Toxic Gratitude: Zero Waste Group Urges Newly Elected Leaders to Rethink ‘Thank You’ Tarpaulins

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a mountain of discarded plastic lies an inconvenient truth: our democracy, while vibrant, leaves behind a trail of waste that chokes not only our landfills but also our hopes for a sustainable future.

At the heart of this environmental crisis is an all-too-familiar sight—colorful tarpaulins bearing smiling faces and promises of change, now rotting in heaps and dumps, their purpose served, their consequences lingering. Yet just as these relics of campaign season are being gathered and hauled away, a new wave is rising—this time, in the form of “thank you” tarpaulins.

But a loud and urgent plea rises above the din.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a staunch advocate for a zero waste and toxics-free society, is calling on all winners of the recent May 12 midterm elections: Don’t say “thank you” with plastic. Say it with impact. Say it with purpose. Say it without polluting the planet.

A Toxic Aftermath of Democracy

Following a recent Commission on Elections (COMELEC) inspection at Payatas, Quezon City, piles of election waste await their final fate. According to COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, 64.5 tons of election-related trash were collected from Metro Manila alone—most of it plastic tarpaulins that are neither biodegradable nor safely recyclable.

Worse, these tarpaulins are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—a plastic laced with toxic additives such as cadmium and phthalates, which pose health risks and resist decomposition for decades, if not centuries.

This grim scenario, says EcoWaste Zero Waste campaigner Cris Luague, could become even more disturbing as a new wave of “thank you” tarps begins appearing on utility poles, public walls, and even trees, just weeks before newly elected officials assume office on June 30.

Stop the Plastic Praise

“The post-election campaign clean-up has yet to be completed, and we’re already seeing more tarps thanking voters,” Luague lamented. “We must not celebrate victory by polluting the very communities we vow to serve.”

The EcoWaste Coalition's message is clear: ditch the plastic gratitude.

Rather than contributing further to the toxic load already plaguing urban centers, newly elected leaders are urged to explore sustainable, creative, and meaningful alternatives.

12 Ways to Say “Thank You” Without Trashing the Planet

To spark a shift in culture and consciousness, the group offers 12 alternatives to the wasteful “thank you” tarpaulin:

E-greetings via social media, websites, and video messages.

Tree-planting drives to offset campaign-related carbon footprints.

Community clean-ups, especially in clogged urban waterways.

Feeding sanitation workers, the unsung heroes of post-election cleanups.

Joining Brigada Eskwela to repair and clean schools (June 9–13).

Distributing school supplies to underprivileged students.

Donating waste bins to public spaces for proper segregation.

Sponsoring art murals using non-toxic, lead-safe paints.

Providing free health services in underserved areas.

Supporting community pantries and feeding efforts.

Improving local public services—from transport to healthcare.

Championing justice-based projects addressing poverty, health, climate, and gender issues.

Each of these actions not only expresses gratitude but also uplifts communities in tangible and lasting ways.

Gratitude with Responsibility

“Campaign waste must no longer be treated as a necessary evil of democracy,” the group emphasized. “It is a challenge that demands foresight, creativity, and above all, accountability.”

The group also underscored the urgency of adopting environmentally acceptable materials as defined in Republic Act No. 9003 and COMELEC Resolution No. 11111, which encourage the use of reusable, biodegradable, non-toxic, and recyclable materials.

In a world teetering on the edge of climate catastrophe, even a small shift—from PVC tarpaulins to tree seedlings or school kits—can resonate powerfully. It’s not merely about reducing waste. It’s about reframing the very essence of leadership: to serve, not just constituents, but the Earth they stand on.

A Call to Action

The Wazzup Pilipinas founder joins EcoWaste in urging all poll winners to rise above the plastic politics of the past and usher in a new era of eco-conscious governance.

The real “thank you” the people deserve isn’t printed in vinyl—it’s etched in action. It's time to turn gratitude into green deeds. Let our first promise to the electorate be one of stewardship, sustainability, and respect—not only for votes cast, but for the planet we share.

Animated Adventures in Learning: DOST-SEI Unveils RadyoEskwela sa Siyensya for Young Filipino Students

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize STEM education for young learners, the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has breathed new life into the traditional classroom through a delightfully animated series—RadyoEskwela sa Siyensya. What once began as a humble series of radio lessons has now transformed into a vibrant and engaging animated program, bringing science and math concepts to life for elementary school students across the Philippines.

At a time when distance and hybrid learning have become the new normal, the challenge of keeping young minds engaged—especially in subjects like science and math—has only grown more daunting. But the DOST-SEI’s innovative leap from soundwaves to screens is rewriting the narrative, proving that education can be just as entertaining as it is enlightening.

From Airwaves to Animation: A Leap in Learning

RadyoEskwela sa Siyensya is not just another educational tool—it’s a storytelling experience. Through colorful animation and lovable characters like Kaikai and Bart, students are taken on imaginative adventures that cleverly weave core scientific and mathematical principles into their storylines. These characters do more than teach—they inspire, inviting kids to laugh, wonder, and discover alongside them.

The program currently boasts 15 episodes, each carefully crafted to target foundational concepts in mathematics and science. Topics range from financial literacy, ratio and proportion, to area and volume, while the science modules span life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences—delving into subjects like plant propagation, chemistry, volcanoes, and solar eclipses.

What sets RadyoEskwela apart is its deep cultural relevance. Episodes such as “Bakit Blue ang Langit?”, “Gagambahay,” and “Kiwot Bees” creatively incorporate Filipino themes and local folklore, offering children a chance to see science through a familiar and uniquely Filipino lens.

A Mission of Inclusion and Excitement

"RadyoEskwela embodies our mission to make science and math education inclusive, engaging, and accessible to all Filipino learners," stated DOST-SEI Director Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio. "With this animated series, we are not only expanding its reach but also making learning more interactive and exciting for young Filipinos. We hope this initiative sparks interest among students to further explore STEM."

This evolution into an animated format is part of DOST-SEI’s broader mission to democratize education—reaching students not just in cities, but across rural and underserved communities where traditional learning resources might be lacking.

All episodes are made freely accessible via nulab’s Facebook page, ensuring no child is left behind due to cost or distance. Whether viewed in the classroom, at home, or on the go, RadyoEskwela is now just a click away.

Building a STEM Future with TuklaSiyensya

The DOST-SEI’s efforts don’t stop at the elementary level. High school learners can dive deeper into the wonders of STEM through TuklaSiyensya, a similarly animated program that introduces more complex scientific concepts in an interactive, student-friendly way. The first season features 15 action-packed episodes, complete with animation explainers, expert-facilitated demonstrations, and guided post-viewing activities.

Like RadyoEskwela, TuklaSiyensya is also available for free online, creating a comprehensive suite of learner support programs for a wide range of grade levels.

A Call to Educators, Parents, and Communities

As the nation continues to adapt to the evolving educational landscape, the DOST-SEI is calling on teachers, school administrators, and parents to integrate these free resources into their teaching and learning plans. These programs aren’t just tools—they’re gateways to a new generation of Filipino scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and innovators.

By bringing math and science into the digital age with a uniquely Filipino flavor, RadyoEskwela sa Siyensya is more than just an educational series. It’s a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and the boundless potential of the young Filipino mind.

To explore RadyoEskwela, TuklaSiyensya, and other initiatives from the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute, visit sei.dost.gov.ph or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/DOST.SEI.

In every story, experiment, and equation—there’s a future Filipino scientist waiting to be inspired.

Guardians of Democracy: Angara Applauds PBBM, DBM for Boosting Teachers’ Election Honoraria

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In an inspiring affirmation of the nation’s gratitude to its silent heroes, Education Secretary Sonny Angara extended his heartfelt thanks to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for granting an additional ₱1,000 across-the-board election honoraria to teachers and other poll workers. This latest gesture serves as both financial relief and a symbolic recognition of the immense role educators play in preserving the integrity of Philippine democracy.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has greenlit the release of ₱758.459 million, ensuring that over 758,000 poll workers, predominantly public school teachers, will receive the added compensation on top of the previously approved ₱2,000 increase under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has assured that full election compensation, inclusive of these increases, will be disbursed within ten days after election day.

A Nation’s Salute to Its Educators

“Every hour they spent at the precincts, many working past midnight, is a testament to their public service,” Secretary Angara declared, his voice echoing the sentiments of countless Filipinos who witnessed their teachers—often unassuming and overburdened—transform into frontline defenders of electoral integrity.

He emphasized that the honoraria boost is “more than a financial relief… it is symbolic of the country’s respect for teachers as guardians of democracy.”

Indeed, election day for these educators isn’t confined to casting votes. From dawn till deep into the night, they oversee the polls, calm agitated voters, ensure the accuracy of vote counts, and remain vigilant against fraud and technical issues. Often, they sacrifice their weekends, holidays, and rest days to prepare for and conduct elections with utmost impartiality and precision.

Record-Breaking Turnout: A Testament to Teacher Leadership

This year's elections shattered expectations, registering an 81.65 percent voter turnout — the highest in COMELEC history. Secretary Angara did not hesitate to credit this remarkable civic engagement to the dedication of teachers and DepEd personnel who worked tirelessly to prepare for the elections, train for emergencies, and manage voters with compassion and efficiency.

“We know our teachers and staff played a vital role in ensuring the credibility, order, and success of the polls,” Angara affirmed. “Their commitment empowered more Filipinos to believe in the process and cast their votes.”

Presidential Directive: A Step Towards Justice

Secretary Pangandaman confirmed that the additional ₱1,000 was a result of a directive from President Marcos, underscoring his administration’s commitment to fair and just compensation for the unsung election frontliners. It reflects a broader agenda to honor the hard work of educators who continuously go above and beyond their roles, not only within the classroom but in every facet of public service.

For decades, election-related duties have weighed heavily on teachers, often with minimal recognition and modest remuneration. This long-overdue adjustment, while still modest in the eyes of many, sets a precedent for future administrations to prioritize the welfare of these vital workers.

A Call for Sustained Support

While the honoraria increase has been widely welcomed, educators’ groups and civic organizations continue to call for institutional reforms — including hazard pay, increased legal protection, and health insurance coverage — recognizing that election duty is not without risks. Harassment, fatigue, and even threats of violence are part of the burden they carry quietly, year after year.

Nonetheless, the latest development marks a hopeful shift toward a more appreciative and equitable treatment of teachers in the electoral process.

Final Word: A Democracy Built on Dedication

In every school that turned into a polling station, behind every ballot counted, and in every long queue that moved with order and trust — there stood a teacher, steadfast and principled. This ₱1,000 may seem like a small token, but for many educators, it speaks volumes.

It is a nation’s way of saying: Thank you for holding the line.

Thank you for believing in democracy even when it is hard.

Thank you for being more than just teachers — but defenders of the people’s voice.

As the dust settles from the historic May 2025 elections, one thing is clear:

The soul of our democracy beats strong, because the hands that cradle it belong to our teachers.

By Ross Flores Del Rosario

Founder, Wazzup Pilipinas – Your Voice, Your Story, Your Philippines