GK village rises in strife-torn Sulu town

MANILA, Philippines –  When you help the poor, the country becomes peaceful, a Muslim and a Gawad Kalinga (GK) advocate once said during a forum to highlight how building homes, particularly

for the poorest of the poor in war-torn Sulu, has fostered peace among Christians and Muslims and brought back their dignity and hope.

True to their mission of leaving no one behind, GK has built a village in Patikul for 30 families and in 2009, 200 volunteers worked together to build the Rahamat GK Village.

“Soon, families of victims of armed conflicts will start a new life at a GK Village in Malimbung. They are only the first few who will continue to reap the benefits of the culture of caring and sharing being cultivated by GK, its volunteers, and partners,” GK said in a statement.

In an effort to build more homes for Suluans, GK will hold a fund-raising event through the very first GK Hope Ball on Oct. 8 at The Manila Peninsula hotel.

GK needs to raise at least P10 million to build a new community for 30 families. If it raises P20 million, it would be able to help more communities outside Sulu.  

With these funds, GK will be able to build up its present team of organizers, teachers and caretakers who help sustain existing communities.

“More barangays in this part of Mindanao are crying out for help. There is tremendous support coming from the local government and the AFP Marines headed by Gen. Rustico Guerrero for the upcoming projects in the municipalities of Indanan, Jolo, and Omar,” GK said. 

“While the spirit of volunteerism reigns supreme in the hearts of volunteers and supporters, the fact remains that the project needs a significant amount of funding to concretize this dream of rebuilding Sulu.” 

The GK Hope Ball hopes to draw Philippine society’s most influential decision makers, businessmen, artists, and politicians who will all give their commitment and support for the Sulu project.

“We have seen how Gawad Kalinga can bring out the best in people, especially the Filipino,” said GK founder and GK Hope Ball honorary chairman Tony Meloto.

“We all want to see our own people out of poverty, and this Hope Ball is thus far the best way to help this cause. On that day, the rich and the poor will be one. This ushers in the new season of hope for everyone,” he added.

Top chefs in the country such as Glenda Barretto, Claude Tayag, Myrna Segismundo, Jesse Sincionco, and Peninsula Manila executive chef Freddy Schmidt will prepare the food for the ball while singers Bo Cerrudo, Jon Lesaca, Stephanie Reese and The CompanY will serenade guests.

GK said a big portion of the proceeds is expected to come from the once-in-a-lifetime auction that will be held during the ball. Top companies and prominent individuals have donated luxury items for the auction such as a luxury car, world-renowned paintings, family heirlooms, a complete vacation package, designer jewelry, and legendary Bulgari items.

The GK Hope Ball is sponsored by Rustan’s, The Peninsula Manila, and Travelife Magazine, with Weber Shandwick Worldwide as co-founding sponsor and Crowne Fine Arts as major sponsor.

From Oct. 9 to 10, GK will also hold its Annual Expo.