MELOTO NAMED FIRST WINNER

FIRST GAWAD HAYDEE YORAC WINNER Antonio P. Meloto of Gawad Kalinga (GK).

Antonio P. Meloto, Executive Director of the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Foundation, Inc. is the first winner of the Gawad Haydee Yorac.

The award, honors outstanding public service for leaders who serve in government, private sector or in a volunteer capacity. Begun by Meralco in cooperation with the University of the Philippines, it is conceived to be an annual search for and recognition of leaders and public servants who possess attributes, practice personal work ethics and live personal lives worth emulating.

The award perpetuates the memory of Haydee Yorac and her outstanding accomplishments.

Yorac epitomizes principled and credible public service that is courageous, fair and exemplary, tempered with the understanding of human nature and within the bounds of law and respect for others.

She faced difficult situations head on, with realities well checked and humor well placed in the worst of times and crisis. For that, she gained the respect and admiration of even the most adversarial of leaders.

ATTRIBUTES

Gawad Kalinga is an “alternative solution to the blatant problem of poverty not just in the Philippines but in the world. Its approach is integrated, holistic and sustainable – a concrete plan to rebuild this nation by harnessing the best of the Filipino, our faith and our patriotism.”

The decision was made at the meeting of the Board of Judges on Aug. 14 at the Lopez Building. Judges were Jovito R. Salonga, Chairman; Cesar E.A. Virata, Vice Chairman and members Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna, Senator Manuel A. Roxas, II, Justice Consuelo Ynares Santiago, Justice Abraham Sarmiento, Mr. Maximo V. Soliven and Justice Jose C. Vitug.

Sen. Salonga, chairman of the Board of Judges summed up the judges’ findings, saying that the body had, in its consensus, deemed him most deserving of the award for his pioneering volunteer work in enabling poor communities to rise above their poverty. From his own experience of being poor, he has begun a most compelling philosophy that has galvanized ordinary Filipinos and foreigners alike to lift the poor out of poverty and build the nation.

The judges’ report continued:

“By continuing to mobilize more and more volunteer-donors, both Filipinos and non-Filipinos based here and abroad, he continues to ensure continued funding for marginalized communities. With the belief that poor Filipinos are capable of setting themselves free from their economic status in life by helping themselves, community members continue to build their own homes side by side with the donors. Filipinos and foreigners helping Filipinos they have never met nor even know, to have a decent home and neighborhood. “

“His establishment of growing Gawad Kalinga groups in different parts of the world and the innovative manner in which the worldwide problem of poverty is being tackled in Philippine Gawad Kalinga communities, is a courageous, selfless act for national good and harmony that shows leadership in its highest form. It is a most outstanding act of public service. He is a role model of public service most notably since the service being done continues to be done in the spirit of volunteerism regardless of nation, social status, occupations, gender, age, religion. “

Awarding rites will be Oct. 4, Wednesday at the Meralco Theatre. The winner will receive a trophy and a cash gift of P200,000.

HAYDEE YORAC

The late Yorac was a multi-awarded leaders, law professor at UP and Meralco legal counsel. She later was named chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), a post she held before her demise.

Her sterling academic record showed her as a stickler for discipline, hard work, critical thinking and integrated problem solving. Her attributes, personal work ethics and commitments and her service to the nation are the inspiration for this award.

Just like the late Yorac, the awardee will be a role model for public service. Like her, the awardee must have attributes, ethics and life examples that guide his/her daily manifestations of service and leadership. In the process, the awardee consistently carries out his commitments and duties, accomplishing deeds that reflect the inner foundation of integrity, courage, selflessness and conscience.

The nomination is open to any Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines and must at least be 40 years old at the time of nomination. He/she must have distinguished himself/herself in public service in the Philippines, exhibiting courage and integrity in the face of overwhelming challenges.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. From left: UP Vice President for Public Affairs Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Meralco Consultant Christian S. Monsod, Meralco President and COO Jesus P. Francisco, UP System President Emerlinda R. Roman, Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel M. Lopez, Meralco Vice President and Corporate Communication Director Elpi O. Cuna, and UP Vice President for Legal Affairs Marvic M.V.F. Leonen. Not in photo is UP College of Business Administration Dean Erlinda S. Echanis.

1st Gawad Haydee Yorac Souvenir Program