Bianca Umali renews ties as ambassador of World Vision Philippines

Bianca Umali has renewed her contract as an ambassador of World Vision Philippines, reaffirming her commitment to championing children's rights and welfare.

In Aubrey Carampel’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, the Sparkle Star shared that one of her greatest accomplishments is being able to use her platform to help young people in need, adding that her mission stems from her own experiences growing up.

"Paano ko ba ma-e-extend 'yung pagmamahal na 'yun? At 'yun ay siyempre itulong mo na sa iba, lalo doon sa mga walang source ng pagmamahal, lalo doon sa mga — I guess somehow alam ko 'yung pakiramdam dahil maaga ako naulila — 'yung mga walang tatakbuhan,” Bianca said.

“‘Yung mga naging kagaya ko noon na naghahanap kung sino ba ‘yung poprotekta at magmamahal sa akin, and now I can openly say that I am available for those who need someone. Ate Bianca is here."

Bianca's contract renewal was attended by GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Sparkle GMA Artist Center First Vice President Joy Marcelo, Sparkle GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President Tracy Garcia, and World Vision Philippines Resource Development Director Jun Godornes.

“Nafu-fulfill ko ngayon 'yung kahilingan ko at kagustuhan ko na may maiambag sa mundo hindi lang bilang artista pero bilang tao at bilang mamamayang Pilipino,” Bianca said.

One of the experiences she considers the most memorable was visiting Marawi in 2018 following the Marawi Siege.

“That’s how far, and even further, I’m willing to go for the children. Binibigay nila sa akin 'yung space na 'yun, kung saan pwede ako maging ako."

This June, Bianca will represent the Philippines in the World Vision Global 6K Run for Water in Seoul, South Korea.

The annual event aims to raise awareness and support for children who lack access to clean and safe water.

“You are not just running as yourself. In fact, you are running on behalf of the children in need of clean water,” she said. “When you help one child, you actually help their whole community.”

Aside from her advocacy work, Bianca is busy with several upcoming projects. Among them is the animated film “Ella Arcangel” from GMA Pictures, where she will lend her voice to the title character.

“Safe to say na karamihan ng mga ginagawa ko ngayon are really personal projects—projects close to my heart, projects that actually symbolize and signify where I'm at in my life right now," she said. —Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News