Barbie Forteza and David Licauco are the new ambassadors of Save the Children Philippines

Barbie Forteza and David Licauco are the newest ambassadors of Save the Children Philippines!

During the partnership signing of GMA Network with Save the Children Philippines, the Kapuso Primetime Princess expressed her honor and gratitude for being chosen as an ambassador of the non-profit organization.

“Gagamitin ko po ang aking profession [as an] actress, at ang aking platform to influence our children to know their rights kahit at an early age. At syempre, pagbutihin ang kanilang pag-aaral nang sa ganon ay sila magiging mabubuting leaders in the future,” she said.

Meanwhile, David is the first male Filipino ambassador of Save the Children Philippines.

“First of all, I want to say thank you to Save the Children Philippines for choosing me alongside with my loveteam, Barbie Forteza. Thank you rin sa GMA dahil sa pagkuha nila sa akin and now, ambassador na ako ng Save the Children Philippines," said David.

"I think it’s time for us to use our platforms to good use. Our goal is to set a good example for the youth, to inspire, and empower the children to keep chasing their dreams,” he added.

Photo: Nika Roque/GMA Integrated News

Present at the partnership signing at the GMA Network Boardroom were executives from GMA Network and Save the Children Philippines.

They are: Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President and CEO of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; Save the Children Philippines CEO Atty. Alberto T. Muyot; First Vice President and Head of Sparkle GMA Artist Center Joy C. Marcelo; Save the Children Philippines Board of Trustees Chairperson Alicia Dela Rosa-Bala; Vice President and Head Corporate Affairs and Communications GMA Network Inc. Angela Javier Cruz; and Save the Children Philippines Director for Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications, and Media George Oliver De La Rama.

Barbie and David were also given a red fulfillment band from Save the Children, which symbolizes their shared vision to protect, safeguard, and uphold the rights of all children.

In Gozon-Valdes's opening remarks during the partnership signing, she shared that GMA Network has championed child-friendly entertainment since its beginning, “crafting content that respects and nurtures the child's mind.”

But given today’s harsh realities and the fact that children are the most vulnerable in global issues such as war and climate change, the work to protect them is far from over.

“This is where the role of our newest ambassadors come in,” Gozon-Valdes said.

She highlighted Adelina and Hiroshi, the characters of Barbie and David in the hit Kapuso series “Pulang Araw,” who are youths dealing with the psychological and emotional impact of war.

“‘Pulang Araw’ uses the evocative color red, echoing the iconic hue of Save the Children, symbolizing our auspicious synergy. Let today and the days to come be a ‘Pulang Araw,’ a day of fiery red love, and bravery for the children,” she said.

“Barbie and David, despite your demanding schedules, you've dedicated yourselves wholeheartedly to this cause. Thank you for that commitment. Your roles extend now beyond performance. You are advocates for a cause."

In a message to Save the Children, Gozon-Valdes said, “Consider us your ally and partner on your continuing journey to make the world a better place for our children.”

Muyot, on the other hand, said that the partnership with GMA Network “is a powerful testament to the positive impact that collaboration between the private sector and civil society can have on advancing children's rights and healthcare.”

“At Save the Children Philippines, our mission is to ignite breakthroughs in how the world treats children and to affect immediate and lasting change in their lives,” he said.

Muyot added that the media is not merely a channel for information, but a powerful force that shapes societal values and large public discourse. The partnership between GMA Network and Save the Children Philippines will harness storytelling to highlight children’s voices and the critical issues affecting their lives.

"Children are not mere subjects of stories, they are the architects of their own futures. This partnership emphasizes that their voices and perspectives are essential in addressing the issues that directly impact their lives. By involving children in discussions about their rights, their needs, and views, we ensure their insights bring meaningful and lasting change," he said.

Save the Children Philippines is also grateful to have Barbie and David as new ambassadors, with Muyot adding, “Their influence and dedication will be instrumental in raising awareness about child rights issues and inspiring action.”

Save the Children is regarded as the world’s leading independent children’s organization. The NGO has been operating in the Philippines since 1981 and is committed to positively changing the lives of Filipino children. Its different programs focus on delivering humanitarian response, advancing children's health and nutrition, giving greater access to education, and securing children's rights and protection from abuse and violence.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News