EASTERN Samar is one of the eight poorest provinces in the Philippines along with Masbate, Isabela, Occidental Mindoro, Southern Leyte, Cebu’s Camotes Islands and Western Samar.
For 50 years, Plan International, an NGO, has focused their efforts on these areas. “It’s time we tapped someone to represent what the program is really about,” said Mag Hatol, secretary general of Anak TV, Plan’s partner organization. The choice: TV host Boy Abunda, who is from Eastern Samar.
Boy is thus the newest ambassador for Plan’s Batang Listo and Batang Bida programs. “I plan to make noise [about these undertakings]. I like the idea that when one does good, people should know about it,” he told media men at his launch. “What Plan does, I will voice out … to engage the country in public discussions against sheer ignorance of children’s rights.”
<strong>Warrior mode</strong>
He grew up in a remote barrio in Borongan and so, Boy said, “I know the psyche of a Waray child.” He recounted sitting in a classroom with Grade 1 and Grade 2 pupils. He walked almost 12 kilometers to school every day, he said, and sold string beans with his grandmother around town for his baon the next day. It was normal for schoolchildren to miss class because they were needed to help in the farm.
“These stories are part of who I am and I not ashamed of the face,” he said, adding that in Samar, a mother would buy size-6 shoes for a size 4-child so they would be used longer.
Michael Diamond, Plan country director, said Boy’s commitment more than qualifies him for the job.
Boy himself said he is inspired by Kenya’s fierce Masai warriors, who have one question in mind when fighting: “Is this for our children?”
Given what he has achieved, he said, much is required of him. But he came to totally accept the calling only when he watched “Tagpo,” an indie film directed by Rahyan Carlos. In a scene, Boy recalled, a kid was asked who he wanted to be like when he grew up. His answer: “Boy Abunda.” Through Plan, Boy said, “I want to solidify, galvanize that voice, that influence.”
<strong>Culture envoy</strong>
Boy also serves as ambassador for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the United Nations Population Fund for HIV/AIDS awareness. He is also a senior adviser of the Ang Ladlad party-list advanced by the lesbian/gay, bisexual/transsexual movement.
“I don’t enter into commitments I do not understand,” he said. “Everything you do is connected. Culture and gender rights are never dissociated from children rights or health-related rights.”
Boy continued: “I don’t believe in one man, one heart. The human person is very unique and powerful. You should be able to explore your range, the infinite possibilities … If you can work for culture, for children and for gays what should stop you?”
For Plan projects he has definitely found the time. He will be in Tacloban May 20-22 with fellow ambassador Cheryl Cosim.