Former Igorot Youth Mayor in Australia donates P49,000 to the province of Benguet

Cordillera - The very first Igorot Youth Mayor of Frankston, Australia has donated cash to the province of Benguet to help in the fight against Covid-19. 

The office of the Benguet Governor has thanked Mr. Gerard Felipe for donating an amount of AUD 1,655 or 49,427.67 in its peso equivalent which was received by the office through remittance. 

"The very first Mayor to become mayor of Frankston, Australia and a proud Igorot never forget where he came from by donating AUD 1,655 to the province of Benguet in support for the province's fight against Covid-19," the office said. 

Mr. Felipe was a proud Igorot and Cordilleran from Tublay, Benguet.

Felipe has served for 12 months in the local government of Frankston and has worked together with the local community in helping the youth council in addressing youth disengagement, bullying and mental health. 

In his term as youth mayor, Felipe had never forgotten where he came from and took pride in sharing the rich culture of the Igorots in Australia. 

He has also helped in encouraging the youth within the community to reach their highest potential.

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Proud Igorot from Tublay, Benguet named Youth Mayor of Frankston, Victoria, Australia

Frankston Mayor Hampton shakes hand with newly appointed Youth Mayor Gerard Felipe. Photo Courtesy || Frankston City Council FB.

Cordillera - 19-year-old Gerard Felipe was very excited and rapt to take on his new position as the new Youth Mayor for the municipality of Frankston, Victoria, Australia. 

Gerard Felipe was a proud Igorot and Cordilleran from Tublay, Benguet. 

In his message on Facebook, Gerard thanked everyone who supported him and also very proud of being an Igorot.

"I am proud to serve as the first youth Mayor for the municipality of Frankston, Victoria, Australia as an Igorot", Felipe wrote. 

"I continue to take pride of sharing our rich culture abroad, and look forward to encouraging the youth within the community to reach their highest potential. But most importantly, I will never forget where I come from. "

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Felipe will serve for 12 months working together with the local community and local government of Frankston as part of the program designed to allow the youth aged from 18 to take an active role in the community. 

Part of his role as youth mayor is to meet regularly with the youth council and attend regular council meetings, as well as working with the youth council to address youth disengagement, bullying and mental health. 

On taking his new role as youth mayor, Felipe said he was motivated by Gandhi's quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world."

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His inspiring message to the youth: "Be informed and don't be afraid to speak up for what you believe is right."

Frankston's Mayor Colin Hampton was optimistic about Felipe role, "Gerard is sure to be a fantastic representative for Frankston City's local youth and I look forward to working with him".

"Gerard sees the youth mayor role as a great opportunity for young people to be heard with programs for youth to be more involved and active within local community," Hampton added.

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