Youth called to unite for MDGs

Dateline Philippines – Wednesday, 15 February 2012 (originally published 13 Feb)

Bam Aquino, co-founder and president of social business enterprise Microventures, Inc., shares his commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) during “UNITE for MDGs”, a free concert celebrating the power of the youth in helping achieve the MDGs by 2015. Aquino is also advocating for effective water governance. “Water is life. Access to clean and potable water should be available for all Filipino families. It helps address multiple issues, from health to allowing women and children to reach their potential,” Aquino said. Almost 1 in 5 (or 15.73 million) Filipinos still have no access to safe drinking water. Image: Dateline Philippines

“UNITE for MDGs” is a night of inspiring ideas and celebrating partnerships to strengthen the country’s commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. MDG advocates Iya Villania, Bam Aquino, Albay Governor Joey Salceda, and Iza Abeja will share messages of support on youth employment and migration, water governance, climate change adaptation, and food security and nutrition for children, respectively.

The two-hour concert features performances from Itchyworms, The Bloomfields, Brownman Revival, and Color It Red.

“The lack of anything that can and should be available for citizens, particularly for the youth, should be addressed especially when it leads to the option of leaving their own land and family. That shouldn’t have to be the case,” said Villania, who is helping raise awareness on youth employment and migration. “Many things are affected – family life, culture, values, and safety. The issue can be properly addressed if different sectors work hand-in-hand so that the Filipino youth will have hope in their own country no matter what career path they wish to take,” the popular TV personality said . . .

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