Program Ahon is a collaborative initiative dedicated to uplifting families in Barangay 128, Tondo, Manila particularly in communities like Paradise Heights and Upper Smokey Mountain. Launched in partnership with the Barangay 128 local government and Gawad Kalinga Paradise Heights, the program addresses the complex challenges of poverty and social inequality through a range of community-based projects.

These initiatives include skills training, livelihood support, access to education and healthcare, infrastructure development, and community empowerment. By fostering collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local residents, Program Ahon works to create sustainable solutions that tackle the root causes of poverty.

Driven by collective action, Program Ahon strives to build a more inclusive, resilient, and dignified future for the residents of Barangay 128 and other underserved communities.

Projects under the program 

  1. Luntiang Payaman

Luntiang Payaman is a student-led initiative by Grade 12 ABM students of FEU High School, designed to empower Gawad Kalinga Paradise Heights volunteers through financial literacy and sustainable agriculture.

As part of the project, the students facilitated a learning session focused on basic financial management and the practice of hydroponic farming, a soil-less method of growing crops using nutrient-rich water. Recognizing hydroponics as a potential income-generating activity, the students also donated materials and seedlings to help volunteers establish their own hydroponic garden.

The project’s main goal is to provide Gawad Kalinga Paradise Heights with a sustainable source of funding to support ongoing programs, especially feeding initiatives. To ensure profitability, crops such as lettuce and basil were selected for cultivation.

Through this innovative and community-driven effort, FEU High School students aim to promote self-reliance, economic empowerment, and long-term sustainability for the Gawad Kalinga Paradise Heights community.

  1. Project Akbay
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As part of the Grade 12 HUMSS Social Formation Program, this project allows students (ages 16–18) to apply classroom learning through a one-day immersion in marginalized communities. It aims to deepen their appreciation for simplicity, foster empathy, and raise awareness of social issues to inspire active nation-building.

The project has three phases:

  1. Community Experience – Students spend a day with a family, assist in daily tasks, and engage in conversations to understand their realities.
  2. Public Hearing – Based on their experience, students propose a community project in consultation with Gawad Kalinga and Barangay leaders.

Project Implementation – Once approved, students carry out their proposed initiatives within the community.