29 C
Philippines
Thursday, October 10, 2024

12:50 PM

29 C
Philippines
Thursday, October 10, 2024

12:50 PM

PCOO Secretary Andanar lauds youths’ MAD campaign for COVID-19

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)–Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Martin Andanar has lauded youth leader Van Jorain Rufin for initiating the ‘Kapit-Mindanao-Making A Difference (MAD)’ campaign to help those who are severely affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In an interview with the Secretary during the ‘Laging Handa Network Briefing’ aired live over Radyo Pilipinas, Rufin, the Youth for Peace Movement (YPM) leader of Davao Oriental said their group has launched the ‘Kapit-Mindanao’ project aimed at raising one million pesos through the “I Am M.A.D (Making A Difference)” advocacy.  

The organization uses social media to promote their events, invite volunteers, and fund their activities.

“We wanted to convey the value of generosity and the good thing in giving in order to ease someone’s pains. With the ‘Bayanihan’ spirit guiding us through our drive to help, we have raised over P200,000 in cash donations in just three weeks of the social media campaign,” Rufin said.

In the same interview, he reported that some 11 youth organizations already received aid from the YPM in the form of food packs and other relief goods.

“We acknowledge that as students or youths, our parents considered us as dependents, but in our own little ways, we must help some COVID-affected families, especially those who lost their livelihood and jobs due to the imposed enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Besides, the little amount we share with our fellows could neither make us poor nor rich,” he added.

He explained that the Youth for Peace Movement is the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ partner in its efforts to end the NPA’s youth recruitment. However, with President Rodrigo Duterte’s “We Heal as One” Act, the youth should also do their part in combating the coronavirus by helping those who are in desperate need, the young leader said. 

The YPM’s Kapit-Mindanao project organizers are now mobilizing its members to accept donations through its Facebook MAD Campaign.  

Acknowledging the youth sector’s role in nation-building, Andanar expressed hope that such activities will increase young people’s participation in their respective communities because everybody’s involvement is important.

“This youth organization can help inspire more young people to have a natural passion, enthusiasm, and desire to make the country a better place,” the PCOO Secretary said. (RLRB/PIA10)