Gawad Kalinga 's Path to End Poverty
Poverty in the Philippines is due to the lack of dignity that Filipinos experience when they live in substandard conditions and lose their capacity to dream and work towards achieving their dreams. It is also due to the divisiveness of our nation, especially when people with material wealth turn a blind eye to people in need. This is how Gawad Kalinga views poverty as well, and aims to eradicate poverty for five million families living below the poverty line. In its first phase of this mission, GK 's activities were about creating houses for the poorest of the poor in the Philippines, and it has transformed over 2000 slums to into GK communities. While decent shelter is an urgent need in the Philippines, this alone does not ensure a rise out of poverty. Residents defined escaping poverty as not being hungry, having a stable income and permanent work, and being able to provide basic needs and wants (especially for their children).

GK has recognized this gap between providing basic needs and ending poverty, and is moving towards their second phase to achieve this. Their 'Social Artistry ' phase aims to empower the powerless, which is in line with how GK views poverty now (poverty is caused by powerlessness). The foundation aims to do this in high-need communities that employs methods that leverage social enterprises. To create a center for social enterprise, Gawad Kalinga has created the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm model.

Part of