TCRP x Gawad Kalinga x Woh Hup – Manila Recce Trip
June 1, 2012
During a quick 4 day, 3 night trip to Manila with our corporate partners Lynette and Rayne from Woh Hup, we saw much and learnt much. The trip saw Woh Hup explore the possibility of a partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK). This would see them assisting GK in their mission to end poverty in the Philippines by sending four hundred employees to work side-by-side with villagers in GK communities in the construction of their houses.

Over the 4 years since Enchanted Farm started, the 14 hectares of land have been transformed into a model community that thrives on entrepreneurial ventures. A roof over their heads and the capacity to grow their own food empowers the community, providing them with the ability of concentrating on a bright future instead of living hand-to-mouth.

There was a stark contrast between the existing houses and the tents for victims of Typhoon Pedring from the moment we arrived at the Dr. Jose Rizal GK Village. The Mabuhay – ‘welcome’ in Tagalog – ladies welcomed us with warm smiles, pointing out various parts of the community that need the most help. Each woman – like all the residents at the community – has earned her home by working on its construction.
Now, they give back to the community by working with the Kapitbahayan, or village association. By extending a hand to help them out, rather than giving them a handout, Woh Hup would be empowering GK villagers to look forward to a better standard of living, while gaining an insight into the lives of those living in abject poverty.