Inspirational Speaker's Profile: Antonio “Tony” Meloto

Antonio “Tony” Meloto was born to humble circumstances on January 17, 1950, in a simple family whose parents were public school teachers in Bacolod. He studied in Rizal Elementary School and Negros Occidental High School for primary and secondary education. He finished his high school as an American Field Scholar in De Anza High School in Richmond California. He continued his college education with a full scholarship in the Ateneo de Manila University finishing Bachelor’s in Economics.

He was the Purchasing Manager at Proctor & Gamble from 1971-1978. And built his name as an entrepreneur from 1979-1987. In 1987, he decided to be a full time Missionary to help spread Couples for Christ in over a hundred countries around the world. After, he built the biggest youth movement in the Philippines namely: Youth for Christ and Singles for Christ.

To augment CFC, YFC and SFC with a service arm, he formed the largest NGO in the Philippines known as Gawad Kalinga, a “give care” Philippines-based movement that was global in proportion and aims to end poverty by first restoring the dignity of the poor.

In 2018, at 68, Tony Meloto retired and developed Paraiso Village Farm also known as the healing Farm. During the Taal Eruption and the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020, he formed the Seniors Faith Club whose aim is to ease the hunger and loneliness of the elderlies with a day of fun and purposeful activities.

Tony Meloto, fondly called Tito Tony by many, received several local and international awards for social entrepreneurship and community service. He received the following:

Local Awards

Ozanam Awards from Ateneo de Manila University in 2003

Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006

Haydee Yorac Award in October 2006

Filipino of the Year from Philippine Daily Inquirer in 2007

People of the Year from Philippine Star in 2007

International Awards

Ernst & Young Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2010

Schwab Foundation in Davos, Switzerland for Social Entrepreneurship in 2010

Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth in 2011

World Entrepreneurship Forum in Lyon, France in 2012

Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2012

At the end of the day, he goes home to his wife, Amalia Dizon-Meloto, his 5 children and their families where he has 12 grandchildren. Passing the legacy of entrepreneurship and community service, his daughter Ana and husband Dylan Wilk and Camille Rodriguez founded Human Nature