Anna Mae Lamentillo
Election observers save democracies
April 10, 2025 10:06 pm
In the Philippines, every election day is a test of our democratic resolve. Streets buzz with anticipation, barangay halls fill with voters, and millions take part in the sacred civic ritual of casting a ballot. Yet, behind the color of campaign tarps and the spectacle of political rallies lies a quieter but equally vital force: election observers. Often overlooked, these individuals—both domestic and international—serve as the frontline defenders of electoral integrity. And in today’s fragile democratic climate, we need more of them than ever.
Why body-shaming hurts Filipinos’ mental health
April 08, 2025 4:03 pm
The phrase “Ang taba mo” has long been a fixture in Filipino social interactions, commonly surfacing in family reunions, neighborhood gatherings, and even casual conversations between acquaintances. Although often uttered without obvious malice, this seemingly benign remark has deeper implications when viewed through the lens of recent findings on body image and mental health. A newly released survey conducted by Arkipelago Analytics highlights a troubling pattern, revealing that over half of young adults aged 18–24 in the Philippines experience negative self-perception that adversely affects their well-being. While multiple factors contribute to these sentiments—including the influence of social media and the proliferation of global beauty standards—the everyday comments exchanged in Filipino households and social settings also appear to play a substantial role in shaping body image.
A call to rethink development
April 03, 2025 4:11 pm
We are living in a time of transformation. From the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and escalating conflicts to the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and the deepening climate crisis, the world is undergoing profound and overlapping shifts. The field of international development stands at the crossroads of these challenges. It is no longer sufficient to rely on inherited models or assume that solutions forged in one context will universally apply. What is needed now are fresh voices, bold ideas, and inclusive approaches — ones that center justice, equity, and sustainability in every discussion about progress.
How economic anxiety is rewriting Gen Z’s love story
April 01, 2025 6:54 pm
Marriage in the Philippines is no longer the inevitable milestone it once was. Among Gen Z Filipinos—the country’s youngest adults—a quiet but profound shift is underway. A recent survey conducted by Arkipelago Analytics reveals that only 40 percent of Gen Z respondents say they want to get married someday. Of those, a significant 60 percent prefer to do so after the age of 35. This deferral of commitment reflects not only evolving cultural values but also a deeper, more pragmatic concern: the high cost of living and mounting economic pressures are fundamentally reshaping how the next generation approaches love, partnership, and the future.
Why the Philippines must act on climate change now
March 28, 2025 12:02 am
Climate change is no longer a distant threat looming on the horizon — it is a present reality demanding immediate, unified action. In 2024 alone, we have witnessed an unprecedented surge in ocean temperatures, illustrating just how rapidly and dramatically our planet is changing. Global temperatures have soared past the critical 1.5°C threshold, a milestone scientists have long cautioned we should avoid crossing to prevent catastrophic climate impacts.