GK Ateneo completes additional 60 houses in GK St Joseph, Cabiao, NE

Gawad Kalinga Ateneo successfully constructed 60 houses at German Village - GK St.  Joseph from 1 May 2021 to 30 September 2023, under the project "Resocialising the very poor by constructing solid houses in German Village – GK St. Joseph," in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, e.V., Germany, through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project provided safe and secure homes in a caring community for the families and informal settlers who used to live along the irrigation canals and flood-prone areas in Cabiao.

An essential aspect of project implementation involved empowering the beneficiary families through their inclusion in the GK St. Joseph Kapitbahayan, the organized homeowners' association. A values formation program was also conducted to instill essential principles, especially the value of family and faith. Moreover, efforts were made to enhance their capacity to engage in various community service and development initiatives within the community and in the municipality as a whole.

The project’s success is largely attributed to the strong partnership and collaboration among stakeholders. Gawad Kalinga Ateneo and GK Cabiao teams showed their dedication in construction and caring for the welfare of the family beneficiaries. The crucial assistance provided by the Local Government Unit, led by Mayor Ramil Rivera, significantly contributed to the project's success. Fr. Nebres played a pivotal role not only in securing support from partners but also in providing both operational and spiritual guidance to the team. Throughout the project period, volunteers from schools, corporations, and civic groups helped in building the houses.

Special appreciation is extended to Gawad Kalinga, e.V., particularly to Dr. Peter Scheid, for securing funding for the construction of 60 houses and for his unwavering support and dedication to improving the lives of the underprivileged in St. Joseph, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija. Similarly, recognition is given to GK USA for their contribution to the project.

These stakeholders were united by their shared commitment to serving the poor and homeless in Cabiao and advancing community development, thus nurturing a strong bond that significantly contributed to the project's overall success.

Ground breaking on 29 July 2021

Turnover of the first ten houses on 11 March 2022

Turnover of the second set of ten houses on 10 April 2022

Value formation and membership training graduation in June 2022

Turnover of houses on 10 December 2022

Turnover of houses on 12 February 2023

Turnover of houses on August 2023

Turnover of houses on 17 January 2024

Volunteer Mobilization played a crucial role in community development initiatives.

Bayani Challenge (June 2023)

Ateneo Development Field School on 27 June to 9 July 2023

Students from Ateneo de Manila University helped build the houses

Project visit

Photos courtesy of GK-Ateneo and the Ateneo Development Field School (ADFS)