Makati government, Gawad Kalinga provide homes to 400 families

Over 400 homeless families previously residing in the city as informal settlers are now enjoying the comforts of a livable community following the partnership forged between the Makati local government and Gawad Kalinga in 2009.

The Makati-Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Project, which incorporates sustainable livelihood for residents, is located at the GK Dreamland Ville housing project in Barangay Kaypian, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.

Launched in December 2008, the project to date is inhabited by a total of 413 families, with 172 GK housing units completed and 30 more units under construction.

GK Dreamlandville is part of the 3.2-hectare property in Brgy. Kaypian acquired by the city government. The housing community is complete with electricity and water supply, a pre-school called GK Sibol School donated by the Meralco Foundation and manned by a volunteer teacher, at least four ongoing livelihood programs, with various people's organizations formed by the residents who continue to benefit from welfare programs of the city government.

In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said that the city government remains firm in its commitment to the joint project made three years ago during the term of then Mayor and now Vice President Jejomar C. Binay.

"We remain committed to providing decent and affordable homes within a sustainable community for relocated families, helping them realize and appreciate the fact that shelter is more than just a roof over their heads," Mayor Binay said.

Binay also called on the business sector and philanthropic individuals to be partners in the community project, which aims to contribute to poverty reduction and nation-building through the provision of decent shelter and sustainable livelihood opportunities to Makati's less privileged sector.

Based on data from the Urban Development Department (UDD), total donations generated for the project has reached over P18 million as of June of this year. Among the biggest donors was the BDO Foundation with around P3 million in donations, aside from funding the construction of some 49 GK houses and a multi-purpose hall at the Dreamlandville. Over 100 BDO employees also rendered several hours of volunteer work to help in the construction of the houses.

To raise funds for the Makati GK community, the city government has entitled donors to a full or limited deduction on taxable income equivalent to the amount donated pursuant to National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, and a tax credit equivalent to ten percent of the donor's contributions, applicable to local taxes up to one year.

For inquiries about the project, those interested may contact Xenon Walde or Roger Rigonan at 870-1738/1739 or email at upd@makati.gov.ph.


New Source: Philippine Information Agency — ARA