One Step at a Time
SASTRA and Gawad Kalinga Philippines, collaborates as Strategic Partners towards building human capital and ending poverty.
SASTRA Philippnes Chapter SASTRA Philippines builds on a shared vision with the GK Enchanted Farm, a pioneering initiative of Gawad Kalinga that seeks to create excellence not charity for the next generation of Filipinos. Rooted in the mission to nurture social entrepreneurs, GK Enchanted Farm empowers local farmers, generates wealth, and enables every Filipino to live with dignity. Its Village University uniquely integrates the Farm, Village, University, and a Silicon Valley for Social Entrepreneurship, shaping a holistic ecosystem where innovation and compassion converge.
By instilling appreciation for agriculture and fostering value formation among communities, GK has created a proven model for sustainable development and poverty eradication. The establishment of a University and School for Social Entrepreneurship within the farm reflects its singular mission: to give birth to a new generation of social entrepreneurs focused on adding value, generating wealth, and ending poverty.
SASTRA’s engagement with GK Enchanted Farm highlights a commitment to collective action working alongside foundations, non-profits, social enterprises, and individuals to end poverty in the Philippines, across ASEAN, and globally. This partnership embodies SASTRA’s broader vision of building inclusive ecosystems that empower communities, strengthen institutions, and drive meaningful societal transformation.
The summit brought together over 600 social entrepreneurs, corporate partners, community leaders, advocates, and students from more than 20 countries, including Malaysia, at the GK Enchanted Farm. It highlighted the urgent need to raise a new generation of leaders who build their businesses on integrity and contribute meaningfully to ending poverty. A similar model is now being explored in Malaysia to support the needy and underprivileged through initiatives such as building homes, strengthening communities, and potentially establishing a university. The goal is to nurture the next generation of social entrepreneurs who will serve as change agents in Malaysia’s journey toward inclusive growth.
Formally established in 2003, Gawad Kalinga (GK) has expanded its presence internationally, with initiatives in Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Canada, the United States, Austria, France, and Ireland. GK Malaysia is set to emerge in the near future, aligning with SASTRA’s ongoing project under the Malaysian School Human and Career Development Center. This collaboration holds the potential to integrate GK’s proven model with SASTRA’s vision—building social entrepreneurs who are genuine in their mission to create jobs, strengthen human capital, and make a lasting difference.
Related links :
https://business.inquirer.net/223221/gks-meloto-mere-charity-not-working
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/02/211637/enchanting-existence
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2136807
http://www.bharian.com.my/node/238217
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/01/206477/berjaya-launches-innovative-culinary-centre-philippines
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/building-the-silicon-valley-for-social-enterprise/
http://thestandard.com.ph/business/228490/berjaya-founder-unveils-gk-center.html
SASTRA and Gawad Kalinga have positioned themselves as strategic partners to empower social entrepreneurs through the GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan. Recognized as Asia’s first “farm village university,” the GK Enchanted Farm serves as a unique training facility in the Philippines that blends education, community, and enterprise.
Today, the farm is home to approximately 500 residents and hosts 150 students under SEED Philippines (School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development), where they are trained to become social entrepreneurs. With 350 beds available, the farm also accommodates corporate team-building and camping activities, offering an environment designed to unlearn and relearn while fostering innovation and collaboration.
This strategic partnership was formalized after Gawad Kalinga Founder and Chairman Tony Meloto and Impact Investor Shirley Maya Tan recognized the shared vision between SASTRA and GK. The collaboration was officially launched during the 4th Global Social Business Summit in 2017, with the signing led by Dr.Ananda Devan (Founding Member & Managing Director, SASTRA), Shanon Khadka (COO, GK Enchanted Farm), alongside Louis Foure (Social Entrepreneur, GK Enchanted Team) and Aurore Courtois (Co-Founder, Life For Good).
PHILIPPINES CHAPTER
OPEN FOR PARTNERSHIP : The Next Chapter 2025 - 2035
Empowering Communities and Shaping the Future
From Left : Aurore Courtois ( Co – Founder Life For Good), Dr. Ananda (Founding Member & Managing Director SASTRA) ,Shanon Khadka ( GK Enchanted Farm Chief Operating Officer) Louis Foure (Social entrepreneur & GK Enchanted Team)
SASTRA Philippines : Partnering with GK Enchanted Farm for Social Innovation