We had previously written about the Filipino Independence Day Parade last month, and as we had mentioned, we were fortunate enough to meet some really awesome people. There were a lot of really interesting and fun personalities, including this team of trailblazers, armed with these amazing flip flops.
And then, there was this group. At first, we honestly just really liked their shirts, while being completely oblivious to the fact that there was a bigger reason behind the sale, and that their mere presence was representing of something more.
Then we got to talk with them.
Some of our friends were actually volunteering that morning for a certain initiative, which was to stroll down Madison Avenue as a human flag along with a few other hundred people. To learn that this was apparently an unrehearsed, and completely on-the-fly task is quite an accomplishment. And to find out that our friends were associated with this very same group was a pleasant surprise.
Who are these people, really?
Everyone, meet Gawad Kalinga.
A few hundred people in New York, all coming together to represent Filipinos, and it was a sight to behold.
The job was, in theory, simple – create a human Filipino flag, composed of a number of people strategically adorned with the T-Shirts above. And the end result was a remarkable thing of beauty.
We met one of GK-USA’s more senior members, Glenda Genio-Terrado. Formerly an administrator at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a grants officer at Northwestern University, Tita Glenda spoke with us about the non-profit organization’s trials and successes, and their plans for the future.
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WikaMag: “How did Gawad Kalinga start? Can you give us a rundown of the organization?”
Tita Glenda: “GK originated from a faith based catholic community, and our core values and beliefs stem from faith and patriotism.
In 2009, GK USAestablished its own 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit, non-sectarian organization as the work grew and became more inclusive of anyone or any organization who would like to be a part of our mission. We are primarily reliant on volunteerism, and our endeavors are always a concerted effort towards nation-building.”
Tita Glenda further explains that “Once you’ve been bitten by the bug, it gets harder to say no.” She mentions the way of “padugo,” which means ‘to bleed for a cause.‘ A prime example would be how Gawad Kalinga, which is highly volunteer-based, only retain 5% of the donations coming in to put back into the organization and build the movement here in the US. Tita Glenda herself left a lucrative job in academia to help build the structure of the organization.
As a whole, Gawad Kalinga USA has been able to acquire a relatively good measure of financial support. In the US, 2009 saw GK USA raise $600,000, $800,000 a year later, and over a million dollars in 2011. It may seem like a big number, but it really is not, if the goal is to lift 5 million poor families out of poverty by 2024.
Most of the funds raised go towards building communities and supporting programs in livelihood, health, child-youth development and education. The far-reaching mission is to uplift the Filipino community wherever they may be.
“As a heart-driven organization,” she says, “we are all inspired. And we are happiest when we are able to help in however way possible. We should also remember that we are at our strongest as a people when we all work together as one. We can make a difference.”
Tita Glenda also revealed some of GK USA’s working ideas with the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC Inc.) and the Philippine Department of Tourism for next year’s Independence Day Parade.
“We would like to help in dressing up the booths next year to give people more of the Philippine experience,” she explains. “Adopting the DOT’s More Fun in the Philippines campaign in a grand scale will not only showcase what is beautiful in our country, but also the beauty of its people.”
It is certainly a great way to present solidarity and a sense of togetherness.
“The running joke in the community is that Filipino organizations multiply by dividing. We want to promote the idea of going the opposite direction.”
She adds, “We need movers and shakers.” Gawad Kalinga is always looking for people to participate.
Why not you?
Stand up, Be A Hero.
To learn more about Gawad Kalinga USA, visit www.gk-usa.org.
