Why is the Environment Not Among the Top Issues in the Philippines?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

How come the Environment is not included among the choices of most important issues in the Philippines. Are we all going to let it be relegated only as among the Others? A greener environment solve the other issues like Health and Disaster Preparedness. It will obviously lead to better Health conditions for the population, and to mitigate disasters and have less need for Disaster Preparedness, a better environment enveloping us will definitely reduce, if not totally diminish, flooding, climate crisis, and other related natural anomalies.



In the current discourse on the most pressing issues in the Philippines, one glaring omission stands out: the environment. Despite the undeniable impact of environmental degradation on the nation’s well-being, it often gets relegated to the "Others" category—overshadowed by issues like corruption, poverty, and infrastructure. This sidelining of environmental concerns reflects a dangerous underestimation of its role in addressing other critical challenges, such as public health, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience.

The Environmental Blindspot

Why is it that the environment, which sustains every aspect of life, doesn't top the list of concerns for many Filipinos? Perhaps it stems from a perception that environmental issues, like deforestation, pollution, and climate change, are either too abstract or too large for individuals or local governments to tackle. Immediate concerns, such as economic instability or the effects of the pandemic, understandably take center stage.

However, the environment is not a siloed issue; it intertwines with many of the nation’s challenges. Ignoring its importance is shortsighted, especially when a greener environment can potentially alleviate some of the country’s most pressing issues.

The Health-Environment Nexus

One key area where environmental sustainability plays a crucial role is in public health. Air and water pollution, poor waste management, and the lack of green spaces contribute to a host of health problems, from respiratory illnesses to waterborne diseases. Clean air, accessible water sources, and green urban spaces are essential for a healthier population.

The connection between a healthy environment and the well-being of Filipinos cannot be overstated. Poor air quality, especially in urban centers like Metro Manila, has led to a rise in respiratory issues, heart diseases, and even premature deaths. Similarly, polluted water bodies increase the risk of waterborne diseases, contributing to the ongoing public health crisis. The more we invest in environmental protection, the more we reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience

Another crucial link is between the environment and disaster preparedness. The Philippines, being an archipelago, is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Typhoons, floods, and landslides are part of the country’s yearly cycle, and many of these disasters are exacerbated by environmental degradation.

Deforestation, for instance, has left many parts of the country vulnerable to landslides, while poorly planned urban development contributes to severe flooding during rainy seasons. Meanwhile, the continuous destruction of mangroves and coral reefs—natural buffers against storms and rising sea levels—only worsens the impact of climate change.

The rising global temperatures, fueled by unsustainable practices, have already led to more severe and frequent natural disasters. The destruction of natural buffers and the unchecked urban sprawl increase the need for disaster preparedness, but instead of focusing solely on reactive measures, wouldn’t it be wiser to focus on prevention?

A Greener Environment as a Solution

Investing in environmental protection and rehabilitation is a proactive measure that can solve a myriad of problems. For one, reforestation and better land use planning would mitigate the impacts of severe weather events, reducing the need for emergency responses and rehabilitation efforts. Restoring mangrove forests and improving drainage systems could significantly reduce flooding in vulnerable areas, thus minimizing damage to property and livelihoods.

Green spaces in cities are not just a luxury—they improve air quality, promote physical activity, and offer psychological benefits. Moreover, they serve as carbon sinks, helping mitigate the effects of climate change.

By prioritizing the environment, we also prioritize the future. Sustainable practices like renewable energy adoption, green urban planning, and conservation efforts will create a more resilient, disaster-prepared nation, and will ultimately lead to less reliance on reactive measures like disaster relief.

Why Isn’t the Environment a Priority?

So why hasn’t the environment been treated as a priority issue? One reason could be that environmental concerns often require long-term solutions, and politicians and policymakers may be more inclined to focus on short-term issues that can yield immediate benefits or visible results during their terms in office. Environmental issues, by their nature, may not offer quick fixes, making them less appealing in a political context that values instant results.

There’s also the misconception that environmental issues are separate from human welfare or economic progress. In reality, neglecting the environment leads to more economic losses, public health crises, and unpreparedness for future disasters, all of which strain the nation’s resources in the long run.

Raising the Status of the Environment

If we are to address the pressing concerns of the country effectively, we must start viewing environmental sustainability as foundational. Health, disaster preparedness, and even economic progress depend on a healthy environment. The key is to break the misconception that environmental concerns can be addressed separately from other issues.

Advocacy and education are crucial in changing public perception. Citizens, influencers, and leaders alike must push for the environment to be at the forefront of discussions about national priorities. Whether through grassroots movements, community-led projects, or policy reforms, environmental consciousness must become mainstream if we are to tackle the broader issues that plague the country.

Conclusion: The Environment is the Backbone of Progress

A greener environment is not just an isolated concern; it’s a comprehensive solution to many of the problems we face. By addressing environmental degradation, we are, in effect, solving issues related to health, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience. As such, it is crucial that the environment no longer be treated as an “Other” concern, but as a central issue that demands immediate action.

It’s time we realize that the path to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable Philippines begins with placing the environment where it rightfully belongs—at the top of our national priorities.

Makabayan Coalition Gears Up for 2025 Elections with Dynamic Slate of Party-List Groups

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Running under the Makabayan Coalition are the party-list groups Bayan Muna, with former representative Neri Colmenares; Gabriela Women’s Party, with former representative Sarah Elago; ACT Teachers party-list, with Representative Antonio Tinio; and Kabataan Party-list, with Atty. Renee Co. All four serve as first nominees.

As the political landscape of the Philippines intensifies ahead of the 2025 elections, the Makabayan Coalition has formally announced its powerhouse slate of party-list groups and nominees, marking a strategic move toward advancing the interests of marginalized sectors. The coalition, known for its progressive stance, is fielding four influential party-list groups: Bayan Muna, Gabriela Women’s Party, ACT Teachers, and Kabataan Party-list. Each party-list brings a veteran first nominee with a proven track record of advocacy, amplifying the coalition's mission for social justice and reform.

The Makabayan Slate: Nominees with Proven Leadership

Bayan Muna – Leading the charge for this staunch advocate of pro-people policies is former representative Neri Colmenares. A distinguished lawyer and human rights defender, Colmenares has long fought for the protection of civil liberties, social justice, and good governance. His return as the first nominee of Bayan Muna signals a renewed push to champion the rights of ordinary Filipinos, continuing the legacy of standing against corruption and the abuse of power.


Gabriela Women’s Party – A vanguard for women's rights in the Philippines, the Gabriela Women’s Party has consistently stood up for gender equality and women’s welfare. Former representative Sarah Elago assumes the role of first nominee for the upcoming elections, bringing her unrelenting energy in advancing women’s rights, particularly in addressing violence against women, reproductive health issues, and economic empowerment. Her youthful vigor and commitment resonate with many women across various sectors.


ACT Teachers Party-list – Representing the education sector is Representative Antonio Tinio, a veteran leader of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT). Tinio has consistently advocated for the welfare of teachers, pushing for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for educators, as well as reforms to improve the quality of education in the Philippines. His candidacy underscores the coalition’s commitment to education as a critical pillar of national development.


Kabataan Party-list – As the voice of the youth, Kabataan Party-list has long championed issues that matter most to the next generation of Filipinos, including access to education, employment opportunities, and civic engagement. Atty. Renee Co, a progressive lawyer and youth advocate, takes the helm as Kabataan’s first nominee. Her legal expertise and dedication to youth empowerment positions her as a strong voice for young Filipinos navigating the complexities of the country’s future.

A Collective Push for Change

The re-entry of these experienced leaders into the political arena highlights Makabayan’s strategy to build upon its successes while continuing to challenge entrenched political structures that marginalize vulnerable sectors. Collectively, the nominees bring decades of experience in grassroots advocacy, legislative work, and public service, uniting under the common goal of providing meaningful representation for the Filipino people.

Each party-list under the Makabayan Coalition has a focused yet interrelated agenda. From Bayan Muna’s fight for human rights and sovereignty, to Gabriela’s battle for women’s welfare, ACT Teachers’ advocacy for educators, and Kabataan’s commitment to the youth—these party-lists represent the broad spectrum of Filipino society that often finds itself at the periphery of national decision-making.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the Makabayan Coalition is no stranger to the political arena, its members face growing challenges in the lead-up to the elections. The intensification of red-tagging, a strategy frequently used against progressive groups, is likely to remain a significant obstacle. Despite these threats, the coalition remains steadfast, using its platform to address the urgent concerns of workers, women, teachers, and youth.

Moreover, in the backdrop of economic recovery post-pandemic, inflation, and rising inequality, the coalition is positioning itself as a vital alternative to traditional political structures. Through its principled stand on key national issues, it seeks to ignite critical conversations about the future of governance and national development in the Philippines.

Looking Forward: A Call for Unity

The Makabayan Coalition’s slate for 2025 reflects its enduring commitment to the struggle for genuine democracy and social transformation. As the nation braces for another electoral cycle, these four party-lists aim to mobilize various sectors to stand united, believing that real change can only be achieved through collective action.

This election season, voters will have the opportunity to support leaders who not only represent their interests but who also embody a vision of a more inclusive, equitable, and just Philippines. With a slate of seasoned advocates, the Makabayan Coalition is prepared to carry forward the fight for systemic change and uphold the voices of the Filipino people in the halls of Congress.

In a time of great uncertainty, Makabayan’s message remains clear: The fight for people’s rights, dignity, and well-being continues.

Parents be warned: Spooky Toxic Lead and Cadmium Found in Some Halloween Products

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



"Beware of Halloween items that may be scarier and spookier than they look."

This was the statement from toxic watchdog BAN Toxics as stores began displaying items for early Halloween shopping. The group cautioned the public against buying Halloween costumes and decorations that may contain toxic lead and cadmium – chemicals listed as major public health concerns.

In a recent market monitoring, BAN Toxics purchased six Halloween masks and tested them for chemical content using a Vanta C Series HH XRF Analyzer. The group found toxic lead levels of up to 1,130 parts per million (ppm) and cadmium levels of up to 160 ppm. Furthermore, all the masks failed to meet the existing product labeling standards mandated by RA 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.

“Parents should be wary of the creepy and scary presence of toxic chemicals in children’s products which may lead to various health problems,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.

Under DAO 2013-24, or the DENR Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, the use of lead in the production and sale of toys and school supplies is strictly prohibited.

The WHO factsheet on lead poisoning meanwhile says, “Children who survive severe lead poisoning may be left with permanent intellectual disability and behavioural disorders. At lower levels of exposure that cause no obvious symptoms, lead is now known to produce a spectrum of injury across multiple body systems. In particular, lead can affect children’s brain development, resulting in reduced intelligence quotient (IQ), behavioural changes such as reduced attention span and increased antisocial behaviour, and reduced educational attainment.”

Cadmium on the other hand is known to have toxic effects on the kidney, skeletal system, respiratory system, and is classified as a human carcinogen.

Republic Act 10620 mandates toy manufacturers to comply with the labeling requirements stated on the toy packaging, which include – License to Operate (LTO) number issued by the FDA, age grading, cautionary statements/warnings, instructional literature, manufacturer’s markings with the complete name and address of the local company, and the item model/Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number.

BAN Toxics urges regulatory agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to conduct post-market surveillance and eventually confiscate unlabeled and unnotified toys and child care articles (TCCA), such as Halloween products, in the market."

“Preventing the spread of unsafe children's products in the market should be the core action not just of a single agency but a concerted effort by all stakeholders, including local government units and the general public,” the group added.

With the Halloween season just a few days away, BAN Toxics advises the public to celebrate in a toxic-free and eco-friendly way with the following 3 simple tips:

1. REUSE or MAKE-YOUR-OWN. Instead of buying new decorations or costumes, reuse old ones. You can also endeavor in arts and crafts by using household items and old clothes to make your own. However, be sure to avoid face paints that may contain toxic chemicals.

2. BUY FROM ESTABLISHED STORES. If you need to buy, opt for products that are properly labeled and notified by regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and DTI, to ensure safety and compliance with health and environmental standards.

3. AVOID SINGLE-USE PLASTICS. Minimize your environmental impact by steering clear of decorations, costumes, or party supplies made from single-use plastics. Opt for sustainable, reusable alternatives or biodegradable options to reduce plastic waste.