The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Zonta Club of Manila Foundation, Inc. (or Zonta Club of Manila 1) together with Gawad Kalinga and Couples for Christ launched GK Zontaville 2 in Mandaluyong yesterday afternoon.

20 of the 21 units making up the newly-formed village were sponsored by Zonta members who contributed varying amounts for the building of the P75,000 houses. Zonta member and vice-president of Vibal Publishing House, Inc. Nila Vibal Mata sponsored two houses. Financing for the project was pooled during the term of former Zonta Club of Manila 1 president Atty. Regina Geraldez from 2006 to 2008.

“It's a very good cause,” said current president Atty. Lulu Tesoro-Castañeda. “It is a direct way of helping our countrymen.”

She mentioned how donating to Gawad Kalinga produced tangible results in the new houses. “We can see where the money went,” she said.

Attendees at the event included Tony Meloto, Vibal Foundation executive director Gaspar Vibal, Zonta Area 1 director Chit Ventura, and the board of Zonta Club Manila 1. Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. was invited to attend but did not make it.

Zonta and Gawad Kalinga first collaborated in 2006 for the building of GK Zontaville in Metro Manila.

Photo of Gawad Kalinga Village in Baseco, Manila from Aktiv Phil on Flickr.