"How can you resist that?"

These words echoed in Jinkee’s heart after hearing story after story of hope at the GK USA Conference in Houston in 2023. One story in particular—the journey of Jaypee Jose , a former SEED scholar turned SEED Davao Campus Director—moved her to tears. In that moment, she knew: there was no turning away.

What she found there was more than a movement—it was a homecoming. She met Gawad Kalinga leaders from the Philippines like Luis Oquiñena, Dan Bercasio, and Mark Cruz, and was moved not only by what they said but by how deeply they believed it. “I listened to the hope stories and asked myself, how can you resist that?” she said.

From that moment, Jinkee committed to becoming what she calls a “rebel for the poor.” Her first act was gathering her friends from Ateneo de Manila University for a Zoom call to explore ways to help. She was anxious—unsure if anyone would come. But her uncle reminded her: “Kahit isa lang ang umattend, ang importante malaki ang puso.” Even one person, if moved by love, can make a difference. That meeting led to a series of feeding programs, KNK in GK Village Arkong Bato,  Mati in Davao Oriental, and Bagong Silang in Caloocan .

She also mobilized her other non-profit organization where she sits as the President, Ilocanos Ditoy Washington State, who organized separate feeding programs for GK communities in Irisan ,Baguio and Candon, Ilocos Sur. 

Jinkee also helped organize the Ilocanos Ditoy Washington State Fall Gala 2024 that raised $2,000 for GK USA. Beyond the event, she introduced friends and contacts to GK USA’s recurring monthly giving campaign. Several of them became monthly donors supporting the READ Program (formerly ARAL) in Dalaguete, Cebu, a community-based reading initiative that helps children gain foundational skills for learning.

Throughout this journey, Jinkee is grateful that her family especially her husband, Jun, has supported her every step of the way. His encouragement and quiet strength have been a source of grounding.

When asked what fuels her hope for the Philippines, Jinkee’s response is clear:
“I want people to partner, help end poverty and find joy in service—because the poor need to be empowered to get themselves out of poverty. We need to create awareness among those who are in the position to help. If you have time, talent, or treasure—even just one of the three—not doing anything should not really be an option.

But more than that, she believes that the true prerequisite is the heart. Before time, talent, or treasure—what really matters is your willingness to care. It's not about how much you have to give, but about having the heart to want to do something in the first place. “Let’s be rebels for the poor,” she also says. “You go against the grain, you go against what’s easy—because the poor are worth fighting for.” In a world that often prioritizes comfort, convenience, or self-interest, choosing to stand with the poor can feel radical. She’s challenging us to break away from what’s common - to care deeply when it's easier not to. If the world has normalized poverty, then let's be the ones who refuse to accept it. Let’s push back, not with anger—but with fierce love, consistent presence, and relentless hope.

Join Jinkee in this mission. Volunteer with GK USA.
Whether you're in Seattle or somewhere else in the U.S., you can be part of Gawad Kalinga’s work to end poverty in the Philippines, email us at contact@gk-usa.org. For those in Seattle, you may reach out to Jinkee at jinkee@gk-usa.org to learn how you can take the first step—right where you are.