Gelli de Belen —ALLAN POLICARPIO
Whereas internet hosting a public service program has helped open Gelli de Belen’s eyes to the numerous 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 contemplate that. I’m not certified to do this and I can’t faux that I’ll ever be. It wouldn’t be truthful 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 every little thing else. And he or she merely doesn’t have that in her, she stated.
“Whenever you work as a authorities official, you need to do it selflessly. You need to make the nation, the individuals your prime 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!”
In addition to, there are different methods she may very well be of assist to her fellowmen, Gelli identified. Internet hosting “Si Manoy,” for example, uncovered Gelli not solely to problems with nationwide significance, but in addition to native considerations and realities individuals 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 youngsters 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 individuals don’t wish to farm. We now have a variety of weavers in Mindanao who produce textiles that may be thought of 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 3 hours each day simply to attend lessons. It’s a primary proper. Why have they got to danger their security simply to go to highschool? They go away their houses at daybreak and arrive in school 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 carry consciousness to the issues we now 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 individuals, that’s good. Child steps.”
‘Communities as a complete’
The second season, in line with cohost Agri get together checklist Rep. Wilbert Lee, will proceed to characteristic inspiring tales of resilience from totally different areas. Becoming a member of the principle hosts are particular visitors, 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 shall be much less speak 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 need to assist individuals understand that they’ll 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.
“Individuals really feel glad 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 received’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 dwell fast-paced lives.
Persons are at all times dashing, a lot so that you just now not see the individuals round you or what’s occurring round you. However we don’t dwell in isolation. Our actions have penalties to others. We’re all related,” Lee stated.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please strive once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
“We wish to spotlight bayanihan. Hindi uubra na kanya-kanya lang lagi. You need to look past the partitions of your house. Dapat meron tayong malasakit sa kapwa,” Gelli stated.
