Manulife, Muntinlupa City, and GK team up to build shelter for 124 families
By: Marlyn Importante

Twenty-four homes were recently awarded and blessed in Manulife-GK Village, in partnership with Manulife Philippines and the local government unit of Muntinlupa City. The event was attended by Engr. Francis Balagtas from Gawad Kalinga, Matt Vergara, Gawad Kalinga Area Coordinator, Atty. Patricio Boncayao, Majority Floor Leader of the Muntinlupa City Council, Stephanie Teves, District 1 Councilor of Muntinlupa City, Hon. Ruffy Biazon, former Congressman of Muntinlupa City, Hon. Jaime Fresnedi, City Mayor of Muntinlupa City, John Januszczak, Chief Operations Officer of Manulife Philippines, and Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Philippines.

Manulife Philippines and Manulife Business Processing Services formed a partnership with Gawad Kalinga and the local government of Muntinlupa City on November 2010, to fund the construction of 124 units of houses to the underprivileged families in Muntinlupa City. Manulife-GK Village is located at Soldiers' Hills, Brgy. Putatan, Muntinlupa City.

As per Manulife Philippines, “Shelter-building is one of the volunteerism activities encouraged among employees and agents of Manulife Philippines.” Their employees regularly volunteered in the community to help build houses. Furthermore, they also participated in other activities in health training and medical missions, and child youth development for the family of the beneficiaries. The community hosted the Bayani Challenge 2016 in Metro Manila and they sponsored the Paraisong Pambata.

“Manulife Philippines remains true to its commitment in giving back to the community and help improve more lives." Indeed, their community involvement doesn’t end in housing. The company will also fund the construction of Child and Youth Development Center of the Manulife-GK Village in Muntinlupa City.