Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The climate crisis is no longer a distant headline—it is the lived reality of our communities. From the rising tides threatening our coastlines to the unpredictable weather patterns reshaping our harvest seasons, the stories of Southeast Asia are the most critical narratives of our time.
But who is telling these stories? To bridge the chasm between abstract climate science and the human heart, the Climate Storytellers Lab (CSL) is issuing a regional call to action. We are searching for the voices, the lenses, and the digital architects in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand to document the frontlines of our changing world.
More Than a Programme—A Catalyst for Change
Running from July 2026 through January 2027, the Climate Storytellers Lab is a unique initiative designed to empower local creators. In partnership with Love Frankie, the National Geographic Storytellers Collective, and the Tsao Family Foundation, this programme provides the resources, mentorship, and platform to turn lived experiences into global impact.
Selected storytellers won’t just create content; they will join a regional movement. Participants will receive:
Micro-Grants: Dedicated production funding to bring your vision to life.
Expert Mentorship: Direct guidance from National Geographic Explorers and NGO experts.
Capacity Building: Specialized workshops on storytelling, science communication, and social change.
A Regional Network: Membership in a growing community of climate storytellers across Southeast Asia.
Is This Your Story to Tell?
We are not looking for scientists; we are looking for storytellers. Whether you create high-definition documentaries, raw social media vlogs, photo essays, or compelling illustrations, your voice is needed.
The Essential Criteria
To join the Lab, you must be 18+ and based in Indonesia, the Philippines, or Thailand for the duration of the programme. We are looking for creators who:
Have an Existing Portfolio: You are already publishing content in any format (video, photography, writing, etc.) and are comfortable operating your own equipment.
Possess Deep Connections: You have trusted relationships within communities affected by climate change.
Are Ready to Engage: You are open to feedback, mentorship, and are willing to have your work published publicly.
A Plus: While not required, we are particularly drawn to storytellers whose work focuses on the human dimension of the crisis—the fisherwoman navigating flooding or the farmer adapting to drought—rather than abstract climate data.
The Roadmap Ahead
The journey begins soon. Selected participants will undergo an intensive, transformative schedule:
July 27: Kick-off & Issue Framing Workshop.
August 2–7: A pivotal 4-day workshop with the National Geographic Storytellers Collective in Khao Lak, Thailand.
September–October: Content production and dedicated mentorship sessions.
October 26: The official launch of your climate stories.
November 26: Half-day offline activation events across the region.
How to Join the Movement
The time to act is now. If you have the passion to capture the reality of the climate crisis through the eyes of those living it, we want to hear from you.
Prepare: Gather your portfolio links, a brief description of your work, and confirm your availability for the programme dates.
Apply: Direct your application via the official programme link.
Connect: For questions or nominations, reach out to your country leads:
Thailand: Pattamon Wattanawanitchakorn (Tae) – tae@lovefrankie.co
Philippines: Khrisma Soliven – khrisma@lovefrankie.co
Indonesia: Juli Binu – juli@lovefrankie.co
Recruitment closes on 2 July 2026.
Don't let these stories go untold. Join the Climate Storytellers Lab and help define the narrative of our future.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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