Refer to: Ms. Dale Zapata 8332148

In their sincere support to government's housing program VP NOLI LAUDS TRUE NGOs

16 May 2006

VICE President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) concurrent chairman Noli 'Kabayan' De Castro gave recognition to genuine non-government organizations (NGOs) who are sincere in giving assistance to the government in building shelters for the informal sector.

According to De Castro, true NGOs are those that identify problems and offer solutions for them as opposed to those dubious entities that make a racket out of government projects for the poor.

During the MOA signing for the Pulis Kalinga Special Housing Project in Camp Macabulos in Tarlac yesterday, De Castro said NGOs are supposed to help the government in pushing the country towards development.

He said many NGOs like the Gawad Kalinga (GK) headed by Tony Meloto have earned the merit of being 'true' NGOs precisely because they make substantial contributions to the national housing program that benefit the less privileged members of society.

“I admire the accomplishments of Gawad Kalinga which has helped us in providing shelters for the homeless. But what's more interesting is that they continue to work hard without any complaints. Maybe they really love what they're doing," De Castro said.

On the other hand, De Castro expressed disappointment over several NGOs that are making a career or a profession out of amplifying problems instead of becoming solution providers for the troubled-filled Filipinos.

"Our nation needs solutions for our dilemmas and shouting or staging rallies on the streets won't really help, De Castro said.

Thus, the Vice President urged all NGOs to share the vision and goals of real NGOs that, according to him, were actually formed to assist the government in nation building.

"Para sa akin, ang adhikain ng pagtutulungan ang nag-uugnay sa pagitan ng NGO at gobyerno para makamit natin ang hinahangad na kaunlaran. Pinatunayan ito ng Gawad Kalinga at ng mga shelter agencies sa tulong na rin ng mga local government units. Sa aming pagtutulungan, ikinagagalak kong sabihin na marami sa ating mga mahihirap na kababayan ang ngayon ay may sarili ng tahanan at panibagong dangal at dignidad," he added.