Anne Curtis and Daphne Osena-Paez Named UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassadors!

Over the years, both Anne Curtis and Daphne Oseña-Paez have dedicated time and energy into the causes they support in partnership with UNICEF. Aside from raising funds for different programs and advocacies, they joined volunteers in the field and met moms, malnourished children, and people from marginalized communities that have no access to basic needs and health services. Their time and commitment advocating for children’s rights have led to their recent appointment as UNICEF's National Goodwill Ambassadors.

“We welcome Daphne and Anne into the UNICEF family as new UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassadors because of their strong dedication and drive for results for children throughout all these years,” says UNICEF Philippines representative Lotta Sylwander. “UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors are well-known personalities who are willing to do their utmost to mobilize support for children. They are volunteers who demonstrate a high level of commitment to children and to the organization.”

A fellow mom who advocates for breastfeeding, maternal health, and child protection

TV host, producer, entrepreneur, and mom of three daughters, Daphne has been a UNICEF advocate since 2010. “Being a mother to three daughters, I strongly identify with UNICEF’s values and vision for children’s growth, development, protection, and participation. For me, being part of the UNICEF family means a chance to make a difference in the lives of many children that have given me a voice that can be heard beyond my sphere of work online and on TV,” she shares.

Daphne plans to continue her flagship project, "Auction for Action," an art auction that brings together top Filipino artists to raise funds for her advocacies.

When asked about the role of social media in spreading information about vaccines and measles, Daphne says, “I think we have to disseminate the truth. And the truth is measles vaccines have been working for the past 40 years. I know there’s been a rise in doubt about vaccines because of misinformation globally. I can honestly say it’s a fact that vaccines work and UNICEF believes that as well.

“I really think that as a mother, as a parent, you have to make informed decisions. Know the truth, know the information and make informed choices because this severely impacts the life of a child. We have deaths now because of measles,” she explains.

 

An advocate who bridges the gap between millennials and UNICEF

Actress, TV personality, and entrepreneur Anne Curtis has been a major donor to UNICEF since 2009 before being appointed as a celebrity advocate in 2014. According to Sylwander, Anne brings UNICEF and its different advocacies closer to a younger audience because of her platform. If you’ve been following Anne on social media, you’ll see some of her posts dedicated to the causes and programs she supports including "Heroes for Children," the London marathon that helps raise funds for UNICEF’s programs.

“I've always just had the heart to want to help those who don’t have a voice or those who may be too young to use their own. Back then, I didn’t know how or where to start. All I knew was that I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives.”

Just recently, the actress has been vocal about her take on lowering the age of criminal liability in the Philippines.

“In my discussions with UNICEF, I’ve learned that if the current laws are to be fully implemented there would be no real need to lower the age. There’s still so much that should be done. Instead of focusing on short-term results, we need to approach these matters from many different angles to progressively solve problems,” she says in her speech.

Anne adds, “And I hope and I pray that we can all do our part in ensuring our country is not only a safe place, but it will also foster a culture where we recognize these children as the bright future that we all need. So I hope we can all work together so that the smiles on these beautiful children’s faces reflect the hopes that they carry in their hearts.”