BAYAN-ANIHAN LAUNCHED IN EDMONTON VILLAGE

To promote food sufficiency among residents of Gawad Kalinga Edmonton Village, the Bayan-anihan was formally launched through a Harvest Day celebration held last July 15 at Edmonton Farm, Gerona, Tarlac.

The Bayan-anihan is a GK project that aims to eradicate hunger by empowering families to produce food for their own consumption through farm yield.

Since its launch in 2003, GK with its partners from the nation and local government, corporations, schools, local and international organizations, and private individuals, has built more than 1,500 communities all over the Philippines.

Gk builds the nation from the ground by restoring the dignity of the poorest of the poor through holistic projects such as Bayan-anihan.

Together with the Department of Agriculture, LGU Gerona, the Provincial Government of Tarlac, and other sectors, the project launch turned out successful and a day of fun and camaraderie among residents and GK friends.

In his speech, Mayor Dennis Go encouraged Edmonton residents to be self-sustainable not only in terms of food sufficiency but to the commitment to enjoy life, fight hunger, and live up to the ideals that GK foundation advocates.

Mayor Go was among the key officials and stakeholders who attended the Bayan-anihan project launch.

Also in attendance were John Marie Concepcion, Chairman of Bayan-anihan Foundation; Mike Dimagiba, Executive Director; Tarlac College of Agriculture President Philip Ibarra; Governor Victor Yap, and Most Rev. Florentino Cinense.

Tony Meloto, Gawad Kalinga Founder & Nation Builder Chairman, led the “pledge of commitment: ano ang taya mo?” portion where stakeholders and other partners of GK foundation declare their commitment in front of the audience.

Executive Director Dimagiba, on the other hand, presented the Journey and Success to Date of the Bayan-anihan project.

The festival was also highlighted by video presentations, ceremonial harvest by the multi-sectoral stakeholders, and the much-accepted parade of vegetables and Del monte “Goodbye Gutom” Meal Showcase.

Young GK residents participated in “Boodle Fight” and Laro ng Lahi as culminating activities in the afternoon.