School, Gawad Kalinga to promote community development

CALBAYOG CITY -- A state university here has partnered with Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Foundation Inc. to mutually undertake community development projects in the area.

NorthWest Samar State University (NWSSU) has entered a memorandum of agreement with GK, with the university adopting the seven programs of the foundation.

“We have a binding duty to somehow adopt the programs of GK vis-a-vis with the institutional mandates of the university,” University Extension Director Dr. Leo Lacaba said.

Lacaba explained that all university extension activities are geared toward the GK programs, namely: community infrastructure, child and youth development, gawad kalusugan, productivity, mabuhay or cultural tourism, kapit-bahayan or community empowerment, and green kalinga.

"Right now, I am encouraging all colleges and departments to pool our resources toward the programs," Lacaba said, adding that the faculty was already divided into seven groups according to their skills in line with GK programs.

With the partnership comes the first GK bayanihan build project in Barangay Dinagan.

Dinagan is one of the undeveloped communities in the outlaying areas of Calbayog City.

Dubbed Tomesing Gomez Village/Gawad Kalinga Village, two hundred faculty and student volunteers trooped to the area to build a house last August 18-19.

Lacaba said the housing project is seen to be completed on the second week of October.

A paraisong pambata, a child and youth development project, was also simultaneously held during the two-day activity, added Lacaba.

As regards to other areas of the GK program, Lacaba said the seven teams are conducting their need-assessment survey so that each can respond properly to the community. (JGPB/Sunnex)