MANILA — Former president Fidel V. Ramos has cited the role of millennials as the future stewards toward sustainable development in the 21st century, especially in the fight against climate change, poverty, terrorism, injustice and inequality.
Ramos made the statement to Marc Brian Lim, Junior Chamber International (JCI) World President, during their meeting over the weekend.
He told Lim to embrace “responsible stewardship attuned to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that concerns 21st century fight against climate change, poverty, terrorism, disease, inequality, injustice, and other challenges that confront the Philippines and other parts of the world”.
“I am happy that you are now serving as the country’s Ambassador of Goodwill being the sixth Filipino to serve as JCI World President,” Ramos said.
Ramos also said Marc’s father, Benjamin S. Lim, once served as JCI World EVP and JCI Philippines national president and as Duty Free Philippines general manager during the Ramos presidency.
Aside from Lim, JCI’s roster of illustrious Filipinos who served as presidents include: Roberto del Rosario (1950-1951); Roberto Villanueva (1952-1953); Feliciano Belmonte (1976); Victor C. Luciano (1985); and Crispin Dy (1997).
Lim now heads the 102-year old JCI movement of young leaders between 18 and 40 years old from 124 countries.
Over a century, the JCI movement has encouraged young people to become active citizens and to participate in efforts towards social and economic development and international cooperation, good-will and understanding.
The younger Lim told the former Chief Executive that young leaders like him have always followed his lead in promoting patriotism, good governance, global diplomacy enduring peace and sustainable development owing to the six tenets of the Jaycee creed.
Lim, who is concurrent two-term Vice Mayor of Dagupan City, paid a courtesy call on Pangasinan’s favorite elder statesman to inform and seek FVR’s blessing about his decision to run for mayor in next year’s mid-term elections.
“Don’t forget to continue loving your parents, Benjie and Celia, who have paved the way for your good fortune, education and training. Go ahead on your decision and rest assured that you have the good and right people on your side, myself included,” Ramos told Lim.
He advised Lim to continue preserving Dagupan City’s bangus (milkfish) industry and arrest the perennial flooding, which has greatly affected the lives of many Dagupeños, including the business and educational sectors. (Ben Cal/PNA)
