In 2006, Gawad Kalinga (GK) and their volunteers began profiling members of the local community in the Liwayway Barangay of Mauban, Quezon to determine who were in most need of housing. Land was donated by Roberto Alquiros Sr., a native of Mauban, for the purposes of providing housing to the homeless.

After potential individuals were identified to live in the GK Community, they were required to perform 1,000 hours per household of volunteer service to the community's construction in order to officially become a resident.

Construction of the duplexes began in 2007. In 2008, the first batch of residents (ten families) were granted homes in the GK Community. As of 2014, 25 duplexes have been donated by BLD Trenton and Tropical Hut Catering. The Community is now home to 43 families, just over 200 residents. In addition to the duplexes, the property consists of a multi-purpose hall, an early childhood development center and a small garden and farm used to help promote sustainability.

RESIDENTS

Up to 11 people reside in each house, from toddlers to the elderly. The Community has about 77 students and 23 farmers. Others work in various industries such as construction, factories, and utilities. Though some work is available, over 60 residents are unemployed. 

LIWAYWAY

The BLD Trenton GK Community is located on the rural outskirts of Mauban, a municipality located in Quezon Province within the Luzon region of the Philippines. Mauban has a total population of about about 61,000. Its city-center is roughly 6 miles away from the GK Community in Liwayway. Liwayway is a small barangay consisting of only 2,994 residents. The town has one elementary school and one high school with limited public transportation.