This Christmas I realized is my happiest, despite the doom and the gloom I watch on television or read in the papers, because there is so much goodness in my world. Thank you for being a part of it.

Every day I walk with heroes.

Some are successful and powerful who use their resources and influence for the good of many. Most are ordinary day to day heroes who sacrifice their time with family or work to be with the less fortunate. Like the Three Kings and the shepherds, they follow the star to give hope and the priceless gift of self to the abandoned and the suffering in their search for the Savior, who came to bring glad tidings to the poor.

Every day for me is Christmas.

There is no absence of generosity or goodwill or good faith around me. People are in a giving mode all year round when they realize that they can truly make a difference and they can see where their efforts and resources are going. Vision and values are important for many to believe. Credibility is the key that opens heroic generosity.

Every day I see hope for our country.

This is the country of my deepest affection, a gift from God that I treasure. This is the country that still nurtures my belief that the greatest source of hope came to the world in the lowliest circumstances over two thousand years ago – not with economic or military might, without prejudice to color, race, status or gender. It is my faith that it is possible in this land for us to create wealth and spread it, by simply living out our greatest qualities as a people – kalinga and bayanihan – caring and sharing. This is the only way that I know for me to fulfill the dreams of our forefathers and live out the tenets of our Christian faith – to be my brother’s keeper, leaving no Filipino behind. This not only includes but prioritizes the needs of our Muslim brethren and those of other faiths who belong to the minority and are often forgotten.

Starting this Christmas, I pray that more Filipinos can be radical optimists.

Let us consciously spread hope by seeing the good in others, starting with our informal settlers and slum dwellers and the poor farmers and fisher-folks in the countryside, and wishing well and supporting all those who are helping them.

Let us make it our prayer for the day to come that no Filipino will be landless or homeless in this country where there is enough land for all. Likewise, let us make it our firm resolve to harness every idle hand and every idle land to plant and produce until we achieve abundance and no one is hungry among our people. This is not just about capital or technology but about justice and leadership. Social justice is the gift that we can give to the poor that will please the Father, if we look at the mission of the Son as the way to His heart. We need to lead everyone, by example, along this path.

With the recession and depression in the more affluent countries, the Mumbai incident, the growing unrest in Thailand and Malaysia – two Asian neighbors that many thought had it all figured out, it is clear to me that we are not so bad after all. I do not say this for us to gloss over our problems or to exonerate those who are responsible for our woes, but for us not to lose heart or blame one another or bash our country. Definitely, the global recession will affect us but it can also trigger heroic sacrifice among our people. We can turn adversity abroad into opportunities at home. We can start to produce and patronize world-class products instead of importing contaminated goods. We can channel our investments and philanthropy to the Philippines like what many migrants, expats and overseas workers are doing. They are investing in real estate and local businesses with the uncertainty of the stock and money market abroad, and helping the needy in our country, not just their relatives. Gawad Kalinga, and its mission of nation-building, is helping spur patriotic investment and philanthropy to the motherland. Many local corporations are going beyond conventional CSR and investing in viable and effective social enterprises.

Let us continue to pray for our business climate to improve, for investments to pour in, for the GDP to rise, for profit to grow a bigger social conscience, and for the day to come when transactions can be conducted more ethically without resorting to bribes and other corrupt practices. Love for God and country will help us overcome this global economic crisis, and ultimately, free us from poverty and corruption.

Let us not get tired of doing what is good and what is right.

For those of us who are over fifty, let us invest the remaining years of our life building a better world and a future full of hope for our children. Let us not consider ourselves too old or the time too late for us to make a difference. Let us turn our regret into reform and offer our country our energy, our expertise and the greatness of our spirit. This is the way of hope for many of us: the best caring for the least…raising the best to become their best…leaving no one behind…seeing no one as an enemy. It is the way to peace and our ticket to heaven.

Let our lives be good news to others.

Oftentimes, people say that media reports too much bad news. We have discovered that they are equally interested in covering inspiring stories that are relevant to the issues of the day and the needs of our times. Good news also sells.

The best news is the poor themselves. They have shown us that they do not want to beg or steal or remain idle –that they can turn troubled and ugly slums into peaceful and beautiful communities, barren lands into fields of abundance – if they regain their dignity and their dreams for their children.

The next great news is that the young are starting to believe that there is hope in this country. Many of them are mobilizing the campuses to be in solidarity with the less privileged in their communities – to build, to care, to mentor and to learn…and to reconnect with the forgotten Filipino again. It is my great belief that change is coming that will make the future much better than what it is now.

Finally, I pray that we can all be grateful for the gift of this country.

As we advocate for change, let us not forget to count our blessings. Let us discard the mentality that everything is bad and wrong in our country, while everything is good and right abroad. Let us observe a moment of grace when we can simply thank God for this beautiful land and the great privilege of being a Filipino. With all our imperfections and problems, this is still the best spot in the planet for many of us who see this country through the eyes of hope.
This is the Gawad Kalinga dream and I am profoundly grateful to all those who have made it real. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for hoping for our country and caring for our people. May God bestow His infinite blessing on you, and to all those who are precious to you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

by: Marjorie Duterte, GK News Bureau

Thousands walk the GK way of friendship, as Gawad Kalinga celebrated its 5th anniversary last October 11 at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig city, attended by thousands of GK residents, builders, workers, volunteers, partners from the government, corporate, academe, NGOs, religious organizations and the civil society -- all in solidarity for love of God and country.
It was an amazing sight: the rich and the poor walking together in unity, competitors in business encouraging each other, government leaders inspiring their compatriots towards integrity and excellence, and the kapitbahayan (GK residents) walking proudly alongside caretaker teams, their dignity fully restored.
It was a covergence of a variety of peoples formerly divided but now moving forward as one towards a common vision of a first-class Philippines. Everyone was blessed to be a part of the miracle and the friendship.
Here is a run-down of the events that transpired during this year's Gawad Kalinga Expo, an annual anniversary celebration of the pioneering movement that seeks to alleviate extreme poverty in the Philippines and the world.
THE GK Expo Highlights:
The Caretaker Summit (October 10, Ateneo)
Focusing on the heart of Gawad Kalinga, the caretaker teams soaked in a day of information and inspiration to renew and encourage them in their work as mentors for the poor. The Field Book Manual, aimed at providing the science and system to the faith-based movement, was officially launched by GK and the Ateneo GK Builders Institute. Program Heads and GK champions recounted their mission and goals for the caretakers who will empower their army working with them on the ground while partners from government and GK1MB shared their best practices and strategies.
The caretaker team were exhorted to plan and "dream for your community" as executive director Luis Oquiñena emphasized the importance of their presence on the ground. "Our presence tells them that you are important to me," operations head Mari Oquiñena affirmed while enumerating the building blocks of GK which is W.I.S.E: wholisitc, integrated, sustainable, and empowering. "There is no exclusivity in caring for others," he said and encouraged the caretakers of the vision to help the kapitbahayan become benefactors.
Meanwhile, GK visionary Tony Meloto, laid out the vision for Gawad Kalinga. He said that 2003-2010 or GK777 was a time for Social Healing, providing social justice and just structures for the poorest of the poor while moving towards the designer phase or Social Artistry (2011-2017) furthering empowering them by providing the best for the least and helping them achieve their fullest potentials, onwards to Social Progress and sustainability (2018-2024) where the dream of a first-class Philippines will have been fully realized. He announced that Gawad Kalinga's global model for development will be officially launched at the GK Global Summit at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts on June 12 to 15, 2009.
The First GK Mabuhay Pageant Held (October 10, Ateneo)
It was a time for celebration. GK's very own Mabuhay Ladies from various GK communities in Metro Manila came together to showcase the true beauty of the Filipino people. The Mabuhay pageant night saw an inspiring show of support from GK residents who came to cheer on their respective candidates as they participated in the talent, evening gown, and question and answer portions.
Mabuhay Lady Violeta Julian of GK Roque, West-C shone brightly among the nine finalists, winning the crown Ms. Mabuhay, as well as the titles Ms. Friendship, Best in Talent, and Best in Evening Gown. "I am very happy. I am am mother already and I did not expect to reach this, God is really good," the radiant Mabuhay Lady expressed, grateful for her neighbors who came to pray for her and give their support. Charisma Español of GK Amparo-North A and Marivic Eñal of GK Busilak-Central A were the first and second runners-up. Former Tourism Secretary and now GK Champion Tony Gonzalez lead the judges in choosing the winners based on the following criteria: social relationships, personality and leadership.
GK's Tony Meloto who happily graced the event said, "Mabuhay is a celebration of the life and the greatness of the Filipino spirit." "Matagal nilang tiniis ang pangit na kapaligiran, ngayon sila po ang bida," he added. (They long endured an ugly environment, now they are the stars). He added that everyone in GK is beautiful, good, and excellent and that there was no room for the ugly whether it be the house or their character. The Mabuhay pageant is set to become an annual event, to include GK beauties from the provinces.
Running for your country, the GK - Adidas Marathon (October 11, Fort Bonifacio)
Running for you country has now become an annual event held during the GK Expo, a tradition that began last year in partnership with Adidas King of the Road marathon. As early as two weeks before the event, registrations at P300 each to join the marathon was closed, the event was sold out with the proceeds set to go to building GK communities for the poorest of the poor. About 5,500 runners joined the event that kicked-off the GK celebrations last October 11, with a blast signaling 21 kilometer runners to start pounding the roads of Fort Bonifacio in Taguig city, followed by 5K and 10K runners. Young and old alike - the youngest being a 2-year old in a jogger accompanied by his family and the oldest a 77 year-old doctor - gave their individual contributions to the country by running for the poor.
The Executive Director's Report (October 11, Fort Bonifacio)
Attended by Gawad Kalinga's friends from the government, corporate and private sectors, GK's executive director Luis Oquiñena noted the movement's milestones for 2008. "GK is a work of renewal, it brings new things. We have had a lot of breakthroughs," he said. He announced that the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) has already signed the resolution which makes GK an official beneficiary of real estate developers who are mandated by law to give 20% of their building budget to socialized housing. This recent development provides additional resources for helping reach the goal of building 7,000 GK communities by 2010.
Business competitors SMART Communications and GK Expo event sponsor Globe Telecoms, shared what they learned working with GK. "We learned what partnership and collaboration is all about, that competing corporations can come together for nation-building," said Smart's Mon Isberto. "We are very happy to see Globe as a partner of GK," he said. "Kahit umuunlad tayo, kung hindi ninyo tutulungan ang katabi nyo, maraming maiiwan," he said while sharing the story of their adopted community in General Nakkar, Quezon, whose fishermen turned sculptors gave P100,000 of the proceeds of their art sales to help build the community in GK Budlaan in Cebu.
Globe's said that working with GK, "gave the company a sense of purpose and meaning for its corporate existence." "It's not [only] the resources that we bring to the community but it's the friendship we make along the way," said Globe family's vice-president Ferdz De La Cruz who noted the hundreds of Globe employees who have been touched by GK and quietly volunteering in GK villages on their own.
Armed Forces of the Philippines General Natalio Ecarma III committed his service to the Filipinos, "Ang uniporme ay hindi importante. Ang importante ay ang samahan...Sa GK walang iwanan. Kami ay sundalo ninyo." The general is one of the dreamers for the building of a GK Village in Patikul, Sulu scheduled for the annual Bayani Challenge in April 2009. It is a major step towards pursuing peace in Mindanao through the GK way, the kind of peace that the Moslem community represented by Sultan Akraman Saripada of GK Wao, Lanao del Sur and Bangsamoro commander Hadji Sangcopan Bansil seeks to end the war in Mindanao and alleviate their poor people's sufferings. "Kapatid ko kayo. Magkakapatid tayong lahat, walang iwanan!," Sultan Akraman said. The general and sultan would be seen shaking hands during the event as a sign of unity towards this shared vision of peace in Mindanao, and in solidarity with One UTAK, the united transport group composed of the nation's jeepney and bus drivers who initiated the tie a white ribbon for peace in jeepneys and buses throughout the troubled region.
The Executive Director Luis Oquiñena reiterated the expo's them: Walang Iwanan, Anong taya mo para sa Bayan? "Yung walang ginagawa para sa bayan, yun ang squatter," he said and encouraged everyone to be anchored in their motherland, to make their stake in the country.
GK Expo Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga capped the session with his inspiring realization that GK is the glue that brings people together for a nation long beset by division exemplified by the city of Taguig, that has a big gap between the rich and poor. Taguig which is working towards closing this gap and is one with the GK's vision in creating it a designer city. "The one thing that GK tells us is we cannot do it alone. We are changing and learning...GK is telling everyone that it can be done," he said. "If it can be done here in Taguig, it can be done anywhere in the country," he believed. "Dito sa GK, patapos na ang dilim at nagsisimula na ang umaga," he said.
Echoing his predecessor's realization that "the national government cannot do it alone," the Department of Agriculture secretary Arthur Yap committed to working with GK in producing sustainable farms so that the poor will have food on their people and Filipinos will not be hungry in a land so blessed with an abundance of natural resources. This synergy and alliance with the agriculture government will convert idle lands to productive ones, starting with 300 GK sites, where the technical expertise and support of the agriculture department will be applied in partnership with GK.
The executive director noted that the road ahead is full of hard work as GK aims to build 3,500 communities in 2009 and build a million homes. He exhorted those present to protect unity at all cost. "Do not allow cracks," he said. "The Filipino poor is the priority."
Goldilock's Birthday Blow-Out for 7,000 GK Kids (October 11, Fort Bonifacio)
In celebration of Gawad Kalinga's 5th anniversary, Goldilocks Bakeshop treated the SIBOL, SAGIP children and Kids for Christ members to a big birthday blow-out with an hourly party from catering to 1,000 kids per batch. Many of the kids, who have never had a birthday party before in their lives and cannot afford a birthday cake, were all happy to have the opportunity to celebrate their birthday with other kids, the next generation of Filipinos. The children were treated to a program with games and blowing of their birthday cakes. All were happy bringing their gift packs from Goldilocks after the party.
Building a Nation (October 11, Fort Bonifacio)
The session began with a riveting performance of GK SIGA members in a powerful play written by Ron Capinding entitled Tao Po (It is I), co-presented by Gawad Kalinga and the Department of Foreign Affairs. It was a show of world-class excellence featuring the talents of our GK youth who just came from Indonesia to teach and perform with fellow Siga members there. Their performance during the GK Expo with foreign dignitaries and company presidents as their guests, was simply exceptional. It showed that the poor can really excel given the opportunity and empowerment. The famous choir from GK Tatalon also performed to an amazed audience.
"You just have seen the transformation of our greatest asset," GK visionary Tony Meloto began as he welcomed honorable diplomats from different countries. "These are the lost Filipinos," Meloto said, noting that there are talents in the most depressed areas. "Today, we see a convergence of our people, raising the least of our brethren to their highest potential for excellence," he said as he introduced Gawad Kalinga's next phase of development, Social Artistry or the designer phase where the best Filipinos give of their excellence to help the least attain to their fullest potentials as well.
He honored the caretakers from Couples for Christ in Bagong Silang who started GK with a sense of mission. "In the spirit of sacrifice, we have built GK," said the chief inspirational officer as he presented the Addurru family, whose house was the very first home built by GK. They represent the many GK communities since then whose lives have been changed. Bagong Silang, the largest baranggay in Metro Manila and formerly the haven of dangerous gangs and criminals, has been transformed from within, evolving steadily into GK's designer baranggay.
Former Philippine Ambassador to Milan, honorable Amb. Peter Chan while representing the DFA diplomatic corps handed out a cheque to Meloto saying it was "a gift from the heart" from overseas Filipino workers in the country were he served.
Bukas Loob sa Diyos represented by Bro. Ric Pascua said they are striving to raise 1,000 GK communities. "We are all children of God. This work is too big for any one community to handle. It is for everyone," he said.
Meloto called on competing schools Ateneo and La Salle to participate in a "Patriot Games", which unlike the coveted men's basketball championship, would compete
instead for the most number of land donated for the poor of the country. "Now, we are united as a people. We have a dream that unites us," he said as he spoke of the vision for the Philippines, as the first world-class nation in Southeast Asia.
Partners from local government lead by inspiring mayors Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte, and Taguig's Freddie Tinga who all espoused good governance, integrity and excellence, agreeing that GK is integrative. "It brings people together and it integrates the dreams of the poor," Mayor Lorenzo said. Our motto now is "Maka-Diyos, maka-bayan, at maka-deliver," as she affirmed her commitment with GK.
"I sought change - and with unrelenting determination, took off to a path that was unexpected, unconventional and untested," shared Governor Villafuerte of how he transformed Camarines Sur into a world-class tourist destination with its now famous wakeboarding facility. Akin to the revolutionary and faith-filled spirit of GK: Build it and they will come, the inspiring governor embraces wholeheartedly GK's vision of christening Cam Sur as a Designer province with world-class GK villages complete with bed and breakfast homes for guests, a livelihood ran by GK's residents.
"The partnership of GK and Cam Sur is a match made in heaven - it is an answered prayer - because it came at a time when I felt the compelling need to do more for my people," shared Gov. Villafuerte. " I wanted to elevate our humble success to a more meaningful level," he said.
Meanwhile, dynamic mayor Freddie Tinga affirmed his all-out support for GK's vision for Taguig as a designer city, " Taguig is going to be a great city. GK is making people believe lalo na ang mga mahihirap na kaya pala!" Paranaque mayor Jun Bernabe also reaffirmed his commitment, "Itinaya ko na po ang aking sarili, and aking pamilya," he said.
Former Wyeth chief and marketing brain, now GK champion Boy de Claro said that he now has the best brand to sell to the world: The Filipino.
"It is a great gift and a great privilege to be a Filipino," Meloto affirmed.
40,000 GK heroes join Martsa ng mga Bayani
(October 11, GK Expo Grounds)
The annual GK tradition -- the parade of heroes honors the caretaker teams, kapitbahayan, partners and volunteers who tirelessly work on the ground to build the country of their dreams. This year, the GK expo ground was filled to the brim. A 40,000-strong army of GK heroes from all over the country and the world, joined this year's march for a massive show of unity.
What is notable of this year's march is its changing face: the rich and the poor march together in full equality, and many more partners fully adopting their GK communities. The kapitbahayans were the main focus with their caretaker teams proudly marching alongside them as friends. It was the emergence of "The New Middle Class" as GK's Tony Meloto puts it. GK heroes from as far as Mindanao and patriots returning from America, all waited in line to join the parade. Many GK communities showcased their province's treasures in a float, notable of them were Batangas and Laguna. Some came with full marching and dancing bands such as Metro Manila's West sector that reminded one of great festivals in the Philippines.
Company presidents marched with their employees and GK1MB volunteers from schools, universities and fraternities marched fully in support of the GK vision. Even Ateneo and La Salle laid aside school pride, sharing a float together acknowledging that they were only rivals in the basketball court but more imporantly, co-builders of the country. Lastly, it is significant to mention that almost all the baranggays of Taguig came, having the longest delegation in an all out show of their support for Gawad Kalinga.
This year's Martsa ng mga Bayani, showed the significant growth of the movement. Indeed, we might need a bigger area in the future as GK continues to grow to its fullest potential.
The GK1World Concert
(October 11, Fort Bonifacio)
The renowned Fort Bonifacio grounds used for international concerts, was filled to the brim. The only difference now is that the poor who cannot afford to go to these international events, were the very important guests for GK1World's concert aired worldwide through internet television.
Vice President Noli de Castro graced the auspicious event affirming that: "Ganyan talaga ang magkakaibigan, walang iwanan!" He thanked Gawad Kalinga's gift of building transformative friendships. "True friendship brings about change in those involved in the relationship."
He said that his friendship with GK transformed him personally as the inspiration of ordinary citizen sacrificing for their country, humbles him, engages him and allows him to be focused on providing the basic needs of the poor Filipinos. "Your own zeal and enthusiasm for the mission is contangious," he said as he honored the many heroes of Gawad Kalinga. "We must remain focused on our mission in GK," said the servant of the people.
"Walang atrasan, at ito ang taya ko!," the vice president said. He encouraged everyone to resolve to keep moving forward in spite of the current global crisis and challenges faced, and to rely on those transformative friendships to keep moving on towards the fulfillment of GK's dreams for the poor.
Representing the corporate sector, SMART committed to send a team to Sulu for the 2009 Bayani Challenge for a peaceful Mindanao, pledged to send a representative to the GK Global Summit in Boston, and vowed to provide internet connection to GK communities all over the Philippines. Meralco committed to continue building Sibol schools and provide light to GK villages while Shell committed to growing and develping its GK farms and to be a staunch ally of Green Kalinga. Wyeth committed to continue raising healthy homes and developing healthy kids in GK communities.
"My fellow citizens, ano yung taya ninyo?" challenged GK's executive director Luis Oquiñena. "Pamilya ko, eto ang taya ko" as he committed his kids and family. Many people expressed their commitments through SMS or text as they quietly prayed and considered their personal contributions to their country.
Representing GK's international network, Dr. Charlie Capati who has lived in the USA for 37 years, committed to helping spread the vision of GK in America. "This is our time. [Let us] embrace our destiny," he said. Filipino-American entrepreneur Tony Olaes, committed to never forget the Philippines. "My heart is for the Philippines and it will never leave you, I promise you that," he affirmed as he continues to promote the work of GK in States and raise villages with other Fil-Ams in business.
The expo drew to a close with everyone renewing their commitment and hope hope for the Philippines. The GK heroes on stage and on the ground locked arms in a show of solidarity singing together "Bayan Ko."The concert ended with a praise fest, everyone expressing their love for God.
World-class Filipino talents Ryan Cayabyab, River Maya, 6Cycle Mind, Imago, Sponge Cola, Cueshe and Gloc9 contributed their talents towards a first-class Philippines. According to many participants, the GK1World Expo Walang Iwanan: Anong Taya mo Para sa Bayan? was the best expo to date.
Happy Anniversary GK Bayani!