By ANN CHARMAINE AQUINO

PHOTO BY BOCHIC ESTRADA, GMANetwork.com

In an intimate gathering, Alden Richards was introduced as the newest ambassador for Habitat for Humanity. Present in the event were CEO and Managing Director Charlie Ayco, Director for Communications Department Gina Virtusio, GMA AVP for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Artist Center AVP for Imaging and Branding Simoun Ferrer, and GMA Artist Center PR and Events Manager Mark Sablan. The contract signing was held at the Habitat for Humanity office in Makati City.

 

Mr. Charlie Ayco gave a brief background of Habitat for Humanity and welcomed their new ambassador.
 

"We are a Christian organization. Our first premise is that why would we want people to live in decent houses? We believe that we are created in the image and likeness of God. It's not consistent with the dignity of human being that they live in some conditions."
 

He added, "the problem of homelessness has been with us for years. And what we would like to happen is that everybody will begin to look at it."

Mr. Ayco believes that Habitat for Humanity's aim is for people to realize that a decent shelter should be everyone's top priority. He said, "we have to focus on this issue. We have to give this priority."
 

Alden shared how this opportunity was something he has always wanted.  
 

He shared, "when I first entered showbiz, ano ba ang magiging purpose ng pagpasok ko sa industry? I would be a voice for change. Kasi I believe that the number one issue of the country is poverty. Due to poverty, many of our Filipino fellowmen lack homes of course. I'm really happy and I really asked this from my managers, Ms. Gigi and Sir Simoun."
 

Alden added, "I'm going to be a part of this fruitful [project] and punong-puno ng purpose sa country. What better place to start kung hindi dito sa Philippines, my home country."