Ramon Magsaysay awardee Antonio Meloto, now known as the Father of the Gawad Kalinga phenomenon, will be the guest of honor and speaker at the 25th or Silver anniversary of the Visayan DAILY STAR today.

Meloto will join Msgr. John Liu and Msgr. Guillermo "GG" Gaston at the groundbreaking rites for the new STAR Building to be erected beside its present one at Araneta Street in Bacolod City.

The Bacolod-born scholar who, as a member of the Couples for Christ, became known for his achievement in increasing its membership, which, in turn, led to the concept of the Gawad Kalinga, a program designed to provide housing for the country's poor and homeless. Through his campaigns all over the country where he was joined by several people he had infected with his zeal, thousands now enjoy living in closely-knit communities, and in houses they can call their own.

Formerly executive director of GK, he has now relinquished that position to devote his time to looking for more sponsors for the GK, a task he has been extraordinarily successful at.

Bacoleños and Negrenses are not only proud of this native son, but also grateful to him for focusing more efforts on GK projects in the province and city.

Both Gov. Joseph Marañon and Mayor Evelio Leonardia have expressed their appreciation and have pledged support for the GK communities being set up in the towns and cities here.

Gawad Kalinga, began about 12 years ago, has built close to a thousand housing developments by now, and housed more than 100,000 families. The houses are built with only "sweat equity" from the owners-to-be and sponsors, and are given free to prospective owners.

It is supported by donations, largely from overseas Filipinos whose eyes have been opened to the main problems of their countrymen - poverty and shelter.

Aside from the prestigious Magsaysay Award, Meloto is also the recipient of the Haydee Yorac Award, named after another outstanding Negrense.*NRL

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