One brisk Saturday morning, Camille Villar sat by a large window in her Las Piñas office, sunlight illuminating the neat stacks of books and policy briefs on her desk. Outside, the city hummed with its usual weekend bustle—families running errands, children racing bikes across neighborhood streets. Yet within these walls, Camille was deep in thought, sharing a vision of the Philippines that felt both achingly hopeful and entirely practical.
In her mind’s eye, she explained, she saw a country where children wake up each day feeling safe, supported, and truly excited about what lies ahead. “Mental health, upskilling, and entrepreneurship should all go hand in hand,” she said, tapping a sheet of paper that contained her notes for an upcoming speech. She believes that when a society invests in its people—body, mind, and skills—it paves the way for sustainable growth.
Her plans start in the classroom. Camille painted a vivid picture: teachers not just imparting math or language skills, but actively fostering emotional wellness, too. She spoke of lessons in self-awareness and stress management woven into everyday instruction, so students can learn to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. “I also believe in integrating entrepreneurship at an early stage,” she added, recalling her own upbringing in a family of business and public service. In her vision, children engage in hands-on projects that teach budgeting, creativity, and marketing—foundation stones for an entrepreneurial mindset.
Moving beyond the school gates, Camille sees families as key players in this transformative journey. She envisions workshops and seminars aimed at helping parents understand mental health basics, financial literacy, and the fundamentals of small-business operations. “Imagine a mother and daughter learning side by side,” she said, eyes lighting up at the thought. “One day they could launch a small venture together—maybe a food stall that grows into a restaurant, or an online store that becomes an influential brand.” Through these intergenerational learning experiences, home becomes a place of discovery and collaboration, reinforcing how emotional well-being can fuel professional aspirations.
From there, Camille turned to healthcare, describing her idea for an integrated system that offers counseling and mental health services in tandem with upskilling courses at community centers. People in remote areas, she explained, could access telemedicine for therapy and also learn how to start an online business or market local crafts to a global audience. By linking emotional support with practical skill-building, communities gain tools to reduce financial stress—a major factor in mental health.
She believes workplaces must also evolve to support this vision. “What if companies adopted policies that include mental health days and sponsor incubators for employees who have side-business ideas?” she asked. “That would create a culture of care and innovation.” Camille firmly holds that when people feel cared for—and are given avenues to sharpen their skills—they become more engaged and productive.
A known advocate of using technology to bridge social gaps, she spoke passionately about the role of digital platforms. Her eyes lit up imagining a farmer in the province who can watch a tutorial about organic fertilizers on an app, then join a virtual counseling session if stress becomes overwhelming. “This is how we turn technology into a force for unity and empowerment,” she said.
In closing, Camille returned to the heart of her vision: children. “I want my own child—and every Filipino child—to grow up in a country that nurtures both heart and mind,” she said softly. She sees a Philippines that balances progress with empathy, entrepreneurship with sustainability, and technology with human touch. That balance, she believes, is the key to unlocking a future where everyone, from a fisherman in a coastal town to a young coder in Manila, has the freedom to learn, innovate, and flourish.
As Camille Villar’s interview wrapped up, the morning sun had shifted, casting long shadows on her notes. Yet the glow of her aspirations lingered. Outside, life in Las Piñas continued—bustling, searching, and hopeful. And within her office, a blueprint for a more compassionate, skill-driven, and enterprising Philippines took shape, fueled by the conviction that a nation’s greatest asset is the well-being and potential of its people.