Dingdong calls for change

MANILA, Philippines - Dingdong Dantes is an accidental actor, says a psychic on TV. She adds Dingdong will pursue his heart’s desire. Being part of advocacies such as Ayos Na (Advocates of Youth and Students for Noynoy Aquino) is never an accident but something Dingdong has discovered and learned to appreciate.

“I believe we’re inspired for a reason,” shared Dingdong of his participation in Ayos Na when the advocacy was launched late last year. “I want to be active in my obligations as a citizen. I want my voice to be heard.”

Dingdong’s voice echoes the ideas Ayos Na wishes to push forward. They are education, environment, job placement and opportunities and governance. The brains behind Ayos Na also hope to see young people receive quality education and find jobs to feed their family. Ayos Na wants the Filipino youth to effect change by taking care of the environment and making his rights known. The advocacy is a wake-up call for the youth to take part in the country’s development. Making a wise decision on who will lead us for the next six years is the immediate concern of Ayos Na.   

Along with those ideas are the importance of fear of God, transparency and recognition of youth’s participation.

Was Dingdong a student leader in school?

“I was just a regular, Catholic student,” he replied. “That’s something I regret. It’s only now that I have gotten the chance to be part of this (kind of advocacy) and to meet these people. I think I couldn’t do this by myself even before. I’m here and I have to do it now.”

The Ayos Na national lead convenor was just one of those who would listen to orders and follow them. But it is never too late for Dingdong to bring out the leader in him.

What gave Dingdong his two-thumbs up for Ayos Na is its fight for “education, leadership and youth empowerment.”

Dingdong also assures Ayos Na people his support whatever happens to the candidacy of Sen. Noynoy Aquino come May elections.

“Ayos pa rin because it is an advocacy,” he explained. “It should be forever. If it doesn’t become successful, you have to continue doing it.”

During the Ayos Na launch, Dingdong said his personal life is doing well and it can still be better.

Also gracing the event were former President Cory Aquino’s grandsons Jonti and Jiggy Cruz and Kiko Dee, Quezon City Councilor Bernadette Herrera Dy and Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad.

After Dingdong and the rest of youth achievers and leaders singing Bayan Ko and Pilipinas Kong Mahal, Ayos Na has proven its point that the advocacy is a challenge for the youth to make that change.