MANILA, November 27 ------ Even though Aya Fernandez found a promising career in showbiz, she continues to volunteer. Last year, she finished her 45-day training with Philippine Army Reserve Force, following the footsteps of other celebrity reservists. “‘Yung combat fighting, interest ko talaga siya ever since. I do martial arts. So when I was invited, bukod sa maa-apply ko siya, I would be trained further. I’m a licensed scuba diver, puwede akong matawag for rescue operations ng AFP kapag kinakailangan,” she told ABS-CBN News.
Recalling the physical training and reflecting on its impact, she said: “Masaya siya. Natuto ako sa rightful shooting. Military training siya talaga and very physical. Pero ang bagong natutunan ko ay ‘yung map reading and ‘yung mag-identify ng strategies sa war. ‘Yung istorya ng commanders na lumaban sa SAF, ‘yung nasa on-ground operations sa Marawi, ‘yung stories sa bawat peace-making, nakakaiyak siya at inspiring.” Fernandez also detailed her role as a sergeant. “On disaster operations, puwede akong matawag. ‘Yun din ang naghikayat sa akin (na makakatulong sa bansa). Nung sumali ako, marami akong natutunan sa mga nakasama ko. Nakaka-humble ‘yung mga kuwento nila kung bakit sila sumama.” The young Star Magic artist also did some volunteer work for She Talks Asia, a group co-founded by Bianca Gonzalez and Iza Calzado; the Masungi Georeserve, and other organizations that focus on women and environment. “I feel like there’s no greater empowerment than being able to empower other people. Kahit anong gawin ko or kahit anong trabaho ko, if it will add value to other people, go ako diyan,” Fernandez said.
Turning passion project into business
In 2015, she started her livelihood project Project Lily, which she eventually turned into a business. “Nag-start kami as a livelihood project in 2015. After nun, wala talaga akong planong mag-negosyo pero na-realize ko para maging sustainable ‘yung cause, kailangan gawin siyang entity kaya siya naging social enterprise,” she explained. “Eco-Uling by Project Lily is my startup business company. It’s a social enterprise. Nagma-manufacture kami ng mga eco-friendly na uling. ‘Yung mga coconut shells and coconut waste. We are hoping for partnerships with the Quezon City local government local unit para ‘yung waste ng QC, ‘yung coconut waste ng QC, gagamitin namin para maging uling. Every year, mayroon tayong 2.2 million tons ng coconut waste sa Pilipinas na nasasayang lang na napupunta sa landfills. Ang dami-daming resources ng Pilipinas na hindi natin nagagamit into something useful na innovative. Mayroong kaming machines and research and development department na puwede naming magamit to transform these wastes na problema into something na useful.” The young entrepreneur hopes to inspire others. “Small steps but I really hope na Eco-Uling would inspire other young entrepreneurs and would empower the youth na kaya natin na kailangan lang talaga na mayroong mag-start,” she said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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