Meloto denies quitting GK

The executive director of Gawad Kalinga (GK) yesterday denied he resigned from the organization he founded eight years ago, contrary to news reports.

Antonio "Tony" Meloto, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee for his work in GK, clarified that he merely designated his position to Luis Oquinena and did not quit as reported by another daily.

He passed his position to Oquinena so that he could focus on building the GK base the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

"With so many opportunities now to upscale, upgrade and globalize a work that can benefit the poor among us as well as the poor in the world, I have passed on the position of Executive Director to Oquinena to allow me to be free from operational matters and fund management. I must help galvanize our partners in business to raise their CSR to genuine development. I must help convince our partners in government to engage Gawad Kalinga in addressing historical landlessness and homelessness," Meloto said in a statement.

With GK’s thrust now focused in expansion of its global campaign to build 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in seven years (end 2010), he hopes to "build the GK global network of partners and expanding advocacy abroad."

Meloto also said by designating his post to Oquinena, he would be able to open GK in other developing countries like India, Nigeria, South Africa and Nicaragua, in addition to the fast-growing GK work in Cambodia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

He added Atty. Jose Tale would succeed Frank Padilla as GK Board Chairman. According to news reports, Padilla resigned as chairman citing "CFC’s shortcomings before the Lord."

Meloto urged all Filipinos to carry on the good work of GK and "never give up on the country or lose hope." – Patricia Esteves