First, I read his article published in KERYGMA, a Catholic inspirational magazine. Then I heard him speak at the NaFFAA Convention held in Chicago in 2004. Before I knew it, he was shaking my hands at the Gawad Kalinga Luzon launch held at the Doubletree Hotel recently! Finally, I met Tony Meloto, the man behind GK 777, who is moving mountains to bring out the best in the Filipino. He is sharing his vision of transforming the slum areas in the Philippines: “From shanties to colorful homes, from sickness to health, from the streets to caring classrooms, from poverty to self reliance and from a people in despair to a people full of hope!”
What is GK777? Gawad Kalinga 777 aims to lift the Philippines out of the Third World by building 700,000 homes for the poor in 7,000 communities in 7 years, at the same time reinstating the pride of the Filipino by restoring the spirit of bayanihan that the Philippines is known for. GK 777 is the concrete manifestation of this spirit – being a hero to our fellowmen by uniting towards one goal: NO MORE SLUMS.
The GK movement to alleviate poverty in the Philippines has snowballed and many Filipinos in foreign lands, including some from San Diego, are now engaged in mobilizing individuals and groups to share the vision for slum-free communities and to lift the dignity of the poor and marginalized in Philippine society.
Eldelfin and Jo Cuezon are coordinating GK777 in San Diego County. I met them last year and linked them up with the Council of Philippine American Organizations. Hence, COPAO’s last Christmas celebration was dubbed “Christmas for a Cause” and the cause was to spread the word about Gawad Kalinga.
Last April 10, ANCOP Foundation USA-Gawad Kalinga and the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County launched the Kalinga Luzon and Hero’s Run, “Bawat Pilipino Bayani” with Tony Meloto, GK Executive Director as special guest. From the people present in that event, I am confident that a San Diego Village will rise in the Philippines soon. There will be many (unsung) heroes in San Diego - providing homes, touching lives, and eliminating poverty in our beloved country. Thanks to Tony’s visit. Support Gawad Kalinga and help transform the lives of our people from despair into hope!
[For details call 1-888-Go-GK777 or e-mail info@ancopusa.org. In San Diego, call Jo at (858) 342-2809).]