Wazzup Pilipinas: Championing Communities, Empowering the Future, and Making a Lasting Impact

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the dynamic world of digital media, Wazzup Pilipinas stands out not just for its informative content and captivating storytelling but for its deep commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of Filipinos. At the forefront of this mission is Ross Flores Del Rosario, the visionary founder whose leadership has driven the platform to take part in transformative outreach programs that uplift communities, promote education, and foster sustainable change.

Wazzup Pilipinas is not just an online platform; it is a beacon of hope, empowerment, and social responsibility, with Ross Del Rosario leading the charge to ensure that every Filipino has access to better opportunities for growth and well-being.

Wazzup Pilipinas: More Than Just Media

Wazzup Pilipinas has become a trusted name in the digital landscape, offering a diverse range of content that celebrates Filipino culture, promotes local tourism, and tackles social issues with sincerity and depth. But what truly sets Wazzup Pilipinas apart is its active involvement in outreach programs that go beyond traditional media.

One of the core values that Ross Del Rosario instills in Wazzup Pilipinas is sustainability—the commitment to not only address immediate needs but also find long-term solutions to ensure that those in need are empowered to succeed. Del Rosario has spearheaded initiatives that focus on education, health, food security, and livelihood, recognizing that these are key to building stronger, more resilient communities.

Outreach Programs: Making a Meaningful Impact

In true Wazzup Pilipinas fashion, Del Rosario and his team have organized a number of outreach programs that aim to provide more than just temporary relief. These initiatives are designed to empower, educate, and provide opportunities for growth.

One such initiative was the food distribution outreach held for the Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs) and Alternative Learning System (ALS) students of Maybunga Elementary School Annex. This outreach not only provided a nutritious meal to the students but also highlighted the importance of support for marginalized and underserved groups in education.

“It's a blast!” said Ross Del Rosario, reflecting on the successful event. He thanked the organizers, including Principal Mam Analie, the dedicated teachers of Maybunga Elementary School Annex, and the generous sponsor, KFC Philippines, for making the meal possible. This collaborative effort shows the power of partnerships and the ability of communities to come together for a common cause.

Additionally, Del Rosario played a vital role in escorting Queen Amber Dew at a community outreach gift-giving event where school supplies were distributed to select Grade 1 and 2 students from the barangay. This event demonstrated Wazzup Pilipinas’ commitment to supporting education from the grassroots level, ensuring that even the youngest students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

Fostering Long-Term Change: The Vision for Sustainable Solutions

Del Rosario believes that long-term, proactive solutions are key to creating real, lasting impact. It’s not enough to respond to immediate needs; there must be a vision that addresses the root causes of challenges faced by marginalized communities.

For example, during Wazzup Pilipinas’ “Outreach Cum Travel” initiative organized by Meaningful Travels PH, Del Rosario and his team distributed school supplies to remote areas such as Barangays Maligcong and Mainit in Bontoc, Mountain Province. However, the goal was not just to provide short-term aid. Del Rosario emphasized the importance of providing sustainable solutions—ones that would help these children continue their education and give them the tools they need to succeed in the long run.

By focusing on education and healthcare, as seen in the distribution of Vitamin C syrups sponsored by Solvang Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and free vegetable seeds from Villar SIPAG, Wazzup Pilipinas aims to address both the immediate and long-term needs of the communities they serve.

These efforts aren’t just about giving; they are about empowering communities to thrive on their own by fostering education, health, and self-sufficiency.

Celebrating Filipino Creativity and Sustainability

Ross Del Rosario's love for experimentation and sustainable living is not only reflected in his community outreach work but also in his personal hobbies. From growing his own vegetables at his home in Rizal to cooking new dishes with ingredients he receives at food expos, Del Rosario practices what he preaches: sustainability, creativity, and innovation.

His personal gardening efforts, like planting vegetables using organic fertilizers and loam soil, reflect the kind of self-sufficiency he advocates for in his outreach programs. This passion for sustainability has become an integral part of Wazzup Pilipinas’ initiatives, with Villar SIPAG sponsoring the distribution of vegetable seeds to help communities grow their own food and become less reliant on external sources.

Looking Forward: A Call to Keep the Goodness Going

As Wazzup Pilipinas continues to grow, Del Rosario is committed to expanding its reach and impact. From organizing influencer-led tours in Rizal to collaborating with MPT South on Biyaheng South Experiential Tours, he ensures that the platform’s influence reaches not only local communities but also global audiences.

“The goodness doesn’t stop here,” Del Rosario says. “We have a vision for long-term, proactive solutions that go beyond temporary fixes. Let’s continue the work of giving back, of empowering the future, and of making a difference that lasts.”

Whether through supporting education, health, or community development, Wazzup Pilipinas is a force for good—a platform that doesn’t just inform but also transforms.

A Legacy of Empowerment and Impact

Wazzup Pilipinas, under the leadership of Ross Flores Del Rosario, is not just an online platform—it is a movement for change. The numerous outreach programs, community-building efforts, and partnerships reflect the platform’s deep commitment to creating lasting, positive change in the lives of Filipinos.

With its emphasis on sustainability, education, health, and empowerment, Wazzup Pilipinas is charting a new course for what media can achieve. It’s a place where stories of hope, resilience, and progress come to life, reminding us that together, we can build a better future for all.

Let’s keep the goodness going. Together, we can make a difference.

Why the NGCP Must Lose Its Franchise

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The congressional investigation into the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is a crucial discourse that every Filipino should pay attention to. The discussions delve into serious issues of national security, sovereignty, and economic control, underscoring the alarming hold that foreign entities—specifically the Chinese—have over the Philippines' energy grid.

A key testimony during the investigation came from Atty. Melvin Matibag, a former president of the government-owned National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO). His revelations expose a deeply concerning reality:

Denied Access to Facilities

During his five-year tenure at TRANSCO, Matibag was never allowed by the Chinese to visit NGCP facilities. This raises a red flag. If NGCP is a concessionaire managing assets owned by TRANSCO and, by extension, the Filipino people, why would it block access to its facilities?

Replacement of Equipment with Chinese-Made Technology

As soon as NGCP took over the grid, Chinese management replaced General Electric (GE) equipment with devices manufactured by NARI, a company owned by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China. This act further embeds Chinese interests in the grid and leaves the Philippines vulnerable to potential remote control by foreign entities.

Chinese Remote Control Over the Grid

Matibag revealed that the Chinese have the capability to control the grid remotely. If this is true, it creates a chilling prospect: a foreign power could disrupt the country’s energy supply at will.

Unfortunately, Matibag's testimony was cut short due to personal biases and political baggage, undermining the investigation's purpose. Yet, the points he raised demand further scrutiny because the implications are far-reaching.

Ownership vs. Concession

The national grid is owned by TRANSCO, with NGCP merely acting as a concessionaire. Under Section 5.01 of the Concession Agreement, TRANSCO retains ownership of all transmission assets, intellectual property rights, and easements. NGCP should only be managing these assets on behalf of the Filipino people.

But NGCP, under Chinese control, operates as if it owns the grid. Why is the concessionaire barring representatives of the owner—TRANSCO—from accessing facilities? What are the Chinese hiding?

Lessons from Argentina

The Philippines must learn from Argentina’s unfortunate experience. China built the Espacio Lejano Station, a satellite monitoring site in Argentina, under the guise of a scientific facility. The Chinese quickly took control, fenced the area with barbed wire, deployed armed security, and restricted access even to Argentinian officials. Allegedly, the facility is being used to monitor missile tests and submarines, creating global security concerns.

The NGCP situation mirrors this alarming precedent. If left unchecked, the Philippines could face a similar loss of control over critical infrastructure.

NGCP’s Opaque Operations

Even during the ongoing congressional hearings, Chinese NGCP directors failed to attend, citing flimsy excuses such as the Chinese New Year or their annual meeting. Filipino representatives of NGCP were left to defend the Chinese, demonstrating their limited authority and subservience to their foreign counterparts.

It’s worth noting that NGCP allocates billions for "public relations and entertainment" expenses, a budget flagged by Senator Risa Hontiveros. Is this fund being used to silence critics and influence decision-makers?

Historical Roots of the Problem

This issue traces back to the administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who allowed the entry of Chinese stakeholders into NGCP. The arrangement has since evolved into a tangled web of Chinese dominance over one of the Philippines' most critical infrastructures.

Other Malpractices

Beyond national security concerns, NGCP’s operations are rife with complaints from Filipino contractors. Many subcontractors allege delayed payments and unfair treatment by Chinese NGCP contractors. These practices demand thorough congressional investigation.

The Only Acceptable Outcome

The ongoing congressional hearings must result in the revocation of NGCP’s franchise. Anything less is a disservice to the Filipino people.

The NGCP has failed to operate transparently, secure national interests, and honor its concession agreement. Allowing a foreign entity—especially one linked to a geopolitical rival like China—to control critical infrastructure is a betrayal of national sovereignty.

To ensure energy security and national independence, the government must reclaim full control of the grid. This can only be achieved by ending NGCP's concession and implementing reforms to prevent a similar situation from arising in the future.

The stakes are too high to let this issue fall through the cracks. Congress must prioritize national interest over partisan politics, scrutinize NGCP's operations, and hold it accountable for its transgressions. For the Filipino people, this is not just about power lines and transformers—it’s about reclaiming sovereignty over a lifeline of the nation.

A Bold Step for Philippine Education: House Bill 11213 Offers Students the Option to Skip Senior High School

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The Philippine education system is on the cusp of transformation with the recent approval of House Bill No. 11213, also known as the “Education Pathways Act,” on its second reading in the House of Representatives. This proposed law reimagines the K-12 program, offering qualified junior high school students the flexibility to skip senior high school (SHS) entirely and proceed directly to college, university, or a technical-vocational program.

For years, the K-12 program has faced criticisms from parents, educators, and even students for adding financial strain on families without delivering its promised benefits. Now, House Bill 11213 seeks to address these concerns and provide new opportunities for students to achieve their educational and career goals.

The Key Provisions of House Bill 11213

At its core, the bill aims to create alternative academic and career pathways tailored to the diverse needs and aspirations of Filipino students. Here are its primary features:

University Preparatory Program

For students determined to pursue higher education, this program offers a streamlined, two-year curriculum designed to prepare them for college. Unlike the current K-12 structure, this program removes the traditional academic tracks (e.g., STEM, HUMSS, ABM) and instead provides a general curriculum focused on subjects essential for college readiness. Importantly, credits earned in this program can count toward college courses, saving students time and effort once they reach higher education.

Technical-Vocational Program

Students interested in entering the workforce right after high school can opt for this pathway, which focuses on hands-on skills training. Developed in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), this program offers industry-aligned curricula to equip students with practical and employable skills in fields like automotive, electronics, and hospitality.

Advanced Placement Exam

One of the bill’s most groundbreaking features is the introduction of an honors examination for Grade 10 students. Those who pass this test will have the option to skip senior high school altogether and proceed directly to college. This measure acknowledges the capabilities of academically exceptional students and provides them with an accelerated route to achieve their ambitions.

Why Reform the K-12 Program?

When the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12) was introduced, it aimed to align the Philippine education system with global standards, improve job readiness among graduates, and enhance learning outcomes. However, a decade later, the program’s shortcomings have become evident.

A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies revealed that only 20% of senior high school graduates enter the workforce after completing their studies. Worse, many employers still prefer hiring college graduates, rendering the additional two years of education ineffective for many. Parents, on the other hand, have voiced frustrations over the added financial burden, which includes tuition fees, school supplies, and other costs.

By introducing multiple educational pathways, House Bill 11213 seeks to address these issues, empowering students to pursue paths that match their individual strengths, goals, and circumstances.

The Benefits for Students and Families

This reform is a win-win for both students and their families. Here’s why:

For Students:

The bill recognizes that not all students follow a one-size-fits-all educational path. Those who excel academically can accelerate their journey to higher education, while others can gain specialized training to join the workforce with confidence. This flexibility ensures that every student’s potential is nurtured and maximized.

For Parents:

Perhaps the most significant impact of this reform is the potential reduction in educational costs. Families who previously struggled to afford the additional years required by the K-12 program can now save money while ensuring their children receive quality education.

Looking Ahead

With its approval on second reading, House Bill 11213 is one step closer to becoming a law. If enacted, the Department of Education (DepEd) and TESDA will play crucial roles in implementing the two pathways. Collaboration with higher education institutions and industry leaders will also be essential to ensure that the programs are effective, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of society and the labor market.

A Transformational Shift in Education

House Bill 11213 represents more than just a change in policy—it’s a recognition of the diverse aspirations, talents, and circumstances of Filipino students. By offering tailored pathways and addressing the flaws of the K-12 system, this legislation has the potential to reshape Philippine education for the better.

As we await its final approval, one thing is clear: the future of education in the Philippines is moving toward greater inclusivity, flexibility, and responsiveness. This is not just a reform—it’s a promise of a brighter future for every Filipino learner.