Lyceum of the Philippines University- Cavite Campus

College of Engineering, Computer Studies, and Architecture

Department of Architecture

SPECIALIZATION 3

Case Study – Assignment 1

SUBMITTED BY:

Cleofas Keith Cyril – ARCH 501

September 9, 2023
 Local Community Development Activities/ Organizations in The Philippines

Introduction
Localized activities have emerged as significant agents of change in the dynamic landscape
of community development, tackling critical social, economic, and environmental concerns. The
Philippines, a country known for its rich cultural diversity and dynamic communities, has seen the
birth of several organizations dedicated to uplifting neglected populations and supporting long-
term progress. This study digs into six distinct local community development activities and
organizations in the Philippines, each of which contributes to the well-being, empowerment, and
resilience of their individual communities.
The organizations under consideration have a wide range of goals, strategies, and
outcomes, all of which are linked with the overarching goals of reducing poverty, promoting
education, conserving the environment, and campaigning for social inclusion. Each organization
takes a distinct approach to community development, reflecting the diverse needs and goals of the
communities it serves.
Gawad Kalinga (GK), established in 2003, is a model of poverty eradication via holistic
community development and empowerment. Teach for the Philippines, founded in 2012, works to
overcome educational gaps by developing young leaders to drive change in impoverished schools.
Bantay Kalikasan, an ABS-CBN Foundation program, promotes environmental protection and
sustainable practices. Project Pearls, which was formed in 2008, aims to improve the lives of
underprivileged children via educational, nutritional, and healthcare activities. Tahanang Walang
Hagdanan was founded in 1973 with the goal of creating possibilities for people with impairments.
Silid Aralan, launched in 2008, provides out-of-school kids with alternative education pathways.
As this research paper progresses, it will look into each organization's individual purposes,
member compositions, goals, activities, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and
achievements. This research intends to shed light on the cumulative influence of these small
community development initiatives on the Philippines' social fabric, human capital, and
sustainable growth by examining the intricate fabric of these local community development
projects. This study intends to contribute to a fuller knowledge of the various routes through which
local communities are transformed and elevated by conducting a thorough examination of their
methods, obstacles, and accomplishments.
This study will provide a full study of each organization in the following parts, revealing
the complexities of their operations, their contributions to the communities they serve, and the
lessons that may be drawn from their experiences. Finally, this investigation will highlight the
critical role that local initiatives play in crafting a better and more fair future for the Philippines.
Methodology
This case study's content is based on publicly available information, reports, and
summaries provided by the organizations themselves. While every effort has been made to
accurately depict each organization's activities and accomplishments, the information provided
may not fully represent the scope of their activity.

Results
The following are the information for the six local community development activities and
organizations in the Philippines:
I. Gawad Kalinga (GK)

Gawad Kalinga is constructing a nation fueled by faith and patriotism; a nation comprised
of caring and sharing communities dedicated to the abolition of poverty and the restoration of
human dignity. Through their solidarity platforms, they intend to involve at least 20,000 barangays,
resulting in millions of lives transformed and hope stories shared.

Purpose
Gawad Kalinga is a Philippine-based organization that focuses on poverty reduction and
community development. It was created in 2003. Its primary goal is to construct homes and
empower marginalized communities to become self-sufficient and thrive.
Members
To work on community development projects, GK brings together volunteers, donors,
corporate partners, and local citizens.

Goals
GK's key goals include providing housing for low-income families, encouraging
communal solidarity, and creating opportunity for education and employment.

Activities

GK Community Development Program

The GK Community Development Program focuses on organizing and capacity building

communities, establishing local leadership, and aligning members' visions for prosperity. The
Gawad Kalinga Builders Institute (GKBI) focuses on education and training programs to empower
stakeholders in poverty eradication.

GK Community Development Coordinator Support

Gawad Kalinga assigns Community Development Coordinators (CDCs) to help poor

communities overcome poverty. CDCs monitor, train, and implement programs under GK's
Platforms of Solidarity, building relationships with local government units and volunteers. They
undergo specialized training in leadership and project management to become powerful enablers.
 GK Villages

Transforming the lives of the poor involves providing them with a safe and comfortable
space. Addressing their daily needs, substandard living conditions, and insecurity in temporary
spaces is crucial. Gawad Kalinga facilitates land and building materials, while beneficiaries
contribute through sweat equity. This bayanihan ecosystem aims to build a culture of caring and
sharing among community members, addressing social disconnection, and promoting a hopeful
future.

Kusina ng Kalinga (Care Kitchens)

Kusina ng Kalinga (KnK) is a program by Gawad Kalinga to address chronic hunger and
malnutrition among Filipino children aged 0-12 years old and pregnant and lactating mothers. It
involves parent volunteers preparing nutritious vegetable-based meals from community kitchens,
which are then delivered to children in public schools, communities, and disaster areas. The KnK
model goes beyond feeding, as each community kitchen is established through collaborative efforts
from parents, volunteers, local government units, schools, private individuals, organizations, and
corporate partners. Each kitchen creates a zero-hunger zone for at least 300 children, ensuring that
no child goes hungry.
 Maleta Library

Literacy starts with love for reading, which increases comprehension and creativity. The
GK Maleta Library program promotes reading to poor children with limited access. A suitcase of
books is sent to a community, where children borrow and enjoy them for one month before being
passed on to future generations. The community's nanays, kuyas, and ates manage the library to
ensure proper use and care.

Seed

SEED Philippines aims to develop agri-entrepreneurs to address poverty and create wealth
in rural areas. Partnering with TESDA, SEED offers a holistic approach to organic agriculture,
focusing on classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and community application. The program
aims to train 3,000 students nationwide by 2024.
 Daloy Ng Pag-Asa (Clean Water For Communities)

Access to safe water is crucial for health and well-being. Around 1 in 10 Filipinos lack
access, and water-borne diseases remain a top health concern. Proper water systems and stable
sources can solve these issues. Join us in bringing hope to poor communities nationwide.

Goodbye Gutom

Hunger is a common issue for the poor, causing them to sacrifice their meals and health.
Goodbye Gutom empowers families to grow nutritious food, ensuring their well-being regardless
of circumstances and income.

Yamang Kalusugan (Health and Well-Being for All)

 Health is our most important asset, enabling daily tasks and goals. Poor people prioritize
survival over health, leading to major diseases caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices. Proper
education and guidance can help overcome these challenges. GK has partnered with LifeScience
Institute to bring best practices in health to communities in need.

Bayananihan

Farmers, the backbone of the food industry, are vulnerable to natural and market forces.
They often face debt, limited profit, and limited access to education. BayanAnihan aims to
empower farmers through transformative partnerships, providing inputs, training, production,
administrative, logistics, and connecting them with committed buyers.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

Strong network of Dependence on donor Increasing awareness Economic
volunteers, successful funding, challenges in of social fluctuations affecting
housing initiatives, scaling up while responsibility, donor contributions,
partnerships with maintaining quality, potential for competition with
corporations, potential issues with international other NGOs, potential
international sustainability after collaborations, regulatory challenges.
recognition. initial support. expansion into
various regions.

Achievements
GK has built thousands of homes, developed sustainable communities, empowered
residents through education and livelihood programs, and created a sense of ownership and pride
among previously marginalized families.
 II. Teach for the Philippines

Teach for the Philippines is a non-profit organization that seeks to guarantee that all
Filipino children receive an outstanding, inclusive, and relevant education. TFP, which was
founded in 2012, focuses on enhancing teacher quality and tackling educational difficulties at the
system level. Through its three core programs, the organization creates a movement of high-
potential Filipinos who can improve student learning outcomes, spark positive change in public
school communities, and set reforms in motion to transform our public schools into what our
children deserve, and our country requires.

Purpose
Teach for the Philippines, established in 2012, is dedicated to addressing educational
inequity by recruiting and training exceptional young leaders to teach in public schools in
underserved areas.

Members
The organization comprises young professionals who commit to a two-year teaching
fellowship, partnering with local schools and communities.

Goals
The main goal of Teach for the Philippines is to provide quality education to children in
marginalized communities, while also developing future leaders who are advocates for educational
equity.
Activities
Teach for the Philippines fellows teach in public schools, engage with students and
communities, participate in professional development programs, and work to improve the overall
learning environment.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

Attracts high-caliber Limited fellowship Growing interest in Educational policy
talent, focus on duration, challenges education equity, changes affecting the
sustainable change in teacher retention, potential expansion to program, competition
through education, reliance on funding more regions, for education-focused
partnerships with for program collaborations with funding, potential
schools and local sustainability. government bodies. burnout among
fellows.
communities,
potential for systemic
impact.

Achievements
Teach for the Philippines has placed fellows in underserved schools, improved educational
outcomes, and fostered a network of educators and advocates working towards educational
equality.
III. Bantay Kalikasan

Bantay Kalikasan (BK) is a program of the ABS-CBN Foundation that takes care of nature.
It was established in 1998 to help provide solutions to the country's environmental problems such
as water and air pollution, deforestation, waste disposal and other environmental hazards. Over
time, BK has implemented many projects with the help of various government branches, partners
from the private sector and citizens dubbed Earth Warriors.

Purpose
Bantay Kalikasan, established by ABS-CBN Foundation, focuses on environmental
conservation and sustainable development in the Philippines.

Members
The organization collaborates with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and
volunteers.

Goals
Bantay Kalikasan aims to protect and rehabilitate critical ecosystems, raise environmental
awareness, and promote eco-tourism and livelihood opportunities.

Activities
The organization engages in reforestation efforts, coastal clean-ups, environmental
education campaigns, and supports sustainable livelihood projects for local communities.
SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

Backed by a Dependence on media Growing concern for Media landscape
prominent media support for funding, environmental issues, changes affecting
network, effective challenges in long- potential corporate funding, potential
communication term maintenance of sponsorships, conflicts over land
campaigns, reforested areas, collaborations with use, climate-related
partnerships with potential bureaucratic academic institutions. challenges affecting
local governments,
hurdles. conservation efforts.
tangible impact on
environment.

Achievements
Bantay Kalikasan has contributed to reforestation, coastal protection, and environmental
awareness campaigns, leading to improved ecosystems, and increased eco-tourism opportunities.
IV. Project Pearls

Founded in 2010, project pearls usa, inc. is a duly registered 501C3 corporation working
independently, but in conjunction with project pearls, inc. a philippine-based not-for-profit
organization that aims to end poverty.

Purpose
Project Pearls, founded in 2010, is dedicated to empowering underserved children and
communities through education, nutrition, and healthcare initiatives.

Members
The organization comprises local volunteers, educators, healthcare professionals, and
supporters.

Goals
Project Pearls aims to provide access to education, improve health and nutrition, and break
the cycle of poverty for marginalized children and families.
Activities

They have Scholarship Program for more than 700 students in four communities: Tondo,
Manila; Bocaue, Bulacan; Naic, Cavite; and Zamboanga Sibugay. They also have LitClubs and
various community learning activities that further enhance the literacy, artistic, and social skills of
children and youth.

They provide daily breakfast for hundreds of children in Tondo, Manila. In partnership with
organizations and individuals, they also bring critical medical and dental services to the
communities. The Health Clinic in Tondo provides free medicines and free check-ups.

They provide opportunities for scholars to develop their capabilities and skills by
immersing them in different kinds of workshops and training. They also empower women in the
community by giving them the resources that they need so that they can realize their full potential
and they can create a sustainable livelihood. They also support in nurturing girls and women to be
educated, safe, and healthy.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

Grassroots approach, Limited resources for Growing interest in \Fluctuations in
strong focus on scaling up, potential child welfare, volunteer
education and challenges in potential partnerships engagement,
nutrition, engaged sustaining long-term with schools and economic challenges
local volunteers, impact, dependence healthcare providers, affecting donations,
tangible impact on on volunteer use of technology for potential shifts in
children's lives. commitment. educational support. educational policies.

Achievements
Project Pearls has provided education, nutrition, and healthcare support to numerous
children, helping improve their quality of life and prospects for the future.

2022 Award
nominated for ‘Best Work in Poverty/Homelessness, Youth & Promoting Peace’ at the
International Peace Awards 2022, a project initiated by GIDSS with the support from the
Government of Canada.

2021 Award
Asia Pacific Kindness & Leadership 50 Leading Lights
Certificate Of Recognition from City of Daly City, California Usa

2020 Award
Featured Woman for Women’s Month 2020 From South African Embassy, Manila
Volunteer-Engaging Partner of The Year from Ivolunteer Philippines

2019 Award
Volunteer Engagement Champion from Ivolunteer Philippines

2018 Award
Plaque Of Recognition from Century Pacific Group – Rspo Foundation
Certificate of Appreciation from Archipelago Builders
Plaque Of Recognition from Department of Health and City of Manila
Certificate Of Appreciation from Feu Institute of Technology
Certificate Of Appreciation from Dasal Elementary School
Albert Schweitzer Award from World Literacy Summit In Oxford University
2017 Award
12th Epic Award from Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists Inc.
Visionary In Action Award from Rotary Club of Makati Business District

2014 Award
Jollibee Family Values Award for Global Pinoy Family of The Year
Certificate Of Recognition from Philippine Consulate General In San Francisco And Kalayaan Sf
Committee 2014

2012 Award
The Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino Awards

2011 Award
Certificate Of Participation From De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
 V. Tahanang Walang Hagdanan

Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit and non-government

organization that aims to uplift the lives of the Orthopedically handicapped persons. It was founded
by Sr. Valeriana Baerts, ICM. a Belgian nun who was assigned as a volunteer nurse here in the
Philippines. The center is in Cainta Rizal which is about 15 kms. East Manila. It has five
workshops, six Dormitories for trainees who came from far provinces. It is a rehabilitation and
skills training center with sheltered workshops where the people with disabilities are trained to be
productive and self-reliant member of the society.

Purpose
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, established in 1973, provides rehabilitation and livelihood
opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Members
The organization consists of individuals with disabilities, their families, volunteers, and
partners.

Goals
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan aims to empower persons with disabilities by providing
rehabilitation services, vocational training, and livelihood support.

Activities
The organization offers physical therapy, skills training workshops, job placement
assistance, and runs social enterprises where persons with disabilities can earn a living.
SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

Strong impact on Limited resources for Growing awareness Economic
lives of persons with extensive support, of inclusivity, fluctuations affecting
disabilities, diverse challenges in finding partnerships with job availability,
skills training, suitable employment businesses for competition for
partnerships with for all participants, inclusive hiring, limited employment
businesses, positive potential stigma potential opportunities,
community against disabilities. collaborations with potential funding
perception. disability-focused challenges.
organizations.

Achievements
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan has empowered numerous individuals with disabilities by
providing rehabilitation, skills training, and sustainable livelihood opportunities, enabling them to
lead more independent lives.
VI. Silid Aralan

Silid Aralan, Inc. (SAI) is a non-government organization that reaches out to academically
challenged public school students in the Philippines. It aims to develop LOVE FOR LEARNING
to students. SAI was founded in April 12, 2007 by Arcie Mallari and Marc Licaros. The pilot
learning center was built at Montalban, Rizal, the hometown of Arcie.

Purpose
Silid Aralan, established in 2007, aims to address educational inequalities by providing
non-formal education and holistic support to out-of-school youth.

Members
The organization brings together educators, mentors, volunteers, and out-of-school youth.

Goals
Silid Aralan's main goal is to provide alternative education pathways for out-of-school
youth and to equip them with life skills and values.

Activities
The organization offers academic tutorials, skills training, leadership development, and
mentorship programs to help youth reintegrate into formal education or pursue vocational paths.
SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

Targeted support for Limited capacity for Growing recognition Economic
out-of-school youth, large-scale impact, of alternative fluctuations affecting
focus on life skills challenges in tracking education, job availability,
development, positive long-term outcomes, collaborations with competition for
impact on youth potential funding schools and limited employment
outcomes, potential constraints. vocational opportunities,
for community potential funding
transformation. challenges.

Achievements
Alternative education pathways provided; youth empowered.

Discussion

The case study given here focuses on the various efforts of these local community
development activities and organizations in the Philippines. Their mission-driven projects, diverse
membership, goals, activities, and accomplishments reflect the beneficial impact they have on
underprivileged groups. Furthermore, the SWOT assessments highlight their organizations'
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and prospective difficulties, all of which contribute to their
overall effectiveness and sustainability in completing their missions.

References

Welcome to Gawad Kalinga. (n.d.). Welcome to Gawad Kalinga.

https://www.gk1world.com/ourwork
Home - Teach for the Philippines. (n.d.). Teach for the Philippines.
https://teachforthephilippines.com/
Ang Bantay Kalikasan (BK) ay isang. . . - ABS-CBN Foundation. (n.d.). Ang Bantay
Kalikasan (BK) Ay Isang. . . - ABS-CBN Foundation.
https://www.facebook.com/abscbnfoundationinc/posts/ang-bantay-kalikasan-bk-ay-isang-
programa-ng-abs-cbn-foundation-na-nangangalaga-/3149357878453984/
About - Project PEARLS. (n.d.). Project PEARLS. https://www.projectpearls.org/about/
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. | National Council on Disability Affairs. (n.d.).
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. | National Council on Disability Affairs.
https://ncda.gov.ph/tahanang-walang-hagdanan-inc/
Silid Aralan, Inc - Organizations - TakingITGlobal. (n.d.). Silid Aralan, Inc - Organizations
- TakingITGlobal. https://orgs.tigweb.org/silid-aralan-inc