HARI Foundation, Inc. (HFI) President, Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, joined peers and fellow Gawad Kalinga (GK) supporters at the 5th Global Social Business Summit, with the theme “Scaling Towards Social Progress” at the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation located in GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan.

Day 3 of the annual summit had leaders from the public and private sectors tackling the topic, “A Fresh Connection for Communities: New Approaches for Share Prosperity.”

Speaking to an audience of 600 from 20 countries, Ms. Agudo noted how the collaboration among GK’s corporate partners has helped spread the culture of innovation and grow GK Enchanted Farm into what it is today: as one of the country’s biggest platforms for inclusive economic growth, and a trailblazing mentorship hub for social entrepreneurship where people and organizations--rich and poor, urban and rural alike--build the economy from the top down and bottom up.

“One word comes to mind when I describe our milestones with Gawad Kalinga through the years: empowerment.... An expression of shared values--one mind (and) one heart to empower people to help themselves, so that they may help others become not mere recipients of aid, but partners in driving inclusive growth... Kasama sa biyahe ng buhay. Lifetime partners. This is what the Hyundai-GK partnership is about,” said Ms. Agudo.

Capping the day’s session was the turnover of five new vehicles, signifying the renewed commitment of Hyundai Philippines, through HFI, to drive GK’s spirit of innovation and enterprise to more parts of the country.

Three vehicles will be used to transport the products and produce of GK communities from farm to market, while two will support Kusina ng Kalinga (KNK), GK’s platform to address hunger and malnutrition among underprivileged children, especially those living in conflict areas. Currently, there are over 20 KNKs in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. One of the most recently opened was the Marawi Kitchen, which started operations at the tail-end of the conflict.