September 30 ------ Even without a crown or title, former beauty queen Samantha Panlilio is hard at work to make a positive change in her community. The Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021 winner launched the Pangarap at Kalinga (PAK) Foundation in her hometown of Ternate, Cavite.
In a statement, PAK is described as a foundation that aims to be a catalyst for youth empowerment not only in Panlilio's native Cavite but across the Philippines, tackling issues like poverty, access to education, and community development. Among its first batch of projects are the building of two classroom for Ternate West High School and the granting of full college scholarships for two Caviteños. Panlilio said her parents had always instilled in her that education is "the one thing that no one can ever take away from you."
But she acknowledged that "quality education is not at its optimum accessibility to everyone in the Philippines," which led to her decision to focus on this issue for her first project under the new foundation. "We're not just building classrooms," Panlilio explained. "We're building a future where every young Filipino has the chance to show the world that indeed we're one of the very best." PAK is not Panlilio's first foray into community work and social advocacy.
During the pandemic, she organized meal drives to provide food for the healthcare workers and volunteers. Then, when tragedy struck a depressed community in Aklan after a devastating fire in December 2023, she rallied her business network and spearheaded a relief operation for the victims. These experiences have shaped Panlilio's vision for Pangarap at Kalinga. The name itself embodies her vision of making dreams ("pangarap") happen nurtured with care ("kalinga") to serve the underprivileged youth.
Source: manilatimes.net
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