APEC leaders’ ‘Yoda’ chairs raise over P8M for UNICEF

The limited edition Yoda chairs designed by Kenneth Cobonpue for the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) Economic Leaders Welcome Dinner in November garnered a total of P8.81 million at an auction for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday night.

UNICEF’s Auction for Action organized by lifestyle personality Daphne Oseña-Paez featured six economic leaders' chairs, which were inspired by blades of grass.

'Yoda' chairs by Kenneth Cobonpue for APEC 2015 were auctioned for UNICEF's programs. Photo courtesy of UNICEF

The chair of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who became popular among Filipinos during the APEC meeting, fetched P2.05 million—the highest of all six chairs. United States President Barack Obama's chair meanwhile earned P2 million while President Benigno Aquino III's went for P1.55 million.

Also breaching the P1 million bid was the chair of another Filipino favorite, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, with P1.5 million. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s chair earned P1 million, while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s chair went up to P710,000.

The auction will benefit UNICEF’s 1,000 days campaign, which aims to help children get support during the crucial first 1,000 days of life.

UNICEF reported that the amount raised will enable the organization to help save the lives of over 50,000 children and mothers with the following interventions: immediate treatment for severe acute malnutrition; micronutrient supplementation to address vitamin and mineral deficiencies; and essential prenatal and neonatal care in health centers located in far-flung communities.

"We are totally, absolutely overwhelmed! This is way beyond anything we expected," UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander said.

"We are going to be able to help thousands and thousands of children with the funds raised tonight. Maraming, maraming salamat po," she added.

Cebu-based internationally known designer Kenneth Cobonpue designed the Yoda chairs. Photo courtesy of UNICEF

Cobonpue, who was celebrating his birthday on the day of the auction, said the turnout far exceeded his expectations.

"I am humbled and overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response to the chairs. Coincidentally, today is my birthday, and this is one of the best gifts I ever had. To be able to share it with the children of our country makes it even more meaningful," he said.

Cobonpue, a renowned industrial designer based in Cebu, was the creative director of the APEC Economic Leaders' Welcome Dinner held at Mall of Asia Arena, which he transformed into a garden. 

A winning bidder who was left unidentified echoed Cobonpue's sentiments.

"I’m doing this for the children. It’s always been my advocacy to help the children, especially those in need, in whatever way I can," he was quoted.

Meanwhile, Paez hoped the auction also raised awareness on the importance of investing in a child's first 1,000 days.

"More than the amount we raised, we are also very happy that we were able to use this event as an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of a child’s first 1,000 days of life," she said.

The recent bidding is the fourth installment of UNICEF’s Auction for Action, which Paez started in 2011. The first three raised a total of P8.2 million for children’s programs. —Trisha Macas/KG, GMA News