Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18) — Two awardees of The Outstanding Young Men for 2020 are more motivated to do their part in the country’s development amid the coronavirus crisis.
World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist Lesley Cordero emphasized Filipinos must be well-prepared to respond to natural and man-made calamities and health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cordero, who spearheaded the creation and implementation of the comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery plan for areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, cited as an example the need to strengthen vaccine literacy that will be easily understood by ordinary Filipinos.
“If we want our economies to reopen, if we want our jobs (back) and our kids to go to school, it is important to be vaccinated,” Cordero told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Army Capt. Ron Villarosa Jr. said his bestowment at the prestigious awards circle shows the military is now more focused on promoting development in far-flung communities.
Villarosa initiated many livelihood, evacuation, education, and infrastructure programs in conflict areas.
“When you go to areas without governance, people rebel against our government not because they really wanted to but they have no other choice because no one is looking for them. You have to realize that your weapon against them are not guns but development,” said Villarosa.
The Army captain added peace in the whole country is the responsibility of every Filipino.
“The Armed Forces can do so much to keep violence at bay. Once violence goes away, we need to have good governance and development. All of those must come together to attain just and lasting peace,” Villarosa said.
Other 2020 TOYM awardees are Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Angkas co-founder George Royeca, University of the Philippines Manila-National Institutes of Health Director Raymond Francis Sarmiento, tech firm Multisys founder David Almirol, and educator Edgar Alago.
