The beeline for change

MANILA, Philippines - “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” These memorable words from Gandhi are perhaps quoted thousands of times all over the world. People always want to say that they want to inspire and to make a difference. But who takes action? Who are those people who do something to actually make a change?

The Jollibee Choice Ko Yum: Choosing the Next Yumbassadors video contest honors three groups who showed that Pinoy youth are capable of making the best choices to inspire change. From shaping their fellow youth to become future leaders and pursuing their passion for the arts to instilling the importance of segregation, these youth groups are the exemplars of people who use their skills to make a positive difference.

Grand Prize Winner. The future lies on the next generation and this group knows it. Alay ni Ignacio is a student volunteer organization that aims to form leaders among public high school students of Quezon City and Marikina through advanced academic classes and leadership training sessions. The organization received P 80.000 cash prize and P 20,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates.

2nd Prize Winner. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone, JJC Noveleta Kalero’s Junk to School Project not only promotes waste segregation, but also raises money to buy school supplies and furniture for public schools. The group encourages kids and households to segregate and collects recyclable junk to raise funds. They received P10,000 cash prize and P5,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates.

3rd Prize Winner. A good education focuses on academics. A great education is one that hones both the academics and the extracurricular. PSF: Theater with a Purpose motivates children to pursue the arts and acting. They educate and entertain their audience through their values-oriented production. But they don’t stop there. They also do outreach programs for the sick, the less fortunate children and the elderly. This group received P8,000 cash prize and P4,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates.

The greatest prize here is not the money or the gift certificates. These people have imparted and made an impact on so many lives. What they have done is priceless. Jollibee has not only organized a contest, it has inspired the rest of us to take action and make a difference.