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 thought of coming into politics cross her thoughts.
Actually, the mere considered it doesn’t really feel proper to her.
“I’ve no proper to even take into account that. I’m not certified to try this and I can’t faux that I’ll ever be. It wouldn’t be honest to our countrymen,” Gelli instructed 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 responsibility above all the things 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 must make the nation, the folks your high precedence…You don’t have time for your self. You may’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!”
Moreover, there are different methods she may very well be of assist to her fellowmen, Gelli identified. Internet hosting “Si Manoy,” as an example, uncovered Gelli not solely to problems with nationwide significance, but in addition to native issues and realities folks take care of of their communities.
Among the many tales that stood out to her throughout her journeys across the nation have 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 combating for his or her livelihood. However they’re struggling as a result of younger folks don’t wish to farm. We now have 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 daily simply to attend courses. It’s a primary proper. Why have they got to danger their security simply to go to highschool? They depart their properties at daybreak and arrive in school hungry after strolling lengthy distances,” she recalled.
As an actress and movie star, Gelli hopes to make use of no matter platform she has to boost consciousness about this stuff. “I hope I can deliver consciousness to the issues we’ve got. Doing the present, you uncover and understand that there are nonetheless locations with no entry to water and correct roads,” she instructed the Inquirer. “Even when I can draw only one, 5 folks, that’s good. Child steps.”
‘Communities as a complete’
The second season, in keeping with cohost Agri get together checklist Rep. Wilbert Lee, will proceed to characteristic inspiring tales of resilience from completely different areas. Becoming a member of the primary hosts are particular friends, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Luigi Gomez and Kapuso actress Andrea Torres, who will supply their private views on completely different social points.
“This season, there will likely be much less speak and extra visuals and motion. We are going to 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 and so they have for use correctly,” Lee identified.
“Folks really feel comfortable once 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 standard 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 stay fast-paced lives.
Individuals are at all times speeding, a lot so that you just now not see the folks round you or what’s occurring round you. However we don’t stay in isolation. Our actions have penalties to others. We’re all related,” Lee stated.
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“We wish to spotlight bayanihan. Hindi uubra na kanya-kanya lang lagi. You must look past the partitions of your own home. Dapat meron tayong malasakit sa kapwa,” Gelli stated.
