MANILA, Philippines — Model Deniece Cornejo had a message for her fellow Filipinas this International Women’s Month.

Philstar.com exclusively asked Deniece how hard it is to be a Filipina. 

“Reflecting on our history, we have endured deprivation and battled for equality in the face of a patriarchal society that held sway during the period of Spanish and American colonization,” she said. 

“Ngayon, In terms of legal and economic gender equality, nagpapasalamat tayo dahil second highest in Southeast Asia. Marami nang kababaihan ang nagnanais magtagumpay sa buhay, maging substancial and independent. Hindi na rin ganun kabigat ang hamon dahil marami nang sumusuporta sa iba’t ibang career ng mga kababaihan sa Pilipinas.”

Deniece believed that Filipinas should strengthen their brand identity as Filipina. 

“When we speak about the word ‘Filipina,’ I acknowledge the ongoing struggle against Western mentality up to this day. Sometimes we feel intimidated and we are often compared, but the more we support and reinforce our right principles regarding our rich culture and tradition, and properly promote them, it will boost our economic growth and sustainability,” she said.  

She also said that young girls have access now to all forms of social media so Filipinas should be a better role models for others. 

“Don’t waste time and think about how you would like to be honored in the future. If you’re just thinking about short time gains, even how difficult life is, at the end of the day, what matters is the sense of direction, motivation, and the kind of people you want to inspire,” she said.  

“Let’s be mindful that there so many young girls who already have access on all social media and it could make and break our own culture. It’s our responsibility for women to stand as roles models,” she added.  

When asked for advice for Filipinas, Deniece said, “Close to one in five Filipino young girls aged 15 to 24 have ever considered ending their life. We still have high numbers of sexual harassment, bullying and career crisis, and I have been helping all through these years.” 

“My advice is we better start helping our young girls most especially that they are expose to dangers of reality and easy access to worldly possessions, we Filipina, should take the lead and set boundaries.”

RELATED: Deniece Cornejo aces Harvard University exam