Gelli de Belen —ALLAN POLICARPIO
Whereas internet hosting a public service program has helped open Gelli de Belen’s eyes to the various challenges native communities across the nation face, by no means did the concept of getting into politics cross her thoughts.
The truth is, the mere considered it doesn’t really feel proper to her.
“I’ve no proper to even think about that. I’m not certified to do this and I can’t faux that I’ll ever be. It wouldn’t be honest to our countrymen,” Gelli informed reporters at a media convention for the second season of “Si Manoy ang Ninong Ko,” which airs Sundays, 7 a.m., on GMA 7.
For Gelli, being a politician or a public servant is a 24/7 calling that compels one to place obligation above all the pieces else. And he or she merely doesn’t have that in her, she stated.
“If you work as a authorities official, it’s a must to do it selflessly. You need to make the nation, the folks your high precedence…You don’t have time for your self. You’ll be able to’t say, ‘Dito muna ako’ or, ‘Pamilya muna,’” she stated. “It’s a dedication I don’t assume I can fulfill. Whereas I really like my nation, I don’t deserve any place.”
“Hindi ikagaganda ng komunidad ang pagtakbo ko!” Gelli quipped, laughing. “Hanggang [pagbibigay ng] opinyon lang ako. ’Di keri ng powers ko!”
Apart from, there are different methods she could possibly be of assist to her fellowmen, Gelli identified. Internet hosting “Si Manoy,” as an illustration, uncovered Gelli not solely to problems with nationwide significance, but additionally to native considerations and realities folks take care of of their communities.
Among the many tales that stood out to her throughout her journeys across the nation had been these of feminine farmers in provinces, weavers in Mindanao and kids in far-flung cities traversing harmful terrains simply to go to highschool. “I’ve seen feminine farmers preventing for his or her livelihood. However they’re struggling as a result of younger folks don’t need to farm. We have now a whole lot of weavers in Mindanao who produce textiles that may be thought-about artwork…one thing to be pleased with. However they’re not correctly promoted. Their merchandise aren’t simply accessible. Why?” she stated. “Then there are kids who stroll two to a few hours on daily basis simply to attend courses. It’s a primary proper. Why have they got to danger their security simply to go to highschool? They go away their properties at daybreak and arrive at college hungry after strolling lengthy distances,” she recalled.
As an actress and celeb, Gelli hopes to make use of no matter platform she has to boost consciousness about this stuff. “I hope I can convey consciousness to the issues now we have. Doing the present, you uncover and understand that there are nonetheless locations with no entry to water and correct roads,” she informed the Inquirer. “Even when I can draw only one, 5 folks, that’s good. Child steps.”
‘Communities as a complete’
The second season, based on cohost Agri celebration record Rep. Wilbert Lee, will proceed to characteristic inspiring tales of resilience from totally different areas. Becoming a member of the principle hosts are particular friends, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Luigi Gomez and Kapuso actress Andrea Torres, who will supply their private views on totally different social points.
“This season, there will likely be much less discuss and extra visuals and motion. We’ll characteristic tales that focus not simply on people, however the communities as a complete. By that includes them, I hope we will encourage viewers to additionally assist in their very own methods,” Lee stated, including that one of many issues that prompted the present’s second season was the will to assist folks understand that they will demand the service they deserve.
“I at all times say that individuals ought to demand higher. The federal government has funds they usually have for use correctly,” Lee identified.
“Folks really feel joyful after they obtain ayuda. Pero ‘yun na ‘yun. OK na tayo dun. We deserve higher. If we don’t ask for it and demand for it, we gained’t get it,” Gelli added.
If there’s a typical thread among the many present’s upcoming tales, it’s the spirit of bayanihan and the significance of empathy. “Let’s restore empathy for one another. Many people reside fast-paced lives.
Individuals are at all times speeding, a lot so that you simply now not see the folks round you or what’s occurring round you. However we don’t reside in isolation. Our actions have penalties to others. We’re all linked,” Lee stated.
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“We need to spotlight bayanihan. Hindi uubra na kanya-kanya lang lagi. You need to look past the partitions of your own home. Dapat meron tayong malasakit sa kapwa,” Gelli stated.
