Gawad Kalinga (GK), which means “to bestow care” in Filipino, is an integrated, holistic, and sustainable alternative solution to poverty. What began barely five years ago in the Philippines as a simple but daring initiative by Tony Meloto (Father and Founder of GK), has now become a growing international multi sectoral partnership driven by a vision of a new Philippines without slums.

It was in 2003 when Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ (then President, Ateneo de Manila University) launched the partnership with GK, through Gawad Kalinga Ateneo Coordinating Office (GK Ateneo) the first university-wide community development program. In complement to the mission of the University to mold individuals who will devote their lives to the service for others especially those who are poor and powerless. GK Ateneo adapts to its mandate by building institutional partnerships, working on ground with various community programs and integrating research in the process. With the changing leadership in the University, GK Ateneo continues its mandate and mission which is to defeat poverty, with the Vice President for Social Development.

Norlie Quesada Corneby
Executive Director

Paolo Enrique Inting
Community Development Officer