Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Sunday, April 13, 2025

"One-Minute Actions" for #UMALOHOKAN

Umalohokan Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan

April 13, 2025

Simbayanan ni Maria Community Foundation, Taguig City

Ipagawa din natin itong mga madalian na activities sa lahat ng attendees, announcing this before the beginning of the event, then reminding them to do this every segment end:

"One-Minute Actions"

Objective: Instantly mobilize attendees to take action on social media for voters education, sustainability, or fighting disinformation.

Instructions for Attendees:

Take out their smartphone and go to their preferred social media platform (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, etc.).

Choose any of the following actions to complete in 60 seconds:

1. Share any of today’s speakers talk or message about misinformation, voter awareness, or environmental advocacy.

2. Write a quick post about something impactful you've learned so far using the hashtags #UMALOHOKAN2025 #FightFakeNews #EveryVoteMatters #SustainabilityNow.

3. Follow any of the pages of our speakers like fact-checking, election watchdog, bloggers page

like VERA Files, PPCRV, LENTE, WAZZUP PILIPINAS OFFICIAL, RED CLOUD INTERACTIVE, etc

or any of the environmental advocacy groups like Bayanihan Para Sa Kalikasan Movement, Ban Toxics, Ecowaste Coalition, Partners for Affordable & Reliable Energy, Green Party of the Philippines, Alkarock Gift of Nature, etc

4. Take a selfie or group photo and caption it with a commitment (e.g., “I pledge to fight fake news by fact-checking!) then add #UMALOHOKAN

Show their completed action to the nearest facilitator to confirm participation.

Duration: 1 minute

Outcome: Immediate digital engagement and amplification of key messages.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Defending Our Last Green Stronghold: Why the Government Must Stand with Masungi and Sierra Madre

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world increasingly ravaged by the effects of climate change, our last lines of defense are not just scientific innovations or global treaties — they are the forests, mountains, and rivers that continue to quietly protect us. Among them, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, and within it, the Masungi Georeserve, stands as a powerful guardian — one that has long shielded Metro Manila from nature’s most brutal wrath: torrential floods and deadly typhoons.

But today, this guardian is under threat — not from chainsaws or bulldozers alone, but from indifference, bureaucracy, and unresolved legal entanglements.

Now more than ever, the government needs more allies, not less, in preserving the Sierra Madre. Every tree felled, every hill stripped bare, brings us one step closer to disaster. Conversely, every initiative that protects and restores this vital ecosystem is a step toward survival. In that context, Masungi Georeserve is not just an environmental project — it is a beacon of hope.

For years, Masungi has proven that conservation and development can co-exist. It has turned barren lands into verdant sanctuaries, empowered local communities, inspired youth, and garnered international acclaim — all while working with meager resources but boundless determination. Its recognition from global environmental bodies isn’t just for show — it’s a validation of a model that works.

Yet, even as it thrives, Masungi is beset by legal battles, land disputes, and threats that jeopardize its mission. This is not just an organizational problem; this is a national tragedy in the making.

That’s why we must urgently call on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to rise to the occasion — to face Masungi’s champions directly, to listen, to deliberate, and to act — not with hesitation, but with the clarity that our future is on the line. Let every dialogue be a step toward resolution, and may every resolution lean toward sustained, if not expanded, partnerships with those who have already proven their devotion to the cause.

We understand: the law must be upheld. But laws should never be wielded to discourage good governance and environmental stewardship. Let us not allow the sweat, the blood, and the sacrifices of countless defenders to go to waste. Huwag nating hayaang maglaho ang mga taon ng pagtatanim, pagbabantay, at pakikipaglaban para sa Masungi at sa Sierra Madre.

Because what is at stake is not just a piece of land — it is the lungs of Luzon, the natural floodwall of Metro Manila, the ark of biodiversity housing countless species we might never know if we lose them now.

Let us not lose sight of the main agenda: not politics, not profit — but the reforestation of our forests and the protection of our critical natural assets. That is the real measure of patriotism and progress.

To protect Masungi is to protect lives. To preserve the Sierra Madre is to secure the future of our children. Let history remember this moment — and let it say we stood on the right side.

By protecting Masungi, we are not just saving a forest — we are saving ourselves.

UMALOHOKAN: Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan Workshop Program

🕐 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Digital Registration

Activity: Guest arrival and registration.

Note: Background music will be playing during this period.

🎤 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM: Opening Program

Activities:

Prayer

National Anthem

Host's announcement of the hashtag contest

🗣️ 2:20 PM – 2:30 PM: Welcome Remarks

Speaker: Ross Flores del Rosario

Profile: Founder of Wazzup Pilipinas and Co-founder of the Umalohokan Workshops. Ross is a prominent blogger and advocate for citizen journalism, promoting responsible media and community engagement.

🗣️ 2:30 PM – 2:45 PM: Opening Remarks

Speaker: Pocholo De Leon Gonzales

Profile: Known as the "VoiceMaster of the Philippines," Pocholo is the founder of Creativoices Productions. He is a renowned voice artist, motivational speaker, and youth advocate, dedicated to empowering Filipinos through communication.

Activity: Acknowledgment of the speaker and awarding of certificate with photo opportunities.

🧠 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Fact-Checking to Avoid Being a Victim of Fake News or Disinformation

Host: Introduction of the speaker.

Speaker: Ellen Tordesillas

Profile: President of VERA Files, Ellen is a veteran journalist with a focus on investigative reporting and fact-checking. She is committed to combating misinformation and promoting media literacy.

Activity: Acknowledgment of the speaker and awarding of certificate with photo opportunities.

💬 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Open Forum

Activity: Q&A session with the audience.

🌿 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM: Keynote Speech

Speaker: David D'Angelo

Profile: National Chairperson of the Green Party of the Philippines, David is an environmental advocate and political leader promoting sustainable development and ecological governance.

Activity: David D'Angelo will call on Niel Jose from the Green Party of the Philippines to present the Planting Session (15-minute presentation).

Activity: Acknowledgment of the speaker.

💬 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM: Open Forum

Activity: Q&A session with the audience.

🌟 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM: Inspirational Message

Speaker: Atty. Joey Lina

Profile: Former Senator and current President of Manila Hotel, Atty. Lina is known for his advocacy for the marginalized and his leadership in preserving Philippine heritage. He authored the landmark "Lina Law" and continues to inspire through his public service and dedication to national development.

Activity: Acknowledgment of the speaker and awarding of certificate with photo opportunities.

🗳️ 4:15 PM – 4:30 PM: Voters' Education and Awareness: Discernment Through Values Formation

Host: Introduction of the speaker.

Speaker: Bro. Chino Penserga

Profile: Values Formation Trainer from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Bro. Chino advocates for ethical voting practices and civic engagement rooted in moral values.

Activity: Acknowledgment of the speaker and awarding of certificate with photo opportunities.

💬 4:30 PM – 4:40 PM: Open Forum

Activity: Q&A session with the audience.

🧩 4:40 PM – 5:10 PM: Panel Discussion – Combatting Fake News and Disinformation

Moderator: Gio Almoite

Profile: Member of Kalikas, Gio is engaged in environmental advocacy and community education.

Panelists:

Jenny Medenilla – The Transport Queen

Profile: Advocate for sustainable transportation and urban mobility.

Nestor Lim – News Media Nest

Profile: Media practitioner focusing on responsible journalism.

Atty. Jay Roset – LENTE Philippines