WARNING: The Fate of the Philippines Lies in the Hands of the Youth—Are They Ready to Decide?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the Philippines approaches the May 2025 national and local midterm elections, a remarkable demographic shift is set to redefine the nation's political landscape. Millennials and Generation Z, encompassing individuals born between 1981 and 2007, now constitute approximately 63% of the voting-age population. 

This surge underscores the critical importance of voter education and awareness, especially among the youth, to ensure a vibrant and informed democracy.

The Youth Surge: A Transformative Force

The voting-age population has experienced a substantial increase, rising from 65.7 million in 2022 to 75.9 million in 2025. Among the registered voters, Millennials (ages 29 to 44) account for 34.15%, while Generation Z (ages 18 to 28) comprises 28.79%. This demographic shift signifies that the majority of voters are now under the age of 45, positioning the youth as a formidable force in shaping the nation's future. 

Empowering Through Education: Initiatives and Collaborations

Recognizing the pivotal role of the youth, various institutions have embarked on initiatives to enhance voter education:

COMELEC and TESDA Partnership: In July 2024, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed a memorandum of agreement to integrate voter education into TESDA's curriculum. This collaboration aims to equip citizens with essential knowledge about the electoral process, fostering informed participation. 

Bangsamoro Region Engagement: The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), in partnership with COMELEC, organized voter education forums targeting youth leaders. These initiatives aim to prepare young voters for the region's first parliamentary elections, emphasizing the significance of their participation in shaping governance. 

Institutionalizing Voter Education: A National Imperative

The movement to embed voter education within the educational system has gained momentum. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. advocated for the integration of voter education into the K-12 curriculum, emphasizing the need to empower the youth to make discerning choices in leadership. This proposal underscores the administration's commitment to fostering an informed electorate from an early age. 

The Digital Generation: Navigating Information in the Digital Age

Generation Z, often referred to as the "digital generation," possesses unique characteristics that influence their engagement:

Information Access: With unprecedented access to information through digital platforms, Gen Z has the tools to critically analyze political content, enabling them to make informed decisions.

Content Creation: Beyond passive consumption, many youths actively create content, shaping narratives and influencing peers through blogs, vlogs, and social media discussions.

Peer Education: The interconnectedness of the digital age allows young voters to educate and mobilize their peers, amplifying the reach of voter education initiatives.

Challenges Ahead: Ensuring Effective Engagement

While the youth's potential is immense, several challenges must be addressed to harness their full impact:

Combating Misinformation: The digital landscape, while rich in information, is also rife with misinformation. Equipping young voters with media literacy skills is crucial to discern credible sources from misleading ones.

Addressing Apathy: Some youths may feel disillusioned with politics, perceiving it as distant or corrupt. Tailored programs that resonate with their aspirations and demonstrate the tangible impact of their votes can counteract this apathy.

Ensuring Accessibility: For voter education to be effective, it must be accessible to all, including marginalized communities. Leveraging technology and community-based approaches can bridge gaps and ensure inclusivity.

A Call to Action: The Future Lies with the Youth

As the May 2025 elections approach, the onus is on educational institutions, government agencies, civil society, advocacy initiatives such as the Umalohokan Workshops, and the youth themselves to champion voter education. An informed and engaged youth electorate can drive transformative change, ensuring that the Philippines' democratic processes reflect the aspirations and ideals of its younger generations.

In this pivotal moment, investing in comprehensive voter education is not just a preparatory step for an election; it is a foundational pillar for a robust and enduring democracy.

*Photo from UNICEF

The Philippines at a Crossroads: Confronting the Climate Crisis and Paving the Path to Sustainability

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippines, a nation of over 7,600 islands, stands on the frontlines of a global climate crisis that is no longer a distant threat but an urgent, undeniable reality. With rising sea levels, intensifying typhoons, and dwindling natural resources, the country teeters at a critical juncture. The question is: Will we take decisive action toward sustainability, or will we continue down a path of environmental decline?

As the Wazzup Pilipinas founder, I have witnessed firsthand the growing tensions between development and ecological preservation. While our government and private sector have made strides in renewable energy and sustainable living solutions, systemic challenges continue to stall progress. The time to act is now—before our paradise becomes uninhabitable.

A Nation Under Siege: The Climate Crisis in the Philippines

The Philippines ranks among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Every year, an average of 20 typhoons batter our shores, with increasing ferocity due to rising global temperatures. The devastation wrought by storms like Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 and Odette in 2021 should have been a wake-up call. Yet, urban sprawl, deforestation, and unsustainable practices persist.

Sea levels in the country are rising at an alarming rate of 5.7mm per year—nearly three times the global average. Coastal communities are already experiencing saltwater intrusion, forcing them to abandon agricultural lands. Meanwhile, in urban centers like Metro Manila, extreme heat and flash floods have become the norm rather than the exception.

The Philippines contributes less than 1% to global carbon emissions, yet we suffer disproportionately from the actions of industrialized nations. However, pointing fingers will not solve our problems. It is our responsibility to demand accountability while fortifying our own resilience.

Renewable Energy: Hope or Hollow Promises?

The government has long touted renewable energy as the key to a sustainable future. The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 aimed to transition the country away from fossil fuels, yet as of today, coal still dominates our energy mix, making up over 40% of our power supply. Why? Because despite the availability of solar, wind, and hydroelectric resources, investments in renewable energy remain sluggish due to bureaucratic red tape, inconsistent policies, and resistance from powerful fossil fuel industries.

The administration’s push for nuclear energy as a "clean" alternative raises another debate. While it promises reduced carbon emissions, concerns over safety, waste disposal, and the potential for corruption in its implementation make it a contentious issue.

Meanwhile, grassroots movements and local innovators continue to push forward. The rise of solar farms in Ilocos Norte, wind energy in Guimaras, and micro-hydro projects in indigenous communities prove that sustainable energy solutions are not only possible but necessary. The challenge lies in scaling these efforts nationwide.

Sustainable Living: Are Filipinos Ready to Change?

Sustainability is not just a government initiative—it requires a collective shift in mindset and lifestyle.

Plastic pollution remains rampant despite bans and regulations. The country ranks among the world’s top plastic waste producers, with our oceans drowning in single-use packaging. Efforts to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws—holding corporations accountable for waste—are gaining traction, but enforcement remains weak.

Meanwhile, cities like Pasig and Quezon City have pioneered zero-waste programs and urban farming initiatives, proving that change is possible. Sustainable transport systems like bike lanes and electric jeepneys are being introduced, but resistance from traditional transport groups and lack of infrastructure hinder widespread adoption.

The reality is that sustainability often feels like a privilege in a country where millions struggle with poverty. How do we ask a family living on daily wages to prioritize eco-friendly products when these are more expensive than plastic alternatives? The key lies in making sustainable options accessible and affordable. This is where government policy, private sector innovation, and public awareness must converge.

The Role of Governance: Policy vs. Action

The Philippines has no shortage of environmental laws—the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, among others. Yet, implementation remains our Achilles' heel. Corruption, lack of political will, and conflicting interests between conservation and economic growth often stall meaningful progress.

The recent push for green jobs and eco-tourism offers a glimpse of hope. Sustainable tourism initiatives in Siargao and Palawan demonstrate that environmental protection and economic growth can coexist. However, unchecked commercial development still threatens many of our natural wonders.

The Green Party of the Philippines, alongside environmental organizations, continues to advocate for stronger climate policies, sustainable urban planning, and stricter accountability for corporations violating environmental laws. As the newly elected External Vice President of the party, I firmly believe that real change will only come when environmental issues are treated not as afterthoughts but as urgent national priorities.

The Road Ahead: A Call to Action

The future of the Philippines depends on the actions we take today. The choices we make—whether as individuals, businesses, or policymakers—will determine whether we sink or survive in the face of climate change.

We must demand:

Stronger enforcement of environmental laws and climate policies.

Massive investments in renewable energy and green infrastructure.

Education and incentives for sustainable practices at all levels of society.

Corporate accountability for pollution and environmental degradation.

Support for local innovations in climate resilience and sustainable development.

Filipinos are known for their resilience, but resilience alone is not enough. We need proactive leadership, genuine commitment, and unified action to secure a sustainable future. The time for half-measures is over. The time for real change is now.

Will we rise to the challenge, or will we watch our nation drown?

Meet one of our speakers at the UMALOHOKAN: Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan Workshop

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Remember the date, time and place:

April 13, 2025

2pm onwards

Simbayanan ni Maria Community Foundation, 115 MLQ Street, Purok 2, New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City

Ronadel Cano-Ang is a fearless advocate for truth, using her platform to combat fake news and disinformation with integrity and credibility. As a lifestyle influencer and personality development coach, she empowers her audience to think critically and embrace media literacy.

Our speaker is a dynamic individual with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and some graduate-level training in Business Administration. She has been marrid for 17 years and is blessed with a beautiful daughter.

As a Personality Development Coach and Lifestyle Blogger/Influencer, she shares insights on personal growth and wellness. In addition to hosting and coordinating events, she embraces her role as an all-around stay-at-home mom and is passionate about health and fitness.  Plus sometimes, a commercial model.

She actively serves in church alongside her husband and daughter, and is also a core member of their women's group.

Adae Cano-Ang: A Fearless Advocate Against Fake News and Disinformation

In an era where truth is often drowned out by noise, Adae Cano-Ang stands as a beacon of integrity and authenticity. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and further training in Business Administration, she possesses not only the analytical mind to dissect misinformation but also the communication skills to challenge it effectively.

Adae is not just a Personality Development Coach, Lifestyle Blogger, and Influencer—she is a truth-seeker, a mentor, and a voice of reason in the chaotic world of social media. Whether she’s coaching individuals on personal growth, sharing wellness insights, or engaging with her audience online, she ensures that every piece of content she puts out is grounded in facts, ethics, and credibility.

Her commitment to truth-telling is deeply intertwined with her personal values. As a devoted wife of 17 years, a loving mother, and a servant-leader in her church and women's group, Adae embodies the principles of honesty, responsibility, and faith. She understands that social media is not just a platform for self-expression—it is a battlefield where narratives are shaped, minds are influenced, and societies are either empowered or misled.

Beyond her online presence, Adae takes on multiple roles with grace: event host, coordinator, commercial model, fitness enthusiast, and full-time mom. Her ability to juggle these responsibilities while standing firm against fake news and disinformation speaks to her resilience and dedication.

As an influencer, she refuses to let sensationalism and deception dictate the conversation. Instead, she champions critical thinking, media literacy, and responsible storytelling, empowering her audience to question, verify, and uphold the truth.

In a digital world flooded with half-truths and manipulated narratives, Adae Cano-Ang is a refreshing force of clarity and sincerity. She is not just influencing lives—she is shaping a more informed and discerning society.

Let’s give a well-deserved round of applause to a fearless advocate for truth and authenticity—Adae Cano-Ang!

Media partners are Philippine Daily Inquirer, INQUIRER.net, Pilipinas, Ngayon Na of DWIZ 882 of Aliw Broadcasting Corporation, Leader News Philippines, Radyo Veritas, DZME 1530, 91.5 Win Radio Manila among many others including top and rising social media personalities (vloggers, bloggers, content creators, influencers) and of course WazzupPilipinas.com