Beauty queen turned advocate Samantha Panlilio launches foundation for youth development
Former Miss Grand Philippines Samantha Panlilio has transitioned from the glamour of pageantry to a new role in community development with the launch of her Pangarap at Kalinga (PAK) Foundation.
The foundation, which aims to provide underserved youth access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, was officially unveiled in her hometown of Ternate, Cavite, on Sept. 17.
Known for her wit and grace, Panlilio spoke with conviction about her foundation’s mission.
“I call it PAK Foundation for short—you have to say it with conviction,” she said during an interview, adding that the foundation is designed to help children focus on their dreams by addressing their basic needs.
“When you give children the convenience they need, they can focus on themselves and their goals in life,” she added.
Panlilio’s journey from beauty queen to community advocate was natural for someone deeply involved in her community.
“When I first joined Binibining Pilipinas, it wasn’t planned. The fruits that came out of it and the network I built made me who I am today,” she explained. However, she made it clear that she isn’t closing the door on any future opportunities in pageantry or other fields.
“I don’t want to close my door to any opportunities,” Panlilio emphasized.
Her decision to focus on community development through the Pangarap at Kalinga Foundation was influenced by her upbringing and her role as Chief Operations Officer of Boulevard Holdings, Inc., her family’s corporation.
“When you develop communities, you also want the people around you to prosper. My family has always believed that ‘angat isa, angat lahat’ (when one rises, everyone rises),” she said.
The first project under the PAK Foundation involves addressing the classroom shortage in Ternate. Panlilio has chosen education as the foundation’s primary focus, a decision rooted in her personal experiences growing up.
“Education is something people cannot take away from you,” she said. “If you have a degree, you can literally jump from one role to another. You gain skills that can be applied in work, business, or real life.”
Panlilio stressed the importance of both practical and technical knowledge gained through formal schooling. “People need the discipline that’s taught in school, and apart from practical experience, you need technical skills that can only be learned in a classroom setting,” she explained.
The foundation’s first initiative will provide much-needed new classrooms at Ternate National High School, giving students a better environment to focus on their studies and aspirations.
While the foundation’s initial efforts are concentrated in Cavite, Panlilio’s vision extends far beyond her hometown.
“This is just the beginning,” she said. “We’re dreaming big, and we’re inviting every Filipino to dream with us.” Her long-term goal is to expand the foundation’s programs across the country, ensuring that more Filipino children have access to the resources they need to succeed.
In addition to education, the PAK Foundation also focuses on healthcare and livelihood initiatives, which Panlilio believes are essential in supporting the youth’s overall development. “We’re not just building classrooms,” she explained. “We’re building a future where every young Filipino has the chance to show the world that indeed we’re one of the very best.”
Panlilio’s commitment to community service has also sparked speculation about a future in public office. As the second nominee for the AGIMAT party-list group, she could soon be adding public servant to her growing list of titles. While she hasn’t confirmed her plans, she sees her philanthropic work and potential political role as complementary.
“Agimat’s vision is in line with what I do since I’m an advocate for sustainable farming, and we both share the goal of giving children a platform to dream,” she said.
As she balances her responsibilities as an entrepreneur, advocate, and potential public servant, Panlilio remains focused on the long-term impact of her foundation. “I want our children to know that there’s someone looking out for them and ready to help them achieve their dreams by providing them with comfort and basic conveniences so they can focus on their goals in life,” she said.
With the Pangarap at Kalinga Foundation now in full swing, Panlilio and her team are already looking ahead to future initiatives.
“This is just the beginning,” she reiterated, signaling that her work to uplift Filipino youth is only getting started.
As she continues to bridge the gap between pageantry, entrepreneurship, and community service, Panlilio is proving that her advocacy for youth empowerment is not just a passing phase but a lifelong commitment.
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