Gary Valenciano and Anne Curtis renewed their contracts as UNICEF Philippines National Ambassadors as the child rights agency commemorates Parenting Month last June 1.
Gary, who is celebrating his 40th year in showbiz, was appointed as UNICEF Philippines first National Ambassador in 1998. In the nineties, Gary became the face of the Child-Friendly Movement, a movement that made people talk about, understand, believe in, and take action for the rights of children. Gary has traveled all over the Philippines to learn about the situation of children, advocated for their rights, and helped raise funds for UNICEF.
Anne started her engagement with UNICEF in 2009 as a donor. In 2015, she was appointed as Celebrity Advocate for Children and then as a UNICEF National Ambassador in 2019. Anne gave strong support to the First 1,000 Days campaign and wrote a children’s book on believing in oneself. Anne also raised funds for UNICEF through fun-runs, marathons and her daughter Dahlia’s first birthday.
“We thank Gary and Anne for their dedication and generosity of spirit as children of today face different challenges. By lending their voices to the cause of children’s rights, they shine a light on their situation, and give parents the encouragement they need. We look forward to more years with Gary and Anne as we fight for the future of children together,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.
This year, Gary will back initiatives around learning recovery and increasing the engagement of parents as they support children to catch up with their lessons in school. Anne will be active in advocating for children’s immunization and championing early childhood education.”
“UNICEF has been a part of my life’s journey. Every child I meet in my field visits always has a story to tell. I take those stories with me as I renew my partnership with UNICEF,” Gary said.
“As a mom, when I think of giving the best for my child, I also wish the same for all children in the Philippines. That is why it’s important for me to be involved with UNICEF because children deserve all the support they need to grow and develop. I’m excited to meet children and learn from other parents through my work with UNICEF,” Anne said.
According to UNICEF, parenting is crucial to the developmental outcomes for children and sets a foundation for lifelong success. Sound parenting and caregiving practices can also help alleviate the impact of negative external factors, such as crisis, conflict, disasters, and poverty.
