As 2024 comes to a close, let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings of the past year and express gratitude for the kindness we’ve received.
Norhaya Vasquez Demacaling, known as Nor, grew up in a humble family. Her father, a farmer originally from Marawi City, instilled in her a deep respect for hard work and the agricultural way of life. This, combined with her exposure to advocacy initiatives focused on community building and food security, led her to embrace agriculture as a way to address poverty and hunger in poverty-stricken areas in the Philippines.
Nor is the Chief Agriculturist and Director for Programs of the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED Philippines), the country’s pioneering agri-school system for the poor. She considers this not only one of her greatest personal achievements but also a testament to GK’s mission of inspiring young people to pursue sustainable careers.
Despite the program’s success, Nor recalls the challenges of motivating students who initially struggled to see a future in agriculture. With patience, SEED has helped these individuals discover their potential. Many graduates have returned to their communities, giving back with continued support from SEED and their generous partners.
Nor is one of the many individuals that help GK reach its 2050 vision to capacitate the young poor in a zero-poverty Philippines. In October 2024, her dedication was recognized globally when she was named a World Food Prize awardee in Iowa. For Nor, this recognition belongs to the entire SEED and GK community. “It is a shared passion, a dream put into motion, where everyone contributed to making it a reality,” she reflects. It highlights what can be achieved when passion and compassion come together.
Yet, Nor remains focused on the bigger picture. “However, I believe that despite this recognition, we are still at the tip of a massive iceberg of problems causing the vicious cycle of poverty and the increasing lack of access to sustainable food resources.”
Through it all, the culture of “bayanihan” ( being one with community) and “walang iwanan” ( no one left behind) within Gawad Kalinga has been a source of strength for Nor. Being part of a compassionate community changes everything. To young people, Nor shares that “In times of doubt and uncertainty, being part of a caring and compassionate community can change how you see things.”
As a proud Filipina and a champion for sustainable agriculture, Nor is committed to empowering communities and inspiring hope. Through bayanihan, she wants to help the next generation realize their potential while staying rooted in love for their communities.
This season of giving, let us be inspired by Nor’s story to spread kindness and work toward meaningful change. Support Nor and the projects that help capacitate the poor by donating to SEED Philippines, our Community Food Farms, and our North Cotabato Productivity hub here: https://www.gk-usa.org/copy-of-get-involved
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