Photo by loQal.phMAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA — Presidential sister Viel Aquino-Dee encourages Filipinos not to hesitate helping out in times of crisis.
"Any form of help, no matter how big or small is really important. We should always keep that mentality," she said.
President Benigno Aquino III's sister graced a fundraising event on Thursday by the Spouses of Heads of Mission — Manila (SHOM). The event brought together the different wives of ambassadors from European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and African countries for an exchange of cultures through their food.
Caecilia Legowo, the wife of the Indonesian ambassador and the group's president, said the proceeds of the food festival will go to organizations aiding abused children, livelihood for indigenous communities in Tarlac, and youth afflicted by the conflict in Mindanao.
The group aims to raise P5 million after the one-day event.
Aquino-Dee disclosed that she was overwhelmed by the initiative of the countries participating in the event. "It gives me joy that so many countries have the heart to help the Filipino youth," she said.
She added that any group, even small ones but "whose advocacy is heartfelt," can likewise create an impact and help people in need. "They should not be deterred by limited resources. The opportunities to help are limitless if they are determined and united," she said.
Aquino-Dee herself is noted for her advocacies in helping indigenous tribes and supporting women's rights. She encourages organizations to build potential partnerships that would help create more cause-oriented initiatives.
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