“Hindi kailangan ng pulitika para makatulong.”
These words from Pinoy Big Brother alum and youth influencer Ralph de Leon carry the kind of clarity and conviction that’s rare in a country where politics and public service are often seen as one and the same.
Hailing from a well-known political clan in Tanza, Cavite, Ralph is no stranger to the expectations tied to his surname. Yet despite growing up in a family rooted in governance, the 20-something has chosen a different path — one guided by compassion, community impact, and a desire to serve outside of politics.
“Gusto namin tumulong sa taong bayan, gusto namin magkaroon ng good impact, siyempre,” Ralph shared. “But for us, there were other ways to do that, and we didn’t need politics to be able to help other people. And thankfully, nabigyan ako ng platform ngayon na mas madami talaga ’yung nare-reach ko.”
Through his growing platform — built on authenticity, relatability, and heart — Ralph has proven that you don’t need a title to make a difference. Whether it’s through mental health advocacy, youth empowerment initiatives, or simply showing up for people online and off, Ralph’s form of public service is rooted in everyday action, not campaign promises.
At a time when many are disillusioned with politics and power structures, Ralph’s perspective offers something refreshing: the idea that true service begins not with a position, but with purpose. That helping others doesn’t require a seat in office, but a seat at the table — any table — where real conversations and real compassion exist.
And he’s not alone. Ralph also noted that even his cousins, despite being part of a political lineage, share the same mindset. “Hindi rin nila priority ang politics,” he said. “Mas gusto namin ’yung hands-on. ’Yung alam mong kahit simpleng paraan, may naaabot kang buhay.”