Hey there,
As the raindrops fall and the pitter-patter of droplets create a soothing rhythm, we welcome you to a stream of updates from our latest issue of our newsletter.
Just like the gentle rain revitalizes the earth, our newsletter aims to invigorate your altruistic spirit, aiding you in your journey towards making a valuable and effective impact in the world.
In this edition, dive into the highlights of our May Komunidad event, get acquainted to the new core team of the revamped EA Taft student group , and get to know how EA Philippines supports CAIS Statement on AI Risk.
But that's not all. Our student chapters— EA Blue, EA Taft, and EA UP Diliman, provide prosperous updates on what transpired in their respective groups.
So, grab a warm cup of your favorite beverage, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and immerse yourself in the inspiring stories and updates from our dedicated community members as they pour their efforts into creating a better world together.
Highlights
EA Philippines supports CAIS Statement on AI Risk
The Center for AI Safety (CAIS) recently put out a one-sentence statement, signed by a historic coalition of experts and notable figures, to call attention to the extinction risk posed by AI.
In support of this statement, Effective Altruism Philippines recognizes the global priority of reducing the extinction risk posed by AI, alongside other global catastrophic risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.
We encourage more Filipinos to be well-informed of such risks and by doing so, we can collectively work towards building a safer and more resilient future for all.
Learn more about these risks and other most pressing problems here
EA Philippines’ Komunidad in May
The EA Philippines' Komunidad meet-up for this May was held last Saturday at the Bayanihan Cafe.
In the meet-up, our guests Keyur Doolabh and Nils Voelker from the Healthy Futures Global— a newly incubated charity by Charity Entrepreneurship that focuses on maternal and newborn health— gave an insightful introduction on their new charity and its mission in eliminating deaths and disease from congenital syphilis.
We would like to thank everyone who took their time to attend our event despite the inclement weather, and many thanks to Bayanihan Cafe for the productive venue to have this event!
Sign-up now for our upcoming EA PH Komunidad on July 1 which will feature an introductory talk on AI Safety to be given by our community members: Kriz Tahimic, Lexley Villasis, and Ox Sandre.
Results of the EA PH Mental Health Charity Ideas Research project
Having good mental health is a fundamental human right. It means we are able to function and thrive in our daily lives.
Last year, the EA Philippines Mental Health Charity Ideas Research project identified the top charity ideas to start in the country and other low-resource settings. The team of researchers consisted of Shen Javier, Mae Muñoz, AJ Sunglao, and Zam Superable, with Brian Tan as a project advisor. It focused on children and adolescent mental health.
While a recording of the team’s presentation from last year can be found here, the team now shares comprehensive reports on those ideas that detail the evidence supporting their effectiveness and how one might implement the charities in the Philippines.
You can check out and access the full reports here
Our Reading Group Program
Have you ever wanted to discuss a cause area from an EA book or resource you read?
Here is your chance with the Reading Group Program!
Simply form a group of at least 3 people, choose a main point-person, and book a call with our Associate Director, Alethea Cendaña!
Previous reading groups were on improving institutional decision-making and Introduction to AI Safety!
You can read more about the reading program here.
Order an EA Book from us
Eyeing an EA-related book lately? Order it from our book form!
Simply fill up the details, check out the available books, order a book that you genuinely want to read, and send out your order form to us!
Kindly note that it may take up to 4 weeks for your book to arrive. We'll email you with more details on your order and once it is ready to be distributed out.
You can start ordering the book you are interested in through here until June 25!
News in EA Blue
The next EA Blue Executive Board for 2024 - 2025
EA Blue opened applications for Executive Board positions last May to prepare for the next school year. On June 12, 2023, the organization announced its upcoming President, Secretary-General, VP for Design and Communications, and 6th Introductory Fellowship Project Heads.
The new set of student leaders will be responsible for guiding EAglets through the core belief of the Effective Altruism movement: "using reason and evidence to do the most good."
Update: Rollout of EA Blue Merchandise
-
EA Blue’s official merchandise is now ready for pickup!
Haven’t you received your order yet?
You may contact Phyl Manlangit to arrange pick-ups.
Follow EA Blue for future updates!
News in EA Taft
First Socials Night
Last June 2, 2023, EA Taft socEAlized with new and unfamiliar faces! With the revival of the student chapter, current and new members aim to bring an air of new life to the streets of Taft.
Elmerei Cuevas, Executive Director of EA Philippines, sheds light on how to make effective and practical changes based on facts and research, as well as how to live altruistically. Jay Chang, Alethea Cendaña, and Jian Medina-Cue, EA Taft’s Alumni Adviser, were among those who participated in discussions regarding their personal advocacies.
Check out our official Instagram post!
IntroductEAn to TAFTopia: An Introduction to Effective Altruism
EA Taft blasts off to a new chapter, introducing new members with “IntroductEAn To TAFTopia” last June 13, 2023.
EA Philippines’ Elmerei Cuevas led an interesting introduction, orienting EA’s advocacies, activities, and opportunities. Together with students from all over Taft, meaningful conversations throughout the breakout rooms were done, allowing everyone to share their advocacies and goals, blossoming new bonds.
Check out the photos here!
Launch of EA Taft 2023 Core Team
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Introducing the TrailblEAzers of Effective Altruism Taft!
EA Taft proudly presents its exceptional core team, led by President Shan Adorna accompanied by Executive Vice President Syrah Vin Sia. Joining them are the eight Vice Presidents of Committee Departments: Mikayla Sanchez, Nathan Portez, Alonzo Rimando, Julia Cabarloc, Janry Cua, Heinrich Del Rosario, Janella Burgos, and Kriz Tahimic.
These remarkable individuals bring a wealth of passion and expertise to the table as they join forces to make a meaningful difference.
With a shared vision and unwavering commitment to effective altruism, their collective efforts promise to inspire and drive impactful initiatives. And as they embark on their mission, they aim to foster compassion and innovation within the Taft community.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the team's inspiring stories, innovative projects, and the transformative power of Effective Altruism. Let's come together to support and amplify the incredible craft of EA Taft's core team as they pave the way for a better and more compassionate future.
Follow EA Taft for future updates!
News in EA UP Diliman
Ineffective Altruism: When Good Intentions Don’t Translate to Good Outcomes
EA UPD is thrilled to share the highlights of our recent Introductory Workshop on Effective Altruism last May 17 with the theme “Ineffective Altruism: When Good Intentions Don’t Translate to Good Outcomes”.
The Roundtable Discussion brought together Kirsten Angeles from Project SHIELD PH, Kate Lupango from Animal Empathy Philippines, and Rafie Cerafica from the Department of English and Comparative Literature in UP Diliman, who engaged in thought-provoking discussions, shedding light on the traps of ineffective altruism and sharing practical remedies. The event ended with socials where the speakers and participants had the opportunity to connect with each other.
See more photos here
Tambay Days with EA UPD
The past month was filled with vibrant tambay days with EA UPD! Members came together for co-working sessions, delightful dinners, and spontaneous hangouts. Open to applicants and curious students, these meet-ups were the perfect chance to connect, delve into the organization's essence, and forge lasting bonds with our incredible members.
We hope to see you at our next meet-up!
Follow EA UPD for future updates!
Spotlight: EAGxPhilippines Core Team
Applications for EAGxPhilippines will open soon. Sign up here to get notified when applications open.
Upcoming Conferences
If you’re considering applying, kindly check first this forum post on updates on spending for CEA-run events.
• EAGxNYC
[Aug 18-20, 2023]
[Deadline: July 31, 2023]
[Sept. 8-10, 2023]
[Deadline: August 18, 2023]
[Oct 20-22, 2023]
[Applications will open soon!]
• EA Global Boston 2023
[Oct 27-29, 2023]
[Deadline: October 12, 2023]
Check out the EA Global website to be updated with upcoming events!
Upcoming Mentoring, Workshops, and Reading Groups
• Magnify Mentoring
Magnify Mentoring supports, inspires, and connects a global community of women, non-binary, and trans people of all genders who are motivated to have a positive impact with their careers and lives
Apply as a mentee here
[Deadline: June 25,2023]
• High Impact Medicine Intro Fellowship: Summer 2023
[July 17- September 11, 2023]
Apply as a fellow here
Apply as a facilitator here
[Deadline for applications for both as fellows and facilitators is July 10]
• Summer Research Fellowship in Law & AI 2023
[For 8-12 weeks]
Eligibility:
• Graduate law students (JD or LLM)
• PhD candidates
• Postdocs working in law
• Students entering the final year of a 5-year undergraduate law degree
[Deadline: July 6,2023]
• Global Challenges Project Existential Risks Workshop
• Aug 11 - Aug 14, 2023; Boston, US
• Sept 15 - Sept 18, 2023; Berkeley, US (TBC)
• Oct 13 - Oct 16, 2023; Boston, US (TBC)
• Nov 24 - Nov 27, 2023; Berkeley, US (TBC)
Express your interest while slots are available through here
News relevant to the Philippines
Be in the loop with local news and resources.
• Animal Empathy Philippines participates in this year's Animal Rights March
(1 min. read)
• Philippine regulators told to empower users, workers to tackle AI threats
(6 mins. read)
• Sustainable infrastructure needed to fight climate change
(3 mins. read)
(~2 days read)
• [Publication] Philippines Economic Update, June 2023: Securing Clean Energy Future
(~1 day read)
Foreign EA-related news
For this month, we have various updates across different cause areas. Check them out and get refreshed on the latest news.
• Don’t let AI fears of the future overshadow present-day causes
—by Kelsey Piper
(5 mins. read)
• Our Progress in 2022 and Plans For 2023
—by Open Philanthropy
(12 mins. read))
• GovAI: Towards best practices in AGI safety and governance: A survey of expert opinion
—by Zach Stein-Perlman
(1 min. read)
• Announcing the Publication of Animal Liberation Now
—by Peter Singer
(3 mins. read)
• UN Secretary-General recognizes existential threat from AI
—by Greg Colbourn
(1 min. read)
• Global giving tracking could be key to reaching UN goals
—by Stephanie Beasley
(5 mins. read)
• Global giving tracking could be key to reaching UN goals
— by Stephanie Beasley
(5 mins. read)
• A Big Supreme Court Win for Farm Animals
—by Lewis Bollard
(6 mins. read)
Some interesting reads
A list of some interesting and detailed resources we found
• What is effective altruism? How could it be improved?
—by Michael Plant
(20 mins. read)
• How 80,000 Hours has changed some of our advice after the collapse of FTX
—by 80,000 Hours Team
(14 mins. read)
• An overview of the WHO Essential Medicines List: procedures, usage, and potential improvements
—by Rethink Priorities
(4 mins. read)
• Some thoughts on moderation in doing good
—by Benjamin Todd
(14 mins. read)
• Prioritising animal welfare over global health and development?
—by Vasco Grilo
(21 mins. read)
• Should the EA community be cause-first or member-first?
—by Edo Arad
(4 mins. read)
• Announcing the Confido app: bringing forecasting to everyone
—by Blanka Havlíčková
(11 mins. read)
—by Michael Shermer
(17 mins. read)
Opportunities in EA-aligned organizations
Below are some featured opportunities that are accessible to Filipinos from our Opportunities Board. It shows all the current opportunities available (full-time, part-time, internship, and volunteer opportunities). It also has links to other relevant places where you can find impactful jobs, and we also include there how we choose which jobs to feature.
Our opportunities board has remote jobs from foreign EA organizations, and also some roles at local organizations that we either think are impactful to work for, or they provide good experience and skills for making an impact later on.
Remote opportunities from foreign EA-aligned organizations
Executive Assistant - Foresight Institute
[Rolling applications]
Facilitator - Effective Peer Support
[Rolling applications]
Research Engineer - Fund for Alignment Research
[Rolling applications]
Research Analyst - Charity Entrepreneurship
[Rolling applications]
Research Intern - Fortify Health
[Rolling applications]
Research Assistant - Forecasting Research Institute
[Rolling applications]
Learn or deepen your knowledge on the core ideas of EA
Introductory EA Program - Effective Altruism Virtual Programs
Starts from July 31- Sept 24
[Deadline: July 16, 2023]
In-Depth EA Program - Effective Altruism Virtual Programs
Starts from July 31- Sept 24
[Deadline: July 16, 2023]
The Precipice Reading Group - Effective Altruism Virtual Programs
Starts from July 31- Sept 24
[Deadline: July 16, 2023]
Take the challenge and participate in these Opportunities
Most Important Century Writing Prize - Superlinear
[No deadline specified as of the moment]
Climate Tipping Points - Metaculus
[Deadline: March 1, 2027]
Opportunities for Filipino EAs
Associate Director - IDInsight Philippines
[No deadline specified as of the moment]
Senior Research Associate - Innovations for Poverty Action
[Rolling Applications]
EA Philippines’ Code of Conduct
The EA Philippines core team recently created the official Effective Altruism Philippines Code of Conduct in hopes to facilitate a constructive and meaningful collaboration among individuals. In order to achieve this objective, we have established some guidelines that we expect our community to adhere by as our local community slowly grows.
EA Philippines Anonymous Feedback Form
As a response to some of our members noting that sometimes it is uncomfortable for them to provide direct feedback to some EA PH members, we decided to create this form so you may raise any concerns you have related to EA Philippines, including on any of our projects, leaders, volunteers, or community members.
Feedback here will be visible to the EA Philippines core team: Elmerei Cuevas, Althy Cendaña, Tanya Quijano, Jay Chang, and Brian Tan.
We may follow up with your answers via chat or a call if you would like us to.
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Best,
EA Philippines