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Kiana Abiva

21 Years of Bayanihan, 21 Years of Hope: Gawad Kalinga Celebrates a Milestone

Gawad Kalinga marks 21 years of transforming lives, building hope, and empowering communities through Bayanihan, the spirit of caring and working together as one community to uplift those in need. 


To celebrate this milestone, a number of  GK USA members returned to the Philippines, visiting the GK Enchanted Farms in Bulacan and a few villages like GK Consuelo and GK Tacasan in Pampanga, GK Linda Punsalan in Nueva Ecija. They also organized a medical mission at Camarin High School, Caloocan, where over 1,000 people were provided medical checkups and care, promoting health and wellness in the community. 


In Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, the first-ever GK village, GK USA commemorated the 21st Anniversary of Gawad Kalinga through a Kalinga ng Bayan event. The team joined the community kitchen through Kusina ng Kalinga, providing meals to the children of Bagong Silang, and distributed food packs and clothing to their parents. The day was filled with joy and fulfillment as we hosted games for the kids, creating lasting memories.feeding children and supporting families through food and clothing distribution.


The Anniversary Gala held last Oct 4, was a gathering of volunteers, partners and advocates  from Canada, Australia, France and all over the Philippines who came together to reflect on the journey so far and share dreams for the future. We honored key partners, like Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan, Chairman of Berjaya, and celebrated the success of the GK youth who are now leading and helping empower communities.


As we close this chapter of Gawad Kalinga’s first 21 years, we enter a new season of hope. Our GK Towards 2050 vision responds to a generational crisis:1. 95 Filipino children die of hunger daily (Unicef 2017)2. 91% of 10-year-olds cannot read or understand age-appropriate materials (World Bank 2022)3. Farmers and fisherfolks remain among the poorest sectors in the country.


We must unite to solve not only homelessness but hunger, learning poverty, and food insecurity. Now is the time to strengthen our resolve and work together to ensure a future where no one is left behind.


This celebration marked the beginning of the next steps toward GK’s mission for a poverty-free Philippines. As Gawad Kalinga moves into its next chapter, this event serves as a powerful reminder of both the progress made and the work that still lies ahead.


As we look forward, we aim to inspire more people to join this movement to end poverty and invite everyone to continue supporting GK USA in this mission. We are truly grateful to the members, supporters, and partners who have stood with us through the years. Your commitment has made all the difference.



GK USA is deeply thankful for our lasting partnership with Gawad Kalinga through the years and congratulates them on their 21st anniversary. Together, we continue building hope and empowering communities.

Walang Iwanan!


🔗Relive the GK Towards 2050 Gala Memories here: https://fb.watch/vgzWXhiBlD/

🔗Listen to GK Chairman Luis Oquinena’s message to the GK Community: https://fb.watch/vgzWXhiBlD/

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