HFH Dev. Inc.
Saguday, 3402 Quirino
Cagayan Valley HFH
Santiago, Isabela
Quezon HFH
St Lucena City
Tacurong HFH
Sultan Kudarat
Upland Cavite HFH
Tagaytay City
Tagbilaran HFH
Tagbilaran City
Taguig, HFH
Taguig
Zoamboanga HFH
Zamboanga City
Zamboanga HFH
Zamboanga City

Gawad Kalinga (GK) , translated in English means “to give care,” and it is an alternative solution to the blatant problem of poverty not just in the Philippines but the world. Its approach is integrated, holistic and sustainable – a concrete action plan to rebuild this nation by harnessing the best of the Filipino – our faith and our patriotism.

What started barely five years ago in the Philippines as a simple but daring initiative by Couples for Christ has now become a growing multi-sectoral partnership driven by a vision of a new Philippines with NO MORE SLUMS. Together with its partners, Gawad Kalinga is now in the process of transforming poverty-stricken areas, many of them now empowered to further improve their quality of life! And the heart-work of GK volunteers is evident in the beautiful colors of the GK homes that have been built for and with the poorest of the poor Filipino families nationwide.

The transformation is astounding. Slums are disappearing. Rich and poor, Muslims and Christians, government and the private sector are building communities together. The poor are re-discovering their dreams, and are being empowered to build a better future for their families. The stories of how not only the poor but also the donors have been transformed continue to grow.

Gawad Kalinga’s achievements are a reflection of the sharing among different classes in society, and the partnership involving all sectors of society – bridging the gaps that divide us as a people. We are also building International Villages, showing that poverty can be addressed if rich and poor nations learn to share resources to create a better world for all.


The GK Model: Transformed Communities

Environmentally Healthy Community
Where the preservation of the environment is as urgent and important as self-preservation. Community members practice proper segregation and waste management, planting of trees and plants to preserve the natural habitat.


Peace Zone
Where community members adhere to common values and live in harmony despite social, cultural or religious beliefs. Conflicts are settled based on the higher interest for the common good, justice and solidarity. Violence and crime are eradicated because community members are gainfully employed and their basic needs are met.


Tourist Spot
Where decent homes and beautiful surroundings become the standard for others to emulate. Brightly colored houses and landscaped environment are the expressions of hope and the transition from “a survival mentality” to living a full life with dignity.


Productivity Center
Where the human and natural resources of the community are developed and tapped to sustain the growth of the community and lead it towards self sufficiency. The poor are partners in development and eventually become “givers” not just “receivers.”


Faith Community
Where there is mutual respect among community members for each other’s religious beliefs. Each one is free to express one’s faith. The community is bound by their common love for God, expressed concretely through their care and value for each other.

Habitat for Humanity Fact Sheet

What is Habitat for Humanity International?
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

Habitat has built more than 175,000 houses around the world, providing more than 750,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife Linda.

How does it work?
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses.

Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor -- sweat equity -- into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.

habitat for humanity (http://www.habitat.org/how/factsheet.html)

gawad kalinga (http://www.gawadkalinga.org/whatisgk.htm)

both build houses for the needy.

PALMDALE HEIGHTS CONDOMINIUM
Sandoval Ave., Brgy. Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
Lot area : N.A.
Floor Area : 40.43 square meter
House Model : Bare Type
Available Unit : Available
Total Price : P 1,292,857.14 to 1,357,142.86
Buena Homes (SANDOVAL) Inc.
Penthouse Benguet Centre Bldg.,
# 12 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel. No.: 637-51-84 loc. 121 / 631-81-87
Contact Person : Jheanne Martinez


SMILE CITIHOMES I */ANNEX*
NOVALICHES, QUEZON CITY /
CAMARIN, CALOOCAN
FLOOR AREA: 60 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 415
PRICE: P323,320.00 TO P608,000.00
DEVELOPER: PHINMA PROPERTY
HOLDINGS, INC.
TELEPHONE NO. 813-2126
CONTACT PERSON: MR. GRANT ORBETA
ISABELLE GARDEN VILLAS*
PARAÑAQUE
FLOOR AREA: 19.20 TO 38.20 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 136
PRICE: P580,000.00 TO P1,000,000.00
DEVELOPER: TECHNO ASIA HOLDINGS
TELEPHONE NO. 776-3529 / 776-3963
CONTACT PERSON: MS. ABEGAIL CALABON

BUHAYIN ANG MAYNILA HOUSING PROJECT */RESIDENCIAS DE MANILA*
PANDACAN, MANILA
FLOOR AREA: 36 TO 59.50 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 419
PRICE: P823,680.000 TO P1,580,280.00
DEVELOPER: NEW SAN JOSE BUILDERS
TELEPHONE NO. 426-1361 TO 65
CONTACT PERSON: MR. ORLY CARIDAD
EGI TAFT TOWER*
TAFT AVENUE, MANILA (BESIDE DE LA SALLE)
FLOOR AREA: 38.14 TO 39.38 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 100
PRICE: P1,920,000.00 TO 2,520,560.00
DEVELOPER: E. GANZON, INC.
TELEPHONE NO. 522-0260 / 552-0261
CONTACT PERSON: MS. PEEBLE TAMSE

G.A. TOWERS
EDSA, MANDALUYONG
FLOOR AREA: 35.09 TO 38.85 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 600
PRICE: P1,500,000.00 TO P1,750,000.00
DEVELOPER: GLOBE ASIATIQUE REALTY
HOLDING CORP.
TELEPHONE NO. 534-7777 LOC. 213
CONTACT PERSON: MS. LIONOR DACA

THE VERIDIAN TOWERS
EAST SERVICE ROAD, SUCAT,
MUNTINLUPA
FLOOR AREA: 18.56 TO 47.65 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 474
PRICE: P837,612.00 TO P1,667,750.00
DEVELOPER: CENTROVILLE, INC.
TELEPHONE NO. 900-3346 / 47
CONTACT PERSON: MR. SALDY BINO

MYSTICA TOWERS
BATASAN HILLS, QUEZON CITY
FLOOR AREA: 24 TO 43 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 208
PRICE: P891,100 TO P1,336,650.62
DEVELOPER: ASIA INTERNATIONAL & DEV.
TEL. NO. 952-6765 TO 66 / 952-7502
CONTACT PERSON: MS. RICHER LUCBAN
MS. JONA JIMENEZ

AMVEL MANSION PARK
LOCATION: SAN DIONISIO, PARAÑAQUE
FLOOR AREA: 44.80 TO 95.75 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 353
PRICE: P1,344,000.00 TO P2,782,500.00
DEVELOPER: AMVEL LAND DEVELOPMENT
TELEPHONE NO. 893-9344 / 46
CONTACT PERSON: MS. FE MOLINA

FORTUNE STARCONDOMINIUM
SUSANO ROAD, CALOOCAN CITY
FLOOR AREA: 18.00 TO 27.71 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 308
PRICE: P530,000.00 TO 814,000.00
DEVELOPER: FORTUNE STAR
CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
TELEPHONE NO. 645-2031
CONTACT PERSON: MR. ROMMEL FABRO

HAMPSTEAD GARDENSMOLAVE BUILDING*
V. MAPA, STA. MESA, MANILA
FLOOR AREA: 48.08 TO 49.08 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 65
PRICE: P1,727,740.00 TO P1,932,740.00
DEVELOPER: HAMPSTEAD GARDENS
TELEPHONE NO. 888-3333 / 816-7180
CONTACT PERSON: MS. TERESITA ABAD
SANTOS

RESIDENTIAL ISABELCONDOMINIUM
KAPITOLYO, PASIG CITY
FLOOR AREA: 19.565 TO 59.54 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 42
PRICE: P650,000.00 TO P2,388,800.00
DEVELOPER: JTB DEVELOPMENT CO., INC.
TELEPHONE NO. 922-0629 / 436-0042
CONTACT PERSON: MR. JOSE ROMBLON
UN GARDENS*
PACO, MANILA
FLOOR AREA: 30 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 360
PRICE: P649,000.00 TO P957,000.00
DEVELOPER: EMPIRE EAST
TELEPHONE NO. 867-8712
CONTACT PERSON: MS. MARIVIC FERRERA

VISTA DE LAGO COND.*
BRGY. TUKTUKAN, TAGUIG
FLOOR AREA: 58 TO 75 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 94
PRICE: P1,487,417.00 TO P1,920,600.00
DEVELOPER: D.M. CONSUNJI, INC.
TELEPHONE NO. 888-3333 / 816-7180
CONTACT : MS. TERESITA ABAD SANTOS

ALMA JOSE CONDOMINIUM I
JHOCSON ST., SAMPALOC, MANILA
FLOOR AREA: 25.78 TO 58 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 19
PRICE: P824,960.00 TO P1,856,000.00
DEVELOPER: THE PIPELINE
ENGINEERING
TELEPHONE NO. 749-8244
CONTACTS : MR. JUN MACEDA / JANDA

VILLAREY CONDOMINIUM
RIZAL AVENUE EXTENSION, TONDO, MNL
FLOOR AREA: 21
SALEABLE UNITS: 400
SELLING PRICE: P630,000.00
DEVELOPER: VILLARAMA PROPERTIES
TELEPHONE NO. 929-0239 / 254-0036
CONTACT PERSON: MR. JOSE VILLARAMA
EGI HOMES CAVITE
CEPZ BACAO, DIVISION ROAD
GEN. TRIAS, CAVITE
FLOOR AREA: 30.50 TO 41.80 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 196
PRICE: P829,600.00 TO P1,139,000.00
DEVELOPER: E. GANZON, INC.
TELEPHONE NO. 552-0260 / 552-0261
CONTACT PERSON: MS. PEEBLE TAMSE


ORTIGAS ROYALE
ORTIGAS EXTENSION, CAINTA, RIZAL
FLOOR AREA: 24.50 TO 38.50
SALEABLE UNITS: 126
PRICE: P735,000.00 TO P1,347,500.00
DEVELOPER: RRA ESTATE & DEVT. CORP.
TELEPHONE NO. 931-6023
CONTACT PERSON: RONNIE AQUINO

RESIDENCIA DE REGINA
XAVIERVILLE AVE., LOYOLA HEIGHTS,
Quezon City
FLOOR AREA: 22.91 TO 54.49 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 345
PRICE: P1,140,918.00 TO P2,343,070.00
DEV.:: BANFF REALTY & DEVT. CORP.
TELEPHONE NO. 372-9672
CONTACT PERSON: ATTY. QUINTANO

ISABEL TOWER
JUDGE JIMENEZ ST., DILIMAN, Q.C.
FLOOR AREA: 25.57 TO 40 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 58
PRICE: P1,076,842.00 TO P1,738,880.00
DEVELOPER: NEW SAN JOSE BUILDERS, INC.
TELEPHONE NO. 426-1361 TO 65
CONTACT PERSON: ORLY CARIDAD

ALMANZA METROPOLIS
MANILA DOCTORS ROAD, BRGY.
ALMANZA UNO, LAS PIÑAS CITY
FLOOR AREA: 19.25 TO 57.75 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 577
PRICE: P539,000.00 TO P1,674,750.00
DEV.: GOLDLAND PROPERTIES & DEVT. CORP.
TELEPHONE NO. 633-5576 TO 80
CONTACT PERSON: RENATO UY

SUNSHINE GARDEN
ARAYAT ST. COR. CORDILLERA,
MANDALUYONG CITY
FLOOR AREA: 18.40 TO 33.04 SQ.M
SALEABLE UNITS: 96
SELLING PRICE: P673,440.00 TO P1,312.52
DEVELOPER: PAN ASIA INVESTMENT CORP.
TELEPHONE NO. 852-6155
CONTACT PERSON: SALLY GONZALES

BONIFACIO HEIGHTS AFP-OFFBASE HOUSING
TAGUIG, METRO MANILA
SALEABLE UNITS: 220
DEVELOPER: D.M. CONSUNJI, INC.
TELEPHONE NO. 888-3333 / 816-7180
PERSON: TERESITA ABAD SANTOS
(FOR AFP PERSONNEL ONLY)

NS CONDOMINIUM
F.B. HARRISON
FLOOR AREA: 27.63 TO 28.51 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 200
PRICE: P909,150.00 TO 2,583,152.00
DEVELOPER: NS NOVA STAR CO., INC.
TELEPHONE NO. 834-6840 TO 42
CONTACT: JOSE PIO HERNANDEZ

THERESA TOWERS
94 P. TUAZON BLVD., CUBAO, Q. C.
FLOOR AREA: 38 TO 53 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 231
PRICE: P1,207,580.00 TO P 1,732,231.47
DEV.: NEW SAN JOSE BUILDERS, INC.
TELEPHONE NO. 426-1361 TO 65
CONTACT PERSON: ORLY CARIDAD

UNIVERCITY CONVENIENCE FLATS
CONCEPCION AGUILA ST., QUIAPO, MLA
FLOOR AREA: 18.00 TO 26.00 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 126
PRICE: P1,200,000.00 TO P1,500,000.00
DEV.: STEP ONE PROPERTY BUILDERS
TELEPHONE NO. 891-5554
CONTACT PERSON: JACQUELINE LIM

ONE SAPPHIRE COND.
LOCATION: 858 FABELLA ST.,
MANDALUYONG CITY
FLOOR AREA: 33.59 TO 76.53 SQ. M.
SALEABLE UNITS: 98
PRICE: P887,421.37 TO P2,563,283.96
DEVELOPER: RJ LHINET DEVT. CORP.
TELEPHONE NO. 722-8094
CONTACT PERSON: LINDA TAN

THE REGALLA PARKTOWER”B” COND.
#130-P. Tuazon Ave., Cubao, Quezon City
Lot area : N.A.
Floor Area : 30.15 to 63.40 square meter
House Model : Residential Condotel
Available Unit : Available
Total Contract Price : P 1.9 to 4 M
Developer : The Regalla Group Corp.
#150 P. Tuazon Ave., Cubao, Quezon City
Tel. No. : 438-0721/22
Contact Person : Edis Limjoc

The last one on the list, the Regalia Park Towers, they already started painting the finished tower with peach (looks very classy) while the u/c twin is almost topped off, only 1 storey left to build before top-off.

did u watch pipol featuring that young british millionaire who find his peace of mind in the philippines and help built the homes of the poor squatters in payatas

I wonder if a scheme like they have in NY exists in the Philippines. In NYC, whenever land is rezoned for residential development, a percentage of the space opened up is promised to low to lower middle income families.

In order to get your license to sell , every new project must undertake to build the equivalent of 20% of the land (can be done elsewhere, not neccesarily in the same project site e.g. your nice project in makati, your socialized project in cavite) or value of the project for socialized housing (this is the really cheap 200 peso variety - with total incentives to make it buildable - no taxes of any sort , even income, vat etc). All developers do this or they will have to buy "credits" with other developers who specialize in this market. Actually almost all the big ones just do it as it's so easy to sell these things anyway, it can be 100 financed by Pagibig and teh amortization is like 2000 a month lang so a minimum wage earner in NCR would qualify easily.

Actually some of those buildings are quite tall, even if they're low cost like GA, of course at that level they are not strictly low cost but more middle market already.

Even England's 9th richest man under 30 has commited himself fulltime to this project. He sold is BMW M3 in England and built a Village which he now calls the BMW M3 Village. And using his Computer Gaming Company (England's Largest) he contributes to build even more communties. He now resides in the Philippines working for GK.

did u watch pipol featuring that young british millionaire who find his peace of mind in the philippines and help built the homes of the poor squatters in payatas

I received an e-mail about this English millionnaire guy some time ago. His name is Dylan (don't know if that is his first or last name).

Hero of Faith
from: Face-to-face with inspiring people with Bo Sanchez

Dylan was born to a poor family. But at the young age of 20, he started a computer games company that made him a millionaire. Soon, Dylan operated in nine countries and ran his own TV channel. Then at the age of 25, Dylan sold his company for multi-million British pounds. He became the ninth richest person in the Great Britain under the age of 30. But one night, while lying-on bed, he was distressed by a nagging question that wouldn't let him sleep.

"God, why am I rich?"

He asked if there was a reason for his immense wealth. Ironically, he also felt terribly empty inside. This, despite his ability to have any kind of pleasure he wanted. He had just bought himself a brand-new Ferrari and took one holiday after another. But he was discovering that pleasure was like fire it constantly needed more fuel to keep it going. And he realized he would never be happy in the path he was taking.

One day, a Filipina friend visited him. She said she felt guilty going there because her plane fare could have built two homes for the poor. That made Dylan pause. How can you build two houses for that measly amount? He decided to investigate. In January 2003, he visited the Philippines. And for three hours, COUPLES FOR CHRIST, Gawad Kalinga (GK) Director Tony Meloto brought Dylan to different GK villages for the poor. With his own eyes, he saw something that would change his life forever...

Bo: What did you see on that day?
Dylan: I saw hope. More than newly built houses, I saw transformed lives. We were entering rather dangerous slums, breeding ground for thieves and kidnappers -yet in the middle of that was an oasis -the Gawad Kalinga village. I saw people smiling, men working, children laughing... I've seen many other projects in South East Asia and across the world. And I've never seen anything like GK. This was different. This really worked!

Bo: So what did you do after your trip?
Dylan: I went back to England. I saw my BMW parked in the garage and realized I could build 80 homes with it -and affect the lives of 600 people. I saw the faces of the children I could help. I called up Tony Meloto and told him I was thinking of donating $100,000 to Gawad Kalinga and asked him if that was okay. ..

Bo: What did Tony say?
Dylan: He said, "No, I don't want your money."

Bo: Only Tony can say some- thing like that. (Laughs.)
Dylan: He said if I was really serious in working for the poor, I should go back to the Philippines. So two months later, I sold my BMW and flew back to Manila. And in June of that year, I made a decision to stay in the Philippines and work for GK for seven more years.

Bo: Wow.
Dylan: I've decided to invest in the poor of the Philippines. Not in stocks or bonds. If I can help in uplifting the poor of this country, I can say that I spent my life well.

Bo: I presume your family wasn't too crazy about that decision.
Dylan: No! They thought I was brainwashed by a religious cult! (Laughs.) So my mother came and spied on me. But she was soon convinced of the beautiful work we were doing and went back home and told my sister about it. And my sister said, "Oh no, they brainwashed you too!" (Laughs.) But today, all of them support what I do.

Bo: You've made a decision to give up your wealth for the Filipino poor.
Dylan: I don't see it as a sacrifice. When you give charity out of pity, you feel pain parting with your money. But when you give charity because you love, you don't feel that pain. You only feel the joy of giving to someone you love. That's what I feel.

Bo: I hear you built an entire village for GK in Bulacan.
Dylan: I don't see it as my village. I just provided the materials. Architects, engineers, volunteers gave their labor. Together, we built 63 houses for the poor.

Bo: Amazing. What else do you do?
Dylan: I go around the world telling everyone that Filipinos are heroic. Because I work with them every day -the volunteers of GK.

Bo: What do you see in the Filipino that we take for granted?
Dylan: You're hardworking. You're always laughing, always eating, always singing. Even in your problems. You're loyal. And honest. Sure, there are exceptions, but generally, that's been my experience. And you have the bayanihan spirit. The pyramids of Egypt are beautiful but they were built by slavery. GK villages are more beautiful because they're made through the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino. It's especially this bayanihan and love of family and community that makes the Filipino more valuable than gold. If you take a golden nugget and kick it on the floor for 400 years, afterwards you won't be able to see much gold, just mud. This was what happened to the Filipino - for 400 years you were slaves and then you suffered under dictatorship and corruption. This is where the crab mentality came from; I don't think it's a natural ! Filipino quality because every day I see the gold under the surface of ordinary Filipinos. If we wipe away the mud by bringing hope and being brothers to one another in bayanihan, the gold will shine through and the world will see it.

Bo: Let me get personal here. I hear that you don't only love the Filipinos, but you've fallen for a particular Filipina.
Dylan: (Smiles.) Two months ago, I married Anna Meloto, the eldest daughter of Tony Meloto. She grew up with the GK work, so we're totally one in our mission. And yes, I'll be having Filipino, children. The best way I can secure a future for my kids is to continue to help raise this country from poverty. Instead of building high walls in an exclusive subdivision to protect us from thieves and kidnappers, I will go to the breeding ground of thieves and kidnappers and help transform their lives.

Bo: Thank you for this interview. You don't know how much you inspired me.
Dylan: Thank you for being our partner in GK. I read KERYGMA every month and I'm happy to see GK stories in every issue.

Bo: It's our immense privilege to tell the world about it and ask others to join the miracle.
Dylan: To me, GK isn't just Gawad Kalinga. It is a part of "God's Kingdom" in this world. Thank you.

^nakakaantig ng puso. im inspired with that inteview.

among the list, smile citihomes 1/annex is the cheapest and one of the biggest floor area @ 60sqm. i wonder what it looks like. interesting.

i am enlightened by that heart-warming story.. and we can do also "gawad kalinga" in our own little ways..

wah.. now i feel guilty for buying a new mp3 player... :bash:

i wanna help too, kahit physical labor lang... :)

Are cityland condos considered low cost?

They would be, strictly speaking, Low cost used to be classfied less than 500t, but I think they've been moved up to 750,000. Citiland has condo's lower than both but not in the prime areas.

what would at least these 750 condos have for amenities?

By amenities I assume your talking about the building amenities and do not mean the condo features. most of these would have basic features like a small pool, gym room, common areas for parties. Not much else . Really very simple.

http://www.realestatemovers.com/View%20at%20BR_110504_resize_2.JPG

I want to buy an apartment in Manila with a view like this!
You think this place is under P10 million?

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid160/p8b118f301b6666ff5082cfff8bdec09c/f4eaede6.jpg
Is this a squater project? I wouldn't mind living here

^haha! those ones almost look the same as some of the houses here in san francisco :D

http://www.realestatemovers.com/View%20at%20BR_110504_resize_2.JPG

I want to buy an apartment in Manila with a view like this!
You think this place is under P10 million?

yes i think this view is from penhurst place, a communidades type project, they're preselling a second one - kensington place - right now, i understand it's very reasonably priced.

There are many condo's in the fort that are less than 10,000,000 with fantastic views of makati,inf act we should get a phote from pacific plaza.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid160/p8b118f301b6666ff5082cfff8bdec09c/f4eaede6.jpg
Is this a squater project? I wouldn't mind living here

Yes it is, it's funded by the dutch government. it actually is Bayani Fernando's project when he was mayor of marikina I believe, (the site is along the riverbanks of marikina river)

don't be mistaken.. those houses aren't what they looked they are.. puro harap lang yan.. yung likod nyan eh squatters pa rin.. they just changed the front so that it will look nice.

@ a00556425 - you can try Boni Ridge.. there are about 20+ units left.. price ranges from 6M to 11M..

hmm.. yeah I remember that malapit yan sa SM Marikina and the Marcos Highway bridge, when you go from SM Marikina/Riverbank/Santa Lucia Mall into Eastwood and C-5 you pass by those. Well at least they have something solid, at least from the looks of it. No trains, and if they're coloured and painted, must be legal too...:D

hmm.. I see highrises painted in white primer. what's that?:?

By amenities I assume your talking about the building amenities and do not mean the condo features. most of these would have basic features like a small pool, gym room, common areas for parties. Not much else . Really very simple.

wow much more than I thought. I thought it'd be just like parking space and the condominium, which I would expect to be bare, except bathroom, closets, maybe TV set and kitchen.....

Payatas: From dump to model housing

Posted 09:46pm (Mla time) Mar 06, 2005
By D.J. Yap
Inquirer News Service



Editor's Note: Published on page A24 of the March 7, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THROW a good idea in Payatas and dump a load of goodwill and what used to be notorious for garbage would be known for gold-hearts of gold, that is.

Plans are afoot to convert a portion of the dump in Quezon City into a model community of urban poor folk who scavenge there.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has signed a memorandum of understanding for the "Payatas Ecoville Project," a housing program for scavengers in Barangay Payatas.

About 900 low-cost houses would be built on a 7.5-hectare property near the place where garbage form mountains of urban refuse.

Private sector funding

Each house would cost around P70,000 and would be funded by the private sector.

The project was made possible through the donation by Madrigal matriarch Do¤a Consuela Madrigal of the property to the Quezon City government.

Once completed, the housing project would transform the Payatas area into a model community with basic amenities such as cemented
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roads, a school, a church, community center and recreational facilities.

The Quezon City government would provide the development of the road's right of way and participate in the selection of the program beneficiaries.

Ramon Asprer, head of the city's urban poor affairs office, said priority would be given to families living along the danger zone of the dumpsite.

The danger zone includes fringes of the mountains of garbage, which are in constant danger of collapsing and burying hundreds of settlers.

July 2000 avalanche

On July 10, 2000, a wall of garbage fell on about 500 shanties in Sitio Lupang Pangako on the eastern side of the dump. More than 229 people were killed and about 670 families had to be relocated.

The accident site has since been closed and topped with soil as part of the city government's efforts to redevelop the area.

One such development is the building of a P12-million methane-fed power plant that proponents say can produce one megawatt of electricity enough to power 2,000 households.

The power plant may even be tapped to supply electricity to the new housing project.

The Madrigal Foundation would provide the funding requirements for the development of the housing project, which would be built in cooperation with partners from the private sector.

Other partner agencies in the project are Habitat for Humanity Philippine Foundation Inc., Ayala Land, Makati Development Corp., IPM Construction and Development Corp., and the Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish under the Novaliches Diocese.

The high rises painted in white primer is the megaworld project in the Fort. These are the ones besides Bellagio.

They are named Forbes Town Heights.

wow I didn't expect it to be thattall:D Not that it's any bad.

Woot woot more urban low cost projects. Hopefully we get to see the mass low to medium rise housing and residential complex that I feel is an idea that hasn't been properly tried yet.

Nice...but the government still needs to step up its programs to provide low cost housing for the urban poor. Gawad Kalinga's housing communities are also considered low-low cost housing right?

Gawad Kalinga is low cost but I beleive their projects are horizontal. We need to give the people with lower incomes choices of where to stay inthe city so they don't need to commute for such a long time. If they prefer to live in a bigger house in cavite and laguna and commute two hours then that is their choice but there will be people who want to walk or commute for only 30 minutes and earn mimimum or double minimum wage , what are the options for them.

If you check out Singapore Housing Development Board and Hong Kong Housing Authority, you'll get an idea of where this will go. As incomes rise the ability to utilize less space in the city and therefore higher will come. We already start to see it with the GA towers and the citylands. The next quest will be how to make it more livable.

This is where the future is going for now, walkups in a big part of the metropolis, with high rises closer to the center.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES | Thursday, March 10, 2005
More middle-class units needed to reduce backlog
By ROULEE JANE F. CALAYAG, Reporter

The exodus from the provinces to the cities has opened up a new market for the property sector.

With more rural folk opting to move to the city to work, the demand for modern housing enclaves has become pressing, especially due to the expanding middle class.

The housing backlog is estimated at around two million units.

Francisco J. Buencamino, president of Breezewoods Development Corp., said the backlog increases at a rate of 400,000 units annually.

"The continuous growth of the economy has enlarged our middle class, boosting the demand for higher-quality residential homes," said Mr. Buen-camino in a statement.

He urged housing developers to tap this segment by offering more affordable units with access to commercial business districts and which suit the longing of the middle class for a healthy lifestyle, consistent with the environment they were used to in the provinces.

"As more from the provinces become office workers in Metro Manila, developers need to design for them houses in a serene environment, which is at the same time close to business centers where they work," he said, citing Marikina City, which won the nod of the World Health Organization for being one of the world's healthy cities, as a good example to build modern enclaves for this market.

Marikina, known for its well-planned urban setting and green surrounding, is a few minutes away from business districts, industrial centers, shopping malls, schools, and hospitals in the neighboring cities of Quezon, Pasig, Mandaluyong and Antipolo.

For their part, Mr. Buencamino said his company has developed a low-cost condominium complex in Marikina to provide middle-class urban settlers with the serenity of the rural environment.

The project, known as Breeze-woods Royale, is a four-storey building composed of 70 housing units and 10 commercial shops that include a pharmacy, convenience store, bookstore, and laundry center.

Breezewoods Royale, the only medium-rise building in its vicinity along Katipunan St. near the Social Security System Village, is expected to be completed by November. The construction began in December.

"On top of being affordable and accessible to life's essentials, Breeze-woods Royale is a product of emergency preparedness planning. Certainly, the project allows residents to celebrate life to the fullest," said Mr. Buencamino.

Office workers and employees in Marikina, Quezon, Pasig, Manda-luyong and Antipolo are Breeze-woods' target market. Each unit, measuring 35 square meters, sells from P1.1 million to P1.2 million.

Breezewoods has partnered with Pag-IBIG (Home Development Mutual Fund) to enable buyers to pay the unit through a monthly participation of P10,000 to P12,000.

"We are focusing on meeting the demand for low-cost and medium-cost housing as we believe that high-end residential projects address only a very limited market of the few affording sector of the population. We want to stay in the industry where the demand is," Mr. Buencamino said.

The company, incorporated in 1995, developed the 1,300-unit Breezewoods Homes in Bacoor, Cavite and another project in Pampanga.

^ sounds ideal for the hard working, good earning worker and his/her family.

I wonder if a scheme like they have in NY exists in the Philippines. In NYC, whenever land is rezoned for residential development, a percentage of the space opened up is promised to low to lower middle income families.

this is an excellent point. i used to live in chicago where they had built community housing for the poor (cabrini green), and failed miserably. the reason? misery loves company. hanging around other poor people perpetuated this mentality that the status quo is ok, and that the govt will take care of them. this was not helping them at all! they always assumed they could rely on the government for these handouts and it wasn't inspiring them to move on to bigger and better things for their lives and the lives of their children. think of the company you keep and social mores...to these ppl, there are a lot of drugs, alcohol, gangs, and violence in their environment.

within the past few years, the city has torn down these establishments and has implemented mixed-use policies where a certain percentage of new residential projects had to be set aside for low-income housing--and has done so with great success. the poor people would interact with the middle-class and inspire them to get to that next level. they would no longer be in the discouraging environment they used to be in where they were surrounded by the evil trappings of drugs, alcohol, etc.

on a more personal note, i have owned 4 apartment buildings in the poorest and dangerous areas of chicago. i have heard so many horror stories of tenants of slum-lords like myself...a lot of these poor ppl get rent vouchers from the govt where they identify a place for their families to live, and their rent is paid--guaranteed by the govt so there is no chance of default. i had a few tenants like that. some landlords would only target those poor ppl that didn't have jobs b/c if you had a job, the govt would only supplement a portion of the rent, and the poor person would have to pay the rest of the rent. in this case, if the poor person had a job, there was that potential for them to default their portion of the rent...this is why a lot of landlords choose to rent their units out to the ones without jobs--to ensure the rent is paid in full every month! what does that teach these people? what are we encouraging?

i don't believe in this type of establishment. i'm more of a proponent of mixed-use housing. i've seen it work.

By law all real estate developers must set aside 20% of land or project value to do socialized housing. This is the cheapest end of the market (200,000Php or about 3800$ right now). No one really puts in any socialized with mid market here as it's impossible to have an economic project within the city. (So far unless there's a really bright guy out there with some good ideas). I understand that the Navotas -Smokey Mountain reclamation was initially succesful ,in fact lauded, but lack of social support has turned it into a US "projects" type problem i.e. Cabrini Green (wasn't this razed already though Mr. S?). The ironic part is that people who can pay the for the 200T means they are gainfully employed and would not neccesarily be part of the poor (as definded by Phil. Dept. of Social Welfare and Dev't) as they are actually gainfully emplyed in the formal sector to even get Home Dev't Mutual Fund financing ( our Fannie Mae). Anyway subsequent development specially by the government (the private sector projects are always much better for some reason, perhaps because they use the market mechanism which eliminates rent seeking individuals) will now focus on the soft portion as well i.e. organiztion into neighborhood associations , livelihood support , etc. similar to a normal community.

yeah, they tore down some parts of cabrini green, but some buildings are still there. it is TOTALLY different now...still a little rough, but you can tell it's changed dramatically.

i've had some tenants that were on some sort of govt. assistance program and some were really striving towards getting themselves out. some were talkers, as in they wanted to, but never made the full effort required to pull themselves out of their situation. some didn't deserve the help they got. obviously you want to invest the resources in the case of those that will help themselves and have a high probability of success. i think a group-based approach would work best in this case where a group sponsors the individual/family. the government awards funds or resources to the entire group if the sponsored individual/family achieves their goals (get a job, save a certain amount of money through their job, get a college degree, etc). this would make the group encourage the individual/family to succeed, and everyone benefits. after the individual/family succeeds, the group sponsors the next individual/family. think of it as a big tightly-knit support network.

this model has worked in bangladesh.

I totally agree. You're reffering to the Grameen Bank, which provides microcredit and uses communities to guarantee individual members of the community. Through Peer pressure they've managed to be quite effective. This community based model should work very well with housing projects because in the end that is exactly what they are communities! Their hands need to beheld in the beginning but after a while they should be able to take off on their own.

Am curious Spaghetti Man, What sort of apartments do you have (6 story walk ups , converted townhouses, etc)? Are these big (what sort of area in sq.ft and number of rooms) ? and what sort of rent do you get for these things?

I understand from anecdotes from friends in the industry that these can be quite profitable with good returns but are also a bit on the risky side.

I totally agree. You're reffering to the Grameen Bank, which provides microcredit and uses communities to guarantee individual members of the community. Through Peer pressure they've managed to be quite effective. This community based model should work very well with housing projects because in the end that is exactly what they are communities! Their hands need to beheld in the beginning but after a while they should be able to take off on their own.

Am curious Spaghetti Man, What sort of apartments do you have (6 story walk ups , converted townhouses, etc)? Are these big (what sort of area in sq.ft and number of rooms) ? and what sort of rent do you get for these things?

I understand from anecdotes from friends in the industry that these can be quite profitable with good returns but are also a bit on the risky side.

wow...i thought i was like the only filipino that knows about that! i'm impressed! i bought the book on grameen and reading it right now.

i owned 3-2flats and 1-4 flat, for a total of 4 buildings and 10 living spaces. it was very risky, but there are so many good deals in the poor areas of chicago, it was hard to pass up. i don't know if i'd do that again...i'd probably do things way differently, but it really was a big pain. for a 5 br, i was getting $1500/month. for a 3 br, i was getting $850/month...it really varies based on the market and how desperate you are to get a tenant in there. i was grossing about $5-6k/month in rents and taking home maybe $1200-$2000/month depending on what expenses i incurred (on some buildings i had to pay for heat...imagine the heating bills in chicago...i had a bill for $6000 once)

i have so many horror stories of being a slumlord. here's an example...one of my buildings was unoccupied for several months. it was broken into, and they stole the cabinets, toilets, fixtures, and even the DUCTWORK! i mean, how do you get into such a small space and get all that shit out?!? by the time i was done fixing everything, i spent another $10k. there are so many stories. if youre interested, i can post them here or in another thread...there's the sexually active 13 yr old; so many stories on shootings; a few stories on one of my tenants that is a 30 yr old mom with 5 kids; the pitbull; etc.

the money was OK...i could probably buy more and then move out to the phils while a property manager managed these things here and live a good life out there, but i went through a divorce and had to sell them all. all of this by the time i was 28. i just turned 28 in dec, when i was in the phils.

i have plans to relocate to the phils within 5 years, so hopefully that book on microlending will give me some good insights on things to do in the phils.

Actually many filipinos know Grameen. One thing good here in the Phil is the numerous civic minded individuals who work with NGO's and Grameen is such a succesful model. Imagine working in the poorest countries in the world. Magpapautang! Wow this is tough yet they did it. If you're interested in the subject matter you can read Prashahads (something like that can't remember the spelling): The Fortune at the bottom of the Pyramid. His thesis you don't need to mollycoddle the poor they are an enormous market in their own right and subject to the correct product or service you offer they will beat a path to your door.

You can also get similar returns in the Philippines, and while people get distracted over the exchange rate, it's been shown that over the long run (decades) this will not matter as we require higher rates of returns in developing markets anyway.

One market not mentioned in this forum is Dormitories which we looked at. Aside from the students there is young working class. Huge market with many yuppies unable to rent aprtments on their own so they need to share. Returns are very steady and good. Perhaps we should start a thread on this.

Bump, anything new on this?

VP Noli hails rise of low-cost condos

Vice President Noli De Castro, concurrent Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), said that the growing number of low-cost condos spells good news for the housing sector, and for families looking for affordable in-city dwelling.

He said this during the turnover ceremonies at the Vista De Lagos Villas, a condominium project in Barangay Tuktukan, Taguig developed by DMCI Homes through the Medium/High Rise Building (MHRB) program of the Pag-IBIG Fund.

“I am glad to see that despite the scarcity of available land in Metro Manila, we are still able to respond to the need for houses of city workers by building more MHRBs,” De Castro said.

Vista De Lago is one of two projects completed by DMCI Homes under the MHRB program.

Pag-IBIG Fund has approved a total amount of P128 million for the completion of 128 units in Vista De Lago. The entire project consists of a total of seven condominium buildings, with 439 units ranging in size from 47 to 131 square meters.

The Fund approved the said project on January 2004, and has released an initial P45 million which has been fully paid as of January this year.

De Castro lauded Pag-IBIG for successfully implementing the MHRB program, which was launched to provide a ready inventory of affordable condominium units to eligible members of the Fund in the Metro Manila area and highly urbanized cities.

It has approved 29 projects to date, with loans amounting to over P4.2 billion, which will benefit a total of 6,055 households.

De Castro also commended DMCI, calling it “one of the government’s active private partners in developing housing projects for middle income families.”

DMCI Homes has a number of condominium, townhouse and subdivision projects in Metro Manila.

At the same time, he called on DMCI Homes and other developers to undertake more projects outside of Metro Manila.

“While it is good to provide affordable in-city housing through MHRB, we should also look beyond Metro Manila, in support of President Arroyo’s 10-point agenda, which includes establishing new centers for housing, business and government in other parts of the country,” De Castro said. (end)

Global ties will boostreal estate sector – VP Noli

Vice President Noli De Castro, Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), said today that the Philippine real estate sector stands to benefit as local industry players and related government agencies cemented ties with the International Real Estate Federation.

Vice President De Castro made this statement during the induction of officers of the Philippine Chapter of the Federation—known internationally by its French acronym, FIABCI.

De Castro, along with FIABCI World President-Elect Dato’ Alan Tong Kok Mau, inducted the founding officers of FIABCI Philippines International, Inc. in a ceremony held at the Manila Hotel

The Vice President said that FIABCI-Philippines gives local real estate practitioners as well as government agencies “a link to a world of information, contacts and new opportunities.”

He pointed out that the formation of the chapter is consistent with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s shelter policy of creating “an environment where the private real estate sector can take the lead in undertaking actual housing projects nationwide.”

“For the government housing sector, being part of FIABCI-Philippines gives us a great opportunity to learn from the experience of other countries. At the same time, we will be able to share our own experiences, and make our own contribution to the growing body of global knowledge on housing, real estate and the economy,” De Castro further stated.

FIABCI-Philippines was officially organized on November 12, 2003 by the Chamber of Real Estate and Builder’s Association, Inc. (CREBA) upon the invitation of then FIABCI World President Daniel Teo.

The founding officers of the Philippine chapter include CREBA’s Florentino Dulalia Jr. as President and Pag-IBIG President and CEO Romero Quimbo as Vice President.

The chapter’s pioneering members include 30 real estate and property companies and three shelter agencies under HUDCC, namely the Pag-IBIG Fund, National Housing Authority (NHA) and National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC)

Based in Paris, FIABCI is a 52 year-old worldwide network of professionals involved in the property industry. It operates chapters in over 60 countries, embracing 3,200 individual members, 20 academic members and 100 different national professional associations.

regarding post 57.... i guess we wouldnt get much internet adverts for it... cause it's low-cost. nor would there be much ads at all.......would there?

Renell, you'll actually find it in the dmci website. I've seen it there. Vista del Lago is not that inexpensive, it's actually around 2-3m so strictly not low cost.

What happens is that when one starts a low cost project, many developers see the huge demand and realize they can up the price as what's the use of selling out so quickly when it will still take quite a while to construct, get the extra profit if you can. It's a market thing.

Can you give me feedback on what you guys think of this?

It's a 3 x 5 meter floor area with a 3 x 3.7 m loft. total 26sq.m.

If it was in Makati how much do you think it should be worth. Php 1.5m lets say inner makati.

or if it's 3 x 4 meter but add your own loft but lets say it's in Burgos Area will it be a good price at Php 1m.

This will be a finished unit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/bustero/ISOMETRICVIEW.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/bustero/INTERIOR-CAM4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/bustero/INTERIOR-CAM1.jpg

maganda. mejo masikip. pero maluwag na talaga compared sa iba para sa price and location niya.

for that price ok na sya regardless of the location....but if in makati e di lalo na ok...is this an actual project bustero?

Yes, we're trying to make some inexpensive flats for the everyday salaryman. We're trying to have an affordable livable product near the cbd so people will have a choice or else they will have to commute a great distance.

We used HK standards so while we deliver a 3 x 3.7 loft , that allows the occupant to have a standard 2 x 3 m bedroom and 1.7 x 2.4 m 2nd bedroom on the loft. Kung pang dorm you can have 3 small rooms upstairs you can see in the isometric!

What do you think the 26sq.m. one will be worth if it's in taguig (other side of C5 from the fort ) or Pasig?

Hmmm.... I don't mind living in that, considering the location.

ok sya bustero......but im thinking if it will be on other side of c5...mejo high ang price kasi it is a booming area diba? sa fort? but aroung P1m to P1.5m ok price...i think many potential first time investors will be interested..26sqm for around P1m to P1.5 m
is fine you get what you pay for..but the depending on the location ...syempre added bonus pa yun....ok ok na rin...but if these are so called low cost?...will they have flexible payment scheme for an average person?

Yes, we're trying to make some inexpensive flats for the everyday salaryman. We're trying to have an affordable livable product near the cbd so people will have a choice or else they will have to commute a great distance.

We used HK standards so while we deliver a 3 x 3.7 loft , that allows the occupant to have a standard 2 x 3 m bedroom and 1.7 x 2.4 m 2nd bedroom on the loft. Kung pang dorm you can have 3 small rooms upstairs you can see in the isometric!

What do you think the 26sq.m. one will be worth if it's in taguig (other side of C5 from the fort ) or Pasig?

I'm assuming that the everyday salaryman that you are talking about is the single guy or gal working in that area -- not the everyday family man. For a single person with means or a couple without children, it will be good for a start-up, especially for that area.

I wonder how much is the salary range of an everyday salaryman? What are the terms of payment? How much is the mortgage rate in the Philippines? When you sell these units, will there be a salary cap for applicants?

BTW Bustero,

I'm really impressed with the way you utilized the space. I was looking at the sketch again and realized that it can accommodate 3 small bedrooms all with closet space. So, I'm revising my initial comment about the space being good only for a single person or a couple with no children. The plan actually has a small family in mind. I applaud this concept of making low cost flats in the city available to the everyday salary man.

I think this is more suitable for the active, young working single individuals...convinient from workplace depending on its location

There are two Juan de la Cruzes we have in mind. Depending on location since we can change the finish and flavor to conform to who will buy it and the like.

1) Urban yuppies, late 20's to early thirties, call center guys and the like.
2) Dual income min wage earners as a starter unit.

Min wage in MM is close to 9k with take home of nearly 8k. Housing as a general rule is 1/3 to 1/4 of disposable income. Dual Income earners can plunk down up to 5k on rent and if buying their own home up to 7k this allows them to acquire mortaged units of up to 1m, of course there will be a min 20% - 30% equity so that's the hard part for many folk. This where creative equity financing comes in ! From Several months up to a year to pay. Anyway the unit itself is supposed to be flexible to accomodate either of the Juan de la Cruzes.

We won't be putting a salary cap though my idea really is to have as many people buy it otherwise there may be some people who will buy and sell the units as I think they're quite cheap too. There are few projects like these so our mission is to house people or at least give them the choice of a house in the burbs or a flat in the city.

Thanks for your feedback. Any more is always appreciated.

edit

will they have view view of any part of the skyline?...la lang....i think that would be great...keep us updated on this bustero....its quite interesting...are u in the earlystages of planning pa ba?...btw if these are design for the Juan De La Cruz's then will the payment scheme be design for the Juan De La Cruz's?

Some of the projects will have skyline views but when you're in Makati you're probably up against another building so baka wala ka nang makita!

Yup payment schemes are what works here,specially the equity, most people can pay the monthly amortization, very realistic for them, so their only limitation is the big equity so you have to make it reasonable for them as well.

wow! where is this in makati?

The first ones are actually going up in Pasig. Kahit sa Marikina naghahanap kami ng project doon, we want to do it all over the city.

We have a bit nicer and bigger ones for makati.

GIS to help eradicate Metro Manila slums
As part of its Metro Manila Urban Services for the Poor (MMUSP) project, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday donated a geographical information system (GIS) to the Housing and Urban Development and Coordinating Council (HUDCC), and to the cities of Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa in central Metro Manila which will pilot-test the system.

The donation is covered by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed yesterday at the RCBC plaza in Makati City, central Metro Manila.

The MMUSP project is designed to help the Philippine government draft a phased, metropolitan-wide 15-year strategy covering this year to 2017 for slum eradication and urban upgrading in Metro Manila.

The GIS is a computer system that will:

identify socialized housing sites;
help facilitate shelter planning for informal settlers;
enable data integration and policy making;
monitor the location and growth of informal settlers;
facilitate data collection and integration, map presentation and report generation; as well as
enable rapid land assessment for:
pilot project identification in Metro Manila;
site analysis of the pilot project area;
conceptual planning of the pilot project area; and
thematic mapping of the pilot project area.
Using the Arc View 3.2 software, an urban planner can input data like population size which will then be superimposed on the satellite or aerial photograph of the area concerned.


NEED TO VALIDATE

"With the GIS, you get a terrain map and a 3D kind of terrain. Then with that you...validate (from the ground) to see that the lands in the aerial photos are really there and that the houses are there...and what you see from the sky is accurate," said Mr. Matthew Westfall, who is an ADB senior urban development specialist.

"And when you validate everything you find in the urban poor households, you can conduct a household survey of where the poor resides, ask their income, make expenditure profiles and so forth, and then you will have a comprehensive database. The GIS work is the first step of mapping where the poor resides," he added.

Furthermore, the MMUSP project briefing noted that the advent of GIS capability should allow cities to calculate demand and supply in their areas, and conduct planning more accurately.

"With the GIS, we can move forward at a faster pace in our socialized housing projects," said HUDCC head Armando De Castro.

Mr. Westfall said that part of the criteria for the selection of the pilot cities is their record in implementing GIS projects funded by ADB.

EYEING OTHER AREAS

Mr. Westfall also said that Caloocan in northern Metro Manila already has and existing GIS. He also added that Muntinlupa has 50 hectares of land set aside for socialized housing that can make good use of GIS.

"This is just the first phase of the project. As there is still no comprehensive GIS system in the metro level, we can start city by city and develop it over time, and that is our intention," he said.

Commenting on the 15-year slum eradication plan, Mr. Westfall said further: "There is rapid urban growth in the metropolis; we need a large program and we need all the donors need to come together. Will we achieve this in 15 years? I don't know. Is it worthwhile setting a vision for? Absolutely. Is it critical? Yes. We have to set some targets."

"And the first thing to do is get the information and find cities to invest in housing projects and eventually we hope to see Muntinlupa and other parts of the metropolis are slum free. Hopefully, this will get a reaction...with...the other LGUs (local government units) realizing that it can be done," he added. -- Alab Andres D. Vitug
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Just wondering would that 17 year plan for slum eradication still be in affect? the article is quite dated, july 26 2002 to be precise.

Yup it is. Housing has been a top priority for all administrations because it obviously affects the voter base directly. One problem really is that it's a moving target, of the 4 million informal dwellers , they may be integrated into formal housing at maybe 100t households per year but the total figure also grows from population growth and rural urban migration, so even with a 100t integrated households the actual improvement might be small.

Vol. XIX, No. 17
Thursday, August 18, 2005 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Property & Infrastructure

BY DARWIN T. WEE, Correspondent
Wholistic housing program for the urban poor

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A community of urban poor workers here was one step closer to achieving economic self-reliance with the inauguration on Aug. 14 of their Katilingban Livelihood Training and Production Center in Barangay Sinunuc.

Uplifting urban poor plight

Angel Calvo, president of the nonprofit group Katilingban para sa Kalamboan, Inc. (KKI), said the newly completed facility will provide training programs to members of the Katilingban para sa Kalamboan, Inc., especially among women, in small-scale income-generating enterprises like the production of herbal medicines, processed food, handicraft, bakery items, and other dry goods production.

Mr. Calvo said the center will initially provide the livelihood needs of the women members of the Katilingban Homeowners Association in Sinunuc, and will later on expand the services to the city’s different urban poor groups.

"The livelihood skills will help the housewives in the community to become more productive as this will give their families additional income," Mr. Calvo said.

The production center is within the community, which hosts 200 residential houses built three years ago with funding from the Spanish government. The fund was lent to selected urban poor families.

A second socialized housing community of 98 residential units adjacent to the housing site is nearing completion.

Mr. Calvo said during the inauguration that the housing program is part of a wholistic community development approach based on personal and family empowerment, with the women taking critical or major roles.

The construction of the training center was funded by a grant from the Japanese government under its Grant Grassroots Human Security program.

In a message during the inaugural, Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki said the project is among the total 100 undertakings funded through the grass-roots program in Mindanao since 1989.

"This project is a manifestation of our strong support to the efforts at the grass-roots sector in promoting human security in Mindanao. As enhancing knowledge and skills primarily facilitate and improve human productivity, we hope this training center will contribute to further empower the urban poor communities in Zamboanga City towards their self-reliance," he added.

The conduct of training and provision of other support service will be an interagency effort of the Department of Labor and Employment, city government, and the extension services of the Western Mindanao State University.

The city’s business organizations have been tapped to lend entrepreneurial expertise, particularly in marketing.

During the inauguration, Edgar Lim, president of the Industrial Group of Zamboanga, Inc. and the operations manager of Permex, a company that exports tuna and sardines, pledged to develop a business plan for the center’s women.

"The dreams of housewives residing here to finally manage their own business is coming to reality with the launching of the livelihood programs and the construction of the livelihood production and training center," Katilingban Working Women’s Association president Arlene Damian said during the inaugural.

She said the production facility will enable the women to augment their husband’s income and to sustain viable income-generating livelihood activities.

More than 70 women beneficiaries will undergo further livelihood training "Š but the number of beneficiaries will eventually increase later on because the program is open to other urban poor groups in the city," Ms. Damian said.

She noted that some 30 long-time members of the women’s association are experts in making herbal medicines, especially their successful cough and anti-asthma syrup made from lagundi, sampaloc and ginger.

They also produce nutritional juice powder out of malunggay, avocado and other vegetables and fruits, and they are also into preserving foods such as papaya pickles, which are ordered by well-known local seafood restaurants.

Elsa Manabat, KKI executive director, said the livelihood program is part of her group’s five thrusts -- housing, health, education, paralegal, and women’s welfare.

The housing program provides members with uniform 80 square-meter lots and a loan for the purchase of construction materials. All units are built by the borrowers according to uniformly design facilities.

The monthly amortization is about P300 for 20 years. The two housing areas in Sinunuc are provided with built-up road networks, water distribution and drainage systems, multipurpose centers, chapels and recreational areas -- all at no cost to the homeowners.

While majority of the occupants are Christians, a few families are Muslim, Ms. Manabat said.

She added that the beneficiaries are required to undergo extensive and comprehensive social preparations for the peaceful and orderly transfer of the families.

The social preparation seminars delve on basic carpentry and construction, gender sensitivity, understanding human behavior, and the culture of peace.

The first ones are actually going up in Pasig. Kahit sa Marikina naghahanap kami ng project doon, we want to do it all over the city.

We have a bit nicer and bigger ones for makati.
Meron ba kayo sa alabang/sucat areas?

if you look at the units at GA Tower, it's pretty much the same as the design that Bustero posted. The units at GA Tower is just a little bit bigger at 33sqm to 39+sqm

Meron ba kayo sa alabang/sucat areas?
Ah sorry none, I would not be surprised if someone was already doing something like this though!

Dvorak the funny thing with GA is that they placed the cathedral ceiling on the interior and not on exterior part of the building! Most lofts have it the other way around:) Anyway works either way according to one's personal taste.

Might as well bump up this thread with an article on the progress of GK. :D

Gawad Kalinga provides homes to 120 families of street kids

SOME 120 families of street children in Iloilo City will be provided with homes by Gawad Kalinga 777 (GK 777).

Some 32 homes are eyed for construction in a 1.2-hectare lot in the So-oc, Arevalo relocation site before the year ends, said GK 777 National Director Luis Oquiñena Thursday.

Together with Iloilo City Government headed by Mayor Jerry P Trenas, the land development will jumpstart October.

Helping hand

The city government provided the 1.2 hectare of land while Senator Francisco Pangilinan donated P500, 000; City Vice Mayor, P50,000; and City Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo will provide materials for one house.

GK 777 eyes 10 houses finished this year while Taytay Sang Kauswagan Inc. (TSKI) promised to provide 10 more.

Oquiñena said materials for construction of one house costs P50,000.

Besides providing home for the poor, GK 777 will also be constructing a health clinic, grade school, and playgrounds.

"Livelihood programs and training will also be conducted within the Gawad Kalinga Village," he said.

GK 777 is composed of Couples for Christ (CFC) members who envision to build 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in seven years from the time it was launched on October 4, 2003.

The GK 777 movement has for its pillars a host of partners from different sectors of society, local government units, civic organizations, schools and parishes, professionals and the simply concerned. (LABB)

I'm glad we have another posting on this thread. Something more constructive and aligned with nation building and community spirit.


Just a side comment though.

http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_communities/images/amparo_before.jpg

http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_communities/images/amparo_after.jpg

I actually prefer the before picture. The after is too gaudy and loud. Feeling carribean.

you don't need to spend to help...you can help educate children in schools in GK villages...you can help build homes (very fulfilling i must say)...organize communities to help themselves improve their lives...and lots of things really...GK is all about improving quality life starting with better homes, cleaner environment, better free education, livelihood programs, etc.

@ Lili - That wasnt a good example. There are better ones, its just hard to find pics.

Here's one from googling
http://www.philemb.org.uk/Images/news_images/Gawad%20Kalinga%20Amparo%20Community.jpg

WOW, this made my day. Why didn't I know about this sooner?

I e-mailed it to all my barkadas in Chi-town, cause they've been looking into how they can help too.

I've completely given up on our government. I think its the small things we do now that can really make a difference.

WOW, this made my day. Why didn't I know about this sooner?

I e-mailed it to all my barkadas in Chi-town, cause they've been looking into how they can help too.

I've completely given up on our government. I think its the small things we do now that can really make a difference.
Good to know that it was a good idea to bump this thread. This definitely does deserve another lease in life. :D

Wow, even the smaller players in the world scene are participating in GK! Here's my thanks to the generosity of Malta! :)

MALTA BUILDS ITS 4TH GK VILLAGE IN JUST 2 YEARS
by: MNTC News Staff

Link to the article (http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0510-004)

A small country with a population of only 350,000 people, lying 90 km to the south of Sicily and famous for being the island where St. Paul was ship wrecked, Malta has emerged to be one of the most active and committed foreign partners of Gawad Kalinga. Through the efforts of Couples for Christ members, Malta has so far sponsored three Gawad Kalinga villages (two for the urban poor in Baseco, Tondo, Manila and one for the typhoon devastated indigenous peoples of Oriental Mindoro in the island of Luzon) having built a total of 147 houses with 62 more houses to be constructed from their commitments. They are also well on their way to establish a fourth GK Village in the town of Concepcion in the southern province of Iloilo.

Their active commitment started in January 2004, inspired by the way GK was making a difference in the lives of the poor. With a lot of hard work, and a large dose of faith, funds were collected for the first GK Malta Village in Baseco which was inaugurated last November 27, 2004 by the Maltese ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Saviour Gauci.

After seeing the inspiring results from the 2 Malta Villages in Baseco, the group starting raising funds for a third village this time to help in the rehabilitation efforts of Kalinga Luzon. The site of the village was identified as Barangay Balite, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro in the province of island of Luzon. Luzon was devastated by typhoons towards the end of November of 2004 and thousands died. The local government of Balite bought the land measuring 40,000 square meters (4 hectares) for the benefit of the Mangyan residents of the place. The Mangyans are one of the indigenous groups that live in isolated rural communities in the Philippines. The general strategy is to allocate 1 hectare for every 100 families, including communal facilities like pathways, multi-purpose hall, school, clinic, etc. Another 2 hectares are allocated for agricultural livelihood activities, mainly intended for food sufficiency and sustainability of the GK community.

Truly, generosity and love for the poor are not the exclusive territory of big and powerful nations but in fact come from those with big and generous hearts of event the smallest countries.

Its always a good idea to bump old, good threads:)

HEROIC MAYORS UNITE THROUGH GAWAD KALINGA IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPOWERMENT SESSION
by: GK News Writer
10/3/2005

Not all politicians are corrupt and to be mistrusted as proven by the growing number of local government officials who are tirelessly working towards reducing poverty in their municipalities. Mayors, vice mayors and members of the council from various municipalities from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao came to Ateneo last September 20 to attend the Gawad Kalinga Empowerment Session on Nation-Building. Three talks entitled, “Bayan” (Nation), “Bayani” (Hero) and “Bayanihan” (Being a Hero to Others) were given to encourage local governments to adopt and support the Gawad Kalinga programs and reduce squatting and poverty in their areas by as much as 30% in the next two years. Pro-administration Senator Ralph Recto came with his son and pledged his support to GK’s work of nation building. He committed to build 50 school houses from his Priority Development Assistance Fund. House Minority Floor Leader and a leading opposition congressman, Francis “Chiz” Escudero was also present to express his support for the uniting work of Gawad Kalinga. He said that he came hoping to shed the usual labels that he is often branded with in political forums and spoke as a patriot wanting to serve the country and help non-partisan private groups such as GK. We hope that through his support, we will soon open GK sites in his province of Sorsogon, home of the majestic “butandings” or whale sharks.

maybe we could sponsor an "SSC-Philippines" Village. hehehe.. just a wild thought... :)

^^ Thats not a bad idea. If only we can gather enough money and organize the donation.

maybe we could sponsor an "SSC-Philippines" Village. hehehe.. just a wild thought... :)
Dude...YOU HAVE READ MY MIND! :D I'm definitely willing to go for this! I've already began planning to save 1k USD to support a house but I'm willing to have this go to the "SSC - Philippines" cause. :D

Projects like this are what actually keeps the Philippines floating. Since the government is not so effective the private sector has consistently come up with many small prjects which act as a safety net for the poor sectors of society. This raises quality of life substantially but does not show up in development records! Another concrete example of how the philippines is not doing as bad as it really seems. Now if we can get these to the 30-40 million other people in the really poor areas, really big difference.

Dude...YOU HAVE READ MY MIND! :D I'm definitely willing to go for this! I've already began planning to save 1k USD to support a house but I'm willing to have this go to the "SSC - Philippines" cause. :D

I read in their website that's the exact amount of a house in Gawad Kalinga.

I read in their website that's the exact amount of a house in Gawad Kalinga.
That's pretty much where my 1k was going anyways. :D

GK Village in Dumanjug
Link to the article (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2005/10/10/life/gk.village.in.dumanjug.html)

LAST Sept. 18, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Bitoon, Dumanjug, Cebu to officially launch the J.P. Garcia GK Village.

The J.P. Garcia Foundation, through Severiana B. Garcia, donated one hectare of land to the poorest of the poor residents of Bitoon, in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK), a work with the poor program of Couples for Christ (CFC), and in cooperation with the Dumanjug local government.

The JP Garcia GK Village is the realization of the last will of the late Jesus P. Garcia Sr. to help the poor families in the barangay.

The event started with a 9 a.m. mass attended by Dumanjug Mayor Baricuatro; CFC Council members Victor Abarquez, Arnel Sacris and Elmer Labatos; GK board members Danny Lagahid, Ruben Capio and Tany Go; and the CFC South Sector 3 headed by Sayong Letigio.

The Garcia family was also present: Jesus Garcia Jr. and wife Armi and Ever Garcia, the matriarch of the family. George Alcordo, who was also present, pledged to donate land in Ronda. Former Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia also attended the occasion.

The GK beneficiaries were given an opportunity to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who made their dreams a reality.

The celebration continued with the building of the framework of the first GK house. All who were there once again showed that amidst the modern influence of today’s generation, bayanihan is still alive in each Filipino’s heart, particularly the Cebuanos.

This is proof that it’s not impossible to raise this nation from shame and poverty if we continue to show our care for others. This is proof that every Filipino is a hero.

@ Lili - That wasnt a good example. There are better ones, its just hard to find pics.

Here's one from googling
http://www.philemb.org.uk/Images/news_images/Gawad%20Kalinga%20Amparo%20Community.jpg

'bat nde nila to magawa sa riles ng tren, it would look nice because tourist comes to the big city first. saka tangalin narin yung shanti sa airport. ah too late lina law pala.

19 mass housing projects get BOI perks
By Marianne V. Go
The Philippine Star 12/05/2005

The Board of Investments (BOI) is supporting the mass housing project of President Arroyo which aims to provide affordable shelter to most Filipinos.

In a report, Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila said that from January this year, the BOI has given incentives to 19 mass housing projects with a total project cost of P1.29 billion and which has resulted in the construction of 8,483 housing units.

According to Favila, there are six developers that undertook the mass housing projects.

Property Company of Friends, according to BOI records, had the most number of mass housing projects with eight, at a total cost of P456.95 million and which resulted in the construction of 3,365 units most located in Cavite.

The Ayala Group’s Laguna Properties Holding Corp. (LPHC) also developed four projects with a total of 1,101 mass housing units.

The Ayala Group’s housing projects are located in Dasmarinas, Cavite; Naga, Camarines Sur and in Tayabas, Quezon.

Firm Builders developed four projects with a total of 1,339 housing units located in Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.

Asiatic Development Corp. has one project in Laguna, while Basic Housing Solutions developed 703 housing units in Mexico, Pampanga.

The 2005 Investments Priorities Plan (IPP), Favila said, had been relaxed specifically on mass housing investments to allow developers to locate projects in Metro Manila.

Phinma Property Holdings of the Lopez Group was the first developer to benefit from the relaxed IPP.

The Phinma medium-rise housing project located in Quezon City is accessible to major malls, schools, hospitals, government institutions, parks and other commercial centers.

The project will be developed on a 1.6 hectare site with a total of 957 residential units with package prices ranging from P575,000 to P930,000.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Elmer C. Hernandez explained that for eligibility for BOI registration, mass housing projects must have a minimum of 20 livable dwelling units in a single site or medium-rise housing.

The cost of each unit should not exceed the cost of low-cost or economic housing as determined by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

The HUDCC has set the cost of low-cost housing at over P300,000 up to P2 million.

Only income derived from registered projects are entitled to income tax holiday incentive.

GAWAB KALINGA is featured in BBC Asia Pacific News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4503048.stm

Giving care' to Philippines poor
By Sarah Toms
BBC News, Manila

Baseco after 2004 fire
Volunteers came together to rebuild Baseco after a fire
On the banks of the brown and polluted Pasig River in the Baseco district of Manila, scores of shacks on stilts jut out like broken teeth.

With no electricity or running water, children carry home large canisters of fresh water along rickety planks of wood.

Two years ago, Baseco was one of the worst areas for crime in the Philippines. It was said that if you could live there, you must be afraid of nothing.

So Baseco is not the sort of place someone like Estelle Osorio would usually be found at the weekend.

The teenager studies political science at Lasalle University, one of the country's best.

But after a fire gutted Baseco in 2004 and more than 2,500 families lost their homes, Ms Osorio joined hundreds of other volunteers to help rebuild.

"Originally I came here as part of a school project. But I think I will come back, it feels really good to be a part of the community," she said.


REBUILDING BASECO
2,500 families lost homes in fire
Takes three to nine months to build 50-100 houses
Each is about 22 sq m in size

In pictures: Working for Gawad Kalinga

Baseco's transformation is the work of Gawad Kalinga, a faith-based, non-governmental organisation whose name in Filipino means "giving care".

Slowly the shacks are being replaced by brightly-painted cottages, each with a small front yard and tidy pebbled pavements.

Gawad Kalinga's vision - of the Philippines without slums - has captured the imagination, support and donations of companies, civic and other religious groups, overseas workers and government offices.

Through donations, Gawad Kalinga supplies money and marshals volunteers from all walks of life - often carpenters, electricians, plumbers and builders - to put up the small cottages.

It has one proviso for someone wanting to move in - they must pay with "sweat equity", by helping to build their houses and those of their neighbours.

The building up of the community also includes lessons in morality and how to make a living, as well as bible classes for children.

Antonio Meloto
Gawad Kalinga's founders now want to expand overseas

Antonio Meloto founded Gawad Kalinga five years ago with his Roman Catholic church group, Couples for Christ, because he was fed up with waiting for others to do the job.

"We simply have to accept the Philippines is a poor developing country and we realise it should not be a money-based development," he said.

"But we have abundant labour and we have a lot of volunteers who are doctors and teachers, professionals, and a lot of Filipinos who are top executives at home and abroad."

With this kind of thinking, Gawad Kalinga has helped transform hundreds of poor communities across the Philippines.

Official links

This should be the work of the government.

But international aid agencies say the government complains it does not have enough money, and is happy to pass some of its duties to groups like Gawad Kalinga.

Co-operation between the government and faith-based organisations is not unusual in the Philippines.

Eight in 10 Filipinos are Roman Catholics and the Church's influence pervades many aspects of life, including politics and social welfare. The Catholic Church, as well as smaller Protestant and Muslim groups, run many charities to supplement official efforts.

Social Welfare Secretary Luwalhati Pablo says her department is working with Gawad Kalinga to rebuild homes for victims of typhoons and floods last year in the north-eastern Philippines.

"The more partnerships we have with different sectors - with the Church, with local communities and corporations - the more we can do, especially as this is for the poor people," she said.

There are some critics of the Catholic Church's influence in society, especially its stand against divorce and artificial birth control.

For the government, Secretary Pablo said, working with Gawad Kalinga means people can now live in better homes with less crime and more harmony.

"It's good for us as the homes are relatively cheap and of course they really build up the people their self-esteem and the feeling of pride in having a nice community," she said.

Rebuilding

Anita Cortez (right) and her husband Renerio
New homes can change lives

Two years ago, Gawad Kalinga launched a plan to provide 700,000 houses in seven years to some of the poorest families in the Philippines. So far, 16,000 have been built.

Now the group is extending overseas, by setting up villages in Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, Indonesia and India.

In the Philippines, it takes three to nine months to build a village of 50-100 houses with electricity and running water.

At 22 square metres, they are about the size of five ping pong tables.

This may seem cramped, especially when many families have at least five or six children.

But for people like Anita Cortez and her husband Renerio, who moved in a year ago, this is a dream come true.

Mrs Cortez helped to build her house and also took Gawad Kalinga lessons in life.

"It's different from before. My son was part of a gang, but now he's changed," she said.

"My children obey me now and we live under one roof, and because of the environment we are very, very happy."

does GK only do house building not mass housing? of course one invovles a lot of manpower while the other can only be hardwork and willingness

I'm not sure how you distinguish your terminology here. GK does mass housing through building of houses with volunteers and donated materials. Not neccesarily mutallly exclusive but am not sure what you mean.

This thread deserves another bump. :okay: BTW is anyone interested in looking more into the possibility of having the SSC Philippine Forums participate in GK?

‘Balikbayans’ build homes
Link to the Jan. 17 newsbit (http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=1&story_id=63276)

SANTIAGO CITY—Twelve Seattle-based Filipinos joined some 100 volunteers in building homes for poor families at Sitio Gunot in Barangay Rizal here as part of Gawad Kalinga Foundation’s project. Mayor Amelita Navarro said the balikbayans stayed here for a week not only to help in the construction but also to prepare gardens for homeless residents. They also pledged to finance the construction of two houses in the village. Villamor Visaya Jr., PDI Northern Luzon Bureau

BusinessWorld Online
Property & Infrastructure

BY JENNEE GRACE U. RUBRICO, Senior Reporter
Small-space living new trend for property developers
Studio units for students start at 20 square meters

With Filipinos now more open to condominium living, property developers see opportunities to bring in new unit designs and concepts to have a distinct edge while giving their customers value for their money.

University students: Twenty square meters is enough to accommodate a bed, table, bookshelves and a small refrigerator -- the staples of university life. -- Jonathan Cellona

With several condominium projects in similar areas and targeting the same market segments, location and brand are no longer the only considerations for buyers -- the designs have become differentiating factors as well.

To this end, property developers spend on well-known interior designers and architects. Some also make it their policy to scout for trends abroad and see if these could be adopted locally.

One trend, particularly for condominiums that are near educational institutions, is the reduced size of units -- from 30 square meters, studio units as small as 20 square meters are being offered to selected markets.

"These units cater to investors who will lease [the units] to students," Richard T. Raymundo, director for research and consultancy division of Colliers International Philippines, Inc., said in an interview.

While 20 square meters is only about the size of a bedroom for a big house, the small space is enough to accommodate a bed, table, bookshelves and a small refrigerator -- the staples of university life.

Provided they are affordable, these units could be alternatives to the dilapidated dormitories, some of which are fire hazards, or rooms for rent in houses near schools.

For one, Avida Land Corp., formerly Laguna Properties Holdings, Inc., is offering such units in its Avida Towers project in the former San Lazaro Racetrack in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The project’s target market include students and professors of nearby University of Sto. Tomas and those in the university belt along Recto Ave., officials had earlier said.

Similarly, E. Ganzon, Inc. has a condominium project near the De La Salle University along Taft Ave., which also offers smaller units for students.

A number of condominium developments in the university belt also offer same-sized units, industry participants said.

Ryan Isip, CB Richard Ellis assistant director for global corporate service, said the proliferation of smaller-sized condominiums are demand-driven.

"There are profit concerns. They’re trying to make it as small as possible. This is the sachet mentality; and because they are smaller, there is more functionality."

For instance, where doors used to swing back and forth, condominiums now have sliding doors, he said, adding that the use of windows also makes small condominiums look bigger and smaller condominiums make "living more affordable."

Another innovative design would be coming from Megaworld Corp.

John Hao, Megaworld investor relations officer, told BusinessWorld that the Newport City project in Villamor air base will have "balcony type units which have indoor porches. They are covered by glass and they are inside the units."

He said that the indoor porches give the unit owners a view of the golf course within the area.

ROCKWELL LAND

Meanwhile, the bi-level Z-concept of Rockwell Land Corp. is also expected to become popular, given that it allows unit owners to have two views -- either the west and the east, or the north and the south.

Rockwell will be offering the units in its One Rockwell project, which the company is marketing.

Lofts, which were also started by Rockwell Land Inc. will also continue to be popular among developers, Mr. Raymundo said.

Bi-level units will also be popular among property developers and condominium buyers as these offer more space, property analysts noted.

Among those that offer loft and bi-level units are Megaworld, Robinsons Land, Inc. and Ayala Land, Inc.

--------------------

Story Location: http://www.bworldonline.com/BW012606/content.php?id=101
Copyright © BusinessWorld Onine, Inc. All rights reserved.

^ IMO, bi-level units will still be one of the biggest hits here because it evokes the feeling of a traditional home, having two-levels.

http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/images/0601-001_bg.jpg

GK GLOBAL UPDATE
by: Dylan Wilk
1/23/2006

2005 was a very significant year for GK around the world as we saw it grow into a global movement among Filipinos abroad to rebuild the motherland, especially in the USA and Canada. Despite their success abroad, many Filipinos still feel a hole in their heart because the Philippines remains poor. For years, they have been searching for something with integrity that really works that they can support. After sharing the best of themselves with their adopted countries, the greatest aspiration of many now is to build a legacy in our country, which they have never stopped loving. Through GK, they are able to reconnect with their province or even their hometown and help to rebuild it. This is a very attractive proposition for many – they uplift the poor, they become a hero in the town where they come from, they hopefully get a ticket to heaven and it’s even tax deductible!

Many Filipino Associations abroad have been building their own GK villages this year and naming them after their organization. We have also witnessed astonishing heroism from individuals, some of whom have built villages as legacies to their loved ones such as Joel Coronel from California. He built 50 homes in Tondo in honor of his grandmother and 50 homes in Masbate. After using up his savings he even took out a loan of $50,000 because as he puts it, “I can pay that back in a few years because I have a good job, but the poor can’t wait.” Numerous others have been quietly building such ‘Legacy Villages’, including several doctors such as Primo and Sylvia Andres or Charlie and Myrna Capati. For many years they have been healing Americans, keeping America strong and now they are using their resources to heal the Philippines, which is like a sick mother to them. Other people have been equally heroic in raising smaller numbers of homes, such as those who ran in the October Heroes' Run in the US, which raised several hundred homes for the poor; or the many young debutantes across the world who asked for donations to GK instead of holding a party this year. The spirit of self-sacrifice and ‘padugo’ that we see in GK sites here in the Philippines has now spread throughout the world. The Filipino hero is living again!

On a larger scale, ‘WOW GK’ (our international roadshow) drew crowds of several thousand people in Vancouver, Toronto and across Canada, resulting in at least 20 villages. Whereas in the USA, our WOW GK events in October and November resulted in pledges of 600 VILLAGES, most of which will be delivered next year. New Zealand, Austria, France, Switzerland, Spain and several other countries all had their WOW GK events to launch GK as a movement in their country. Meanwhile, people in the Middle East have propelled our work in ARMM forwards by supporting all villages in the GK Highway of Peace. One country that deserves a special mention is Malta. Despite being a very small island, the Maltese have already contributed over 100 homes to GK but what makes this even more exciting is that almost all those who are involved in GK Malta are non-Filipinos. So we see that the sacrifice of ordinary Filipinos is already inspiring many non-Filipinos to join in rebuilding our nation. Today, GK volunteers are active in more than 30 countries and that will grow in 2006. Let us rejoice – our sons and daughters are gathering to come home.

^^ agree ako diyan, it's here to stay. Most inexpensive way of getting more space plus the perception of space!

basically more low-cost serendras, maybe with large plots of land they should build a mini-community with plaza, courts, open spaces.

PGMA’s success
HIDDEN AGENDA By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes
The Philippine Star 02/08/2006

Yes, she may be beset with a host of political problems, but the government’s housing program is definitely not one of the headaches of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. While she may not be seen often handing out titles to house and lots to the so-called "masa", nevertheless, her government is getting more roofs over the heads of more Filipino families, never mind the absence of trumpet blares.

Buried in the din of the current political noise is the fact that GMA has bagged the support of the private sector in the housing effort. Socialized housing projects and homes for middle class families are rising mostly out of private sector financing, not from government coffers.

We came across business reports recently that the government has sustained the inflow of private sector money into the housing program with an average of P17 billion yearly in housing loan allocations since GMA came into office.

According to said reports, private sector support for the GMA initiative reached an all-time high of P43.3 billion in 2003 and had remained at about the same level over the past two years.

What is even more encouraging is the fact that some 61 percent of the country’s universal banks are actively backing the housing program. This means there is a great deal of confidence in the financial community on the Arroyo government’s capability to push the housing program in an efficient and transparent manner.

Observers say there are two major factors for the recent upsurge in confidence on the Arroyo housing initiatives. The first is housing czar and Vice President Noli de Castro. The second is the Home Guaranty Corporation or HGC, the government agency in whose hands lie the basis for the private sector confidence and support.

The Vice President, keen observers note, has successfully — and silently – demolished the skepticism that initially met his appointment as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council or HUDCC. Detractors were then quick to say that the absence of a business management background would be a major handicap for the Vice President. Dead wrong. Without fanfare, our observer-friends add, the Vice President steered the program away from the political tumult and onto the calm waters of solid private sector support.

One factor working for the Vice President cum housing czar is that he himself refused to "politicize" the housing sector. Observers point out that De Castro did not replace the heads of the vital agencies in the housing sector with his own men. He not only retained them but also whipped them up into one harder working team with major success targets.

Among those retained by the Vice President in his team — and one who has proved the Vice President a good judge of character — is the president of the Home Guaranty Corporation, Gonzalo Benjamin Bongolan or "Bong" as he is called by our media colleagues covering the business beat.

Described by reporters as a "very shy achiever", Bongolan is a major feather in the Arroyo-De Castro tandem’s cap but has escaped the radar screen of power brokers on account of an apparent distaste for the limelight. Bongolan is one of the country’s most respected financial analysts, a pillar of the Association of Stock Analysts of the Philippines which is the virtual thermometer of business confidence in the country.

Housing sector watchers recall that Bongolan aptly used his acumen some years ago and raised more than P4 billion from the financial market to turn around what was then a decrepit operation of the agency he heads. Private sector confidence in the housing program was an extreme low when GMA came into office. It was Bongolan’s task as HGC head to restore that confidence. He did so by successfully raising the funds that answered the guaranty calls.

And that’s the way it works. Private financial institutions are more than willing to put money into the building of homes and housing projects provided the government can give them the assurance that in case the borrowers default, HGC can cover the liability. With more money, HGC can do two things: pay up government obligations for defaults in the past, and provide more cover for the additional funds that the private sector will put in.

Even big housing program participants like BPI Family Bank and Filinvest Development Corp. would attest that there is a positive climate in the housing sector. And in view of this atmosphere, HGC is reportedly planning to tap the capital market once more to further beef up the government’s guaranty fund.

And so Vice President De Castro has continued to entrust the job of raising the money for guaranty and for the payment of past mistakes, err, liabilities, in the hands of the low-key Bong Bongolan. Observers say the decision has paid off: the Vice President can continue to concentrate on overseeing the socialized housing program while the HGC beefs up the participation of private financial institutions.

Observers also add that the housing sector success of the government is among the factors that has shielded the Vice President from incessant political intrigues. They note that the Vice President’s dedication to the building of homes appears to be his paramount motive and aspiration, over and above that of political ambition.

Due to the absence of the negative dimensions of politics, the Vice President was —and is- able to choose his housing sector teammates well. This column joins the chorus of public acclaim for this one government sector that has relatively kept itself off dirty politics.

And in the observation that the choice of the Vice President as housing czar was also one good move by the President.

GLAXO SMITHKLINE TO VACCINATE 14,000 CHILDREN IN GK
by: May Mencias, GK News Bureau
2/28/2006

January 29 2006. Gawad Kalinga Baseco starts off Glaxo Smith Kleine and Gawad Kalusugan’s campaign against polio as 10 doctors, 2 nurses and 3 volunteers shared their time and expertise as they gave oral vaccination to 700 kids of GK Baseco with ages ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months.

Link to the full article (http://gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0602-003)

KALINGA LUZON ONE YEAR AFTER
by: Eline Santos, GK News Bureau
2/28/2006

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/0602-005_bg.jpg

Kalinga Luzon marked its first year anniversary with a joyous celebration, honoring the generosity of landowners and LGUs alike who donated over 500 hectares of land, enough to build homes for 40,000 families affected by four consecutive typhoons in the last quarter of 2004. Currently, GK sites have been opened in 55 towns.

Link to the full the article (http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0602-005)

FIRST GK BAYANI SUMMIT GATHERS OVER 1000 SUPPORTERS
by: Michelle Camille Correa
2/28/2006

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/0602-006_bg.jpg


Gawad Kalinga (GK) supporters from all over the Philippines flocked to the Henry Lee Irwin Theater of Ateneo de Manila University on 16 January 2006 to be part of the First GK Bayani Summit, a gathering of heroes who have made the Gawad Kalinga program a success. The attendees included representatives from the GK partner-universities and supporters from Canada, Malta, Australia, Asian countries, and the United States, including students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Link to the rest of full article (http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0602-006)

I wasnt even aware of the GK walk here in Vancouver:D

I wasnt even aware of the GK walk here in Vancouver:D
Indeed, I'm just amazed what GK activities across California that go on behind my back. :lol:

Anyhow, here's some pictures of my first visit to a GK village. The he Jubilee Village north of Iloilo City has two duplexes built so far with around 20+(?) more to be erected.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/ILO1003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/ILO1005.jpg

This is my only good interior shot. Sorry :(:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/ILO1006.jpg

Wild idea: Game ba mga Pinoy SSC members to put up one SSC Community?

-Question to the SSC Members abroad...kaya nyo ba ang isang US$500 donation?

-To the SSC Members in the Philippines...kaya nyo ba ang isang PhP 10,000 donation?

I know the amounts have been pushed high pero that's the way to go, to start high.

The above questions are aimed to determine how many donors we'd need to put up a community.

^^ Excellent idea, sugarboy. :D There were suggestions of having a GK SSC Philippine Forum village but never really went far with it. Maybe now is the time to take this effort more seriously! If there's anything we, as SSC Philippine members can do for our country, it can be through GK!

Cabinet spouses donate P1.5M in houses to Gawad Kalinga
By Reynaldo G. Navales
Link (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2006/03/31/news/cabinet.spouses.donate.p1.5m.in.houses.to.gawad.kalinga.html)

MABALACAT -- True to its commitment, the Philippine Cabinet Spouses Foundation (PCSF) has donated an initial of 50 housing units to the Gawad Kalinga housing site in Barangay Tabun here.

Officers and members of the foundation, headed by Lawyer Charito Cruz and Arlene de Castro, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the houses at the town’s GK village on Tuesday.

Congratulations to the graduates of 2006! Post your graduation experiences and greetings here.


The PCSF was assisted by GK national project director Brother Tony Meloto and other leaders of the Couples for Christ, a religious organization which initiated the social program for the poor people.

Brother Lito Bolus, Mabalacat GK project director, said the housing units donated by the PCSF will be completed this year to accommodate the beneficiaries who already qualified in the screening.

The Santos Ventura Hocorma Foundation donated the initial 1.5-hectare property where the GK village is being developed.

The PCSF earlier vowed to assist the Gawad Kalinga in developing the socialized housing site.

Meloto said the Mabalacat GK village will become the showcase of all the GK villages in the region since it is strategically situated.

Among the personalities who graced the groundbreaking rites were Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales, SVHF president Domingo L. Mapa, Board Members Pros Lagman and Tars Halili, and other local officials.

The first batch of beneficiaries, mostly from this town, already occupied some 22 housing units which were completed early this year.

Morales thanked the CFC, SVHF, and PCSF for implementing a socialized housing program in the town.

Riverside Relocation Project (Managed by Gawad Kalinga)
http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~mabuhay/GK_001pangirelocation.JPG
http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~mabuhay/GK_002pangirelocation.JPG http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~mabuhay/GK_003pangirelocation.JPG http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~mabuhay/GK_004pangirelocation.JPG
Punta Dumalag Fishing Village (Managed by Gawad Kalinga)
http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~mabuhay/GK_001puntadumalag.JPG http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~mabuhay/GK_002puntadumalag.JPG http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~mabuhay/GK_003puntadumalag.JPG
http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~mabuhay/GK_004puntadumalag.jpg

ganda nyan ah...and its not so far sa city.

but the best bet for the SIR near the davao river are high rise tenements similar to those found in hong kong and singapore(20 floors each). with the amount of people residing sa SIR they can fit in say 5 buildings. La naman siguro problema dyan kasi the land there is still government owened ata. rights lang ang inaward sa kanila.

that way we can develop the lands beside the high rises as parks and river promenades.

Wow!!... i'm at the same opinion...

d ba parang may ganyan din sa mNL

The last of those photos appearing above is what impressed me most. It reminds me of the small quaint city of Girona or Firenzi. Notice the red street-tile, this can be a source of livelihood for relocated families. Why cant these be mass produced by them and sold to the city government for "sidewalk" projects. Davao is in dire need of sidewalks. By the way European bike lanes are made of this kind of tiles too.

Echoing the preceding posts, shall we try to shoot to support at least one Gawad Kalinga home?

skyblade, do you know any of the people running GK?

skyblade, do you know any of the people running GK?
Only know of them, but them personally. Would love to have the honor of meeting them though! :D

"Bayani Na, Beauty Pa!" - Wow GK 2005 Roadshow (http://www.ancopusa.org/wowgk/2005_photo_gallery.htm) Gallery


http://www.ancopusa.org/wowgk/images/05_chicagowowgk_16.jpg (http://www.ancopusa.org/wowgk/2005_photo_gallery.htm)


http://www.ancopusa.org/images/header_gknews.gif (http://www.ancopusa.org/index.htm)
For more 2006 news

why won't the gov't make highrise projects within the urban city limits.

As evident most of the slum poor are relocated in areas that are quite a distance from the city were their jobs are located and requiring them at least two rides. And as our fare increases some of them cant afford to commute. Thus i think it is better to be building residential highrise projects in the urban city limits compared to relocating them in subdivision type housings that are located far away from the city. And most these houses are made of woood which moslty are poor quality.

Thanks for the link, tsinoy! Wish I could've been around to have seen the roadshow myself. :(

Here are the latest updates from the Gawad Kalinga website (http://www.gawadkalinga.org/)

CANADIAN GOVERNMENT GIVES $200,000 TO GK-ANCOP FOR KALINGA LEYTE
by: Gawad Kalinga
4/3/2006
Link (http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0604-005)

In an unprecedented event last March 29, 2006 the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Ontario granted GK-ANCOP Canada $200,000 Canadian dollars in support of relief and rehabilitation efforts for the landslide victims in Southern Leyte.

Ricky Cuenca, ANCOP President/CEO accompanied by Peachy Forbes, ANCOP Volunteer presented the Gawad Kalinga development model to the Ministry Officers. Present from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration were: Deputy Minister Joan Andrews, Director Rachele Dabraio, Manager Brian Bettie, Minister’s Office Events Coordinator/MPP Liaison Brian Grimes. The meeting with the Ministry was arranged by Toronto Consul General Alex Mosquera.

The Ministry donation of $200,000 was immediately announced after the presentation through a letter from Minister Mike Colle to Ricky Cuenca. The officers congratulated GK for a project that is “impressive and empowering”.

With the concrete success of this first government grant assistance, ANCOP-GK volunteers are encouraged to brave community events linking with private, government and civil society leaders/contacts across Canada.



KALINGA ILONGGO
by: Gawad Kalinga
4/3/2006
Link (http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0604-004)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/0604-004_bg.jpg

Not to be left out in the movement for nation building are heroes from the land of “palanggas” and barquillos through a new campaign dubbed KALINGA ILONGGO. Successful sons and daughters of Negros and Iloilo from all around the world are now looking back to their hometowns to help the poor and begin to re-build their provinces. Last March 11, 2006, Kalinga Ilonngo was launched spearheaded by former Ms. International Aurora Pijuan and HSBC Executive Elaine Dichupa, fellow alumnas of St. Scholastica’s Bacolod, and Nestle executive Manny Parroco in partnership with the local government units. Twenty two mayors have pledged their support in this massive campaign led by Mayor May-may Barcelona of Escalante, Mayor Sonny Coscolluela of Murcia, Mayor Menchit Bascon of Himaymaylan, Mayor Bobong Lacson of San Carlos and many others. Through the united efforts of Ilonggos here and abroad, the provinces of Negros Occidental and Iloilo can look to a bright future where there are no more slums.

A GK GREAT ADVENTURE FOR RIYADH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
by: Gawad Kalinga
4/3/2006
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/0604-006_bg.jpg
Link (http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0604-006)

A young group of Muslim, Christian and Jewish students from the Riyadh International School came to the Philippines last March 21-30 without any expectations but to meet their class requirements for community service through Gawad Kalinga. The group was composed of 8 high school students who were mostly children of businessmen and expatriates from Pakistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand who are now based in Riyadh; they were also accompanied by two teacher chaperones from the school.

Used to a comfortable life and without having seen much poverty in their lives, the students were in shock when they first arrived. They have never even seen cockroaches in their lives! Upon arriving in GK Baseco, they were first preoccupied with the inconveniences of staying in a Third World country like the Philippines but they soon realized that helping the poor is more important. On their second day of building in GK Sison, a community in Muntinlupa City which is south of Manila, the group became more enthusiastic in building alongside the children in the site.

The students were touched with the love of the children and families who offered everything that they had just to make them feel welcome and comfortable. Jan, a Jewish student observed, “Most Filipino food is sweet which symbolizes the sweetness of Filipinos.”

The GK team and the students organized a “Riyadh Night” in the community where they experience a piece of Arabian culture through music, dancing and even food. The biggest surprise was when the Riyadh group brought a whole roasted calf for the community to feast on. The Kapitbhayan could not believe that their visitors would share something so extravagant with them; never in their dreams did they think that they could taste a roasted calf! The Riyadh students countered that it was just a small way to show their appreciation for the community who had graciously welcomed them. It was also a first for the kids to feast with the poor and have an unforgettable experience. They said that this kind of experience can not be bought anywhere.

Teacher Rima, the Canadian teacher observed that, “It’s a very nice way to build the nation, to help the poor. Mr. Stewart the other teacher chaperone adds, “(I’m) very happy that the students learned so much. GK has helped our students to know the value of community service. I’ve never heard laughter like that from the kids.”

Mich, a thoughtful 17-year old Muslim boy was also touched by the concern of the GK team who went out of their way to get halal food for the Muslim students. He summed up his experience with saying, “I’ve never experienced this in my whole life. I was transformed by my experience with the poor. The poor cannot go to the rich so the rich must reach out to the poor. I think that helping the poor is the best way to heal the conflict between Muslims and Christians and to build respect.”

-----

I'll be witnessing something similar to that as my classmates and I will be assisting Habitat For Humanity Philippines this June. Hopefully this will be a eye opener for those that haven't experienced poverty firsthand.

Last but not least...something we, as SSC Philippine Forum members should think of maybe participating in.

It’s heroism pushed to the extreme. This summer, the most exciting challenge and the biggest adventure will not only be a test of strength, stamina and will; it will be a test of nobility and love for country.

GK 1MB BAYANI CHALLENGE: A RACE TO REBUILD THE NATION
by: Gawad Kalinga
4/3/2006
Link (http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0604-007)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/0604-007_bg.jpg

It’s heroism pushed to the extreme. This summer, the most exciting challenge and the biggest adventure will not only be a test of strength, stamina and will; it will be a test of nobility and love for country. Join the GK 1MB Bayani Challenge: A Race to Rebuild the Nation to be held on April 26-30 for the victims of the Southern Leyte landslide. Imagine your team composed of 15 people building for five days with the ultimate goal of completing a house in excellent condition for the calamity victims of Southern Leyte. Corporations such as Smart, HSBC, Petron, Selecta and Philamlife/AIG have all signified that they will be supporting the event and will be sending their own teams to represent their respective companies.

In 2004, the first ever GK Summer Youth Build was done in Pinut-an, Southern Leyte to build homes for the survivors of the landslide in Panaon Island which left 500 people dead. Thousands were also left homeless and hungry in evacuation centers, making reconstruction an urgent concern. GK then was still a relatively small program, but government led by Governor Rosette Lerias and the Church, led by Bishop Cantillas, were inspired by GK’s work on the ground in different communities nationwide. More than the holistic program of GK, they were impressed with the integrity and heroism of the GK caretaker teams and the way that their love for God and country restored the dignity of the poor and empowered them to rise above their poverty. GK then took on the challenging task of leading the reconstruction efforts in Pinut-an and Liloan.

For a whole week, young people from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and even abroad, built under the heat of the sun, forming the unbelievable 1.5 kilometer bayanihan chain, the longest in GK history! It was youth power at its best!

For more information on how to register for the GK 1MB Bayani Challenge: A Race to Rebuild the Nation, please call the GK 1MB office at 726.7261, (SMART) 0919.6332122, (GLOBE) 0917.5239777 or email gk1mb@yahoo.com.

^^ I'm seriously thinking that we should consider setting up an SSC Philippine Forum team for this!

Thank God there is a Gawad Kalinga!

^^Indeed, it is a way to aid in nation building the future of the nation.

If my bulletin or PMs to some members didn't get my word out, I'll just mention it here. I'm seriously thinking of maybe having SSC set up and send a team to participate in the Gawad Kalinga 1MB Bayani Challenge (http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0604-007). It would be a great way in doing our part in helping the landslide victims, representing SSC, and esp. bringing hope. I'd greatly appreciate ideas and opinions on this proposal!

@Skyblade, I believe that this is a worthy cause. I regret though that I cannot be there physically. However, if there is anyone who wishes to go, I will put my money where my mouth is. I will sponsor 1 SSC participant willing to go there and cover him/her for PhP 5,000.00 (or about 100 US dollars). I hope that this will get some of our friends to consider this. For those who cannot go like me, I hope you could consider sponsoring someone to go.

btw, the pics i posted are not the best. I've seen so much more impressive ones. I can't find them in the internet though.

Hey GreyX! I'm glad somebody started this thread. Btw, I posted some GK pictures under "Davao Slum Relocation...". I took those pictures last February when I was invited to a "field trip" by some GK Organizers in Davao. Salam. RahajSoliman:)

Welcome to the GK thread, rajah_soliman! :)

@Skyblade, I believe that this is a worthy cause. I regret though that I cannot be there physically. However, if there is anyone who wishes to go, I will put my money where my mouth is. I will sponsor 1 SSC participant willing to go there and cover him/her for PhP 5,000.00 (or about 100 US dollars). I hope that this will get some of our friends to consider this. For those who cannot go like me, I hope you could consider sponsoring someone to go.
Thank you for your offer sugarboy! I encourage those reading this thread to spread the news on our plans! Hopefully we could find some people that know how to build a house too...;)

Thanks for your PM, my friend already has sponsored a village, easy to implement , money the hard part, tell me what you need

skyblade, I already sent a reply to your pm. :)

I wish I could be a part of the team but I have to stay here in sg at least until the 3rd of June so di pwede, but I'm willing to help financially. I would also ask my friends here in school as well as in church to help.

Thanks bustero and amras! So far we have you guys and sugarboy willing to help in this. Money aside, we need a stronger awareness on our plans to send a team as well as people willing to spend five challenging days for this cause. We'd have to move fast as we have 21 days left until the challenge begins. Depending if we get something going strongly and if finances allow, I'm hoping to forward my next trip to the RP to participate as well but nothing is firm yet.

Thursday, April 06, 2006
2 new relocation sites to house 1,700 families
(SUNSTAR Davao)

A TOTAL of 1,700 families would soon have their own lots to construct their houses, as the City Planning and Development Office housing division is planning to develop two new relocation sites in Davao City.

City Planning and Development Office Housing and Homesite Division head Cesar Dataya said the relocation sites would be in Tibungco and Los Amigos, Tugbok.

Dataya said the Tibungco site is about to be bid next month to qualified constructors while the site in Tugbok is still surveyed and its development plan is being developed.

"We have a listing and we have already prioritized in the list who will be transferred as soon as the relocation sites are ready," Dataya said Wednesday.

Among the beneficiaries of the lots, he said, are residents living along Sasa creek, Davao River, below bridges such as those under Bolton and Generoso bridges.

"They are the intended beneficiaries because they are in danger areas. They are not demolished yet but demolition is apparent already in these areas," Dataya said.

The beneficiaries, he said, would pay for the lots within 25 years.

Dataya said they talked with some of the residents and they were agreeable to being relocated.

"They are okay because they have no choice anymore and it is a better start for them," he said.

Dataya said the program is geared towards providing a place for Dabawenyos who have no place of their own.

"This is not towards profit, we do not expect money coming towards the city. We expect reduction of informal settlers in the city," he added.

Dataya admitted they have no time frame on when to finish the development projects since this involves several procedures.

He said the money to fund the development of the two sites would be sourced from the city's loan from Land Bank of the Philippines worth P100 million.

As of the moment, the city has several relocation sites such as in Mintal, Matina Pangi, Tibungco, and Panacan, which cater to more than 10,000 families. (BRQ)

Thursday, April 06, 2006
SIR, Piapi residents not paying for lots
By Barbara Carla R. Quiero
(SUNSTAR DAVAO)

HUNDREDS of beneficiaries of urban poor housing development in Davao City have defaulted on their amortization and for this reason the local government stands to pay P26.47-million by 2008.

Housing and Homesite Division head Cesar Dataya of the City Planning and Development Office said the city borrowed P38.190 million from the National Housing Authority sometime in the late 1970s for the Piapi onside upgrading that cost P7.847 million, P2.502 million for New Matina Sites Upgrading, P18.680 for New Matina Sites and Services, and P9.158 million for Sandawa commercial.
These are under the government's Slum Improvement and Resettlement Project (SIR) and the Urban Land Reform Program.

The project has 513 original awardees, 149 rights buyers, and 214 undocumented awardees.

Monthly installment collections from these would be used to pay the loan amount in semi-annual remittances of P2.33 million for 25 years.

The 25-year period ends in 2008 and the government still has an outstanding balance of P26,470,176.24.

"If we will not pay, the amount due will keep on increasing, annually and the National Housing Authority under the memorandum of agreement, can impose all charges interest, penalty, surcharge. That amount will balloon I'm very sure," Dataya said.

The pricing committee of the City Government because of this wants the City Council to increase the payment schemes of the SIR occupants in order to pay the loan amount.

The proposal of the Housing and Homesite Division are as follows:

* For right buyers, the updated valuation of land are: SIR New Matina Upgrading Area will be increased from P96.80 to P816.59 per square meter; P127.46 to P962.97 per square meter in Piapi SIR; P902.05 per square meter from P160 in NMSS phase 1 and 2 for lots having 75 square meters. The price will increase depending on the lot area.

* For undocumented awardees the updated valuation of land are P962.97 per square meters from P127.46 in Piapi SIR and P902.05 square meters from P160 for lots having 75 square meters in NMSS 1 and 2. The price will increase depending on the lot area.

* The original awardees, right buyers, and undocumented awardees have an option to pay in cash or within a five-year term with 12 percent interest per annum.

With the restructured account, Dataya said, they are expecting to collect more than P40 million that is more than enough to pay the P26 million arrears of the city that would due in 2008.

Dataya said under the memorandum of agreement between the housing authority and the city, if the city defaults in paying its semi-annual remittance, the city must appropriate in its annual budget for the payment of such amount.

"In the agreement, the City Council if there is no collection yet would appropriate for its payment, now that is only P2.33 million, what do you think will happen if we default all the P26 million, we have to appropriate a certain amount to pay that amount, that will be a burden," Dataya said.

The Non-sectarian Homeowners Association, Inc. of SIR Phase 1 is against the restructured rates this early.

The group sent a petition letter to Councilor Emmanuel D. Galicia, who chairs the City Council committee on housing, rural and development demanding for lower rates and reclassifying the lot owners.

They claimed that they were never consulted on such adjustments, or were they informed that such has been proposed.

Councilor Diosdado Mahipus also doubted that the scheme would work.

"Let us humanize it and find out why they can't pay. If they cannot pay the previous all more the new rates," Mahipus said.

Mahipus said the matter should be studied carefully.

Dataya in response said, "We have been humanizing this situation from the very beggining that the SIR project started. It is now time to collect since the government stands to lose a lot."

Ping Arsua of the City Planning and Development Office Housing Division said some of the beneficiaries in the area are capable of paying their monthly due but refused to pay.

"They are capable to pay but they do not want to pay. Some of them also paid for a time but have stopped paying," Arsua said.

Galicia said they would hold a separate executive session after the Holy Week to discuss the matter.

I need to read up more on Gawad Kalinga. How do they choose the lands and communities? Are we certain that those lands are free of any any titles or other legal claims? Is Baseco government land?

^^ I never looked into that and now am getting a bit more curious myself. Hopefully I could be able to recieve a reply from GK themselves on how the process works...

Anyhow, I've been busy these past few days so I unfortunately haven't had the time to post or keep this thread alive. Well, the start of the Bayani Challenge is coming up and unfortunately I'm doubting that we could be able to send a team down. I just want to thank all that have dedicated their time and pledged their support in sending a SSC team to Leyte. Maybe there is still a chance but unfortunately the probability decreases as the days go by. I hope, as an SSC community, that we could nevertheless try and do something for Gawad Kalinga, Habitat For Humanity Philippines, etc.

Yes, maybe there are some other opportunities. I just want to find out more about it before I commit because I am a bit sensitive about land ownership issues and disputes over land settlements.

I commend your efforts to organize though @Skyblade.

4. Bring peace to our land and make a profit at the same time!
Much of the land in Mindanao is very cheap because it is considered politically volatile. One hectare can cost as little as P35,000-P50,000 ($630-$900). We have a highly innovative template for development in some areas where corporations or individuals can buy tracts of land and donate half to the poor for a GK community to be built. The remaining half continues to be owned by the investor for his own purposes or for farming, etc. As the new GK community grows and peace becomes more stable, the following benefits are noticed above and beyond the usual GK model:

• The poor in the adjoining community appreciate the help of the benefactor and can be relied upon to protect the land and not steal from it or damage property.
• The value of the land goes up, thereby protecting the investment and even recovering the cost of the initial donation.

Interesting. I wonder if it would be realistic for a group of us to come together and purchase several hectares... even if it was only around 5 hectares... there'd be more than enough space to set up a village on one side and maybe a farmland, factory, (or whatever it is we wanted to build on our property) on the other side.

To spur the villagers into productivity and happiness, we can directly train them to be the ones who can work on the business venture for us; i.e. farmers, factory workers, etc.,. This way they'd have something to strive and work towards.

I for one am totally against the idea of just giving blind handouts; but if there's an economic advantage for _everybody_ involved? Then we're not just giving fish to the man, we're teaching that man how to fish.

That'd be a skyscrapercity addict's dream, neh?

To break even would be considered successful.

'This is the best time to be a Filipino'

http://images.inq7.net/news/nation/images/2006/apr/16/0416gawad2.jpg

First posted 01:32am (Mla time) April 16, 2006
By Ma. Ceres P. Doyo
Inquirer



Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the April 16, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

WHERE is this coming from? What deep source brought forth this amazing phenomenon that shows in concrete what love and caring for one another truly means?

They call it GK (for Gawad Kalinga) 777. Their target: 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in seven years-and they're getting there fast.

The Couples for Christ's GK community housing program for the very poor in this country and abroad has amazed and baffled even the most skeptical and cynical.

Antonio "Tony" Meloto, the name, face and voice behind the GK phenomenon, is himself surprised at what love has wrought.

Much has been written about the GK phenomenon, in which so many Filipinos here and abroad are now personally involved. Even foreigners leave their homelands to come and contribute their time and talent.

Both individuals and institutions have pledged their faith as well as their money in the revolutionary enterprise. And why not? They have seen its fruits.

At last, thousands of poor families are experiencing what it feels to live in dignity, what love of neighbor truly demands, what it means to receive and also to give-of themselves-in return.

Sweat equity, among them, but most of all, kalinga (care). Indeed, Gawad Kalinga means to give care.

Meloto tries his best to spread the credit, but there is no denying that he is a major driving spirit in all this.

The Inquirer visited Meloto in his family's Quezon City home and, with him, met with residents of GK Payatas, once a ghetto inhabited by garbage scavengers and lawless elements and now a clean, colorful community that thrives on hope.

The altered landscape is a jaw-dropping sight, yes, but physical structures are not all there is to the change.

Something greater has happened-and continues to happen-in GK communities such as this. For one thing, GK does not just build and leave.

A shanty at the end of the road is in the process of demolition, but its occupants are all smiles because on the same spot will rise a new structure 77 times better than the old.

Soon, the dwelling will be part of the hundreds of brightly painted homes. But more importantly, the occupants will feel that they indeed belong to a special community.

The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary continue to work there. The Mormons have donated a library.

"This is the best time to be a Filipino," Meloto says. There is no rhetoric there, only the solemnity and humility of one faced with a wondrous moment that he cannot allow to slip by.

Call it a moment of becoming.

One for the books

Meloto is no stranger to penury or plenty. He has experienced both sides of the tracks, so to speak.

His journey from here to there and back to where he began via a long and winding road that offered him a U-turn is one for the books, or even the movies.

Although GK projects are never tied up with religion (or politics) as far as the choice of beneficiaries, benefactors and volunteers is concerned, there is a spirituality that pervades GK undertakings.

Meloto turns to Acts 4:32-35 of the Bible to explain the GK spirit: "The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own ... There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need."

One has to think in terms of the collective, explains Meloto.

This is also what being a person for others means, says the economics graduate of the Ateneo de Manila, where to be "a man for others" is the dictum.

'I forgot the poor'

Ateneo students and graduates were among those who helped restore Payatas by transforming 200 shanties into homes.

Its graduating class of 2006 invited Meloto to be its commencement speaker.

But as Meloto confessed to the graduates, it was not easy for him to return to the Jesuit-run institution in the past 32 years:

"I didn't come to reunions and homecomings, simply because of a sense of guilt of a person who grew up with the suffering poor but later forgot them after I got an Ateneo education.

"I was so focused on repackaging and building up myself that I forgot the accompanying responsibility that came with the privilege of an Ateneo scholarship.

"I forgot the poor. I left them behind."

Thus, Meloto has no reason to blame the rich entirely for the plight of the poor:

"How could I expect them to love the poor whom they do not know when I, who grew up poor, forgot to help them?"

Turning point

The turning point for Meloto came in 1985 when he and his wife Lyn joined Couples for Christ and met Frank Padilla, who was among those who founded the predominantly Catholic family movement in 1981.

The CFC is now present in 140 countries and works "to strengthen the church of the home, build the church of the poor, and help build the nation."

Lyn, Meloto wants to stress, brought him, a lapsed Catholic, back to the fold. Padilla helped him turn his life around and surrender his life to God.

"In CFC, it was a journey of the self," Meloto says. "I embraced the most amazing human reality that I am a son of God. I learned to live a life of celebration in solidarity with other Filipinos. It was a most exciting adventure."

The adventure included "restoring the Promised Land that is our country." And GK became the vehicle for this restoration.

"I knew in my heart that God was preparing me," Meloto reflects. "God had put my family aright. My wife and I were sent to Australia as country coordinators, and there we learned to live simply."

Middle-class dreams

The GK started to take shape after that foreign stint. It was not all about building structures; it was also about building dreams.

Says Meloto: "Real poverty is not a lack of jobs but losing the capacity to dream. We would like to enable the poor to have middle-class dreams and help them work for them."

And how does one do that if not by going into a community? Meloto reminds all that Jesus went to a community of the poor and showed what servant leadership was about.

"Foot washing is at the heart of leadership," Meloto says, recalling that Jesus washed the feet of His apostles shortly before He was crucified.

It symbolizes equal worth and dignity, especially of the men, he points out.

In extreme poverty situations, according to Meloto, women rise to save the family but the men fall away because of despair. And then the men become predatory, he says. (It is a strange behavioral collapse despite the fact that the societal setup is still biased in men's favor.)

Humble beginnings

Meloto's own life journey as a man did not head in that direction. He rose to earn power and wealth in the corporate milieu.

He grew up in Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, where the yawning divide between the haves and the have-nots was a given.

In that context of a social volcano, one could say Meloto was a child of humble beginnings.

His mother was a public school teacher for more than 40 years. His father was a teacher too, and later, a clerk.

But raising a brood of six, two of whom were mentally disabled, was not easy for the couple.

When Meloto was a child, the family lived in a place close to a slum area. He knew the poor children by name and played with them.

He also knew he had relatives who were wealthy, but he realized early on that he belonged to the other side of the tracks. He felt insecure, particularly after an injury affected his left eye and left him cross-eyed for some time.

"No rich person was ever unkind to me," Meloto recalls.

He nurtured no wild rage, but he felt a lingering pain: "Mine was a societal wound."

Back where he came from

Pluck, luck and a good intelligence changed the course of his life.

The public school kid went to the United States via a student exchange program. Upon his return, he got a college scholarship at the Ateneo.

It was there, in the school of the mostly affluent, that it started-a denial of his roots and of who he was.

It was go, go, go for the gold and the good life after that. Until ...

Now back where he came from, in the bosom of the country's poor, Meloto offers his own experience of recrossing the divide.

In order to change, he says, one needs to focus on three things:

"One, I have to focus on the self and undergo personal renewal. I must detach myself from power and money. For example, I have given up my checking account and credit cards.

"Two, I must surrender myself to the bigger plan of God, and that includes surrendering my family.

"Three, I have to die to self. For example, since I am also working with Muslims, I had to give up eating pork."

The GK is building in Camp Abubakar, a Moro enclave.

Simple path

Quite a number have followed the simple path in order to serve the poor via GK.

There is Elena Kanapi, who left her job as strategic planning director in an international ad agency in order to do full-time volunteer work.

Melo Villaroman, former director of business development for Asia of Procter and Gamble, came home from Singapore with his family and retired at 42 to work with the GK.

Mike Goco, former president of PDCP, is now a full-time volunteer handling the GK's administration and resource management.

Lawyer Patrick Durana and his wife Divine provide legal and corporate know-how in helping find land for the landless.

Much has been written about Dylan Wilk of the United Kingdom, who gave up his extravagant lifestyle to devote his time helping the Philippines through the GK. (He is now Meloto's son-in-law.)

And there are teacher Abigail Villamin of Canada, Jay Capati of Illiois, Eleanor Chichioco of New Jersey, and Erwin Fausto and TJ David, who gave up two years of the good life in their home countries to give of themselves to the Philippines.

The Melotos' four grown children-Anna, Wowee, Jay and Camille-are themselves involved one way or another with GK.

The youngest, 2-year-old Celine, who was adopted moments after her birth, does her share by lighting up any room.

Revolution of hope

And does he have any fears?

Says Meloto: "No major fears. I know we have placed a formidable challenge to ourselves in promoting the GK vision of building a squatter-free, slum-free, crime-free Philippines, where there is dignity for all.

"The reason I don't consider this a fear is that I believe this is what the majority of our people desire and are willing to work for if given the opportunity.

"I believe in the immense potential of the Filipino, including the poorest among them, who have shown greatness and excellence. I have seen this in more than 700 GK communities across the country, in empowering 70,000 to help themselves and one another.

"The GK has struck a gold mine, the Filipinos' immense capacity to love, hope, dream and work together. The GK is a revolution of hope. People are sharing the best of themselves for the least of our countrymen."

Meloto captures the GK phenomenon by quoting the prophet Isaiah: "Once you were forsaken, hated and unvisited, now I will make you the pride of the ages, a joy to generation after generation ... No longer shall violence be heard of in your land, or plunder and ruin within your boundaries. You shall call your walls 'Salvation' and your gates 'Praise.'"

For more on the GK, visit www.gawadkalinga.org.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Skyscrapers/0gk01.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Skyscrapers/0gk02.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Skyscrapers/0gk03.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Skyscrapers/0gk04.jpg

An open letter to my co-forumers:

Dear SSC Members,

My wife, kids and I recently visited a property which my family had not been attending to for so many years. The property was located in North Caloocan (somewhere around Lagro and the La Mesa Reservation; closest mall - SM Fairview about 3km away). I was surprised to see that the GK had already built a community in the area on a property less than 500 square meters. The GK community was only about 150 meters away from the 467 square meter property we have left forlorn for some time now.

My wife and I talked about the possibility of turning our property into a GK community. Here's our proposition: since we own only half of this property, (the other half being owned by my sister), we would like to offer this property in Mountain Heights, North Caloocan to GK for the building of another community.

There is a set price for this property (based on market value) which pegs it at over a million pesos. However, we are willing to let go of this at a much lower rate and receive only 500k after taxes and other fees. Basically, what my wife and I are doing here is waiving our share to the property. All GK needs to do is purchase my sister's half and still get the entire property.

My question now is, will this actually be the site of the first SSC GK community? The answer will only depend on whether the SSC members are willing to undertake this effort. It will entail some effort on our end looking for partners to help build this community.

Hope this gets the ball rolling. And even if it doesn't, my wife and I are convinced to waive our right to this piece of land for a GK community whether or not it will be born through the effort of the SSC members.

Feedback please. Your thoughts are very much welcome :)

In the cause that counts,


sugarboy

Im really proud for those people who unrelentingly provide homes for our urban poor. Keep it up :okay:

Cool. Glad to hear that, SugarB. My parents are also considering transforming one of our properties to a GK community. I think its a good idea, go for it SugarB:)

Sugarboy, I think this is a very good idea. Very doable as well.

Obtaining capital for this project shouldn't be a problem at all because so many people frequent the SSC boards (if need be, it doesn't have to be limited to Philippines SSCers); and getting people involved wouldn't be a problem either. We have some very talented people who visit these boards... and I think this'll give everyone a chance to participate.

For example, if Ashley, Boybaha, and Charitorae (among many others) were willing... maybe they could come up with some kind of banner to get other people excited and involved.

And we have tons of architecture students here that could contribute as well.
Architectural aesthetics & function, waste management, irrigation... do we have an input on that kind of stuff, or does GK have their own pre-determined designs?


My main man, i'm in. Let's start brainstorming a framework on how this could be achieved. Being involved in something like this just might prevent me from being reincarnated into a cockroach in my next life.

Very generous of you sugarboy.

@evangelistik, where are you based?

that's a good plan sugarboy. I am willing to help as much as I can. :)

The Eastern Coast of the U.S.

I'll donate, fly, any way that I can help.

to amras, evangelistik, and all the others lurking who are supposedly "in" on this project. even without any roaring support from our co-forumers, here are the next steps:

-i have an EA who will check with Gawad Kalinga how much it took to build the GK community shown in the photos above. again, the GK community above is only 150 meters away from the property i am planning to donate. the existing community can be used as a template in terms of finance and time budget allocations. whatever the cost may be, say 2.5M, we will add the 500k or more (to include other fees) for the land purchase.

-after getting the info, i will post on this thread the total project cost. then, we will see if we are all still in on this project.

think: even if the total project cost runs to P3.5 million, it will only take 35 SSC members to raise P 100,000.00 each in solicitations (or US$2,000.00). to take it further, @evangelistik, given this scenario, will it be difficult on your end to donate $100 US Dollars and find 19 other people who will do the same?

i know this will take a toll on your studies because you are trying to raise the finances for your education but, as proven by experience, whenever i give especially during seasons of my own personal need, that is when i experience a miraculous influx of much needed finances.

ganda nyan ah...and its not so far sa city.

but the best bet for the SIR near the davao river are high rise tenements similar to those found in hong kong and singapore(20 floors each). with the amount of people residing sa SIR they can fit in say 5 buildings. La naman siguro problema dyan kasi the land there is still government owened ata. rights lang ang inaward sa kanila.

that way we can develop the lands beside the high rises as parks and river promenades.

no good idea. it has proven all over the world that high rises for low income families are the biggest nest for criminality. these little but privatly owened houses are the far better solution. everyone has their own place, their own interest to keep it clean. and responsability for the community is much higher.

"no good idea. it has proven all over the world that high rises for low income families are the biggest nest for criminality. these little but privatly owened houses are the far better solution. everyone has their own place, their own interest to keep it clean. and responsability for the community is much higher."

Cabrini Green, Chicago's near north side high rise tenement building was recently demolished. Cabrini Green had the highest crime rate in the Chicago area for years. Even policemen dare not venture in the area when not in group.


So Jung Komma Nimma Z'samm

ang those midrise?bliss ramos created they're no better than the shanties. they are also eyesores. i wish some of these politicians would donate some of their billions in switzerand to good housing projects.

the GAWAD KALINGA also accepts donation from private citizens to keep their housing projects for the poor going... :)

I'm seriously sorry for replying to this sooner! :bash: Sugarboy, evangelistik, and our fellow SSCers whom shared interest and commitment to the GK cause through our attempt in raising a 1MB Bayani Challenge team to making the SSC Village closer to a relaity is definitely an example of what the rest of us here can do to help our country. You definitely have my backing, whether it be as simple as promoting this little thread, through monetary support, or even by flying down to help (funds permitting). Fellow SSCers came up with the idea of a SSC village before...it's still possible, let's make it happen!

Davao city really Cares.......

i cant seem to view those pictures?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

YEah...please pakipost naman uli ang mga pix...pls pls pls :)

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/9999%20DAVAO%20PIX/GK_004puntadumalag.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/9999%20DAVAO%20PIX/GK_003puntadumalag.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/9999%20DAVAO%20PIX/GK_002puntadumalag.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/9999%20DAVAO%20PIX/GK_001puntadumalag.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/9999%20DAVAO%20PIX/GK_004pangirelocation.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/9999%20DAVAO%20PIX/GK_002pangirelocation.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/9999%20DAVAO%20PIX/GK_003pangirelocation.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/9999%20DAVAO%20PIX/GK_001pangirelocation.jpg

http://mishami.image.pbase.com/g4/75/670875/2/64210904.d1cszjvL.jpg

Gi-samukan ko sa mga balay near Davao River. Agree??
Makasira sa view!!

It's a good thing that there is Gawad Kalinga and relocation projects.

For me, it's better to give them decent houses near the city center.

di ba?? agree??

^^ oo agree

kinsa pa mu-agree sa akong reaction? daw be!!

^^ among silingan...

:goodbye:

The only way to alleviate poverty Filipinos must seriously consider birth control and create jobs .

The founder of Gawad Kalinga Antonio Meloto is this year Magsaysay Award forCommunity Leadership he has a son -in-law who is a Brit national who donated his billion of dollars to Gawad Kalinga.

they should build more areas like these back in davao, so that davaoeños who crowd the imperial cities of manila and cebu will just stay in davao instead of going to the imperial cities, believing they will strike it big in the big city but instead would just end up as an addition to the rising fraction of landless migrants. such a sad reality, but it REALLY is happening in our society.

:goodbye:

:goodbye:

they should build more areas like these back in davao, so that davaoeños who crowd the imperial cities of manila and cebu will just stay in davao instead of going to the imperial cities, believing they will strike it big in the big city but instead would just end up as an addition to the rising fraction of landless migrants. such a sad reality, but it REALLY is happening in our society.


that's really true, pareng val.... people are flocking in Manila because they want to try their luck...yes we have to have more projects like this...to reverse the trend....

Might as well bump the thread with some new headlines. :D

GKAL HOLDS TB AWARENESS DAY
by: Dr. Eric Cayabyab
9/4/2006
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/0609-005_bg.jpg
http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0609-005

Give Kare Health Foundation (GKare) through the Gawad Kalusugan Program (GKal) held the National Tuberculosis Awareness Day last August 19 in more than a hundred GK sites nationwide.

In partnership with Wyeth Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) and the different health offices of partner local governments, GKal achieved its aim of spreading the knowledge on tuberculosis among GK residents. GKal seeks to complement the government's National TB Control Program by offering the GK sites as venues for health education and case finding of adults with the disease.

Gawad Kalusugan also treats children with tuberculosis with the help of its partners.

To date, about 400 children have undergone the 6-month TB treatment regimen.

Health volunteers in GK sites are being trained to become treatment partners of patients, ensuring their timely and proper intake of anti-TB medications under the DOH's Directly Observed Therapy- Short Course protocol.

More than 6,000 GK residents heard the lectures given by local Couples for Christ doctors, DOH officials and local government health officers.

Indeed, every Filipino can be a healer, and every healer can be a hero.


GK ROCKS INDONESIA
by: Jose Ma. Montelibano
9/4/2006
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/0609-006_bg.jpg
http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0609-006

The Gawad Kalinga Congress and Concert held last August 26 in Jakarta, Indonesia was a rousing success. Led by GKOM National from the Philippines, the event featured a 2-hour GK presentation with content coming from the two GK sites in Jakarta. It moved the audience to tears.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Housing Noer Soetrisno graced the event. Strongly moved, he said he would take up Gawad Kalinga with the Indonesian Vice President and was setting a meeting with GK Indonesia to enter into a long-term partnership.

The prime movers of GK Indonesia, composed mainly of Couples for Christ, are shifting the GK work to their Indonesian members after the Filipino expatriates had set the pace in the last two years.

GK Indonesia had already sent delegates to the GK Congress last June.

Prior to the event, the GK team committed to build 490 GK villages by 2010. But after the GK Indonesia event and encouraged by GK Executive director Tony Meloto, they were challenged to build more. Now, their target is to have 2,000 GK villages in their country.

2ND SAGIP CONGRESS HELD
by: Rachelle Dimitui
9/4/2006
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/0609-004_bg.jpg
http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0609-004

Over 500 people came to the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City, Philippines last August 26 to witness the second SAGIP Congress. The show of support revealed the GK volunteers' devotion to their SAGIP children.

SAGIP, which means “to save a life” in the Filipino vernacular, provides a support program for poor children of elementary age, 7 to 13 years old. They are given academic tutorials, sports and creative workshops as well as a values formation program.

This year’s Congress highlighted the four passion-driven workshops that will bring out the innate abilities of a SAGIP child. The workshops underlined how sports, education, storytelling and identity molding can become powerful tools for the children to fight poverty.

Batang Bayani coordinator Gary Reyes gave an inspiring talk on ‘What and who a hero is through the eyes of a SAGIP child’. He honored all the volunteers, facilitators and people involved in the SAGIP program.

Meanwhile, National SAGIP coordinator Paolo Rivera addressed the participants on the raising of batang bayanis (young heroes). He emphasized the need for sacrifice, determination and unconditional love from the volunteers to help the children reach their fullest potentials.

As a sign of gratitude to the GK SAGIP heroes, the Red Ribbon SAGIP Soccer Team gave each participant a ‘Bayani ng SAGIP’ pin. This was to honor the love and sacrifices of all the volunteers and facilitators that made the SAGIP program a success.

Gawad Kalinga is the gift of the Filipino to the poor of the world. Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Cambodia will show the way for the Asian region, while India, Africa and Central America will be the future GK continents.

INT'L YOUTH FLOCK TO GK BASECO
by: Marjorie Ann Duterte
9/4/2006
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/Skyblade04/0609-003_bg.jpg
http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_news/gk_news_view.php?id=0609-003

Once avoided by visitors because of its notorious reputation, Baseco in Tondo is now the most visited GK village in Metro Manila. Recently, GK Baseco hosted over 1,000 people who came to celebrate the annual International Youth Day (IYD) held every August 12.

GK Baseco’s guests included 800 international delegates from 15 nations around the world who were United Nations volunteers. The theme for this year’s IYD was “Tackling Poverty Together” which aimed to strengthen the role of the young in addressing poverty. The participants were tasked to create action plans towards including the youth in the poverty reduction efforts of their countries.

An introduction to the work of Gawad Kalinga by GK Program head Mari Oquiñena preceded the delegates’ immersion in GK Baseco. In coordination with the United Nations Development Programme through the Service for Peace Organization, GK provided the youth with valuable lessons from a successful template on poverty alleviation in the Philippines that they can share with their respective countries.

In another event, the Service for Peace Organization also paved the way for the Mister and Miss University International (MMUI) 2006 service program in GK Baseco last August 10.

The MMUI organizers chose Gawad Kalinga for the service component of the pageant as the competition sought to promote inner beauty, character and integrity.

Twenty-eight young representatives from the United States, Chinese Taipei, Georgia, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia, Tanzania, Thailand and the Philippines spent time with our poor as they built homes and celebrated with them in fellowship.

Launched in 1978 in Japan, MMUI travels around the world, seeking to redefine the concept of human beauty. The pageant brings together students from all over the world to foster international friendship and create the culture of a one-world family. -- with Rachelle Dimitui

:hi:

Thanks for posting these pictures...I was in the same area early this year ...if you compare, the pictures I posted are almost identical to yours :)

are you connected with GK? If yes please help me. I need some GK documents to facilitate fundings from a German religious organization.
The sponsors have seen the relocation site already but my GK contact there hasn't sent me the necessary papers yet....Please PM your answer or write me an e-mail: rajah.soliman@gmx.net

the amount may not be that big but it would surely help these Davaoenos... :)


Hi everyone. It's great to come across this thread. I want to share some pics on gawad kalinga. these were taken early this year during the philippine tour.if you want to know more about gawad kalinga, here's their website: http://www.gawadkalinga.org/whatisgk.htm .I also uploaded tons of pics on this site: http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k296/gkbayarea/. Thanks.

Davao
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k296/gkbayarea/DSCN1072.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k296/gkbayarea/DSCN1054.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k296/gkbayarea/DSCN1075.jpg

The only way to alleviate poverty Filipinos must seriously consider birth control and create jobs .

i'm working hard on this idea, your Min Askling partly knows what I'm writing about :hahaha: ....... and another thing, we all know that culture is a stumbling block towards the propagation of birth control/safer sex concepts...... maghahalo muna ang balat sa tinalupan before this goal could be achieved.... :hahaha:

:hi:

:hi:

:goodbye:

:hi:

:hi:

:goodbye:

Hi Rajah, I sent you an email. I'm afraid I wasn't much of a help.

It's great to know you are really concerned about other people's welfare. You know every little bit helps so don't worry if it's not that big. I hope things push through there in Germany.I like what Gawad stands for and they actually summed it up in a very eloquent way: Less for self, more for others,enough for all.

I also believe in Responsible Parenthood. :)


Thanks. GKBayrea..... I received your email... I'll just write the GK office for the documents needed...

re: the Veggie Picture.... I have the same one taken on the same spot...though I think your shot was taken much later. Comparing it with my shot... I should say that even the plants are "happy" with the GK environment...they have grown so fast... :hahaha:

Hi gkbayarea...

Nice pictures you made:)

I wonder about Responsibel Parenthood? Is it the same as supporting the village or one child with a monthly payment or is it some thing else? I realize what it might be not what I thougth....sorry..:).Anyway then I like to ask is there a way to send some money every month..somewere to this project? If , how? I thougth of making a collection were I live for this project to.

Na Min Vän!????

nice to see you here.... :cheers:

Responsible parenthood is I think the term used by advocates of the "natural method"... I hope I'm correct...it's also synonymous to Family Planning is some aspects... :)

:goodbye:

Thanks for the link...Yes I am in Europe, in Scandinavia :) I like to be a part of this globe and I like to engage myself in positive -for the better- projects.

would you like to teach poor kids? (any subject will do e.g. reading, writing, arithmetic)... the communities are also in dire need of teachers...i'm going to post some pictures re: community pedagogy later ...

have wonderful monday morning.. scandinavian girl...aka. Inday lena :)

:goodbye:

:) rajah

This is really a nice suggestion and spontaniously my heart says YES, YES, YES. Befor I say YES I have to test my health when visiting Davao (I have asthma and it gets worse when I have a common cold or respiratory infections) I like to see my reaction to water, air and nature when visiting Davao. When I know how I react to all this I can give a more clear YES...but sound so interesting and I want to. Are you planning to teach to???
Look forward to see the pics...one question,if I say YES, is it in the english language I would teach? As you know I do not speak your language, at least not yet. :)


well in the children day care center you need not teach any subject...you can play with the children... to mediate certain social values like sharing, helping teamwork...at the same time learn from them words or concepts in visayan or tagalog that you can bring with you when you fly back to sweden. the whole thing, i would describe as alternative tourism....di ba...it's just like being there to share and learn with the local folks oder?

:goodbye:

Thanks rajah :)

Sounds good to me. Ja, ist sehr gut...I would like that to. :)It would sure be both interesting and fun for me to be with the children and to learn from them to. :) :)

yes... it would be fun.... that's for sure :)


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/9999%20DAVAO%20PIX/iBh7TI.gif

:goodbye:

Is there a website where we can get more information about these teaching stints you're talking about? And possibly sign up?

I'm looking for volunteer opportunities in the summertime... and hell... this looks awesome.

Is there a website where we can get more information about these teaching stints you're talking about? And possibly sign up?

I'm looking for volunteer opportunities in the summertime... and hell... this looks awesome.

hello lady evangelistik :)

just can get in touch with NGO coordinators...NGO's abound in the Philippines...
as to the gawad kalinga... i would suggest that you contact them and inquire
here's their link:
http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_ancop_directory.htm

for sure they won't deny an offer from a beautiful lady like you :)

i can only speak of Davao GK since I know of someone who coordinates the projects there.

:goodbye:

hello lady evangelistik :)

just can get in touch with NGO coordinators...NGO's abound in the Philippines...
as to the gawad kalinga... i would suggest that you contact them and inquire
here's their link:
http://www.gawadkalinga.org/gk_ancop_directory.htm

for sure they won't deny an offer from a beautiful lady like you :)

i can only speak of Davao GK since I know of someone who coordinates the projects there.

Hahahaha. Whoa, whoa. Don't be fooled by the avatar, that's not me. I'm a guy.

I certainly hope they don't choose who gets to teach or not based on looks.

Do they accept college undergrads as teachers?


Hey, Scandinavian Girl! Haha. Yea, definitely. Who knows, maybe they'll even assign us to the same village.

:goodbye:

no good idea. it has proven all over the world that high rises for low income families are the biggest nest for criminality.


That is not a remote possibility. If the city government is bent at pursuing this plan then there should be a stringent measure to keep the place immune to corrupt elements.

I love what's going on in this thread.

I love what's going on in this thread.

hi davaoeagle....welcome... please feel free to share your thoughts here....

Of course this is not based on looks, has absolutley nothing to do with it. It is naturally based upon the will to help these children. I think the best information on requierments for teaching you get from the Gawad Kalinga organisation (see rajahs link). Yes, maybe we end up in the same village :) I am a teacher here in my own country, but I do not speak the filipino language, so I am open to work with whatever they might think I can be of help in doing. Maybe your skills (whatever they are?) can be very usefull in helping out constructivly to ? :) :) :)



no that was a joke min vän...

@ evangelistik.... i guess that won't be a problem if you are an undergrad... try inquiring also from your university if they need volunteers for community service projects...

Gawad Kalinga communities to be ‘tourist-ready villages’

click here to read the article (http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/metroregions/view_article.php?article_id=22578)

:goodbye:

rajah you said you would put pics in here from community pedagouge..work?

I also read your post about the tourism in the villages... Iam going for this project for a shorter or longer term in one way or the other :)


i'm still in the middle of my -late summer general cleaning- and unpacking my Autum wear...... i'll post the pictures here as soon as I have reconnected all the "kabelsalat" :hahaha: (they are all saved in my other computer, btw) :cheers: .. meantime a short nap (ich bin kaputt).... :runaway:

a fellow davawenians told me that if those squatting people wont move that theyll dissapear in the face of the world because of the governor or is it the mayor, anyway one of those

a fellow davawenians told me that if those squatting people wont move that theyll dissapear in the face of the world because of the governor or is it the mayor, anyway one of those


you might be referring to the dacudao squatters.... yeah that's true... but the mayor will be providing a relocation site..... :cheers:

:goodbye:

GLIMPSES
Marinduque: Rising from tragedy

By Jose Ma. Montelibano
INQ7.net
Last updated 00:41am (Mla time) 09/22/2006

When the thought of helping communities within the impact areas of mining operations came to my consciousness as a Gawad Kalinga volunteer, I began to look at Marinduque in a very special way. At one time, Marinduque was very dependent on mining. Overnight, though, mining became its greatest curse.

Ten years ago, disaster struck Marinduque when its erstwhile benefactor, Marcopper Mining, sent mine tailings down Marinduque River and forever changed the ecology of the province. The dam which contained the mine tailings broke under heavy rains and released its toxic contents. Marinduque officials, aided by experts who investigated what happened, accused Marcopper of deceit after it was reported that the mining firm built an underground tunnel from which toxic tailings could be released surreptitiously.

Ten years later, which is today, Marinduque has settled to becoming a quiet province again – quietly poor, that is. The small island is without a thriving industry and has reverted back to coconut and abaca as its main livelihood. But true to its scenic nature, Marinduque turned to butterfly production and is now number one province in butterfly
export. The tragedy caused by Marcopper has not limited itself to physical problems that are environmental and ecological in nature; it has become a social and economic one as well.

For more of the story/commentary please click on the link:

http://opinion.inq7.net/inq7viewpoints/columns/view_article.php?article_id=22397

I'm hoping to attend a dinner here in NY to raise funds to build at least ten houses for Gawad Kalinga.

It's being sponsored by the Philippine Jaycees (NY chapter). and they are collaborating with the UPAA (UP Alumni Association).

http://static.flickr.com/82/243839589_6e197a03da.jpg?v=0

:goodbye:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/davaoeagle/MayorDigong.jpg
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte visits the squatters along Dacudao Avenue yesterday to tell them that the city has already prepared a relocation area for them in the Tibungco.
(jlpgarcia/CIO)


news article grabbed from Davaoeagle's Davao Thread 25 Posting.... :) Merci Monsieur G. :cheers:

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:goodbye: