Casting a Green Vote: Youth Advocates Rally for Climate Action and Electoral Integrity Ahead of Earth Day 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the climate crisis continues to intensify, a bold and unwavering voice rises once more from the youth sector. On April 11, 2025, the Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP) will gather students, activists, and concerned citizens for a powerful Earth Month event titled "Casting a Green Vote: Environmental Forum for the Midterm Election" — a call for urgent climate justice through meaningful political engagement.

Hosted at Room 411 of the Student Union Building, University of the Philippines Diliman from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, the forum sets the stage not just for dialogue, but for direct democratic action, as it aims to empower voters — especially the youth — to critically assess and support candidates championing environmental and climate-responsive platforms.

But the day doesn’t end there. At 4:30 PM, the forum will spill into the streets with a youth-led climate strike outside Vinzon’s Hall, reigniting the Fridays for Future energy that once swept the globe. This isn’t just a demonstration — it’s a declaration that the youth are not only the voice of the future but the conscience of the present.

A Forum with Purpose

YACAP, a nationwide alliance born in 2019, has never been content with lip service. This Earth Month, they are once again proving that advocacy must be grounded in action. The forum’s agenda includes:

Voters’ Education: A crucial component to inform and equip participants with the tools to vote smart, green, and informed.

The Youth Climate Agenda Presentation: A manifesto curated by the alliance's organization signatories — detailing climate demands and sustainable policy recommendations.

Voices from the Frontlines: Reactors from marginalized and most climate-vulnerable communities will share testimonies, including representatives from:

Bayan Muna Bagong Silang Navotas Chapter

PAMALAKAYA Navotas (National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organizations)

PISTON (Public Transport Alliance)

Jonila Castro, a staunch environmental defender from Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment

These voices bring an urgent realism to the discourse — a poignant reminder that climate change isn’t just a statistic. It's a lived reality in the slums, fishing communities, and jeepney terminals of the Philippines.

Political Endorsements with Principles

One of the most awaited parts of the program is YACAP’s official endorsement of candidates and party-list groups aligned with their environmental and climate agenda. This bold move not only reinforces their commitment to electoral participation but also sends a clear message: climate action must be political, and politics must be climate-responsive.

In a time when greenwashing is rampant, YACAP stands firm — advocacy must have accountability.

More Than a Movement

Media coverage is encouraged, with photo opportunities available throughout the event. But beyond media presence, YACAP is calling on individuals and organizations to deepen their involvement. Their invitation is clear: join the alliance, amplify the cause. Interested parties can sign up for orientations via yacap.org/join-us/#orgs.

As the country approaches its midterm elections, Casting a Green Vote is more than a forum — it’s a roadmap. It challenges all of us, especially the youth, to make decisions that will define not just the next few years, but the future of generations.

In the face of escalating climate disasters, the youth are not backing down. They are mobilizing, organizing, and yes — voting.

Because this Earth Day, it’s not just about planting trees or picking up trash.

It’s about planting the seeds of leadership and picking the candidates who will fight for our planet.

By Ross Flores Del Rosario, Wazzup Pilipinas Founder

Ross Flores Del Rosario is the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, a passionate advocate for sustainable development, youth empowerment, and government transparency. As a former United Nations ICT Officer and current External Vice President of the Green Party of the Philippines, he continues to champion causes that resonate with the heart of the Filipino people.

A Taste of Bicolandia's Pride: Pili Finos Polvoron with Pili Nuts – Power in Every Bite

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a land abundant with rich culinary treasures, one delicacy dares to rise above the rest—Pili Finos’ Polvoron with Pili Nuts, a luxurious treat forged from the heart of Bicolandia, where heritage meets innovation in every crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Packaged in a modest 170-gram box containing ten rectangular bite-sized portions, this indulgent Filipino shortbread promises more than just sweetness—it delivers a story of culture, craftsmanship, and care. Proudly emblazoned on the front is the mark of purity: “All Natural – No Preservatives Added,” a bold testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to health-conscious, clean-label snacking.

Nature's Nutty Gem – The Pili Nut

What sets Pili Finos apart is its masterful use of the pili nut—a regional superfood native to the volcanic soils of Bicol. Coveted for its delicate crunch and buttery flavor, the pili nut is the unsung hero of the Filipino pantry. Here, it is blended seamlessly with flour, milk, sugar, and butter to form a polvoron that isn't just a dessert—it’s a sensory experience.

One glance at the back of the packaging reveals the meticulously listed Nutrition Facts, revealing not only its taste appeal but also its balanced nutrition. Each 17-gram piece contains:

85 calories

4 grams of fat (3g saturated, 1g unsaturated)

3 grams of sugar

1 gram of protein

Plus traces of essential minerals like Calcium (31mg), Iron (0.6mg), Potassium (61mg), and Zinc (0.4mg)

It’s a guilt-free indulgence packed with nourishment—perfect for a quick pick-me-up or an elegant pasalubong (homecoming gift) to loved ones.

No Gimmicks. Just Goodness.

Free from preservatives and made with 98% eco-friendly packaging, Pili Finos dares to be different. Their advocacy for sustainability is etched into every fiber of their product—from the use of natural ingredients to the packaging that implores consumers to “Dispose Properly” in the name of reducing pollution.

The brand's signature message, “Power in every bite,” is more than a slogan—it’s a promise. It invites you to experience the nostalgia of traditional Filipino sweets, infused with the nutrient-dense power of pili nuts. It's Bicolandia’s tribute to Filipino ingenuity, wrapped in recyclable material, and delivered with a warm, inviting aesthetic.

More Than Just a Snack

This is not just about polvoron. This is about honoring a region, uplifting farmers, and bringing world-class Filipino flavor to your doorstep. The Pili Finos Polvoron with Pili Nuts doesn’t merely satisfy a craving—it tells a tale, one bite at a time.

With an expiry date that stretches to July 31, 2025, this delicacy is made to last—but trust us, it won’t. You’ll be reaching for the next piece before the first one’s even gone.

So, whether you're savoring it after a hearty meal, sharing it with friends over coffee, or gifting it to a balikbayan longing for a taste of home—Pili Finos Polvoron with Pili Nuts is more than a treat. It’s a celebration of Filipino excellence.

Taste Bicolandia. Taste the legacy. Taste the power.

Bea's Homemade Peanut Butter: A Testament to Quality and Inclusivity

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the heart of the Philippines' burgeoning food industry, a select group of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have distinguished themselves through unwavering commitment to quality and inclusivity. Among them stands Bea's Homemade Peanut Butter, a brand that has earned the esteemed Halal certification, underscoring its dedication to serving a diverse consumer base.

Achieving Halal Certification: A Mark of Excellence

In November 2019, Bea's Homemade Peanut Butter, alongside 11 other MSMEs from Pampanga and Tarlac, was awarded Halal certification by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This certification, granted after thorough inspection and evaluation by the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board, signifies strict adherence to Islamic dietary laws and hygiene standards. ​

Halal, an Arabic term meaning "permissible," assures consumers that products meet rigorous criteria for quality, safety, and cleanliness. For Bea's Homemade Peanut Butter, this certification not only validates the purity of its ingredients and production processes but also reflects a broader commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.​

Commitment to Quality and Inclusivity

While specific details about Bea's Homemade Peanut Butter's product range are limited, the brand's Halal certification indicates a dedication to maintaining high standards in sourcing raw materials, preparation, and packaging. This commitment ensures that the products are accessible and trustworthy for Muslim consumers, as well as appealing to health-conscious individuals seeking quality food options.​

Navigating Regulatory Standards

The Philippine food industry is governed by stringent regulations to ensure consumer safety. In May 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines issued a draft for the "National Standard for Peanut Butter," aiming to standardize production practices and assure the safety and quality of peanut butter products. While there have been reports of unregistered peanut butter products in the market, Bea's Homemade Peanut Butter's Halal certification suggests compliance with recognized standards, offering consumers confidence in the brand's integrity.​

Embracing the Future with Integrity

Bea's Homemade Peanut Butter exemplifies how Filipino MSMEs can achieve excellence by embracing cultural inclusivity and adhering to high-quality standards. The Halal certification not only opens doors to a broader market but also sets a benchmark for other local enterprises aiming for global competitiveness.​

As the food industry continues to evolve, Bea's Homemade Peanut Butter's dedication to quality and inclusivity positions it as a brand to watch—a testament to the potential of Filipino craftsmanship in meeting and exceeding international standards.​