A visual artist, beauty queen-athlete-actress and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation officer were recently chosen as the National Youth Commission’s (NYC) Youth Peace Ambassadors.
Award-winning artist Worth Lodriga, showbiz celebrity Michelle Gumabao and SK Federation Vice President Fran Liam Arabia were chosen as ambassadors because they are role models for the youth.
Gumabao and Arabia were named youth ambassadors to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ECLAC) campaign, which aims to fight communist rebels in the country and promote peace building, especially in areas infested by insurgents. It also aims to thwart deceptive recruitment of the youth by communist front organizations.
Gumabao, Lodriga and Arabia got plaques of recognition from NYC chairperson, Undersecretary Ryan Enriquez in a ceremony held at the Semicon Corporate Building recently.
Lodriga, known as the “Young Picasso of the Philippines,” said children like him can make a difference and inspire others.
Gumabao founded the Your 200 Pesos campaign that provided relief goods to victims of typhoon Ulysses. She also helped the Hunger No More Foundation and the Virlanie Foundation.
Arabia organized various Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) events. He has seen former young rebels return to the fold of the government. He observed that the youth needs a sense of belonging so they can devote themselves to a good cause.
Melanio Santella, NYC Youth Development Division Chief was also present in the ceremony.
The NYC is a government office tasked to develop and implement programs for the Filipino youth. It supervises the SK chapters nationwide.