Manulife gifts 124 families with new homes
Manulife Philippines has turned over houses to 124 Filipino families who can now enjoy a more joyful Christmas celebration in the comfort of their new homes.
The houses at the Manulife Muntinlupa Gawad Kalinga Village were completed in September. The village is a project of Manulife, the city government of Muntinlupa, and non-government and non-profit organization Gawad Kalinga (GK).
Started in 2010, it aims to build comfortable homes in a safe community for some of the city’s underprivileged residents, many of whom work as janitors, drivers, or street cleaners.
A 2015 study by the Philippine Statistics Authority said around 12 million Filipinos are living in extreme poverty and are residing in unsafe living conditions.
Many beneficiaries of the Manulife Muntinlupa GK Village used to live in shanties located in danger zones, such as creeks that rise and destroy homes and property during storms.
Part of the new community is the two-floor Child and Youth Development (CYD) Center that serves as a daycare and a social hall for various youth and community programs.
“Many Filipinos dream of having a home and giving their children a safe space where they can learn and grow as good citizens,” Manulife Philippines president and CEO Ryan Charland said.
“As we mark the completion of Manulife’s 110th year in the Philippines, we feel fulfillment in having helped 124 families achieve their dreams and aspirations. We hope that this milestone will inspire them to dream even bigger,” he said.