Aya Fernandez holds a stuffed ‘Guyito’ in her visit to the Inquirer office./ARMIN P. ADINA

MAKATI CITY, Philippines—TV host Aya Fernandez said technology should be seen as an empowering tool for the youth, instead of societal ill, in a virtual press conference on June 17 launching her as the newest ambassador of a global tech brand in the Philippines.

“It’s about time we end the concept of demonizing technology,” Fernandez said, when the Inquirer asked how the youth should take advantage of modern technology.

“We should stop telling the youth, ‘kaka-computer, kaka-social media.’ It’s not how much you use it, but how you use technology,” continued the TV personality at the conference hosted by Lenovo Philippines.

Fernandez, who graduated with honors at the University of the Philippines Diliman, with a broadcast communication degree, also quoted Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto’s speech, and said today’s youth are “digital natives” having been born in an era where advanced technology has been thriving.

Aya Fernandez was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International during the national pageant’s 50th-anniversary edition in 2018./ARMIN P. ADINA

“Whenever we use technology, it’s more intentional, we don’t just use it only when we’re bored,” she explained.

“You have access to data and information. Verifying facts and spreading useful information, do it in the service of other people,” Fernandez addressed her fellow Gen Z citizens.

“You do not have to be a public servant. In anything that you do, be excellent in doing it,” she continued.

The host said technology has helped her multitask, and to accomplish the things she set out to do, including managing her own social enterprise, Project Lily, which was established about five years ago.

“My laptop has helped me check on our inventory, and to review our contracts with our partners, at the same time researching for our show and following current events,” Fernandez shared.

Her social enterprise employs persons with disabilities (PWDs) for sustainable products using water hyacinths and other organic materials. At the same time, Fernandez also appears on TV and is currently doing the weekly online talk show “Speak Out PH.”

And with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing people to stay at home, modern technology has helped her with her TV work, Fernandez said.

The TV host said she hopes to use her new platform to empower more people, “that they can be productive despite all the things that we are facing. That after a setback, they can stand up once again.”