Gawad Kalinga housing donor inspired on building dreams

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2017/11/26/gawad-kalinga-housing-donor-inspired-building-dreams-576798
• Sunday, November 26, 2017

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A donor of three housing units to the Gawad Kalinga said he was inspired by the civic group's vision and mission of building dreams for the less fortunate members of the society.

Louie Reyes, an environmentalist and a former councilor of Angeles City, turned over to the beneficiary, an Aeta family, the house he donated at Sitio Monicayo, Barangay Calumpang, Mabalacat City last Saturday.

"In Gawad Kalinga, they are building dreams. This gave me the inspiration to support Gawad Kalinga since 2013. The stories of dignity and hope was the spark for me. It challenged me to do my part for nation building and ending poverty," Reyes said.

He mentioned in particular Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto, who cares for the poor.

The former city official said he had seen so much suffering in the Philippines.

"I had cry helplessly about it. I blame the government and our leaders. There is so much corruption. There is so much greed in the corporate world. Since 1987, we are back at where we started. This gave me a sad state of our country," he said.

Upon searching for a community to support, Reyes said he was led to Gawad Kalinga in 2013.

A City Council staff in Angeles City and a Couple For Christ member helped Reyes to Brother Jessie Gonzalez in Sitio Target, in Barangay Sapang Bato.

"This was the starting point. This started the journey of my life in Gawad Kalinga. Bro. Jessie told me that Gawad Kalinga is not just providing homes for our brothers and sisters. We are giving them back their dignity and hope. Wow, I said. He blew my mind away. His eyes were sincere and humble. He knew what he was saying because it came from the heart," Reyes said.

The former official, who ran for city councilor and defeated in the last local polls, clarified that the house donation is not related to politics.

"This 2017, I pray dignity and hope to all. Yes, to all," Reyes said.