Mike Forged the Best Partnership Between Government and Gawad Kalinga for the Poor
“We must remember not to judge any public servant by any one act, and especially should we beware of attacking the men who are merely the occasions and not the causes of disaster” -Theodore Roosevelt
Yesterday, Little Gina walked alone to her home after the rain. She came from the playground. She was walking alone, something most parents would not allow their children to do. But Gina was safe, despite growing up and living in a community in Tondo; she lives inside a Gawad Kalinga village -- a clean, safe, protective, and growing community strengthened by a shared set of values. This community was sponsored by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
And the man who pushed for this partnership? Sec. Mike Defensor
The way media have been portraying Mike Defensor lately, you’d think he is the cause of government corruption. It is easy to forget that Mike spent the best years of his life for public service. One of the least known achievements of Mike, which until now benefits thousands of poor people, was when he brokered a partnership between Gawad Kalinga and HUDCC during his term as Secretary of Housing.
Mike believes that the best way to build a strong republic, as the President envisions the country, is to strengthen the family, especially among the poor. And no other project has proven its capacity and motivation for this cause than Gawad Kalinga. So, Mike made sure that government funds and lands are available so that GK can build the communities for those who truly need and deserve them.
It was in February 25, 2004 when the partnership among the National and Local Government, various multi-sectoral GK partners and the residents of Baseco themselves was formalized to help the community rise from the ashes. The timing was also perfect, as February 25 is also the anniversary of the first People Power in Edsa. The event, aptly called the People Power Over Poverty, is designed to rally all Filipinos for a different kind of celebration - the actual construction of the first 16 units for the Baseco GK Project.
A group of students visited this housing project last year and found the experience very transformative.
In their blog, they said, “What a life-changing moment for those who came and participated! It is a testament to the fact that WE ALL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE A HERO TO SOMEONE---in whatever we can do, or share!
Sunshine when you're with me I can fly
Sunshine when you're with me I can fly
Every day I wonder why
Peace on earth's so hard to find
Real peace begins inside
In our hearts and in our minds
Hearts and minds begin to see
That one and all means you and me
And what we know can set us free
Rearrange reality
Reality is what we know
We can change a river's flow
Plant a seed, watch it grow
Build a shelter, build a home
Home is where my heart will stay
Even when I'm far away
Makes no difference what they say
As long as you will be my sunshine
Sunshine when you're with me I can fly
Sunshine when you're with me I can fly
When I'm feeling sad and low
And I'm not sure where to go
And all the good times that I've known
Have gone and left me all alone
All alone I'll never be
Long as you are here with me
You're in everything I see
And everything I'm doing
All I do I do for you
You're my sun, you're my moon
Every lazy afternoon
You're my inspiration
Inspiration lights the way
Brings a sparkle to each day
Makes the dark clouds go away
Let us let the children play
Sunshine when you're with me I can fly
Sunshine when you're with me I can fly
Music is the reason why
People laugh people cry
Sing and dance and clap their hands
It's how the whole world understands
Understands that we are one
Makes no difference what you've done
Or where you live under the sun
We are only human
Only human yes it's true
Still the mystery is you
And the sky so clear and blue
Makes every day feel so brand new
Brand new day throughout the world
For all the little boys and girls
If everybody lends a hand
We can live together!
Sunshine when you're with me I can fly
Sunshine when you're with me I can fly
____________
After her photo was taken, Gina was asked if she knew Mike Defensor. She smiled, shook her head and said, "Hindi po."
And for Mike, that is just as it should be.
- Kay tamis ng ating samahan sa lungkot at kaligayahan. Tunay na kaibigan, kasamang maaasahan. Salamat at tayo'y may
pinagsamahan. Salamat, tunay kong kaibigan
(Salamat, by The Dawn)
Mike has always been dear to us since we were kids. He’s a good friend who came running when we needed him. Mike was the go-to guy even before he became Cong. Mike, and then Sec. Defensor. Many of us knew he was destined for public service. Mike was the consummate politician, a trait he developed since grade school. We thought he would go on to become president, if he didn’t disappoint the fickle Filipino public.But it seems he has. So much so that he is vilified by the media at every opportunity. His actions are always placed within the perspective of his relationship with an unpopular president. Justifiable, though harsh.
So we set up this blog. Some of us have worked with him and have seen him make what we thought were good decisions. But some of us were also there when we thought he made wrong ones. But that is how a man is made -- by the choices he makes.As his friends, the best we can do is stand by him and try to help everyone else see things from a different light.
On the campaign trail, the mayor running for re-election walks up to a house of his campaign adviser and rings the doorbell. When a small boy opens the door, the mayor introduces himself, “Hello there, little boy! What’s your name?”
“Little Johnny,” replies the small boy.
“Well, Little Johnny, I’m Mayor Hoffman. I’m running for re-election. Can I speak to your father?”
“He’s in the shower right now,” answers Little Johnny with a giggle.
“Oh! Well, is your mother in the house too?” asks Mayor Hoffman.
“Yes, she is. But she’s in the shower with my daddy,” replies Little Johnny with a snicker.
“Oh I see,” says Mayor Hoffman who pauses a moment thinking of what to say next. Then he smiles and says, “Little Johnny, can you go see if they are through now? I would like to speak to either one of them. It’s important.”
“I don’t think so,” replies Little Johnny with a big laugh.
Surprised to see the boy laughing heartily, the perplexed mayor demands, “What’s so funny, son? Is there something wrong with your parents?”
“Well, when my daddy asked for the Vaseline while they’re in the shower, I handed him the Super Glue.”
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GK SAGIP will be having its annual GK SAGIP CONGRESS on August 29,2009 at the College of St Benilde Theatre from 1:00 - 8:00 pm. Registration fee is P50 per head.
We are inviting all GK SAGIP Volunteers and those who would want to be involved in the children's program.
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