Lopez won gold at the 2019 edition of the Southeast Asian Games, triumphing on home soil in the women's nder-57-kilogram category.

The 23-year-old has teamed up with fellow Southeast Asian Games gold medallist Joane Orbon, a karate athlete, and Fundlife International, a Filipino-based charity that helps children reach their potential.

The charity has been providing goods to families who have been forced to quarantine by the coronavirus pandemic, as reported by The Philippine Star.

"As we all come to terms with the reality of COVID-19 and staying at home to save lives, I am choosing to stand with all girls who are not lucky enough to have food security, a safe shelter that is free from abuse and violence and who are unable to access education," Lopez said.

"I am using my platform #StandWithGirls and raise awareness for all girls who are living in poverty and/or are at risk of violence in the place where they should feel the safest - their homes."

As part of her efforts to raise awareness of girls who are living in vulnerable communities, Lopez is tomorrow holding an online taekwondo session.

There have been more than 17,200 reported cases of coronavirus in the Philippines, with at least 950 deaths.

Filipino news website Rappler reported today that the country's President Rodrigo Duterte was seeking to extend special powers to help the country deal with the pandemic by 90 days through to September.

Under these powers, Duterte would be able to cancel events and activities and divert their funds towards measures to contain coronavirus, take over private medical facilities and public transport and use Government funds to help families on low incomes.