Tubod, Lanao del Norte – Gawad Kalinga (GK) officials from Iligan City and this province have expressed their excitement over the strong support of the provincial government to build additional GK communities in Lanao del Norte.


Presently, Lanao del Norte only has one GK community which is situated in Brgy. Waterfalls, Kapatagan.

“We are so happy that the Dimaporos have a big heart for Gawad Kalinga”, GK-Iligan Engr. Jake Gerona expressed.


The proposed GK communities will serve as the resettlement areas for rebel returnees to allow them to rebuild their lives and teach them to become self-reliant.


Local chief executives from Sapad, Tangkal and other interior municipalities have already expressed their commitment to help in the community building by donating land areas as GK project site.


Vice-Governor Irma Umpa-Ali and other members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan have also expressed their support to help build new GK communities by sponsoring a house in the new site.


This was learned during the GK Builder’s Day held last January 25, 2011 at the Macapagal Training Center, Tubod.


GK Area Coordinator of Basilan and Sulu Jainab Abdulmajid was also on hand to share the importance of building sustainable and empowered communities in conflict areas.  


“I am impressed with the harmony between the Muslims and Christians in Lanao del Norte as well as the active involvement of the local government units in Gawad Kalinga”, Abdulmajid noted.


Together with Gov. Khalid Dimaporo, Gawad Kalinga officials are confident that the new GK community will have its groundbreaking within the year.


“Gawad Kalinga communities in conflict areas is a signal na mapayapa na ang isang lugar”, Abdulmajid added. VNL/PIO-LDN