Daphne Oseña Paez: 'I will continue to be committed to children'

MANILA, Philippines – Daphne Oseña Paez hardly considers herself to be a celebrity. Rather, she describes herself as simply a storyteller who has been given the opportunity to help UNICEF Philippines in its campaign to help the most disadvantaged children especially in the country's most remote of areas.

In a signing ceremony Wednesday with UNICEF Representative Tomoo Hozumi, Daphne says that her title as UNICEF Special Advocate for Children is just that, a fancy name attached to hers.

Hear more from Daphne in the video below:

UNICEF celebrities include luminaries from various fields who all share a dedication to improving the lives of children worldwide. Daphne joins the ranks of famous personalities such as David Beckham, Jackie Chan, Mia Farrow, Queen Rania of Jordan, Shakira, and UNICEF Philippines National Goodwill Ambassador Gary Valenciano in lending a strong voice that will draw attention to children’s issues.

“Celebrities help draw focus to important issues faced by children today,” Hozumi said. “In the Philippines, we reach out to the most vulnerable children who are faced with the threat of disasters, armed conflict and challenges associated with urbanisation. Daphne’s strong dedication and hard work as a breastfeeding advocate and fundraiser will no doubt help us accomplish these goals”.

One such fundraising initiative by Daphne is the UNICEF Auction for Auction, which is now on its third year. What began as a simple online auction of select items from some of the Philippines’ renowned artists and furniture and jewellery designers is now one of the most successful fundraising activities in the country, having raised P4.5M since 2011.

Proceeds from the art auction went to projects by UNICEF Philippines that benefit children by giving them access to early childhood care and education programs.

For this year, specially-made pieces will be available in the auction to help UNICEF in its goal of raising a total of P5M.

As a mother to three daughters, Daphne highlighted the importance of breastfeeding and the challenges facing mothers. She adds that she feels a special connection with the children she visits in disaster and conflict areas, witnessing first-hand the issues they have to deal with including malnutrition, displacement, and inaccessibility to clean water.

In her first go around as UNICEF Special Advocate for Children, Daphne visited Ondoy-affected mothers in Laguna, malnourished children in Maguindanao, frontline breastfeeding workers in Taguig and families displaced by Typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental.

“I feel honored for this opportunity to once again work with UNICEF. As a mother, it gives me great joy to be able to work so that all children everywhere can get the best start in life,” Daphne said.

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org

Follow UNICEF Philippines on Twitter (@unicefphils), Facebook (www.facebook.com/unicefphilippines)