Team DailyPedia
Last May 23, 2015, the University of Hawaii Center for Philippine Studies (UH-CPS) posted a statement on their Facebook Page criticizing and disavowing Tony Meloto’s speech delivered last April 11, 2015. Meloto is the founder of Gawad Kalinga (GK) Foundation whose mission is to end poverty in the Philippines through nation-building and livelihood projects.
Please read: Gawad Kalinga founder slammed for sexist and self-serving speech
In the statement released by the UH-CPS, Meloto was slammed for allegedly delivering a speech which, according to the statement, was mainly sexist and self-serving. The UH-CPS stated that Meloto mainly just promoted himself, his achievements and his company. He was also criticized for promoting Filipina women to be wed Western men and referring to his half-British grandchildren as cappuccinos. This was confirmed by some members of the audience during Meloto’s speech.
One of the attendees of the conference, Prof. Patricio Abenales, was quoted saying that he was offering their daughters to white guys. “Here was a fellow with an impeccable reputation because of the GK projects, talking to us about offering our daughters to white guys for the sake of the country’s and the family’s progress”, Abinales stated to ABS-CBN News.
Abinales also mentioned he was surprised Meloto never talked about the center or the theme of the anniversary. In addition, he also said he was unable to confront Meloto as he was too stunned by the speech. He also said he did not want to embarass Meloto then.
GK volunteers and workers defend Meloto
In a news update from ABS-CBN, a GK volunteer named Jose Ma. Montelibano replied to the UH-CPS post stating his disbelief about what was said in the statement. “It is difficult to even imagine Tony Meloto thinks less of women when more than half of GK’s volunteers and workers are women, more than half of the officers of homeowners associations of GK villages are empowered women, and a person cannot end up as one of the most trusted in Philippine society if one had a prejudiced or low regard for women”, Montelibano said.
In addition, Montelibano also stated that Meloto’s speech may have been taken out of context, “the possibility exists that one or two in the audience misconstrued without malice the tenor or color of what Tony said. Even for that, I know Tony and GK will be saddened that such a conclusion was reached.”
Maria Magdalena Cavasora, one of the GK workers and a resident at GK Enchanted in Angat, Bulacan said Meloto is just human and not perfect. “From my interactions with him I see a man of action, of integrity and tireless service, with genuine love for the poor and our country. And because he is human, just like you and me, he is not perfect,” Casavora stated.
A UH-CPS Professor stands by Meloto’s side
Lilia Quindoza Santiago, a UH-CPS Professor posted a separate update on Facebook. She said that the UH-CPS statement lacked respect and kindness which Meloto deserves, “only to be stabbed in the back by those who invited him”. She also exactly quoted what Meloto said during his speech, “the greatest attraction of the Philippines is its beautiful women”, and then he went on to narrate how his British son-in-law fell in love with his daughter.
On a final note, Santiago stated that she has known Meloto since 1966 and is her friend. She said that Meloto has built communities and has founded Gawad Kalinga.
Santiago also stated that she will upload the video of Meloto’s speech in due time.
Featured Photo Credit: OUSTRUP
