Exclusive to Pinoy Herald (by Mya L. Talavera)
“It took me more than half a century to embrace the amazing reality that love for the least of humanity is the ultimate measure of divinity,” begins Tony Meloto in his poem “What is Good for the Poor is Good for My Soul.”
This particular poem he penned was distributed after his final address on the last day of the first Gawad Kalinga Global Summit held on June 12-14, 2009 in Boston. This star-studded event witnessed the unveiling of the GK 2024 vision, a 21-year timeline to end the poverty of five million Filipinos and build a First World Philippines.
The 3-day event was attended by a heavy turn-out of patriots and supporters coming from all over the US, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and South America. Notably, prominent figures in Philippine politics, like Vice-President Noli De Castro, Governors, Mayors, Congressmen, some current government officials and Cabinet members, NGO and GK leaders, members of media, some leaders in the private sector and Filipino-Americans professionals and students in the US were all present in the event.
With that incredible outpouring of support and faith, Meloto, Gawad Kalinga’s founding father, is well on his way to building the Philippines of 2024.
The first part of the Summit saw the launching of Meloto’s book, “Builder of Dreams”. That same day featured outstanding governors and mayors from the Philippines who took turns in showcasing their innovative partnerships with Gawad Kalinga to end corruption as well as introducing investment opportunities and their own hometown’s tourist attractions.
At the Philippine Independence Day Reception, Vice-President Noli De Castro gave his keynote message to welcome all patriots who have not forgotten the motherland. Mr. Meloto gave the final address of the first night proclaiming the GK 2024 vision. “Sa ating mga kababayan sa America …you have built your “American Dream”, now is the time to build your Filipino Dream,” he said with ease, turning to a number of prominent Filipino doctors gathered among other professionals in the audience estimated to be about 1,000 people.
The following day opened with a plenary session led by Jose Luis Oquinena, GK Executive Director, who discussed Ending Poverty the GK Way. He outlined the partnership capacity of both private and public sector groups to develop and implement programs to end poverty and create modules of development. “We can tell the whole world…there’s a GK way.” Oquinena confidently declared. “By developing programs and creating replicable templates of government, we will be able to share with the next generations, this is a generational opportunity to share in the building of our country’s future…it’s powerful because GK way is God’s way,” he continued with firm belief and determination.
Edgar Chua, Country Chairman of Shell Companies in the Philippines, led the second plenary session that included Mayor Sigfredo Tinga of Taguig and Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte among others.
There were workshops held in Harvard, MIT and the Marriott that followed after the two plenary sessions. Seen and heard at the GK as Social Artistry and a Global Template for Development workshop were Dr. Alex Brillantes, Dean, UP-NCPAG , Governor Grace Padaca of Isabela, Mayor Esteban Coscolluela of Murcia, Negros Occidental and Mayor Florencio Bernabe of Paranaque.
The much awaited GK Builders Ball was one of the highlights of the summit. Entertainment all throughout the event was provided by Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Reyes, Joey Albert and sultry singer, Stephanie Reese who sang a powerful rendition of Shirley Bassey medley. Former Ms. International Aurora Pijuan performed a dance number to the delight of the audience.
Still at the ball, GK champions and village builders, including Ben Dichoso, who is the GK Regional Director and Rod Bustos, who is with the Regional Board of the National Capitol Region, were among those honored. The night ended with ballroom dancing and photo opportunities with popular faces topped by Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Miguel Zubiri.
At the last session preceded by an early mass, Tony Meloto recognized the exemplary leadership of the youth, Jose Luis and Jose Mari Oquinena, both Executive Directors and GK Isang Milyong Bayani (GK1MB) Head of Gawad Kalinga, to carry on and implement the vision of the Philippines of 2024.
In conclusion, Meloto affectionately distributed a gift. It was a poem he composed. “Next year in January as I turn sixty, I ask this from friends and family; please do not abandon the poor. Do not give up the dream of 2024.”
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