What happens when you bring a group of young dynamic and driven youth leaders together? No doubt, an inspiring energy is created in the air. At the World Economic Forum held in Davos last January, three Philippine representatives—Lynn Pinugu, Anna Oposa and Pie Alvarez—had the honor of bridging our country with the rest of the world in a collaborative and enriching event.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) aims to hold discussions on global issues and how to solve them. By inviting a diverse roster of “global shapers” to come together, the event creates a supportive environment for a dialogue of understanding among people.
Since the event itself, Lynn, Anna and Pie have been an inspiring force, creating their own projects to further development in the Philippines. One of them is partnering Global Shapers Community (consisting of 11 youth leaders in Manila) with Library Renewal Partnership Program (LRP) and other institutions and governments to build 200 libraries in the Philippines. Last May 31, they opened the very first pediatric library at Philippine Heart Center.
2bU talks to these three power women about their trip to Davos, their plans, and what we can do to help. For anyone looking to make a difference in their community, take some tips from these role models.
Lynn Pinugu
Age: 26
Organization: Mano Amiga Academy
Tell us about yourself and your cause…
My personal mission is to make quality education accessible to all, no matter their socioeconomic background. As a step toward this vision, I co-founded Mano Amiga Academy, a school that seeks to provide high-quality education to underprivileged children.
What new breakthrough ideas and lessons did you pick up during the trip?
You won’t be able to fully understand and resolve a problem if you only look at one side of the equation, so you need the perspective of others, especially those who might not share your views. For an effective dialogue to take place, it requires a great deal of humility and open-mindedness from everyone involved. The realization that one cannot have all the answers is crucial for a person to be able to genuinely listen and collaborate with other people.
What tips can you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Open your eyes to the challenges in your surroundings and make a conscious effort to be part of the solution instead of contributing to the problem.
Anna Oposa
Age: 24
Organization: Save Philippine Seas
Tell us about yourself and your cause.
I’m co-founder of Save Philippine Seas, a movement to protect the world’s richest marine life by harnessing the power of social media and lobbying for the strict enforcement of environmental laws.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in your line of work?
There have been many obstacles: lack of funds, lack of support from people who are influential, lack of initiative from the general public. When I am asked what the most alarming environmental issue is, I say, “Apathy.” The world will heal on its own, the way it has after it survived a meteor crash and the ice age. It’s the people that need changing, not so much the climate. Our minds, our attitudes and our practices need to improve if we want the environment to.
What tips can you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Age is not an excuse to be complacent and lazy. Every excuse is a choice to fail. It’s not about being the smartest or most talented, but having the courage to do something. The greatest change-makers I know are also the biggest troublemakers I know.
Pie Alvarez
Age: 24
Organization: Local government unit – San Vicente, Palawan
Tell us about yourself and your cause.
I am the municipal mayor of San Vicente, Palawan. It is my role and responsibility to serve the residents of San Vicente and provide them with quality basic needs and services.
What new breakthrough ideas and lessons did you pick up during the trip?
Technology was a big part of Davos this year. Being mayor of a remote island town makes me want to use technology to connect people together, as well as collaborating on ideas to solve problems. At the same time I need to protect the residents of San Vicente from threats that might arise from the advent of technology, i.e. mass text-messaging which threaten the locals with false disastrous occurrences.
Some people might criticize the event as being “all talk and no action.” What steps did you immediately take upon return to your home country?
I don’t think that is true at all. You need to have dialogue and an exchange of ideas first before initiating any project or program. I wanted to bring that concept back to San Vicente and I conceptualized with Anna, Lynn and the other Manila Shapers a learning center-community library that will act as an after-school facility for students, training and workshop space for unemployed residents and heritage center that will promote culture and the arts.
What tips can you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t be afraid to be different and challenge the norm. Start small and do it right every step of the way versus overdoing it. Know yourself first before trying to help others. Be open to learning and asking for help and, lastly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
