MANILA, Philippines?It is perhaps a testament the power of media in the Philippines that a television news anchor has been recognized as a potential shaper of the world?s future, along with prominent movers and shakers such as the heads of Twitter, YouTube and Google.

But broadcaster Karen Davila, one of three Filipinos in the World Economic Forum?s (WEF) roster of Young Global Leaders for 2010, believes Philippine media can do much more as an agent of change.

The two other Filipinos recognized for their outstanding achievements are: Dennis Eclarin, founder of Hometown Corp., which provides loans to micro-entrepreneurs in remote province and Winston Damarillo, CEO of Global Gateway Innovation Exchange, a catalyst in the development of the country?s information technology industry.

The three achievers belong to the aged 40-or-younger set of executives, stakeholders and influential personalities who ?represent the voice of the future and the hopes of the next generation,? according to Klaus Schwab, WEF founder and executive chair.

The Filipinos share the honor with 197 people from 72 countries, including YouTube co-founder Steven Chen, Twitter co-founder Evan Williams, Google vice president Marissa Mayer, professional tennis player Roger Federer, fashion designer Stella McCartney, Olympic champion Ian Thorpe who founded the Fountain for Youth that helps disadvantaged children, and singer Wyclef Jean who put up the Yele Haiti Foundation which implements projects to help the earthquake-stricken nation.

The honorees, nominated by groups outside the WEF, have a list of extraordinary achievements, an impeccable record in the public eye, and a commitment to enhance the public good.

Chosen from almost 5,000 candidates, the 2010 Young Global Leaders will join the annual WEF summit that aims to give a better understanding of global challenges. They are encouraged to learn from their peers and come up with innovative solutions to the world?s pressing problems.

For 39-year-old Davila, the recognition represents a chance to gain a fresh, global perspective as she tackles issues that she feels are important to the country and the world.

It also gives her the opportunity to network with people from other countries who are in a position to help.

?I feel so humbled and privileged to have been chosen along with two other Filipinos as a Young Global Leader for 2010 because it means that one, our voice counts in the global arena and two, we have a role to play in terms of really shaping policy when it comes to the issues of health, education, women and children,? she says.

?It also changes your perspective. Suddenly, you're not just active in your own country, now you have a global arena,? she adds.

As a reporter and host for TV and radio, Davila is aware of the power of her medium. Among her body of work, she is most proud of her 2005 documentary about children in jail, which won a Unicef award.

Her stories on children and health issues are closest to her heart, as they helped shape government policy.

?These are stories that really tug at my heart, that give me purpose as a storyteller,? says Davila, a mother of two.

If she could have her way, she would tackle stories that explain issues, that move people to action. At the same time, she realizes that media are driven by entertainment and sensational headlines.

But industry leaders could do so much more by supporting reports that matter rather than those that simply grabbed attention, Davila said.

?I realize we are an entertainment-driven country but I do wish?and this is my dream?to have a magazine current affairs program aired during prime time every single day,? she revealed.

And in order for the dream to become a reality, Davila said the change should start in each of us.

She quoted Mahatma Gandhi: ?You must be the change you wish to see in the world.?

Outside of the TV studio, Davila sits on the board of World Vision, an international relief organization that helps children and families battle poverty. She also serves as ambassador for Habitat for Humanity.

Joining these groups, she said, has allowed her to see the other side of life and has given her an opportunity to help.

?I start in my own life?every single day, in whatever way?whether it?s through my profession, as a mother, friend or daughter. I just really open my heart and my mind and ask God what I can do, or what I can be to help. I just want to be of use every single day to people around me, to the community and definitely to my country. I want to matter to my country,? she says.

Davila said the WEF recognition was not just another entry in her long and impressive resume. It is a call to action and a push in the right direction, according to Davila.

?It?s unique and special in the sense that there?s no trophy and it doesn?t mean I am the best,? she said.

?It shows that they believe in my body of work. That what I have done in my young professional life can actually make a difference in the global community. I pray I can continue to do something relevant, that I can be of service somehow,? she added.