Stop Asking for Free Labor — Hire the Jobless to Do the Work Our Communities Need

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) latest call for volunteers to repack family food packs may sound noble on paper — but in reality, it exposes a deeper and more uncomfortable truth about how our government often addresses urgent labor needs: by appealing to unpaid goodwill instead of creating dignified, paid work for Filipinos who desperately need it.

In Pasay City, the DSWD’s National Resource Operation Center (NROC) is gearing up to ensure a steady supply of relief goods for disaster-stricken communities. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao proudly thanked volunteers for their generosity, highlighting the “challenging nature” of the task. Yet, buried beneath this gratitude is a question we can’t ignore: Why are we depending on free labor when thousands of able-bodied, unemployed Filipinos — the so-called “tambays” of our neighborhoods — could be earning a living doing exactly this kind of community work?

Unemployment Isn’t a Volunteer Opportunity — It’s a Call to Action

Across the country, millions remain jobless or underemployed. Many of them spend their days idle, not because they lack the will to work, but because no one offers them meaningful and fair-paying opportunities. The DSWD’s repacking operations require time, effort, and physical stamina — skills that jobless citizens could readily provide if the government simply decided to pay them.

Instead of asking ordinary Filipinos to “bring your own water and meals” for unpaid labor, why not offer them at least the minimum wage for their work? That would not only honor their contribution but also stimulate the local economy. A paid repacking program could create thousands of temporary jobs, putting money directly into the hands of families who need it most.

Free Labor Undermines Both Dignity and Preparedness

Disaster preparedness is not a charity event. It is a state responsibility that should be supported by a paid, trained workforce. Relying on volunteers creates a fragile system that hinges on goodwill and availability, instead of guaranteeing consistent manpower through fair employment.

When the next typhoon, earthquake, or flood hits, will we really be able to count on a steady stream of volunteers — especially when those same people might be dealing with their own damaged homes and families? A trained, compensated disaster-response labor force would ensure the work gets done reliably, without depending on sporadic acts of generosity.

From “Thank You” to “You’re Hired”

The DSWD’s Buong Bansa Handa program could take a massive leap forward by shifting from calls for volunteers to calls for applicants. Instead of handing out orientation pamphlets to unpaid helpers, hand them a contract. Provide them with protective gear, meals, and daily wages. Give them the dignity of knowing their hard work is recognized not only with words but with actual compensation.

By hiring local jobless citizens — those often dismissed as “tambays” — the government wouldn’t just be repacking food; it would be repacking lives with purpose, income, and pride.

Because in a country where calamities are inevitable, resilience isn’t just about relief goods — it’s about making sure no Filipino is left without the means to survive before disaster even strikes.

Angara Rallies Nation to End Classroom Shortage: ‘No Child Left Behind’

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

MAKATI CITY, 14 August 2025 — In a decisive move to accelerate the fight against the country’s decades-old classroom backlog, Education Secretary Sonny Angara has sounded a clarion call for a united front — mobilizing national agencies, local government units (LGUs), private enterprises, and civic organizations — to ensure every Filipino child has a place to learn, no matter how remote or disaster-prone their community may be.

The effort stems from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to close the classroom gap with urgency. For Angara, the mission is clear: build faster, build smarter, and open the doors for more hands to help.

“Kung gusto nating walang batang maiiwan, kailangan kumilos tayong lahat — mula national hanggang lokal, mula gobyerno hanggang pribadong sektor,” Angara stressed. “Sama-sama nating dapat tiyakin na may silid-aralan ang bawat bata, kahit nasa bundok, isla, o baybayin na binabaha.”

Breaking the Bottleneck

Under the current set-up, the Department of Education (DepEd) identifies the classroom needs, designs the structures, and sets the safety standards, while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) handles the funds, procurement, and construction. While effective in many cases, this process can slow to a crawl when the DPWH is pulled into disaster response or other urgent infrastructure priorities.

In the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), DepEd has secured a Special Provision on flexibility, allowing the department to tap LGUs, private sector partners, and non-government organizations as additional “implementing actors” in the School Building Program. The aim is to ensure that funds and skilled builders meet in the right place, at the right time — even in the country’s most challenging terrains.

Angara credited the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for backing this flexibility, noting that LGUs can utilize their Special Education Fund (SEF) and private partners can engage through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and the Adopt-a-School Program.

“Kung saan may pondo, dapat may marunong at mabilis na tagapagpatayo,” he emphasized.

Smarter, Resilient Classrooms

Angara underscored that solving the shortage is more than a numbers game — it’s about strategic, data-driven planning. DepEd’s classroom master plan now integrates demographic trends, school-level data, and site-specific assessments to pinpoint urgent needs.

In disaster-prone regions, DepEd is shifting towards resilient architecture:

Flood-resilient designs with open ground floors for multipurpose use and elevated upper levels for uninterrupted learning.

Stilted classrooms in coastal areas like the Bicol Region, reinforced with waterproofed concrete roofs to endure typhoons.

Structures adapted to withstand extreme winds, storm surges, and seasonal flooding.

The Classroom Building Acceleration Program

DepEd has also thrown its weight behind Senate Bill No. 121, the proposed Classroom Building Acceleration Program (CAP), which calls for:

A nationally anchored master plan

Clearly defined roles for agencies, LGUs, and private partners

Priority for high-need areas

Centralized monitoring of all school-building efforts

To support this, DepEd is consolidating all LGU-led and PPP-backed projects into a central database, ensuring transparency and efficiency in tracking progress nationwide.

A Call to National Unity

For Angara, the classroom crisis is not just a government problem — it’s a national challenge that demands collective ownership. “Kailangan nating buksan ang pinto para makasali ang LGU, NGO, at iba pang handang tumulong,” he urged.

With the 2026 budget now designed to encourage multi-sector participation, the hope is that the country can finally break the cycle of shortage and delay.

In the vision laid out by the DepEd chief, a child in a mountain village in Kalinga, an island in Palawan, or a floodplain in Pampanga should no longer have to study under the shade of a tree or in a makeshift shack. Instead, they will walk into a safe, sturdy classroom — a space where dreams are built and futures are secured.

If the plan succeeds, the Philippines will move closer to fulfilling a long-delayed promise: that in the classroom of the nation’s future, no child is left standing outside the door.

If you want, I can also create a more hard-hitting, investigative-style version of this piece that digs into the historical backlog numbers and the possible risks to Angara’s plan. That would make it even more compelling for an online journalism audience.

𝐊𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐃. 𝐄𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐨, 𝐈𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐚 𝐊𝐖𝐅 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚ó𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Itinanghal si Klara D. Espedido na KWF Mananaysay ng Taón 2025 pára sa kaniyang sanaysay na “Ang Metanaratibo ng Paglabag Bílang Saligang Paretyeya at Penahrang sa Preserbasyon ng mga Wikang Katutubo: Pahiwatig ng mga Alamat mulâ sa Bersiyong Saliling ng Bendingang Kepu’unpu’un” Makatatanggap siyá ng PHP30,000.00 at karangalang maging “Mananaysay ng Taón,” medalya, at plake.

Nagwagî din si Emersan D. Baldemor ng ikalawang gantimpala pára sa kaniyang sanaysay na “Amba, Di Ak Kalimdan: Panitikang Orál Bílang Daluyan ng Alaala, Laban, at Pagbabanyuhay ng Wika.” Makatatanggap siyá ng PHP20,000.00 at plake.

Hinirang naman si Precioso M. Dahe Jr. sa ikatlong gantimpala pára sa kaniyang sanaysay na “Sa Píling ng Pig-Aláran, Kuláman, at Ábyan, Sa bisyón ng mga Apù ng Piglamítan: Ang lagëng ng Kakahúyan, Míto, at ang Etnomusikolohíya ng Orál na Panitíkan laban sa Hámong Eremitísmo sa mga Katutúbong Wikà sa Pilipínas.” Makatatanggap siyá ng PHP15,000.00 at plake.

May karangalan naman sina Brian Harold M. Comeling para sa kaniyang sanaysay na “Hinabing Sálinlahì, Ílo ng Katutubò: Sosyal Midya at Teknolohiya Bílang Mákináng Habihán sa Kolaboratibong Preserbasyon at ang Panibagong Yugtong Oralidad ng Panitikang Katutubò sa Siglo ng Dihital” at Robert A. Andres para sa kaniyang sanaysay na “Ang Tínig na Hindi Nawawalâ: Panitikang Orál Bílang Dalúyan ng Pagpapasiglá ng mga Wíkang Katutubò.”

Ang Gawad KWF sa Sanaysay ay taunang gawad ng KWF para sa pinakamahusay na sanaysay hinggil sa mga pilî at napapanahong tema. Sa pamamagitan ng timpalak na ito, naitatanghal ang Filipino bílang wika ng saliksik.

Ang mga nagwagi ay gagawaran sa KWF Gabi ng Parangal sa 19 Agosto 2025. Hinihiling sa madla na sumubaysay sa KWF FB page hinggil sa lugar at iba pang detalye ng nasabing gawad.

Mercury-Laced Skin Whitening Creams Still Thrive in Baclaran — Health at Stake Amid Lax Enforcement

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Pasay City — Beneath the bustling stalls and crowded alleys of Baclaran, a silent poison is being peddled in small jars and shiny boxes — cosmetics laced with dangerous amounts of mercury. Despite a nationwide ban more than a decade old, these skin-lightening products (SLPs) remain openly available in beauty shops, their pastel packaging hiding a toxic reality that could scar lives forever.

Toxics watchdog BAN Toxics sounded the alarm once again, issuing a public health warning after a recent market sweep revealed that mercury-tainted SLPs — long prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — are still being sold freely in Pasay City. The group is urging the local government to act swiftly, crack down on violators, and protect unsuspecting consumers from irreversible harm.

A Toxic Find in the Heart of the Marketplace

During its latest market monitoring activity, BAN Toxics purchased six brands of banned beauty creams, priced between ₱150 and ₱250:

C Collagen Plus Vit E Day and Night Cream

Golden Pearl Beauty Cream

Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene

Goree Day & Night Beauty Cream

Goree Gold 24K Beauty Cream

Jiao Li Miraculous Cream

Tests using a Vanta C Series Handheld XRF Analyzer revealed mercury concentrations skyrocketing between 1,480 ppm and a staggering 26,000 ppm — thousands of times higher than the 1 ppm safety limit set by the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive.

These brands have been banned since 2010 due to their dangerous chemical content, yet they continue to circulate — a sign, according to BAN Toxics, of glaring gaps in enforcement and border control.

“A Ticking Time Bomb for Public Health”

“The unwarranted sale of banned, mercury-tainted SLPs will persist unless the government prioritizes health and safety measures, strengthens border controls, and cracks down on importers and sellers, both online and offline,” stressed Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics.

The organization has been monitoring mercury-added cosmetics since 2017, in collaboration with the Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG). Their mission stems from the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which prohibits the manufacture, import, and export of cosmetics with mercury concentrations above 1 ppm — a global rule that took effect in 2020.

But regulation alone, Dizon warns, is not enough.

“The FDA is the sole government agency responsible for regulating cosmetics in the country, but there must be interagency collaboration with local governments to keep these toxic products out of the market and away from consumers.”

The Deadly Allure of Lighter Skin

According to the ZMWG, mercury compounds are deliberately added to SLPs to suppress melanin production, promising lighter skin — a beauty ideal deeply rooted in cultural perceptions. But the price for this pale complexion is steep: rashes, skin blotching, and discoloration in the short term; irreversible damage to the kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and immune system with prolonged use.

The risks don’t end with the user. Mercury can be transferred through touch, contaminating household surfaces and putting family members — including children — at risk. In extreme cases, home decontamination may be necessary.

The World Health Organization has identified mercury in cosmetics as a major public health concern, making its continued presence in Philippine marketplaces all the more alarming.

A Call for Stronger Laws and Tougher Penalties

BAN Toxics is renewing its call for the refiling of the Safe Cosmetics Act (Senate Bill 1574), originally filed in 2013 by the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. The bill aims to prohibit ingredients linked to cancer and reproductive toxicity from entering cosmetic products.

Until such laws are passed and enforced with teeth, the group is urging local governments to immediately shut down shops violating regulations and ensure that all cosmetics sold in their jurisdictions have valid Cosmetic Product Notifications from the FDA.

BAN Toxics Won’t Back Down

The group vows to continue its market sweeps, expose violators, and pressure both national and local authorities to close loopholes. For them, every illegal jar of cream pulled from the shelves is a step toward saving lives.

“This is not just about beauty,” Dizon concluded. “This is about protecting the health, safety, and dignity of every Filipino.”

In Baclaran, where the air is filled with the chatter of vendors and the scent of street food, the danger lies quietly in glass jars and plastic tubs. And until decisive action is taken, the price of beauty will remain tragically high — measured not in pesos, but in human health.

Stamps of Friendship: Philippines and India Mark 75 Years of Enduring Ties with Symbolic Commemorative Release

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a moment steeped in history and symbolism, the Philippines and India have sealed their 75 years of diplomatic relations not merely with words or ceremonies, but with something that will travel the world—stamps carrying the story of friendship, culture, and shared aspirations.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood side by side as the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) unveiled the joint commemorative stamps in New Delhi, during the President’s five-day state visit to India from August 4 to 8, 2025. The images they revealed were more than just colorful designs—they were miniature ambassadors of heritage, values, and enduring goodwill.

The commemorative stamps bear the official logo of the 75th anniversary of Philippines–India diplomatic relations. Interwoven into the design are the vibrant colors of both national flags and the delicate yet powerful emblems of each country’s national flower—the sampaguita of the Philippines and the lotus of India.

PHLPost Postmaster General Maximo C. Sta. Maria III described the release as a “lasting legacy” to the shared history between the two nations. “This milestone is a testament to both countries’ commitment to fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and meaningful cooperation,” he said. “It inspires continued partnership and goodwill for generations to come.”

The symbolism runs deep. The sampaguita, with its pristine white petals, is more than an ornamental bloom—it is a reflection of the Filipino soul: pure, humble, and unyielding in strength despite delicate form. Its fragrance is woven into the nation’s traditions, from religious rites to community celebrations, a quiet reminder of grace under pressure.

The lotus of India, the Nelumbo nucifera, blooms from the mud yet remains unstained, an image deeply ingrained in Indian spirituality and art. Revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, it embodies enlightenment, purity, beauty, prosperity, and eternal renewal—values that mirror the shared hopes of the two nations for peace and progress.

While the flowers tell a story of culture and identity, the stamps themselves stand as storytellers of history. Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and India were formally established in 1949, only a few years after both nations emerged from the shadows of colonial rule. A Treaty of Friendship followed in 1952, laying the foundation for decades of cooperation in trade, education, defense, and cultural exchange.

Now, 75 years later, these stamps will journey far beyond post offices, carrying with them the essence of two countries that may be geographically distant but are connected by shared democratic values, resilience in adversity, and a vision for a better future.

As collectors and citizens place these stamps in albums, envelopes, and postcards, they will hold in their hands not just a piece of paper, but a fragment of history—a celebration of a friendship that continues to bloom, like the sampaguita and the lotus, for generations yet to come.

Fortress of Learning: Angara Brings Hope, Relief, and Flood-Resilient Education to Pampanga

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

MACABEBE, PAMPANGA — In a province still reeling from the muddy scars of recent floods, a new symbol of hope now stands tall above the waters. Education Secretary Sonny Angara, heeding President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for swift and decisive disaster recovery, arrived in Pampanga on Wednesday not just with relief goods in tow, but with a promise — that education, like the Filipino spirit, will not be washed away.

In the flood-prone town of Masantol, Angara joined Pampanga 4th District Representative Anna York Bondoc, DepEd Region III Assistant Regional Director Jessie L. Amin, and Schools Division Superintendent Romeo S. Alip to inaugurate a state-of-the-art flood-resilient school building at Masantol High School. Built to rise above calamities, the structure is part of a sweeping DepEd initiative to make classrooms stronger, safer, and ready for the growing wrath of climate change.

“Yung nakita nating classroom sa Masantol, I think 'yun yung magiging modelo para sa flood-prone areas. Sa Bicol, dito, sa Bulacan. 'Yan ang gusto ng Pangulo — permanent solutions, hindi lang pansamantala. We must adapt our policies,” Angara declared, his words echoing the urgency of the times.

Following the ribbon-cutting, the Secretary sat down with teachers, students, and parents in a candid dialogue about the devastation they had endured. The discussions laid bare not just physical damages, but emotional tolls — the kind that no relief pack can instantly fix. That is why DepEd, under Angara’s leadership, is integrating psychosocial support, rapid damage assessments, and continuity of learning plans into its post-disaster response.

From Masantol, the relief mission moved to Macabebe, where Angara and his team distributed food packs and essential supplies at Macabebe Elementary School. In total, over 2,000 relief packages reached teachers, non-teaching staff, and their families, serving as both sustenance and reassurance that they have not been forgotten.

In every stop, Angara underscored the same principle: that a school’s safety is just as important as the lessons taught within its walls.

“Kapag may kalamidad, una nating tanong: ligtas ba ang mga paaralan? Kumusta ang ating mga guro at kawani? Kaya’t sinigurado ng DepEd, alinsunod sa utos ng Pangulo, na may agarang tugon at aktwal na pagdalaw sa inyo ngayon,” he said, visiting not only Masantol High School but also San Isidro Elementary School and San Nicolas Elementary School.

The day ended with a rallying call to unite — government agencies, local leaders, lawmakers, and the education sector — in fortifying the country’s learning spaces against the next inevitable storm.

“Hindi natin kayang pigilan ang bagyo, pero kaya nating ihanda ang bansa. Basta’t magkakasama tayo — DepEd, LGU, Kongreso, at mga guro — walang hindi kakayanin,” Angara affirmed.

As the sun set over Pampanga, the new flood-resilient classrooms stood as more than just concrete and steel. They became a beacon — a fortress of learning that declares to every child in the floodplains of the Philippines: your dreams are safe here, and no storm will wash them away.

From Mustard Greens to a Movement: How a Baguio Farm School Won Asia’s “Healthiest School” Title and Became a Beacon for Food Security

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

BAGUIO CITY — In the crisp mountain air of Happy Hollow, a quiet revolution is taking root — one that blends the wisdom of the soil with the promise of a healthier tomorrow.

Happy Hollow National High School (NHS) has just been crowned Asia’s “Healthiest School” in the 2025 AIA Outstanding Healthy Eating Awards, edging out 15 other contenders from powerhouse countries like Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam. The school’s triumph is more than just a trophy and a US$15,000 (₱840,000) prize — it is living proof that when a community nurtures its young through agriculture, health, and shared responsibility, the harvest is nothing short of transformational.

And at the heart of this victory is Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C. — “Offering Resources of Growing Agri-product and Nutrition in Community” — an ambitious program that has turned classrooms into gardens, and students into stewards of sustainability.

Seeds of Change in the Highlands

Recognized in 2024 as an official farm school by the Department of Education (DepEd), Happy Hollow NHS has embraced organic agriculture not as an extracurricular hobby, but as a lifeline for food security. Here, lessons aren’t confined to textbooks; they’re dug, planted, watered, and harvested.

Under the guidance of Teacher Aries Busacay, 168 Grade 12 students in the Organic Agriculture Production (OAP) track have learned to grow mustard greens (mustasa) using organic methods and even recycled materials — a resourcefulness that turns waste into nourishment.

“This is about teaching students how to live happier and healthier,” Busacay says, looking over neat rows of leafy greens that will soon find their way into local kitchens.

But these students aren’t just farmers-in-training. They’re mentors. Older batches teach younger ones, ensuring that knowledge, like seeds, is passed on. Parents, barangay officials, and nutritionists all play a role — from backyard gardening to feeding programs, from planting workshops to nutrition seminars.

The cycle is complete: the school grows the food, the community consumes it, and the students gain the skills — and TESDA NC II certification — to carry these lessons into their futures.

A Blueprint for President Marcos’ Food Security Vision

For Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Happy Hollow’s achievement is not an isolated triumph, but a model to be replicated nationwide.

“Patunay itong Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C. na kapag nagtulungan ang paaralan, magulang, at komunidad, kayang buhayin ang tradisyon ng agrikultura at sabay nating mapaunlad ang kalusugan at kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” Angara said. “Inspirasyon ito sa ating layunin na gawing katuwang ang mga paaralan sa pagpapatupad ng food security agenda ni Pangulong Marcos.”

The data is already speaking: BMI records show reduced malnutrition rates among students. Engagement in school activities has soared. Practical skills are being forged alongside a culture of sustainability.

The Legacy of Farm Schools

The farm school model isn’t new. It is rooted in the vision of the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara, who championed Republic Act No. 10618, the Rural Farm Schools Act, to merge agricultural training with secondary education.

Today, under Sec. Angara’s leadership, there are 156 farm schools across eight regions in the Philippines, providing technical skills, entrepreneurial training, and an appreciation for the land.

“Sa mga farm school, bukod sa pagtatanim, hinuhubog natin ang bagong henerasyon ng mga lider sa agrikultura at negosyo,” Angara said. “Kapag marunong ang kabataan sa produksyon ng pagkain, teknolohiya, at pangangalakal, mas maganda ang kinabukasan ng ating mga komunidad at mas tiyak ang seguridad sa pagkain ng bansa.”

A Lesson for Asia

The AIA award is given to schools that redefine what it means to promote health, active living, and environmental responsibility. Happy Hollow NHS did not just win by growing vegetables — it won by growing a movement.

It’s a movement where young Filipinos see farming not as a relic of the past, but as a vital skill for the future. Where schools are more than places of learning — they are seedbeds for resilience, innovation, and community pride.

From a patch of mustasa in Baguio’s highlands, Happy Hollow NHS has cultivated something far greater than crops. It has cultivated hope — the kind that spreads, takes root, and one day, might just feed an entire nation.

UP MSI to Establish PH's First Coral Cryobank Facility for Coral Restoration

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Coral reefs, often called the "rainforests of the sea," are vital ecosystems facing unprecedented threats from climate change and human activities. The Philippines, a country at the heart of marine biodiversity, is now home to a new, dramatic effort to save its coral reefs from the brink. The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) is establishing the nation's very first coral larvae cryobank facility, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at boosting coral restoration.

This project is not a solitary effort but part of a larger regional collaboration. Dubbed "Coral Conservation Capacity Development in the Coral Triangle: A Cryorepository Network for Coral Larvae," this initiative unites research institutions from the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Together, they are creating the first-ever network of coral larval cryobanks in the Coral Triangle, a region renowned for its rich marine life.

At the heart of the Philippine team is Dr. Maria Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez, the lead researcher from the Interactions of Marine Bionts and Benthic Ecosystems Laboratory (IMBIBE). Dr. Baria-Rodriguez emphasizes the long-term vision of this endeavor: "It's not just about preserving corals today, it's about building a foundation for future research and reef restoration that can benefit generations to come". Her laboratory's mission is to strengthen the country's ability to protect its coral biodiversity.

The project's initial focus is on pocilloporid corals, which are known for their fast growth and quick reproductive cycles. These "weedy species" are often the first to recolonize damaged reefs, making them crucial for accelerating reef recovery. However, their sensitivity to climate stress, such as coral bleaching, threatens their long-term survival.

The cryopreservation process involves collecting larvae from hatchery-monitored pocilloporid colonies and storing them in liquid nitrogen for future use in restoration efforts. To prepare for this monumental task, a capacity-building training session on cryopreservation techniques like vitrification and cryobanking was held in December 2024 at the UP MSI Bolinao Marine Laboratory. The training, led by Dr. Chiahsin Lin from Taiwan's National Dong Hwa University and the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA), equipped the IMBIBE lab's research assistants with essential skills. A follow-up training was conducted in February 2025 at the NMMBA to further enhance technical skills and regional cooperation.

One of the research assistants, Ryan Carl De Juan, has already achieved a significant milestone, successfully cryopreserving early-stage coral larvae during initial trials. The team is now working to increase the number of cryopreserved larvae from various target coral species. The ultimate goal is for the IMBIBE laboratory to establish the first coral larval cryobank at the Bolinao Marine Laboratory, led by Dr. Baria-Rodriguez.

This project extends beyond pocilloporid corals. The team plans to adapt cryopreservation protocols for other coral species and develop advanced tools, including a fourth-generation laser-assisted warming device and cryojig system. This ambitious undertaking is a race against time, a desperate bid to preserve the genetic heritage of the Philippines' coral reefs before it's too late. The establishment of this cryobank is not just a scientific achievement; it is a beacon of hope for the future of the oceans, a tangible step toward ensuring that these vital ecosystems can be restored for generations to come.

Plastics Treaty Negotiations at a Crossroads: The Fight to Put Human Health First

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Geneva, Switzerland – In the glass-walled conference halls of the United Nations complex, the future of our planet—and our bodies—is being debated sentence by sentence. The Plastics Treaty negotiations, scheduled to conclude this Thursday, August 14, have reached a pivotal moment. While more than 80 countries have thrown their weight behind a groundbreaking proposal to protect human health from the toxic chemicals embedded in plastics, a small but powerful bloc of oil-producing nations is using procedural maneuvers to slow progress to a crawl.

The stakes could not be higher. Plastic production is projected to triple in the coming decades. Without bold, binding measures, the invisible chemical threats leaching from plastics will continue infiltrating our water, food, air, and even our bloodstreams.

A Proposal with Teeth—And Global Backing

The proposal—championed by Switzerland and Mexico—calls for nothing less than global controls on hazardous plastic chemicals. It envisions a dedicated article in the treaty (Article 3) that would:

Establish a list of “chemicals of concern” in plastics, updated as science evolves;

Ensure transparency and traceability, so manufacturers and consumers know exactly what toxic substances lurk in plastic products;

Create legally binding global obligations, ensuring that commitments aren’t just promises but enforceable requirements.

This approach mirrors the successful models of the Stockholm Convention and Basel Convention, which have proven that international cooperation can indeed tackle dangerous chemicals.

For the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), which has been a constant presence in the negotiations, this proposal is a lifeline—not just for ecosystems, but for human health. Yet, they stress it must go further, regulating plastics throughout their entire life cycle, not just in the final products.

Obstruction in the Halls of Power

While most nations agree that protecting human health is non-negotiable, a handful of oil-producing countries see the treaty as a threat to their petrochemical-driven economies. Using the consensus rule as a weapon, they have stalled discussions, forcing delays that could water down or derail ambitious measures.

IPEN has called for procedural reforms—already used in other global environmental agreements—that would allow voting when consensus proves impossible. Without these changes, a minority can continue to block the will of the majority.

Voices Left Outside

Equally troubling is the exclusion of vital perspectives. Scientists, Indigenous Peoples, labor advocates, and community leaders—many from regions already suffering the worst impacts of plastic pollution—have been denied meaningful participation due to closed-door sessions and inadequate facilities.

Pamela Miller, IPEN Co-chair and Executive Director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics, is unequivocal:

“The Treaty deliberations must be open and accessible to include these voices who know first-hand how toxic plastics can affect human health and the right to a healthy environment we all deserve. We stand committed to hold negotiators accountable for a Plastics Treaty that achieves the health protections we all need and deserve.”

The Mandate Is Clear

As negotiations enter their final days, IPEN’s message to delegates is sharp and urgent: Remember the mandate—to end plastic pollution and protect human health and the environment throughout the full life cycle of plastics.

Yuyun Ismawati, IPEN Co-chair and Co-founder of Nexus3 Foundation in Indonesia, warned that without decisive action, the crisis will only deepen:

“As plastic production is forecast to triple in the coming decades, the only way to meet this goal is through limiting plastic production and controlling toxic plastic chemicals. A meaningful Plastic Treaty is urgently needed to resolve the plastics crisis.”

The World Watches

The coming days will decide whether this treaty becomes a historic turning point—or a missed opportunity. Will the health of billions outweigh the interests of a few? Will transparency and accountability prevail over secrecy and obstruction?

If negotiators rise to the challenge, the Plastics Treaty could become one of the most significant public health and environmental victories of our generation. If they fail, the cost will be measured not just in polluted rivers and dying wildlife, but in the silent, accumulating poisons inside every human body.

The clock is ticking in Geneva.

When Plasma Meets Its Own Echo: UP Scientists Reveal Shock Wave Secrets in Copper LPP

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the vast realm of physics, where forces invisible to the naked eye dictate the behavior of matter, a team of University of the Philippines (UP) scientists has ventured into uncharted territory—investigating what happens when a laser-produced plasma collides with the very shock wave it created.

It sounds like science fiction—a cloud of charged particles, born from the violent kiss of a laser and a copper surface, racing outward like a miniature supernova. Around it, an unseen wave of compressed gas barrels forward, only to slam into a wall, rebound, and hurtle back toward its own creator. The collision, until now, was a mystery barely touched by scientific literature. But thanks to a groundbreaking study, that mystery is unraveling.

The Overlooked “Reflected Shock”

Scientists have long studied the outward expansion of laser-produced plasma (LPP) and its primary shock wave in surrounding gases. But the returning wave—the reflected shock—remained an afterthought, a secondary ripple in the grand explosion.

“Most research focuses on the first expansion,” explains Dr. Rommil Emperado of the UP Diliman College of Science’s National Institute of Physics (NIP). “But when that shock wave hits a surface and bounces back, it can dramatically change the plasma’s journey. We wanted to see exactly how.”

Simulating the Collision of Energy and Matter

To unlock the answer, Dr. Emperado joined forces with Dr. Myles Allen Zosa, Dr. Wilson Garcia of NIP, and Dr. Lean Dasallas from the Materials Science and Engineering Program (MSEP). Their tool of choice? The Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method—a sophisticated numerical approach that models particles using random number simulations, mimicking the chaos of nature at the atomic level.

The team simulated copper LPP behavior in a vacuum and in noble gases like helium and argon—common environments in pulsed laser deposition, where thin films and nanostructures are crafted. Their models traced how the plasma plume expands, how shock waves ripple outward, and how those waves transform after striking a boundary and returning.

A Tale of Two Gases

The results were as fascinating as they were counterintuitive.

In argon, the collision between the reflected shock and the copper plume actually boosted the plume’s mean kinetic energy—a surprising outcome for a process expected to drain energy through collisions.

In helium, however, the opposite occurred—the plume lost energy upon meeting its reflected shock.

This unexpected duality revealed that the background gas species plays a critical role in shaping plasma behavior, offering a new layer of control for scientists and engineers working with LPP.

Why It Matters

Laser-produced plasma isn’t just a laboratory curiosity—it’s a powerful tool with applications ranging from fabricating superconducting thin films to detecting trace elements on Mars. By understanding how reflected shock waves influence plasma before it reaches a substrate, scientists could revolutionize how nanomaterials are made.

The implications are enormous:

Nanofoams could be engineered with more precision.

Nanoparticles could be tailored for specific shapes, sizes, and functions.

The efficiency of pulsed laser deposition could leap forward, fueling advances in electronics, energy storage, and even space exploration.

“This research opens the door to predicting and controlling nanostructure formation before the plasma even touches the surface,” says Emperado. “That level of foresight is a game-changer.”

Beyond the Lab

In essence, the UP team’s work reframes a long-ignored phenomenon as a key player in plasma physics. By turning their focus on the echo of a shock wave, they have illuminated a subtle yet powerful interaction that could ripple through multiple industries.

The next time a laser pulse hits metal and a plume bursts forth into a chamber of noble gas, it won’t just be a spectacle of light and energy—it will be a carefully choreographed dance between creation and reflection, guided by the physics that UP scientists have begun to master.

In the universe of plasma, sometimes the loudest revelations come from listening to the echoes.

Young Budget Watchdogs to Government: “Babantayan Namin” the 2026 Education Budget

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Quezon City, Philippines — In a political climate where billions can be lost in the shuffle of bureaucracy, a group of determined young Filipinos is sending a loud, unflinching message to the government: “Babantayan namin.”

Today, Multiply-Ed Philippines, through its Amplify-Ed Coalition and Bantay Budget Network, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow civil society organizations (CSOs) as the House of Representatives turned over the 2026 Proposed National Budget documents. For the group, this symbolic handover is more than ceremony—it is a battleground for public participation, transparency, and accountability.

A Bigger Budget, But Still Not Enough

The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to receive a sizable boost—from ₱734 billion in 2025 to ₱928.5 billion in 2026. Yet, Multiply-Ed is quick to remind lawmakers that while the increase is welcome, it’s still far from the internationally recommended 6% of GDP for education spending. By their calculations, that benchmark should translate to around ₱1.71 trillion—nearly double the proposed allocation.

Grounded in its grassroots monitoring of 90 public senior high schools nationwide, Multiply-Ed estimates that filling all the gaps in basic education inputs for public senior high schools alone would cost ₱437.43 billion. If this estimate is scaled across all public schools in the country, the figure reaches a staggering ₱1.702 trillion—almost exactly what global standards demand.

From dilapidated classrooms to the chronic shortage of textbooks, teachers, laptops, and essential learner support programs, the group paints a sobering picture. In schools under Multiply-Ed’s Extended Education (X-Ed) program alone, urgent needs require an immediate ₱1.6 billion.

Demanding Open Books and Open Doors

“The ceremonial turnover is a step in the right direction,” the group said, “but it must be matched with real, ongoing public access. The national budget is public money—it should be open to scrutiny and participation at every stage.”

Multiply-Ed is calling for the full and immediate release of the 2026 budget documents in a format accessible to ordinary citizens, not just policymakers and technical experts. Transparency, they argue, is not an optional courtesy—it’s a democratic right.

Their demands also extend to the most guarded part of the budget process: the bicameral conference committee (BiCam) deliberations. Traditionally conducted behind closed doors, these meetings determine the final shape of the budget before it is signed into law. Multiply-Ed insists it is time to “Open the BiCam” to public view, dismantling the culture of secrecy that allows last-minute insertions and questionable reallocations to slip by unnoticed.

Funding the Margins for True Inclusion

For Multiply-Ed, an “inclusive education system” means one that doesn’t leave behind the most marginalized learners. As part of its 2026 Inclusive Education Budget Agenda, the coalition is pushing for higher allocations to chronically underfunded programs:

Indigenous Peoples’ Education (IPEd)

Madrasah Education Program

Special Education (SPED)

Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives

“These programs serve the students who are most at risk of being left behind. If we want a truly inclusive education system, we must fix the gaps and fund the margins,” they stressed.

From Ceremony to Citizen Power

The turnover of budget documents might have looked like a formal handshake between legislators and CSOs, but Multiply-Ed sees it as a call to arms—a reminder that citizen vigilance must be constant, not seasonal.

Their commitment is crystal clear: they will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the education budget and actively engage throughout the legislative process to make sure public money serves the public good.

“Babantayan namin,” they vowed—three words that carry the weight of both a promise and a warning. For those in power, it’s a reminder that the nation’s youth are not just students of politics—they are watchdogs of democracy.

8 Years After Minamata: The Hidden Poison Still Lurking in Skin Lightening Creams

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

On August 16, the world marks the eighth anniversary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a landmark global treaty that promised to protect humanity and the environment from the toxic legacy of mercury. Yet, even as this date passes, dangerous products continue to slip through digital marketplaces and cosmetic shelves — silently poisoning those who seek nothing more than smoother, lighter skin.

In Quezon City, the EcoWaste Coalition has sounded the alarm once again. The watchdog group released a damning report listing 48 skin lightening products — imported from China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Thailand — each adulterated with mercury, a chemical so dangerous that even minuscule exposure can lead to irreversible harm.

The Treaty and the Broken Promise

The Minamata Convention, adopted on October 10, 2013, and enforced starting August 16, 2017, was meant to phase out mercury-added products such as skin lightening cosmetics. The original target was 2020; the revised goal is now 2025. At COP5 (the Fifth Conference of the Parties), global leaders went further — eliminating even the one part per million (ppm) threshold to make it absolutely illegal to manufacture, import, or export mercury-laced skin lightening products.

But the treaty’s intent is being undermined by the sheer scale of illicit production and online trade. Despite a clear ban, these hazardous creams remain just a click away for consumers — their availability fueled by the lingering belief that fairer skin equals beauty, success, and social acceptance.

“We call for and support strengthened global and local action to fight the illegal production and trade of mercury cosmetics and address colorism and other socio-cultural issues driving the demand for products to lighten the skin color,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition. “We need to put an end to the racist notion that equates beauty, cleanliness, and success with being white.”

A Catalogue of Contamination

Among the banned creams is the notorious Goree Beauty with Lycopene, prohibited by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2017. But EcoWaste’s investigation uncovered far more — 29 brands, ranging from Feique’s herbal creams to Temulawak night products, from Pakistan’s Faiza Beauty Cream to Thailand’s Dr. Yanhee series.

The mercury content found in these creams is staggering — up to 44,450 ppm in one Thai product, Lady Gold Seaweed/Gluta Super Gluta Brightening. That’s over 44,000 times the allowed limit, which now stands at zero.

These products were purchased mostly from third-party online sellers and tested using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer before being reported to regulators. But the fact they are still openly sold highlights a dangerous gap between policy and enforcement.

Invisible Danger in Every Touch

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that mercury exposure from these creams can lead to:

Kidney damage

Skin rashes, discoloration, and scarring

Reduced resistance to infections

Anxiety, depression, and psychosis

Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)

Women — the primary targets of these cosmetics — face even higher stakes, particularly those of childbearing age, as mercury can harm unborn children.

And the danger doesn’t stop at the user’s skin. Mercury vapor can fill the air in poorly ventilated homes, contaminating shared towels, bedding, and surfaces. Infants and children are at risk simply by breathing or touching items tainted by these creams.

A Call for Urgency

The continued availability of mercury cosmetics is not just a public health scandal — it’s a betrayal of a global promise. The Minamata Convention was born from the tragic history of Minamata disease in Japan, where mercury poisoning devastated an entire community. Allowing mercury creams to circulate today risks repeating history in slow motion, with victims spread across millions of homes.

For the Minamata Convention’s eighth anniversary to mean more than words on paper, stronger enforcement, stricter penalties, and proactive monitoring — especially on e-commerce platforms — must be prioritized.

The battle against mercury cosmetics is more than a fight against toxins in jars. It’s a struggle against the deep-seated prejudice of colorism, the exploitation of beauty ideals, and the corporate greed that trades human health for profit.

Until the last jar of mercury cream is pulled from circulation, the promise of Minamata remains unfulfilled — and every application of these creams is another quiet act of self-harm.

Le destinazioni più popolari per voli in aereo private

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

Negli ultimi anni, il noleggio di aerei privati è diventato sempre più popolare tra i viaggiatori di lusso e i professionisti in cerca di efficienza. Aeroaffaires, leader nel settore del noleggio di jet ed elicotteri privati, offre una vasta gamma di opzioni per soddisfare le esigenze di ogni cliente. In questo articolo, esploreremo alcune delle destinazioni più ambite per voli in aereo privato, evidenziando i vantaggi di scegliere Aeroaffaires per il tuo prossimo viaggio.

 

1. New York, Stati Uniti

New York è una delle città più iconiche del mondo e una meta privilegiata per i viaggiatori d'affari e di piacere. Con i suoi grattacieli, musei e teatri, la Grande Mela attira visitatori da ogni angolo del pianeta. Noleggiare un jet privato con Aeroaffaires ti consente di atterrare direttamente all'aeroporto di Teterboro, a pochi minuti dal centro di Manhattan, evitando le lunghe attese e le code degli aeroporti commerciali.

2. Ibiza, Spagna

Ibiza è famosa per le sue feste, le spiagge mozzafiato e la vita notturna vibrante. Durante l'estate, l'isola spagnola diventa una meta ambita per i turisti di tutto il mondo. Con Aeroaffaires, puoi noleggiare un aereo privato per raggiungere Ibiza in modo rapido e confortevole, permettendoti di godere appieno della tua vacanza senza stress.

3. Dubai, Emirati Arabi Uniti

Dubai è sinonimo di lusso e opulenza. Con i suoi grattacieli futuristici, centri commerciali di alta classe e ristoranti stellati, è una destinazione ideale per chi cerca un'esperienza esclusiva. Noleggiare un jet privato con Aeroaffaires ti offre la possibilità di atterrare in uno degli aeroporti più moderni del mondo, garantendo un arrivo senza problemi e un accesso immediato alle meraviglie di questa città.

4. Londra, Regno Unito

Londra è un centro finanziario globale e una meta popolare per viaggi d'affari. Con Aeroaffaires, puoi noleggiare un aereo privato per atterrare in uno dei numerosi aeroporti della città, come London City Airport, che offre un accesso diretto al cuore della capitale britannica. Questo ti consente di ottimizzare il tuo tempo e di dedicarti agli affari o al turismo senza ritardi.

5. Montecarlo, Monaco

Montecarlo è una delle destinazioni più esclusive d'Europa, famosa per i suoi casinò, yacht e eventi di gala. Noleggiare un jet privato con Aeroaffaires ti permette di arrivare rapidamente a questo paradiso del lusso, dove puoi goderti il sole e la bellezza della Costa Azzurra. La comodità di un volo privato ti consente di pianificare il tuo viaggio in base alle tue esigenze, senza dover seguire gli orari dei voli commerciali.

6. Los Angeles, Stati Uniti

Los Angeles è la capitale dell'intrattenimento e una meta ambita per celebrità e viaggiatori di lusso. Con Aeroaffaires, puoi noleggiare un aereo privato per atterrare a LAX o in uno degli aeroporti privati della zona, evitando il traffico e le lunghe attese. Che tu stia visitando Hollywood, le spiagge di Santa Monica o i parchi a tema, un volo privato ti offre la massima flessibilità.

7. Roma, Italia

Roma, con la sua storia millenaria e la sua cultura vibrante, è una delle città più visitate al mondo. Noleggiare un jet privato con Aeroaffaires ti consente di atterrare all'aeroporto di Ciampino, situato a breve distanza dal centro città. Questo ti permette di esplorare le meraviglie di Roma, dai Fori Imperiali al Colosseo, senza le complicazioni dei voli commerciali.

8. Cancun, Messico

Cancun è una delle destinazioni balneari più popolari del Messico, famosa per le sue acque cristalline e le spiagge di sabbia bianca. Con Aeroaffaires, puoi noleggiare un aereo privato per raggiungere rapidamente questa meta tropicale, permettendoti di iniziare la tua vacanza senza stress. Che tu stia cercando relax o avventura, Cancun offre qualcosa per tutti.

9. Tokyo, Giappone

Tokyo è una metropoli affascinante che unisce tradizione e modernità. Noleggiare un jet privato con Aeroaffaires ti consente di atterrare all'aeroporto di Haneda, il più vicino al centro città. Questo ti permette di immergerti nella cultura giapponese, visitando templi storici e assaporando la cucina locale, senza le lunghe attese degli aeroporti commerciali.

10. Sydney, Australia

Sydney è famosa per la sua iconica Opera House e le sue splendide spiagge. Noleggiare un aereo privato con Aeroaffaires ti offre la possibilità di atterrare direttamente all'aeroporto di Sydney, consentendoti di esplorare questa vibrante città in modo rapido e conveniente. Che tu stia visitando per affari o per piacere, un volo privato rende il tuo viaggio ancora più speciale.

Conclusione

Scegliere Aeroaffaires per il noleggio di jet ed elicotteri privati ti offre la possibilità di viaggiare verso alcune delle destinazioni più popolari del mondo in modo comodo e veloce. Con un servizio personalizzato e una flotta di aerei di alta qualità, Aeroaffaires è la scelta ideale per chi cerca un'esperienza di viaggio senza pari. Non importa quale sia la tua meta, un volo privato ti permetterà di ottimizzare il tuo tempo e di goderti ogni momento del tuo viaggio

Bravado in the Senate, Betrayal of Our Children

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

You can dress it up in legal jargon. You can wrap it in the rhetoric of “public safety” and “law and order.” But at its core, Senator Robin Padilla’s push to jail 10-year-olds is not a bold reform — it’s a disgrace.

It is the perfect case study of what happens when legislation is driven by bravado instead of brains, by ego instead of evidence. When a leader shows no grasp of child psychology, no regard for human rights, and no awareness of global standards, that leader becomes a danger to the very people they swore to protect.

The United Nations is clear: 14 is the internationally accepted minimum age of criminal liability. Yet here we are, watching a senator drag our laws — and our moral compass — backwards. Instead of dismantling the cycle of poverty, abuse, and systemic neglect that pushes children into crime, Padilla chooses the laziest path: punish the child, ignore the root.

At 10 years old, a child’s brain is still under construction. Neuroscience tells us they lack the cognitive maturity to fully grasp consequences. This is not just compassion talking — it’s science. But science doesn’t seem to stand a chance against the theatrics of “tough-on-crime” posturing.

And let’s be blunt: the real criminals are not the kids caught stealing food or acting out under the influence of abusive adults. The real criminals are the adults who groom, exploit, and abandon them — the drug syndicates that use them as couriers, the politicians who steal from education and social welfare budgets, and yes, the lawmakers who would rather cage them than save them.

If we truly care about safer streets, the answer is not to throw a 10-year-old into a prison system already notorious for overcrowding, abuse, and a lack of rehabilitation. The answer is to attack poverty with the same ferocity that some politicians attack the poor. It is to build rehabilitation centers worthy of the name, to strengthen community support systems, and to ensure that adults — not children — are held accountable for crimes committed under their watch.

Lowering the age of criminal liability to 10 is not justice. It is an admission of failure — a confession that we have failed to protect, educate, and nurture our children. It is state-sponsored abandonment dressed as law and order.

Protect children from crime. Don’t turn them into criminals. And to those who voted for this brand of leadership: remember this moment. The shame is not just his. It’s yours too.

GameZone presents Super Diva The Concert! As Vice, Regine dazzle Big Dome

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Unkabogable star and GameZone’s first brand ambassador, Vice Ganda with Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid turn the Smart Araneta Coliseum into a gigantic dance floor filled with cheers, laughter, stunning visuals, and mesmerizing performances last August 8 and 9 with the Super Divas: The Concert.

The two-day concert, presented by GameZone, injected fun into the crowd with unforgettable production from two Philippine icons. From the very start, the Big Dome resonated with applause as the eager and ecstatic fans greeted the arrival of the two Philippine icons.

Thousands of lightsticks shimmered across the arena, perfectly synchronizing with every magical spectacle the duo had thrown. From the breathtaking song covers of Regine Velasques-Alcasid to energetic dance performances by Vice Ganda, brimming lights completed the dynamic and intimate atmosphere of the concert.

Of course, with Vice Ganda being a fashion maven, the concert won’t be complete without multiple wardrobe changes. From start to finish, the audience saw ensembles that reflected the glamor, energy, art, and talent that graced the Big Dome. Vice Ganda’s array of outfits ranged from outer space fantasy and radiant angelic figures to bespoke rompers with Balintawak sleeves and fashion tributes to music legends.

GameZone flashes on the center stage with its first brand ambassador, Vice Ganda and Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid

Opening the night with aptly named “dance” songs, Super Divas: The Concert unfolded with a balanced mix of nostalgia and modern energy. However, the concert was more than just a nostalgia act or a trend hype train, it catered for all. There was a little bit of something here for older and younger audiences alike. And regardless of which generation you belong to, talent will remain timeless.

Vice Ganda and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid get loud with the crowd for their opening number

However, even before the show began, GameZone already energized the concertgoers with its thrilling and interactive booth. Geared with merch, freebies, and an eye-catching concert backdrop, the platform made sure to welcome Super Diva fans with treats and exclusive perks. But the fun did not end there; lucky fans were granted a once in a lifetime opportunity to bond with their idols through GameZone’s meet and greet. The Super Diva: The concert is a testament of the platform’s unwavering support toward Philippine entertainment. GameZone’s first step of promoting this advocacy is through the partnership with Vice Ganda, the first ambassador of the platform.

Notably, GameZone promotes responsible gaming. Play only for fun, play responsibly as gambling is not an accepted way of livelihood and does not solve financial problems.

For more information about the platform, visit gzone.ph today!

Youth Foresight Research on Intergenerational Equity: A Call to Rewrite the Future Before It’s Too Late

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The world’s most pressing problems—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—are not just environmental crises. They are time bombs ticking away at the very foundation of human civilization, disproportionately affecting those who have done the least to cause them: the youth of today and the generations yet to be born.

For decades, politicians have spoken about “leaving a better world for our children”, yet most governments are failing to meaningfully integrate intergenerational equity (IE)—the principle that present generations have a duty to protect the rights, opportunities, and well-being of future generations—into their decision-making.

Now, a new youth-led global research project is daring to challenge this status quo. It is a call to action, a rallying cry, and an invitation: Your voice matters—help us redefine what fairness between generations should look like and demand that our leaders protect the future, not just the present.

Why Intergenerational Equity Matters More Than Ever

The idea of intergenerational fairness is not new. It is enshrined in documents like the 1987 Brundtland Report, which defined sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. The UN Declaration on Future Generations formalizes this moral responsibility, while Article 3 of the UNFCCC (1992) explicitly states that protecting the climate system must benefit both present and future generations.

Yet, lofty ideals mean little without action. Around the world, policy decisions still prioritize short-term political gains over long-term survival. The impacts of this short-sightedness are devastating—rising seas swallowing coastal communities, extreme weather displacing millions, ecosystems collapsing, and vulnerable populations in the Global South bearing the brunt.

The cruel irony? The very people who will live with the consequences—the youth—are systematically excluded from decision-making spaces, especially in global and national governance.

The Triple Planetary Crisis: A Generational Emergency

Intergenerational equity is more than a philosophical principle—it is a lifeline.

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are deeply intergenerational issues. These crises worsen over time, compounding their impacts with each passing year. The children born today will inherit a planet more unstable, more unequal, and more fragile than at any point in recorded history—unless we act now.

Governments’ failure to consider the spillover effects of ineffective climate policies means today’s political choices can lock in environmental degradation for decades. This is not just negligence; it is an abdication of moral responsibility.

The Youth Foresight Research Project: Turning Voices into Policy Power

Recognizing this urgent need for change, the Global Youth Coalition has launched a groundbreaking research initiative to explore and redefine what intergenerational equity means from the perspective of young people worldwide.

This is not just a study—it is a participatory movement. Through surveys, workshops, and collaborative foresight exercises, youth under 35 from all backgrounds are invited to share how they define fairness between generations, how they’ve experienced inequality, and what solutions they envision.

The goal is to co-create measurable, youth-responsive metrics that policymakers can use to ensure intergenerational fairness is embedded at every level—local, national, and international.

Three Phases to Change the Future

Global Online Survey

A deep dive into youth perceptions of intergenerational equity—how they define it, where they see failures, and what signals point toward a more just future.

This is where your voice can spark systemic change.

Foresight Workshops

Using tools like the Three Horizons model, participants will map possible futures, identify critical uncertainties, and develop shared visions for a just and sustainable world.

Co-Developing Metrics

Youth and experts will jointly design practical, adaptable indicators to measure and promote intergenerational equity in governance. The results will form a scalable framework for global institutions.

What’s at Stake

This work will feed directly into global policy discussions at major events such as FfD4 in Spain, COP30, and UNEA7—ensuring that leaders cannot ignore the voices of the very people who will live with the outcomes of their decisions.

Expected outcomes include:

A youth-defined working definition of intergenerational equity.

Future scenarios illustrating possible paths forward (or backward).

A policy assessment framework to hold governments accountable.

An advocacy strategy to push for implementation.

Why You Should Participate

By joining this initiative, you will:

Gain skills in Strategic Foresight and futures thinking.

Deepen your understanding of IE from ethical, legal, and policy perspectives.

Collaborate with youth advocates tackling the triple planetary crisis.

Contribute directly to frameworks that could reshape global governance.

Earn recognition as a leader in intergenerational justice.

This is not just a survey—it’s a chance to write the rules of the future.

The Urgency is Now

In the words of environmental advocate Severn Cullis-Suzuki:

“One of humanity’s strongest survival assets was foresight... Today we are witnessing the results of our lack of foresight... we are heading to the point of no return.”

We cannot afford to let the absence of youth voices dictate the fate of our planet. Intergenerational equity must move from political rhetoric to political reality.

Join the Movement

The future is not something that simply happens to us—it is something we shape. The question is: will you have a hand in shaping it, or will you let others decide for you?

If you are under 35, this is your moment to speak, influence, and demand accountability. Participate in the Youth Foresight Research on Intergenerational Equity and help ensure that the decisions made today honor the rights of tomorrow.

Take the survey. Join the workshops. Shape the world you want to inherit.

Photo from UNIDO

Beyond the White Coat: Atom Araullo's Call to Action for the Next Generation of Filipino Doctors

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a powerful and poignant address at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine's 116th Recognition Rites, multi-awarded broadcast journalist Atom Araullo challenged the graduating Class of 2025 to re-examine the very definition of a "good doctor." Araullo's message transcended the traditional boundaries of a commencement speech, urging the future medical leaders to confront the systemic issues plaguing the Philippine healthcare system and society at large.

The core of Araullo's message was a dramatic and compelling call to look beyond the confines of the hospital walls. He began by acknowledging the immense contribution doctors already make, stating, "By becoming a doctor, you already make a direct contribution to our nation's health." However, he quickly posed a challenging question: "But is being a good doctor good enough?"

Araullo’s words painted a vivid picture of the harsh realities facing Filipino patients. He directly tackled the issue of inequality, a problem that is particularly stark in the Philippines. "In the Philippines," he declared, "access to the best medical care is largely determined by one thing: money." He didn't shy away from the gravity of this statement, adding, "That should disturb us." He implored the medical graduates to not only be disturbed but to act, positioning them as "future leaders in the medical profession" with the "power, and responsibility, to ask why that is so. And more importantly, what can be done about it."

This call to action was not merely an abstract ideal but a deeply personal and human one. Araullo reminded the graduates that they would be meeting their patients "on the worst day of their lives." In these moments of profound vulnerability, he emphasized the power of compassion. "Even a small act of compassion, a few extra minutes to explain a diagnosis, a look of reassurance, a hand on the shoulder, can mean the world." He underscored this point with a powerful thought: "To your patients, you are the system. What they feel from you, they will feel from the world."

The journalist’s address culminated in a stirring challenge to become a force for transformation. He praised the extraordinary nature of being a good doctor, but challenged them to aim higher. "If you also choose to confront the larger realities that shape your patient’s lives: poverty, inequality, injustice, then you become something even more powerful." That something, he passionately concluded, is "a force for transformation."

Araullo's speech was a reminder that the world doesn't need more "experts who look away." It needs "professionals who show up, speak out, and stay when things get hard." He highlighted that the journey ahead would demand courage, not just brilliance. It would require "heart" in addition to "skill."

As the Class of 2025 steps boldly into the next chapter of their lives, Araullo's words will undoubtedly resonate. His challenge serves as a powerful reminder that the country needs a new kind of doctor—one who is not just a healer of the body, but a champion for a healthier, more just society. He left them with a final, unequivocal message: "That is the kind of Filipino the country deserves."

The "I-KMJS na ‘yan!" Vibe: Jessica Soho's Masterclass for Campus Journalists

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

When a broadcast legend like Jessica Soho takes the stage, you don’t just get a talk; you get a masterclass. At the National Schools Press Conference (#NSPC2025) in Ilocos Sur, campus journalists weren't just lectured—they were ignited. What happened when a veteran journalist met the next generation of storytellers? A dramatic convergence of "truth bombs, purpose checks, and all the vibes." It was a moment so powerful, it could only be described as, "I-KMJS na ‘yan!"

The AICFRBG of Journalism: A Seven-Point Manifesto

Jessica Soho didn't just share tips; she laid out the foundational pillars of her career, a seven-point manifesto for ethical and impactful journalism, which she encapsulated in the acronym AICFRBG:

Accuracy

Impact

Content

Fairness

Reading

Balance

Doing Good

Let's dive into these "truth bombs" that form the bedrock of a journalist's moral compass.

Accuracy: The Bedrock of the Profession

Soho didn't mince words. Accuracy is the "bedrock or foundation" of journalism. She stressed that a journalist must report what is genuinely true and verifiable. It's about facts, not fiction; data, not rumors. She warned against blindly trusting second-hand information or social media gossip, emphasizing the two-source rule and the necessity of confirmation from reputable sources. "First-hand information is gold," she declared, a resounding call for journalists to do the legwork and witness events themselves.

Impact: Telling Stories That Matter

Journalism isn't just about reporting; it's about making an impact. But this impact must be achieved with integrity. Soho cautioned against falling into the trap of sensationalism or tabloid journalism, which can manipulate facts for clicks and views. The goal is to tell a story "clearly and with impact," without resorting to exaggeration. The power of a story lies in its ability to move, inform, and inspire, not in its ability to shock.

Content: The Unquestionable Monarch

"Content will always be king or queen," Soho said, a timeless truth in an age of information overload. She reinforced a crucial principle she’s carried throughout her career: the story is the star, not the journalist. "Hindi tayo ang istorya. Ang istorya ang bida, hindi tayo." (We are not the story. The story is the protagonist, not us.) It’s a humbling reminder that journalists are merely conduits for stories that need to be told.

Fairness: Giving Every Story a Voice

In journalism, fairness isn't a suggestion; it's "gospel truth." A journalist’s sacred duty is to "always get the other side of the story, to give the other person a fair shake." When someone is accused, you must get their side of the story. You must listen to their perspective and their tale, because "each one of us has a story to tell." This commitment to fairness ensures a balanced and complete narrative.

Reading: The Journalist’s Lifeline

A journalist must be a curious and interested individual, and the only way to achieve this is through extensive reading. "You need to write, so you need to read. It's as basic and simple as that," Soho stated. Reading provides depth, knowledge, and a broader understanding of the world and its people. It is the fuel that powers a journalist's curiosity and the well from which they draw their insights.

Be Good and Do Good: The Ultimate Moral Compass

Finally, Soho left the young journalists with a powerful message that transcends the profession itself: Be Good and Do Good. This isn't just about professional ethics; it's a call to moral ascendancy. She implored them to criticize "on issues, not so much on personalities." This means no bullying, no name-calling, no below-the-belt attacks, and absolutely no spreading of fake news. "Being in media gives us some sense of moral ascendancy," she explained, emphasizing that journalists hold the "moral compass of the nation." It is a profound responsibility that demands a commitment to goodness.

Jessica Soho's masterclass was more than just a speech; it was a rallying cry. She didn't just teach the young journalists how to be better reporters; she showed them how to be better human beings. The message was clear: if you want to be a journalist, you must be a storyteller of truth, purpose, and passion. And with that, the next generation of storytellers was sent forth, equipped with a renewed sense of purpose and the unwavering spirit of "I-KMJS na ‘yan!"