Kalasag

Lagi't laging may Husay, Tibay, at Dangal. Mula sa kabataan, para sa kabataan at para sa lahat. 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐠?

Kalasag wants to ignite the spirit of volunteerism, encourage others to practice bayanihan, and to always be in the service of the wider Filipino masses and the marginalized sector. Kalasag is a youth-led organization that aims to be of service to the youth, the marginalized sector, and the wider Filipino masses. We are a non-profit and non-stock volunteer organization.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐠? Kala

sag means "shield" in Filipino, which is a symbol for protection or security. The organization's name was chosen because it emphasizes the mandate and responsibility for young people to be at the forefront of fighting against contemporary systemic inequalities, inequities, and socio-economic injustices and to be vigilant against the spread of misinformation and disinformation in their communities. We are committed to creating an environment where young Filipinos can be informed and equipped in order to combat these issues head-on.

𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:

To achieve a Philippines free from contemporary inequalities, inequities, and socio-economic injustices.

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:

To provide support for Filipinos in any way we can through bridging the gap between people and their needs, in any shape or form the needs may come, with utmost urgency and efficiency, one Filipino at a time.

30/03/2026

As part of the BUHAT Initiative Fellowship Program, we continue to highlight thought leaders and educators who shape how we understand communication, narratives, and civic responsibility.

For this speaker feature, we are honored to spotlight Dr. Whitney Gent, an Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Civic Engagement at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her scholarship focuses on the rhetoric of homelessness and poverty in the United States, examining how advocates, policymakers, and media shape public understanding of these critical issues.

With over 15 years of experience as a communication professional, volunteer, and policy advocate, Dr. Gent brings both academic and real-world perspectives to her work. She holds a Ph.D. in Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and teaches courses in rhetorical criticism, communication theory, and civic engagement.

Through her work, Dr. Gent advances critical conversations on how narratives influence public perception and policy—deeply aligning with BUHAT’s mission of empowering young people to think critically about media, discourse, and civic participation.

The BUHAT Initiative is supported by the Angat Buhay Community Engagement Grant by Frankie's New York Buffalo Wings and the Sigla Research Center Community Engagement Fund.

24/03/2026

As part of the BUHAT Initiative Fellowship Program, we continue to highlight changemakers who are at the forefront of protecting and empowering young people in the digital space.

For this speaker feature, we are proud to spotlight Sam, a children and youth empowerment advocate focused on youth leadership and ending Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).

She currently serves as a Senior Assistant for Training Operations and Management of International Justice Mission (IJM), where she supports efforts to protect children by helping train legal experts to become trauma-informed and victim-sensitive in handling cases.

Through her work, Sam contributes to strengthening judicial systems and advancing child-friendly policies and legislation across the Philippines—ensuring safer environments where children can thrive without fear.

Her leadership journey also spans national and international platforms, including representing the Philippines at the Asia Pacific Youth Exchange, being part of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress Top 80, and participating in the American Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Program.

A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Sam continues to champion child protection and youth empowerment—values that strongly align with BUHAT’s mission of fostering safe, informed, and responsible digital spaces for young people.

The BUHAT Initiative is supported by the Angat Buhay Community Engagement Grant by Frankie's New York Buffalo Wings and the Sigla Research Center Community Engagement Fund.

23/03/2026

As part of the BUHAT Initiative Fellowship Program, we continue to highlight emerging media practitioners who are shaping the future of storytelling and digital engagement.

For this speaker feature, we are proud to spotlight Farahnisa Nurulputri, a communications student and aspiring media professional with hands-on experience in journalism and digital media. Her work spans content creation and writing, with active involvement in a student broadcasting team where she has directed on-site interviews with key stakeholders, including government representatives and industry professionals.

Farahnisa also contributes opinion pieces to platforms such as Modern Diplomacy and has produced digital content that has reached over 10,000+ views on Instagram Reels. Her passion for media and innovation has earned her recognition as a fully funded delegate of the Gen Z Retreat, supported by the U.S. Department of State.

Through her work, Farahnisa continues to champion informed storytelling and youth engagement — aligning closely with BUHAT’s mission of empowering young people to critically engage with media and information in the digital age.

The BUHAT Initiative is supported by the Angat Buhay Community Engagement Grant by Frankie's New York Buffalo Wings and the Sigla Research Center Community Engagement Fund.

19/03/2026

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡-𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐄𝐅

Calling all youth leaders and youth organizations across Southeast Asia 🌏

Missed our Mindanao-based sessions? This is your chance to join us.
We’re opening a Southeast Asia leg of our grant writing workshop to support more young leaders in accessing the European Union Youth Empowerment Fund (EU YEF), a global funding opportunity for youth-led initiatives on climate action, community development, governance, and social impact.

Whether you’re from the Philippines or anywhere in Southeast Asia, this session will help you:
✨ Understand the EU YEF and what they’re looking for
✨ Strengthen your grant writing skills
✨ Turn your ideas into fundable, high-impact proposals

🗓 March 23, 2026 (Monday)
⏰ 7:00 PM (UTC+07) | 8:00 PM (UTC+08)
💻 Via Zoom (link to be sent over email after registration)

This is also open to Filipino youth and organizations nationwide who were not able to join our earlier regional workshops.

Let’s make sure Southeast Asian youth are not just represented—but resourced.

🔗 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:
https://forms.gle/HofLbykmiiaCvt7F7

16/03/2026

Calling all youth leaders and changemakers in NorthMin! 💡

If you have the vision that you can contribute to your community on its positive progress then let’s turn your vision into impact! Join our virtual and be ready to bring your project into reality.

📌 Register here: https://forms.gle/Ajk5tVGjuVTCJp5T7

Tabang Sikad in collaboration with Kalasag Cotabato will be conducting a Virtual Workshop on Fundraising and Grant Application Strategies this March 18, 2026, 6:00PM. This opportunity encourages participation from underrepresented young people, including those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and individuals facing Gender or Disability-related barriers.

In this workshop, you will:�
✨ Learn about grants
✨ Understand the grant process�
✨ Get prepared for the call for applications

📌 Register here: https://forms.gle/Ajk5tVGjuVTCJp5T7

13/03/2026

As part of the BUHAT Initiative Fellowship Program, we continue to highlight youth leaders and advocates who are shaping conversations around responsible media and digital engagement across the region.

For this speaker feature, we are proud to spotlight Mizzah Razali, a Marketing Associate at Asia Inc Forum and Brunei ASEAN Youth Advisor for the Digital Literacy Program. Mizzah is a dedicated advocate for digital literacy, community empowerment, and social impact, leading initiatives that help bridge the digital divide and strengthen communities through education and strategic outreach.
She spearheaded the BeliaDigital campaign under the ASEAN Foundation, directly benefiting over 500 individuals through workshops and reaching more than 30,000 people through digital engagement. Her work and leadership have also earned her the One Young World Asia Leading Scholar recognition, where she participated as a delegate at the One Young World Summit in Montreal.

Mizzah is also a Gen Z Fellow for the Digital Communication Network Global and a YSEALI Academic Fellow for Civic Engagement, continuously championing initiatives that empower young people with the skills needed to navigate media responsibly and think critically in today’s digital landscape.

The BUHAT Initiative is supported by the Angat Buhay Community Engagement Grant by Frankie's New York Buffalo Wings and the Sigla Research Center Community Engagement Fund.

12/03/2026

As part of the BUHAT Initiative Fellowship Program, we continue to highlight inspiring storytellers and media practitioners who shape how young people understand narratives, media, and digital responsibility.

For this speaker feature, we are proud to spotlight Donetha Grace Merka, a Mindanaoan filmmaker and photographer and a graduate of Communication and Media Arts from UP Mindanao, where she received the Chancellor’s Award for Culture and the Arts. Donetha writes, directs, and produces impactful films, including Senyas (2023), which received Best International Student Short Film at the Campinas Film Festival in Brazil, and Kahon (2024), which earned multiple recognitions at the Montañosa Film Festival, including the Silver Award for the Mobile Category, Best Emerging Cinema, and Best Performance Award.

Through her work in filmmaking and storytelling, Donetha champions meaningful narratives and responsible media — values that strongly resonate with BUHAT’s mission of empowering young people to critically engage with information and digital spaces.

The BUHAT Initiative is supported by the Angat Buhay Community Engagement Grant by Frankie's New York Buffalo Wings and the Sigla Research Center Community Engagement Fund.

21/11/2025

Tonight marks the 4th session of the BUHAT Initiative Fellowship Program — and we are proud to highlight that our speaker lineup is not only ASEAN-focused, but truly global, bringing together voices from Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

For our 3rd guest speaker, we are honored to welcome Sorana Horșia from Romania. Sorana is a political science and journalism graduate who previously worked with Radio Free Europe and France 24, and now leads Gen Zette, a youth-driven media project amplifying stories and perspectives from across Central and Eastern Europe. Her work champions youth empowerment, credible storytelling, and digital responsibility — all deeply aligned with BUHAT’s mission.

The BUHAT Initiative is supported by the Angat Buhay Community Engagement Grant by Frankie's New York Buffalo Wings and the Sigla Research Center Community Engagement Fund.

14/10/2025

📩 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭!

Congratulations to everyone who applied for the BUHAT Initiative Fellowship Program — the wait is finally over!

Acceptance emails have officially been sent to the selected fellows.
📬 If you applied, make sure to 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅 (and your spam or promotions folder!) for an email from us.

📝 Accepted fellows are reminded to 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 by replying to the email — don’t forget to send in your confirmation before the deadline indicated!

We received an overwhelming number of high-quality applications from across Mindanao, making the selection process both exciting and challenging. Your passion for storytelling, truth, and community-driven action truly inspires us.

To everyone who applied — thank you for being part of this growing movement. Keep an eye out for more opportunities from BUHAT soon! 💫

The BUHAT Initiative is supported by the Angat Buhay Community Engagement Grant by Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings and the SIGLA Research Center Community Engagement Fund.

13/10/2025

✨𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗✨

Behind the scenes of the 𝗕𝗨𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 is a group of distinguished and highly accomplished youth leaders who took on the crucial task of screening and selecting our 2025 BUHAT Fellows.

Over the past week, the 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 carefully reviewed every application — a process that took time due to the overwhelming number and high quality of submissions we received. Each application was evaluated through a 𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀, followed by thorough deliberations over call to ensure fairness and integrity.

We are deeply grateful to our panelists for lending their time, expertise, and insights in choosing the next batch of Mindanaoan youth leaders who will take the lead in truthful, community-rooted storytelling.

Thank you for helping us shape the future of youth-led communication for change.

The BUHAT Initiative is supported by the Angat Buhay Community Engagement Grant by Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings and the SIGLA Research Center Community Engagement Fund.

11/10/2025

📢 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 🌱

The application period for the BUHAT Initiative Fellowship Program officially closed last October 4, 2025.

We’re deeply grateful for the overwhelming number of high-quality applications we’ve received from passionate and driven Mindanaoan youth. 💚 Your stories, ideas, and advocacies truly reflect the heart of our movement — and they’ve made the panel’s deliberation process both inspiring and challenging! ✨

📩 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 13, 2025. 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲! 🌿

We’ve also received several messages requesting another extension — but as announced, the application period has officially ended. Don’t worry, though! Stay tuned for more opportunities and programs from the BUHAT Initiative soon. 💫

We also hope everyone across Mindanao is safe and well following the recent earthquakes in the region. Our thoughts are with all affected communities. 🙏💚

The BUHAT Initiative is supported by the Angat Buhay Community Engagement Grant by Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings and the SIGLA Research Center Community Engagement Fund.
Implementation is in partnership with Zedia Lab and LUPAD.

04/10/2025

🚨 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗧 — 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬! 📝
⏳ Only a few hours left — applications close tonight at 11:59 PM PHT!

If you’ve been thinking about applying, this is your sign. ✅
Be part of a movement of Mindanaoan youth storytellers taking the lead in fighting misinformation and disinformation through truthful, community-rooted narratives.

📄 Fellowship Primer: https://bit.ly/BUHATInitiativePrimer
📝 Application Form: https://bit.ly/BUHATInitiativeApplication

The BUHAT Initiative is seed-funded by the Angat Buhay Community Engagement Grant, in partnership with Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings.
Implementation is proudly in partnership with Zedia Lab and LUPAD.

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Kidapawan

Website

http://kalasagcotabato.org/

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