To many Filipinos, Tony Meloto is a Santa Claus-like figure, whose gifts are opportunities to better their lives. The visionary began global movement Gawad Kalinga (GK) in 1995, building integrated, holistic and sustainable communities in slum areas, so that the poorest of the poor not only have houses, but also schools and livelihoods. GK is now implemented in over 2,000 communities in the Philippines and in other developing countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea. Maida Pineda met with him to talk about travelling for a good cause.
How often do you visit GK villages?
It is difficult for me to visit over 2,000 GK villages in the Philippines, but I try to see at least two a week. Most of my effort is towards creating sustainable livelihoods through social enterprises, where the entrepreneurial poor are partners of graduates of top business and management schools.
What do your other work trips involve?
I spend a lot of time travelling abroad to present the GK model to top universities for internship and partnership. I just went to France to receive the Social Entrepreneur for the World Award at the World Entrepreneur Forum. In January, I went to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. In March, I went to Oxford, England to receive the Skoll award as Social Entrepreneur of the Year together with GK Executive Director Luis Oquinena. All these are not for any personal accomplishment or glory, but to honour all the heroes who love our country and genuinely care for the poor.
What do you like doing while waiting for your flights?
I tweet about my love affair with my country.
Any travel tips?
Sleep well and drink a lot of water. Use the long walks in terminals to get exercise. Think positively wherever you are.
What do you bring in your travel pill box?
Vitamins.
You travel to challenging places – are you concerned about security?
I challenge the impossible. I go to dangerous slums to make them safer.
Where are you headed next?
I’m leaving for the US and UK to speak at universities including Oxford and Cambridge about the Philippines as the jewel of Asia.
