I'm here in Naga, Bikol, which is on the South-eastern part of Luzon. This weekend, Calvin Keen will introduce myself and two Fullbright scholars from the U.S, Emily and Emily, to Gawad Kalinga (GK). All over the country there are GK villages that provide homes for those that need it most. All of the materials required to construct the houses are donated by members of society and are built by the hands of volunteers, ranging from students to former-multi-millionaires.

But from what I have been told, GK is more than just the 13,000 homes that have been built. There is a real sense of community, which I am looking forward to experiencing first hand this weekend.


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Postscript: It was an amazing weekend, punctuated by laughter, song and reflection. I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen GK in action and I know that it will continue to do great things for the communities around the archipelago and even around the world.