The City Government of Makati, in its efforts to realize its dream of uplifting the quality of life of its constituents, initiated a strategic step to provide housing and build communities outside the City. The San Jose Community Development Project was born in partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK), the City Government of San Jose del Monte, Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (PCCI) and the University of Makati (UMak). The Project is aimed to undertake a holistic approach to community-building that would effectively address poverty through the provision of decent housing, jobs and livelihood programs, basic community facilities, and community development programs.

D’DREAMLANDVILLE SUBDIVISION
San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

To date a 3.2-hectare lot situated in Brgy. Kaypian, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan is being develop for the project. The City provided a well planned village, with paved and well-defined road networks and drainage system. Community facilities and amenities are still to be developed. It is occupied at present by 413 families relocated from the City. The lots were given to the relocatees for free and their counterpart contribution to the project is the construction of their own houses.

To ensure the success of the Project, there is a need to raise at least P50 million. At the initial fund-raising activity held during the project launch last December at the University of Makati, donations and pledges amounted to P6.7 million. As of January 5, 2009, the total stood at P8.2 million – still a long way from the P50-million goal, but the project partners are optimistic that it can be achieved, and that their dream of decent homes and a livable community for 413 families can be realized.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

As Mayor Binay said, “There is no one too unimportant to have nothing to contribute.” The Project is still young and a lot still need to be done. Your time, resources, skills, talent, knowledge, experience and your thoughts and prayers are needed for the Project. Here are some ways that you can help:

• Share any amount that you can give to help build houses, schools, community facilities etc.
• Share construction materials such as GI sheets, hollow blocks, cement, sand, paints, nails, and wood.
• Share school equipment, medicines and computers.
• Get involved in GK activities and be a Volunteer. Whatever your skills are, you are sure to make a meaningful contribution to the development and enhancement of the GK community we envision.