Headed by KASAMA (Kabataang Sama-samang Maglilingkod) President Gerald Ortiz with ULAP (Union of Local authority of the Philippines) President and Quirino Governor Dakila “Dax” Cua, KASAMA National Adviser Nellie King and Sen. Imee Marcos, the Philippine Youth Commission appointed Star Magic artist Gerald Anderson as ambassador in a ceremony held on Dec. 8 at the Grand Ballroom of Venus Hotel in Baguio City.
“I’m very honored, very proud and I’m very excited kasi merong panibagong platform para makatulong sa ibang tao,” Gerald said.
During his speech to almost nine hundred Sangguniang Kabataan leaders all over the Philippines, Gerald talked about the important role of a celebrity after he experienced the Ondoy calamity in 2009.
“Hindi po ako nag-dalawang isip, lumusong sa tubig syempre bata at adventurous para tanungin ko mga kapit-bahay ko if they needed help. It so happened that someone was able to take some photos of myself and have them posted on social media. When it went viral, ‘dun ko po nakita ‘yung influence ng isang artista para tumulong sa kapwa. Since then, I told myself that I will do my best, basta nasa position ako at kaya ko, para makatulong sa iba.” Gerald shared.
The actor gave credit to his mom, Mommy Vangie, whom he admires in helping others. “Gagawa talaga siya ng paraan para makatulong sa iba,”
When asked about his plans for the youth, “Unang-una makapag bigay ng inspiration at ipakita kung gaano ka-importante tumulong sa iba basta kaya natin. Kailangan ‘yung ibang tao, kung ano kaya nating ibigay, ibigay natin sa iba at marami tayong matutunan sa pagtulong sa iba. May plano kami about education, syempre sports na mas malapit sa puso ko.”
It can be recalled that Dingdong Dantes was the last PSY ambassador in 2004 after Rico Yan.