ABOUT GK NEWS OF HOPE GET INVOLVED

Shell visits GK Enchanted Farm Village University
By: Alaine Figueras

Shell Team doing the #WalangIwanan pose!


Shell’s External Relations Department team gladly visited the GK Enchanted Farm last May 19-20, 2016. It was a great overnight stay to check on the farm’s continuous transformation.

Shell is one of the first partners of GK. Our long-time partnership has definitely paved way for a lot of opportunities to grow beyond CSR. Being one of our devoted partners in nation-building,they have been believing with us on our huge mission of ending poverty for 5 million families – but we also know that no dream could be achieved without action. A number of community development projects have been done through this partnership. Some of it have been shared through The Gallery during Shell Open Week.


The GK EF Team, led by Tito Tony Meloto, warmly welcomed the Shell External Relations Department Team. The SEED Scholars, social entrepreneurs, interns, and management team also shared very inspiring experiences of empowerment.

Wine night at the Bamboo Villa
“All of it (farm’s achievements) happened not because of charity but because of SOLIDARITY.” – Tito Tony


GK has always been kindling a strong passion in uplifting the lives of the poor. We know that next to building homes is improving quality of lives. A village located at a distant area in Angat, Bulacan had been transformed into a hub for social entrepreneurs. Today, we call it the GK Enchanted Farm. Creating the first Farm Village University in the world was definitely a difficult dream to achieve. But GK never lost people who believed and actively participated with them in translating dreams into reality. Shell led the 1-kilometer road improvement project which allowed better transportation and access to goods and services. They also built a community center which both residents and visitors of GK EF could use as a venue for trainings and gatherings. Cabanas and villas were also made to accommodate GK EF visitors.

Shell Team at the Bamboo Palace


The Shell Team was able to explore the GK EF through the informative tour led by Fabien Courteille of Plush and Play. Fabien discussed how social enterprise could be a means to sustainable transformation.

Joni Morales of GK Enchanted Farm led the morning discussion


Before leaving the Farm, the Shell team had a short sharing session with some Kapitbahayans from the farm. Nanay Analyn shared that there has been changes in their everyday lives since GK Enchanted Farm came in. The social enterprises (SE) cultivated in the farm gave employment opportunities for them. Their everyday schedules now have always been very hectic because of the different roles they play in the SEs. But as a Kapitbahayan (community), they always make sure to still innovate ways to bond. It is very important for them to not let productivity get in the way of their relationship as a family.

Sir Cesar Abaricia also shared a very creative and inspiring acronym that sums up what GK and GK EF has journeyed over the years: HUGOT. Which means:
H – HOPE. Filipinos never lose hope. We are naturally optimistic but we should always be reminded that nothing could be done without action.
U – UNITY. Being organized as a Kapitbahayan and strengthening the camaraderie molded through the bayanihan process.
G – GOD. Hope and unity radiates from God who binds us all.
O – OBEDIENCE. Wholeheartedly committing to the rules, regulations, and responsibilities set by the leaders.
T – TEAMWORK. Collective action makes anything possible.