1st GK Global Summit a Historic Success
The almost 700 delegates from the US, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Columbia and the Philippines once again made history as they joined the historic gathering of Gawad Kalinga patriots, partners and friends last June 12-14, 2009 in Massachusetts for the first ever Gawad Kalinga 2024 Global Summit.
Boston was the only choice for the event, as the Summit was designed to be Gawad Kalinga’s coming out party, a unique opportunity to present the Gawad Kalinga template for community development and poverty eradication in the most prestigious academic setting in the world.
The choice of date was also of national significance, as the Event was also a celebration of the 111th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
Day 1
The Summit began with a flag raising ceremony outside the Marriott Cambridge Hotel, with no less than Philippine Vice President Noli de Castro in attendance, together with Philippine Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, and governors and mayors from the various provinces and towns of the Philippines. Cambridge Vice Mayor Sam Sneidel personally welcomed the delegates, and reiterated the significance of the friendship between the US and the Philippines, and the role of Filipino-Americans in shaping the future not just of America but the whole world.
It was followed by a Barrio Fiesta in the plaza right outside the hotel, one of the busiest train stations, and enticed guests and friends from New England to have a taste of Filipino food, culture and heritage. Led by Former Tourism Secretary Tony Gonzalez, the GK Exchange at the Marriott Grand Ballroom meanwhile became a venue for mayors and governors to showcase the beauty of their towns and cities, and highlighted tourism and investment opportunities. Mayors and Governors shared their vision for their town, and invited the guests to visit the Philippines.
GK Founder Tony Meloto also signed his book, Builder of Dreams, and delegates went around the room asking the significant people who shared their GK journey to also sign their personal copy. 7 special books were signed by all the Summit guests and VIPs, which were later auctioned and fetched a price of as high as USD 420, proceeds of which would go to Gawad Kalinga.
The evening was an opportunity for the delegates to show the world how Filipinos celebrate – truly world class entertainment led by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and serenaded by world-renowned Filipino talents like Joey Albert, Stephanie Reese, Danny Javier and Louie Reyes. GK volunteers and partners came in their best Filipiniana attire, and expressed their deep love for the country through song.
Philippine Vice President Noli de Castro honored the delegates with his presence, and thanked all the patriots from around the world who had not forgotten the Motherland. He also reiterated government's commitment to support all GK initiatives, and even personally committed to continue being a friend to GK and to all who love the country.
Day 2
Despite the festivities of the night before, delegates were up and early the following day to attend the Breakfast Forum. At 7 AM, selected delegates were given an opportunity to have an intimate conversation with Summitspeakers and guests to get their thoughts and exchange ideas on key local and global issues.
GK Executive Director Jose Luis Oquiñena opened the first plenary session, and provided the road map to 2024. He highlighted key points on building hope, leadership, heroism and peace as the pillars for the work ahead. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay spoke of transcending differences to build one nation, and US businessman Tony Olaes shared his journey as a second-generation Filipino American and GK’s important role in giving back identity and pride in our heritage. Former Agriculture Secretary Cito Lorenzo shared the key qualities of a transforming leader, and Philippine Marines Deputy Commandant Gen. Boing Ecarma presented the new model for peace and development through GK in Sulu.
Shell Country Chairman Ed Chua led the second plenary session entitled Creating Impact, Expanding Influence. He was supported by power presenters from the business sector like Keith Peterson and Pidoy Pacis of Saladmaster and PLDT-Smart president Butch Meilly, who outlined the reasons why Gawad Kalinga is the partner of choice of both local and multinational companies. Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte and Taguig Mayor Freddie Tiñga presented the radical initiatives that they were starting in their own areas with Gawad Kalinga, and thanked GK for helping restore faith in government and promote a culture of transparency and accountability.
The key points during the morning were made concrete through the workshops in Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which highlighted GK’s best practices and the holistic model for community development.
Renowned architect Bong Recio, United Nations Champion of the Earth Awardee and Former Environment Secretary Bebet Gozun and award-winning developer Gerry Choa are part of GK’s powerhouse team for shelter and environment that presented the evolution of the GK model and its thrust towards building beautiful, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly communities that restore dignity to the residents but also uphold the integrity of creation. Meralco Vice President Leony dela Llana reiterated the commitment of Meralco led by Manolo Lopez to continue building Sibol schools, and Governors Victor Yap of Tarlac and Sally Lee of Sorsogon showed that political will at the provincial level could help leverage resources from private sector partners.
In Harvard, GK’s academic partners look center stage, as UP NCPAG Dean Alex Brillantes presented GK as the Philippines' response to the Millennium Development Goals, and Former UP President Jose Abueva (through video) highlighted the role of GK in introducing social artistry in its communities. In the other room, Former Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz and best-selling author Alex Lacson showed the role of both government and private sector in helping the Philippines rise from Third-World poverty. Panelists in Harvard included Paranaque Mayor Jun Bernabe, Iloilo Mayor Jerry Trenas, Murcia Mayor Sonny Coscolluela, St. Bernard Mayor Rico Rentuza, San Isidro Mayor Sonia Lorenzo, and Daet Mayor Tito Sarion – all of them openly declaring that they were building slum free and squatter free towns and cities following the GK Way..
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap wowed the delegates at the Marriott with his presentation of the Philippine government’s initiative to connect farms to the market, and help ensure food security for all Filipinos. Bayan-anihan’s Mike Dimagiba introduced GK’s farming program, and called on Mayor Dennis Go of Tarlac to show the multi-sectoral partnerships. Dr. Boy Abay and Dr. Ellen Solis presented GK’s initiatives for health through Gawad Kalusugan.
Dean Laurence Simon of Brandeis University, a reactor for the Food and Health workshop, lauded Gawad Kalinga for its “outstanding achievements despite it being a young organization,” and for its faith based approach to community development. He was so inspired by what he saw that he committed to give one full scholarship to Brandeis University for Gawad Kalinga!
These declarations of commitment for GK’s work was more than enough reason to celebrate, and the delegates danced the night away during the Builders Ball. That night, village builders from North America and around the world were honored by GK’s Dylan Wilk and ANCOP USA’s Ricky Cuenca and Rick Munda. Delegates from the various regions and countries also took turns showing off their talents in dancing and singing, making the evening a truly festive celebration after a day of hard work.
Day 3
The day started with delegates giving their declarations for the poor and for the country. Congressman Rufus Rodriguez from Misamis Oriental started the ball rolling, by committing Php 2.5 Million for houses and another P2.5M Million for a road network for GK! Incoming BLD-GK Coordinator Bong Encarnacion reiterated BLD’s commitment to serve as caretakers and continue building villages.
UCLA CFO Josie Castro pledged to do everything to get UCLA involved in GK, and also pledged to build one house every year in honor of her son’s birthday. ANCOP USA’s Ricky Cuenca spoke of their resolve to intensify even more on helping build up the GK movement, and St. Bernard Mayor Rico Rentuza spoke of every local chief executive’s commitment to continue building up their towns and cities the GK way. GK fulltimer Felice Caringal symbolized the students who are giving the best years of their life for the mission, and the session was capped by the Del Rosario family from Singapore, who committed their whole family not just to complete their GK village in the Philippines but also gladly accepted the challenge to host the next GK Global Summit in Singapore in behalf of GK Hi (Hope Initiative).
GK Founder Tony Meloto then presented Vision 2024, which was brought to life through the presentations of his panelists. CFC Global Director Joe Tale affirmed the delegates that there is no split between CFC and GK, and reiterated CFC's commitment to continue the mission with GK while allowing other work with the poor ministries of CFC to also grow. Globe's Gerry Ablaza flew in just to be with the summit delegates and gave a heartwarming speech about his love for the country and his belief in the GK spirit. Archie King reiterated his desire to continue building multipurpose centers where GK residents could come together, and thanked GK for being a trustworthy partner of their foundation.
Senator Kiko Pangilinan reiterated his desire to keep building with Gawad Kalinga, and Senator Migz Zubiri committed to build 10,000 homes by 2012 in Bukidnon. Secretary Arthur Yap praised Gawad Kalinga for being able to transcend all differences, and put various kinds of people and personalities in one room because a single cause to rebuild the nation.
Tito Tony then called to the stage all the other nationalities that were now helping bring GK to the global arena by getting training to build GK in their respective countries. Representatives from India and Columbia went up the stage, and spoke from the heart about how GK had inspired them to also help the poor in their own motherland, and how the GK spirit was now being embraced by the world.
The whole event was capped by GK1MB Head Mari Oquiñena, who reminded the delegates to value friendships built in GK, and to not be afraid to raise the next generation of leaders that will continue the legacy that was started.
The 2024 Summit ended with Ryan Cayabyab leading the guests in singing “Ako ay Pilipino,” a fitting ending to a truly historic and life-changing event.
2. Telltale Signs: The Transformative GK Way
By Rodel Rodis
BOSTON – The most popular misconception about Gawad Kalinga (GK) is that it is just about building homes for the poor, an image that may have been generated by GK’s previously announced goal to build 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities throughout the Philippines in 7 years. But the 700 delegates attending the First GK Global Summit (June 12-14, 2009) at the Cambridge suburb of this city harbor no such illusions because we learned that GK is more ambitious than that.
For three days of plenary sessions at the Cambridge Marriott Hotel and workshops at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and at Harvard University, we heard speakers flesh out the details of GK’s Vision 2024 platform: a 21-year timeline (2003-2024) aimed at "eradicating homelessness, hunger, and poverty for the millions of impoverished Filipino families all over the Philippines.”
Before skeptics scoff at GK’s ambitious agenda, they should visit any one of the more than 2,000 GK villages (200,000 homes) that have been established all over the Philippines from Aparri to Jolo just in the last six years. These homes were financed by the donations of governmental and non-governmental entities, profit and non-profit corporations and individuals in the Philippines and overseas, including thousands of Filipino-American and Filipino-Canadian donors throughout North America. They were built by legions of volunteers and by the homeless squatters themselves who invested their “sweat equity” into the homes they would own and reside in. GK’s founder, Tony Meloto, had often preached that “slum conditions breed slum mentalities” and that to get rid of the slum mentalities, you have to get rid of the slums and replace them with decent housing and more. To that end, throughout the country, GK has built colorful, durable and secure homes for the poorest of the poor. Its [Community Infrastructure] program provides pathways, drainage systems, water and toilet facilities, a school, a livelihood center, a multi-purpose hall and a clinic. In some GK villages, basketball courts and libraries have also been constructed.
Each GK village sets up a SIBOL program for its pre-school children and a SIGA program to provide after-school counseling for its students. GK also provides KALUSUGAN through a health care program for its residents with a clinic staffed by volunteer physicians and paramedical practitioners. Its [Bayan-anihan] program conducts livelihood and skills training, start-up capital and materials for microfinance and micro-enterprises, and assists in the marketing of the products created by the GK communities.
Among the Summit speakers who discussed the GK way of governance were two provincial governors (Luis Raymond Villafuerte, Jr. of Camarines del Sur; and Sally Lee of Sorsogon), five mayors (Sigfrido Tiñga of Taguig, Rizal; Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija; Tito Sarion of Daet, Camarines Norte; Jojo Binay of Makati; and Rico Rentuza of Guinsaugon, Leyte), two senators (Kiko Pangilinan and Miguel Zubiri) and one vice-president, Noli de Castro.
One speaker at a GK Harvard workshop, Alex Lacson, used Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore as an example of how an idea can transform a nation. When he became the leader of his country in 1959, Singapore was one of the poorest countries in Asia. Without natural resources, how could Singapore ever hope to become a rich and prosperous country, Lee Kuan Yew asked.
“There is only one way, he told his people. And that is through discipline. Lee Kuan Yew challenged his people that if they learn to become a disciplined people, Singapore will become rich and prosperous. When Lee Kuan Yew stepped down from power as prime minister of Singapore in 1990, almost 31 years since he rose to power, Singapore was already the second richest and most prosperous country in the whole of Asia, second only to Japan. He proved to the whole world that a country, through discipline, even without natural resources, could become rich and prosperous.”
The Philippines has abundant natural resources but presents a more formidable challenge with a population of 88 million (compared to Singapore’s 5 million) spread out over 7,108 islands, and a history of colonial and neo-colonial subjugation that has imbedded what James Fallows called a “damaged culture” on its people.
“Culture is destiny,” Lee Kuan Yew said. “Your set of beliefs will determine how far you can get in life.” The challenge for GK is to transform the Filipino people’s set of beliefs about themselves, about their innate greatness and goodness as a people and as a nation capable of doing anything and everything to improve their lives.
At the core of Gawad Kalinga’s mission is its founder, Tony Meloto, who provides the personal example to GK supporters throughout the world.
His ideas and his vision for the Philippines can be found in his newly-released book called “Builder of Dreams”. In the back of the book is an essay written by Dr. Jose Abueva, founding president of Kalayaan College, who wrote: “At the heart of Tony’s transforming leadership and example and the inspired efforts of his legions of co-leaders, followers and supporters, is his conscious and determined fusion of his religious faith and his secular idealism. He combines God’s teachings to love and help the poor among us with the secular vision of building a just and humane society in which all enjoy their human rights through good citizenship, good leadership and good governance.”
“He demonstrates that through community self-help, cooperation and solidarity, this unity and integrity of faith and practical reason can lead to the transformation of people, communities and leaders from different spheres of life.”
The GK Global Summit was the perfect antidote to anyone in despair about Filipinos and the Philippines. But even those who did not attend the conference can still rid themselves of despair by joining GK and supporting its 2024 vision to transform the Philippines and the Filipino people. Check out www.gawadkalinga..org.
(Send comments to Rodel50@aol.com or mail them to the Law Offices of Rodel Rodis at 2429 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127. For past columns, log on to: Rodel50.blogspot.com)
3. I Met Heroes in Boston
GLIMPSES
By Jose Ma. Montelibano
Surreal, simply surreal. On a small stage by a busy street in the heart of Boston, the national anthem of the Philippines was sung as the flag of the Philippines was raised. Witnessing this rite were hundreds of Filipinos who were proudly quietly celebrating their Independence Day.
This scene was happening in the plaza of the Boston Cambridge Marriot, host to the first GK Global Summit. Six hundred GK advocates and over one hundred volunteers from the Boston area converged to commit themselves to their people, to declare that there were Filipinos who would not give up on their own, who would commit themselves to be builders of dreams.
For a brief moment in time, Filipinos from the home land, from the United States, Canada and even from Singapore, "Filipinized" the Marriot, Harvard and MIT. From the way everyone sounded and looked, they seemed like scenes from Manila as there were more Filipinos than Americans. The hotel lobby, restaurants and function rooms became spots where Filipinos took over and where Americans seemed like tourists.
More than 230 years ago, Boston witnessed an act of defiance by Englishmen who had become settlers in America, an act now known as the Boston Tea Party. Last June 12 - 14, Bostonwitnessed another act of defiance, mostly by Filipinos who had become American citizens. The Boston Tea Party symbolized a determination for justice and independence, and strangely enough, the GK Global Summit symbolized a determination for the same.
Acknowledging the generous and valiant efforts of Filipino-Americans to match the work of local counterparts in building homes and communities in the Philippines, Gawad Kalinga chose to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day in Boston and use the occasion to send a powerful message to all Filipinos - that solidarity is possible, that hope is available, that honor is attainable.
The GK Global Summit was a grand reunion of people who came from different places and professions representing the multi-sectoral feature of a collective struggle to lift the impoverished out of their historical fate and the Filipino people out of their collective shame. Addressing the divisiveness and a lack of concern for poor Filipinos that had weakened and shamed us as a people, a band of patriots gathered to make a collective declaration of patriotism and heroism.
Special friends of GK attended the event to commit their continuing support, including individuals and families who have sponsored their own GK villages, partners from the corporate world and the academe, and representatives from the various branches and levels of government. Known personalities and public servants came, not just to be special guests of the event, but more as appreciative audience to ordinary Filipinos determined to take on extraordinary challenges.
It was an emotional weekend. For three days, delegates witnessed the progress of a work that began so innocently in a major relocation site where hundreds of thousands of informal settlers could not find the formula to transcend their poverty. With the help of determined volunteers, generous partners and a growing engagement with progressive public servants, Gawad Kalinga has become a beacon of hope for the millions of families that are enslaved by a historical poverty.
More than a format of community development, GK is turning out to be a powerful spirit of caring and empowerment, a way of relating to others, from the poor to those who help the poor. This has exemplified in several ways, from the way that local government officials have steered their towns and cities in a manner inspired by GK to the way that GK is establishing itself in Singapore, Columbia, India and Brazil without leaning on Filipinos or resources from Filipinos. They simply want to learn about the GK values and principles, and then the fundamental parameters in beginning to build relationships, homes and communities.
Many will have written about the GK summit in Boston by the time this article comes out. That is the way I wish it will be. Good news must sell if ever our people will have a clear sense of the power of hope and how the noble and inspiring can change people think, the way government governs. GK did invade Boston and has left many Filipino Americans there highly charged and eager to join the journey of nation building. GK’s 2024 vision presents a pathway towards lifting the poor out of poverty; it also presents a manner by which leadership is transitioned to the next generation.
The poor in the Philippineshave found champions in all ages, if I am to assess the participants in the GK Global Summit who spanned three generations. Apparently, It was not enough for grandparents and parents to attend s the third generation of Filipino Americans were quite visible in the Marriot. And the spectrum of sympathizers for GK’s work will expand after a GK launch of an environmental shelter campaign in the United Nations last June 16, Tuesday.
It is difficult for words to capture the feelings that dominated the GK summit. This is made more so by the fact that each bone has a special story to tell. I will tell one, though, because it highlights the event for me.
When we were saying goodbye to one another after the event, I saw Celio Daculan, a GK advocate from Minnesota. His family and in-laws hosted me when I visited them last year to spread the GK movement. They were caring for a daughter who was being treated for cancer and I remember how touched I was when they had to shuttle between playing nurse to their child and host to me. I asked him how his daughter was and he told me that she had passed away just last March. I was shocked but Celio was serene.
I had seen how passionate he and his wife, Marian, were during the three miraculous days we had in the summit. I never suspected they were still recovering from a painful loss. Obviously, they found a deep meaning in the work where they are dedicating their lives. Or, they are offering their lives to a work where children of the poor may find a chance to live longer, to live better.
Celio and Marian are simple folks, but they are heroes to me.
4. RP out of 3rd World Status by 2024
By Momar G. Visaya / AJPress New York
BOSTON – "It is our dream at Gawad Kalinga to bring the Philippines out of the third world by 2024 through the collaborative effort of all sectors of the Philippine society in the Philippinesand abroad," Gawad Kalinga (GK) founder Tony Meloto announced to the media before the formal unveiling of the organization’s first global summit in this city.
The GK 2024 vision is a 21-year timeline to end the poverty of five million Filipinos and build a First World Philippines through community development and people empowerment with engaged multi-sectoral and trans border partnerships."We are all here because Boston plays a great role in America’s history, and it will play a great role again in our history as a
Filipino people. GK as an Asian model of development is now capturing global attention," Meloto told the Asian Journal in a chat moments after the reception which also celebrated the 111th Philippine Independence Day.
Vice President Noli de Castro delivered the keynote during the reception, and welcomed patriots from all over who have not forgotten to help the motherland. De Castro even managed to sing Wonderful World, the Louis Armstrong classic. "Para sa GK, itataya ko ang reputasyon ko," (For GK, I will bet my repu tation) he remarked.
The historic event also gathered a veritable who’s who in the worlds of Philippine politics, business and civil society.
Senators Francis Pangilinan and Miguel Zubiri, Agriculture Sec. Arthur Yap, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga, Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte, former Globe President Gerry Ablaza, Pilipinas Shell President Ed Chua, Seafood City’s Steve Go and other personalities mingled with the almost 700 delegates who trooped to Boston to attend this three-day summit.
Former Cabinet secretaries Avelino Cruz (Defense), Elisea Gozun (Environment and Natural Resources) and Cito Lorenzo (Agriculture) also participated.
"GK has become a testament to what our future will be as a nation. We will not allow despair to triumph over genuine change. Through the synergy of the government and private sector, we will be able to change the quality of life of our people," Sen. Pangilinan told the audience during the last plenary.
For about six hours on Friday, June 12, Kendall Square in Cambridge was transformed into a small Filipino town fiesta, with colorful performance arts, exhibitions and culinary samplings. Earlier in the morning, Vice President Noli de Castro, Philippine public officials and leaders of Fil-Am organizations raised the Philippine flag and sang Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine national anthem.
(1st out of 5 pages, please continue reading at http://www.asianjournal.com/dateline-usa/15-dateline-usa/2091-gk-global-summit-in-boston-rp-out-of-3rd-world-status-by-2024.html?start=1 )
5. On My Watch
By Manuel L. Caballero
An organization, like a nation, is only as good as its leader. Gawad Kalinga or GK is one such organization led by a leader who combines faith, courage and hope into one dream.. Dream that caring and sharing can propel the “most successful and best educated in society to help the least and the poorest gain their best potential.” And in the end, build a nation and a world whose people are “builders of dreams.”
I refer to GK’s Antonio Meloto.
Tony, as he is fondly called by GK’s legion of friends and supporters including this writer, was reintroduced, together with his social philosophies related to nation building, during the three-day GK 2024 Global Summit in Boston over the weekend.
Gawad Kalinga, according to Tony, is a global movement for poverty eradication that has spawned immense generosity and massive volunteerism. To-date, GK has built homes and established communities for hundreds of thousands of poorest people not only in the Philippines, but also in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Cambodia.
The year 2024 is the target year of GK when poverty will become a thing of the past for 5 million Filipino families. 2024 is the culmination of GK7-7-7. The first seven years have gone by since GK was founded. The remaining 7-7 or 14 years from today will end in 2024. That’s the GK goal for the Philippines.
Tony’s first book, 451-page “Builder of Dreams” was launched during the Summit. It is a must read, especially for those who love our native country and at times, almost give up hope that certain things could be changed for the better from where they are or what they have been for hundreds of years.
The author chronicles in his book how his extraordinary journey began, together with those who shared his vision. He also prescribes how change could be attained in society.
“The best way for us to rise as a nation is to help ourselves, to dream our own dreams, to care for those among our people who have lost their capacity to dream. This is the GK way for us…,” asserts Meloto.
He also writes, “It (the GK way) is a path where faith and patriotism, merge in one expression, where nation-building is considered Kingdom-building, where love of God is measured in terms of heroic sacrifices for country and the poorest neighbor.”
In his note about the author, former University of the Philippines President Jose V. Abueva wrote, “In the last several years, I have become an inspired student and follower of Tony Meloto as a “transformative” or “transforming leader”…I have read Tony’s addresses, listened to his talks, met him only a few times, learned of his immense impact on people and leaders here and abroad, and shared his ideas with my students in ethics and accountability in the public service.”
In a foreword, Brother Rolando Dizon, former president of De La Salle University, commented, God…”sends us Tony Meloto to recover the distinguishing mark of true Christians, the active loving and caring for one another…On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank Tony Meloto and the Gawad Kalinga patriots for the love that has restored faith in the Filipino and hope for a great future…Mabuhay ang Gawad Kalinga!”
Finally, in signing my copy of his book, Tony wrote, “Thank you for sharing the dreams of our people.”
The dreams are worth sharing, friends.
* * *
There was another realization I learned from the GK Summit. And that was the difference in the roles that town or city mayors and even governors that embrace the GK philosophy in the Philippines now play compared to what mayors did in the old days.
Before, a mayor’s main pre-occupation was to stand as sponsor to weddings or baptisms of their constituents. They used to put artesian wells in the barrios. And speak during the graduation of elementary school students in the barangays.
Listening to the mayors who spoke at the Summit, I realized the amazing change in those municipal leader’s roles. As believers and advocates of GK, and after having attended GK’s values formation seminars, they apply and implement the GK Way in running the affairs of their municipalities and local governments. That’s in addition to having established GK villages in their respective towns or cities.
Mayor Jojo Binay of Makati City spoke proudly of universal health insurance program for the citizens of his city.. This is something President Obama promised to the American people during the last campaign. Mayor Binay has done it already to his people in Makati.
Mayor Freddie Tiñga of Taguig City discussed that peace in a community was not merely an absence of violence, but rather a process of transformation of the heart and mind.
As Parañaque observes the 11th year of its cityhood, Mayor Jun Bernabe was proud to point out the success of his programs in the areas of health, peace and order, tax collections, job creation and education.
Mayor Tito Sarion of Daet, Camarines Norte told his audience in the workshop “Culture of Change,” the widespread positive changes that he has initiated in Daet since he was re-elected mayor, including the water sports industry for tourists.
Governor LRay Villafuerte even shortened the name of his province to Cam Sur by way of re-branding, which is now a popular water sports tourist attraction. The youthful governor was proud to say that there was a GK Village in every municipality of his big province.
San Isidro, Nueva Ecija Mayor Aurora Lorenzo and St.Bernard, So. Leyte Mayor Rico Rentuza likewise invoked the benefits of adapting the GK Way in administering their respective local governments.
There were other exciting things that we learned from the Summit, but space prevents us from relating all of them. It was a tiring but transforming three-day experience with the wonderful supporters and the amazing workers of GK.