Microsoft and Gawad Kalinga for Barangay Walang Iwanan

The Philippines is a country undergoing rapid transformation as it navigates the 4th industrial revolution. Today, digital technologies are transforming the lives of many Filipinos. However even as the country progresses to new age, we mustn’t forget that approximately 21.6% of the Philippine population still live below the poverty line and have limited resources.

Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director of Microsoft Philippines reiterated their commitment to serving the underserved. “Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Through advances in technology like cloud computing and IOT, we enable people and organizations to reach those that the market may not be able to reach.” 

Through partnerships with several organizations, Microsoft continues to transform industries through four key pillars: engaging users, empowering employees, optimizing operations, and transforming institutions. 

(L to R) Jose Luis Oquinena, Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga, Irwin Lee, CEO of Rustans Supercenters Inc., Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director of Microsoft PH, Mayor Joan Lorenzano-Aquende of Castilla, Sorsogon, Tony del Rosario, Gawad Kalinga Trustee, Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, President, HARI Foundation, Inc. Cong. Karlo Nograles, Chairman, 2018 Budget & Committee, Fr. Ben Nebres S.J., Former President of ADMU

In the recent Social Business Summit 2018 in Angat, Bulacan, Gawad Kalinga (GK) launched “Barangay Walang Iwanan” (BWI), an enabling and empowering technology-based platform and ecosystem developed in partnership with Microsoft to help end poverty.

“There was a need to harness technology for effective and cost-efficient communication, timely reporting, data consolidation and storage, transparency, accountability, and sustainability,” said Bayaborda.

GK works on the frontlines of disaster preparedness and response in the Philippines. One of the applications of the BWI platform is during disasters when GK’s global network of volunteers is mobilized to bring help where it’s needed the most. Important information on the local population such as household composition, income, and livelihood provide GK with insights for better-informed and quicker decision-making. 

In addition, GK helps members of the community get back on their feet by linking them to sustainable livelihoods via BWI. Through data gathered on the ground, BWI can shorten supply chains -- from manpower to food resources -- effectively cutting the middle layers and increasing profit at the lowest level.

“Barangay Walang Iwanan is a testament to GK’s mission of ending poverty, as well as Microsoft’s commitment to empowering everyone. We’ve been working with GK for more than 9 years now, and this ambitious project is a product of that strong relationship,” added Bayaborda.

Microsoft has a long history of supporting GK on technology and programs that aim to equip all youth to be future ready. Projects such as Raising Social Innovators, WeSpeakCode, and Innovate have provided underserved Filipino youth with access to digital skills which will be critical for their future. 

Through BWI, GK and Microsoft hope to create a culture of caring within the community and to build solidarity by connecting resources where they are needed so that no one is left behind. 

“BWI is a great step forward to ending poverty in the Philippines. Microsoft will continue to work with GK towards this mission of inclusion. Through technology, data can be used to drive value, development, and economics transition to more communities across the Philippines and ensure that nobody gets left behind, walang iwanan,” added Bayaborda.

To learn more about how Microsoft Philanthropies is advancing a future for everyone, visit www.microsoft.com/philanthropies.