2 October 2013 - Gawad Kalinga (GK) founder Antonio “Tony” Meloto went on a GK road show in France from September 20 to 25.

In Paris, he was awarded as one of the 1000 pionniers qui changent le monde (“1,000 pioneers who are changing the world”). Presented by Marc-Olivier Fogiel, a well-known television and radio personality in France, Tony Meloto was feted as one of the top 10 pioneers for a more humane world through his work in GK which aims to end poverty for five million Filipino families by 2024.

After receiving his award in Paris, Tony Meloto proceeded to the city of Le Havre on the west coast of France where he was one of 19 special speakers, which include Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz and “The Third Industrial Revolution” visionary Jeremy Rifkin, in the LH (Le Havre) Forum, an international summit on the “positive economy.”

A 26-minute documentary on GK produced by French media outfit Shamengo was premiered during the forum. After the screening of the documentary, which received a standing ovation, Tony Meloto shared his affection for France, which sends the most number of volunteers to the Philippines every year, most of whom are students enrolled in the best French business schools.

During his road show in France, Tony Meloto gave conferences in the HEC Business School and ESCP, ranked number 1 and 10 in France and number 2 and 10 in Europe, respectively, in the Financial Times European Business School 2012 survey.

Tony Meloto is already reaping the fruits of his labor. A French delegation composed of businessmen, social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and students to GK’s Social Business Summit opening today in the Enchanted Farm.

Tony Meloto’s French road show was organized by GK volunteers in France with the support of the Philippine Embassy in Paris. END