Oct. 1, 8:11 p.m. – THE UNIVERSITY opened its doors to different Gawad Kalinga communities in the country earlier today in the celebration of the foundation’s eighth anniversary.
Because of heavy rains brought by Typhoon Quiel, some programs of the event scheduled at the Grandstand and open field were transferred to the UST Sports Complex, which is still under construction.
Gawad Kalinga communities, including those from provinces like Isabela and Negros, were the first to hold an event inside the Sports Complex.
Simultaneous events included the “Sagipin Ang Galing Isip at Pangarap ng mga Kabataan” (Sagip) conference and the “Lakas ng Pinas” nation-building forum.
The Sagip conference was held at the Sports Complex’s Hall A, where a feeding program, catechism, and entertainment show were held in line with the community’s Sagip goals—to educate at catechize children through interactive activities.
Meanwhile, the “Lakas ng Pinas” forum was held at the Main Arena of the Sports Complex, where the foundation’s strategy for nation-building focusing on “Siga” (the community’s youth group) was discussed.
The “Lakas ng Pinas” forum served as an evaluation of the organization’s achievements, and a follow-up to “GK2024 goals”—Gawad Kalinga’s 21-year vision to provide a roadmap towards a “first-world Philippines.”
Vice President Jejomar Binay earlier attended the anniversary celebration as well.
The University had earlier established a relationship with Gawad Kalinga through a partnership in the Simbahayan project.
The celebration will conclude tomorrow in Bulacan with a trade fair and a “barrio fiesta.” Jonah Mary T. Mutuc
