Malaysian conglomerate Berjaya Corporation Berhad through its Philippine subsidiaries is donating 200 housing units to Sendong victims in Cagayan de Oro and is working with Gawad Kalinga to ensure delivery of the new community by May 2012 so the beneficiaries can return to normal life soonest.
“We have received instructions from our Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun, to fast track the completion of what will be called the Berjaya GK Village. To get the people out of makeshift houses and evacuation camps quickly. He said they have already suffered so much and deserve at the very least normalcy in a home that is safe from future natural threats like Sendong,” said Paulino Soo, Berjaya Country Representative.
Soo said Berjaya Group Philippines donated P20 million to build the community to GK which has the competence and reputation of delivering such projects.
"We honor Berjaya for taking initiative for the next and urgent stage of reconstruction and relocation for the families affected by the disaster. This partnership demonstrates the vision of Berjaya in driving businesses that have great social impact," Luis Oquiñena, Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga said. The Berjaya GK Village will be the first phase of the journey of 200 families out of poverty not only through homes but through a holistic program of development that is rooted in values formation and community empowerment.
“We are looking at other ways to further help. Our Chairman has been keenly monitoring the situation in Cagayan de Oro and really wants to make a difference in the lives of those in need, not only here but all over the world,” Soo said.
He also said that GK is a strategic choice as a partner because it knows the advocacy of building communities for those in need very well. “GK builds more than homes. The residents are provided with continuing livelihood programs. It is not just a one-time partnership. We are confident that after this project we could set up similar initiatives in Luzon. ,” he said.
The Philippine units of Berjaya operate largely in Luzon. The local group has Papa John’s Pizza, Berjaya Manila Hotel in Makati, Philippine Gaming Management Corporation, Friendster, and Loadcentral.
"Gawad Kalinga sees the bigger heart that is behind the big name Berjaya has established all over the world. Their initiative goes beyond charity. It is about an investment in our country's greatest resource - the poor who will be instrumental for an entire nation to rise out of poverty," Luis Oquiñena said.