Adults can vote and choose their leaders, but what about the underage youth who can’t?
Sanitary pad brand Modess recently gave young girls an avenue for their concerns through the “Your Voice, Your Move” campaign. The project collected these girls’ thoughts, which were posted online, and neatly compiled them in a book that was given to Philippine senators.
The hardbound book, “Girl Talk: A Collection of Filipina Teen’s Voices on Issues that Matter,” was recently launched at the Mind Museum in Taguig.
According to Modess assistant brand manager Nikka Arcilla, the brand came up with the idea to recognize the power and potential of young girls and the impact they can make. There are around eight million teenage girls in the Philippines, and since these girls cannot vote yet, Modess gave them the means to be heard.
“Young girls are often underestimated, but they care about what’s going on in their country,” Arcilla said.
The girls were asked earlier this year to post their “shout-outs” or messages to senators on the website www.makeyourmove.com.ph. There were around 1,000 entries, and the best quotes were chosen and included in the colorful, easy-to-read book with illustrations.
The books are not for sale, but a copy may be requested through the Modess Facebook page www.facebook.com/modessangelsofficial.
Shout-outs
The teeners posted messages concerning good leadership, corruption, education, poverty, environment, employment, youth issues, health.
Kristine Faith said, “Just don’t make the people disappointed, okay? Deal.” Petrina said, “Push for quality education, especially in public schools.”
Abby called on the senators to “provide shelters for the less fortunate, especially those children scattered on the streets. Hope you’ll notice them.”
Melrose asked for “lots of jobs that fit the course of the graduates,” while Mae wanted “a law against cyberbullying.” Aiel requested for “free medicines for senior citizens.”
Teen stars Bea Binene, Louise de los Reyes and Barbie Forteza were present at the book launch. They also had their own shout-outs.
De los Reyes called on the senators to “stop the drama and act on things that matter.” Forteza asked them to prioritize their countrymen’s interest and not their own. Binene, meanwhile, asked them to “look at the problem as a whole, and not just stick to one issue.”
Other speakers in the launch who shared their thoughts were Anna Oposa, co-founder of the Save Philippine Seas organization; Paulina Miranda, a student leader from the University of the Philippines; Rachel Racelis, a faculty member at the University of Makati; and Eligh Yu, founder of the Leaders International Christian School.
Arcilla added that now the messages were expressed, the team will monitor the senators’ responses to the girls’ questions and concerns.
