10 March 2025

Dear GK volunteers, workers, partners and Kapitbahayan,

Isang mapagkalingang araw po sa ating lahat.

2025 holds a special place in our history as Gawad Kalinga marks its 22-year journey of hope, heroism and transformation for thousands of families and individuals who have been inspired by our mission of building communities.

We thank everyone for your special contribution to our beautiful tapestry of solidarity. For some of us, it was about building homes and seeing tears of joy among our first-time homeowners. For others, it was about seeing enlivened beneficiaries happily sharing Kusina ng Kalinga meals, often their only complete meal for the day. And for our young volunteers , it was about the relationships and genuine friendships built during GK Bayani Challenge and build activities. All of these stories are the cornerstone of the communities we built – simply because we chose to care and share so that those who have less may have more.

Through the years, we have celebrated many wins, but we have also powered through countless challenges together. As your fellow GK leader, it is with a heavy heart that I must share with you the latest challenge that we face.

In 2017, several male SEED scholars who were part of the Spartan program complained and claimed that Mr. Tony Meloto, physically violated them. The GK Board of Trustees conducted an internal investigation and subsequently Mr. Meloto tendered his resignation as Chairman of Gawad Kalinga, SEED Philippines and Enchanted Farm on October 26, 2017. The Board proceeded to act on his disengagement from all his official functions with the mission, which included the public announcement in January 2018.

The Board acted discreetly upon the request of the complainants to protect their privacy and keep the matter from the public. With the help of professionals, including a crisis interventionist and therapists, we also initiated a series of actions to care for the complainants.

Meanwhile, let us not allow this to discourage nor distract us from our very important work of creating communities and transforming lives now and in generations to come. We remain committed with our partners to forge forward to build mighty currents of hope as we care for the poorest.

Walang iwanan!

Jose Luis Oquinena
Chairman
Gawad Kalinga