News Blog by EJ Cuaresma
The GK1MB Concert Rally was the grand launch of the GK1MB program in Australia exactly three years ago. It was a cold, chilly night as more than 300 people filled Parramatta Town Hall last 21 June 2008 for what was to be the most anticipated GK event ever for advocates and volunteers. A lot has happened in the last 3 years and as we reflect on our achievements and involvement, we look forward to the road ahead as more exciting events and programs are here!
This month, as we celebrate the Philippines 113th Independence Day, we acknowledge the beautiful country and its wonderful people. Poverty not only in the Philippines but around the world is a huge problem to overcome however if the people unite and share their time and resources, the spirit of bayanihan will emerge and together, nothing is impossible.
When we first launched the GK1MB program in Australia, our 2008 outcry was “Be Counted!” followed by “Radical for GK in 2009” and “Experience the Power of One” in 2010. This year, GK1MB Australia’s slogan “Shine On” is quite appropriate as we venture into the transition phase of CFC ANCOP and Gawad Kalinga Ltd in Australia. Although two separate entities have now been formed, the challenge and projection to help the less fortunate continues and that is why it is important for all of us to shine on and extend our light to others.
As a GK1MB volunteer, the work is beyond nation building and patriotism. It is beyond empowerment and transformation. It is about committing to love and serve the poor with all your heart and live a life of integrity and help restore faith. It is about heroism and building relationships. The challenge to live out the bayanihan spirit and values and pass them on to family, friends and areas of influence becomes an important role in GK1MB.
GK1MB is a massive global campaign to raise volunteers. Here in Australia, we have achieved so much from our Empowerment Days, O-DAY, Assemblies, Christmas parties, fundraising and awareness events, GATs and other activities. On 1 July 2011, the program GK1MB will be transitioned to TEAM GK. Team GK is now the official volunteer program of Gawad Kalinga in the Philippines which is “carrying out its various programs for community infrastructure, productivity, child and youth development, community health, environment, and community empowerment”.
On behalf of the GK1MB Admin Committee, we would like to thank all the volunteers and advocates for fully embracing the GK1MB program in the last 3 years and we hope that you all had as much fun as we did in serving others and bringing glad tidings to the poor.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the GK1MB Admin Committee (the Ultimate Team) for all the hard work and dedication since its inception and for an awesome third and final season. A million thanks to our GK1MB Coordinators Danny and Zeny Mendoza, to Marcy Mission and Nathan Mari for the vision and guidance, to my Primers partners Tere and Anne, to our Database and Registration Team Jorge, Trish, Angeli and Jandl, to our GK Youth liaisons Alan and Jr, to our Web Guy Donnie, to our 24/7 Tech Support Chino, to our magnificent Graphics Designers Ayel and Jam, to our Merchandise Queen Ariane, to Ligare Printing, Starbucks Mt Druitt and to everyone who assisted in making the impossible possible, we can not thank you enough for all your support.
