Hello everyone!
It’s been some time since EA Philippines’ last newsletter, and much has happened since then. From a change in leadership to the addition of new projects and initiatives, the community can expect an eventful year.
In this newsletter, you’ll hear about fundraising updates as well as several developments from local EA-aligned organizations.
With that, we are glad to be wrapping up a busy March to welcome an exciting April!
📣 Highlights
SPOTLIGHT: EA PH Call for Funding
EA Philippines has commenced its fundraising efforts, which can be summarized below:
Manifund & EA Forum Post. EA Philippines opened a call for donations through Manifund and EA Forum. In this call, we outlined our track record as an organization, our strategy & project breakdown, and our funding breakdown. Thus far, we have received $100 through Manifund and another $500 through EA Forum.
Meta Charity Funders. Meta Charity Funders (MCF) is run by an intimate network of donors who are interested in meta cause area work. EA Philippines applied to MCF last March 23 and the full timeline for the next stages of this round is outlined here. By May 15, 2024, we hope to receive a decision on the application.
CEA Group Support Funding. EA Philippines applied to CEA Group Support Funding last March 26 to finance the operational expenses of the organization. Zian has successfully been recognized as an Accredited Organizer as a prerequisite for the Group Support Funding.
Open call for local donations from EA Philippines members. We’ve opened a Google Form for EA Philippines Donations as a more convenient way for local donors to extend their support to the organization. If you intend to donate, kindly fill out the form and the modes of payment will be provided on the confirmation page.
March Town Hall
Last March 21, we held a virtual town hall where Co-Directors Sam and Zian shared about EA Philippines’ updated strategy, fundraising efforts, and things to look forward to. The recording, presentation, and group photo can be accessed through this link. Major highlights include:
EA Philippines is committed to growing and fostering our community through four main objectives:
To introduce new and diverse members to EA PH.
To build the skills and confidence of EA PH members to pursue/sustain EA-aligned initiatives.
To introduce high-fidelity models of EA for in-depth EA knowledge.
To prepare EA PH members for pursuing a high-impact career.
Current fundraising efforts include: posting on Manifund & EA Forum, applying to MCF, applying to CEA Group Support Funding, and receiving individual donations from various EA Philippines members.
Things to look forward to include a potential in-person Komunidad next month (April), an open call for volunteers/project positions, regular newsletters/social media postings, and other connections to various EA resources and events.
EA Philippines: Local News
Our local EA-aligned initiatives and organizations are continuing their tremendous work in doing the most good they can. We’d like to highlight and commend the recent milestones and achievements of the following local EA initiatives:
Animal Empathy Philippines (AEP) launched their latest report “Pagsibol: The Filipinos’ Journey to Farmed Animal Advocacy.” Through this report, AEP discovered that farmed animal advocates are united by ethical principles, empathy for animals, environmental concerns, and opposition to factory farming. This highlights a shared commitment to addressing animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and the rejection of industrial farming practices. The full report can be accessed here.
Alternative Protein Research Mapping Initiative in the Philippines (APRMI), headed by Pierce Manlangit and Carmel Pascual, announced that they are hosting their first-ever Philippine Alternative Protein Symposium on April 13, 2024. The symposium aims to explore technical aspects of alternative proteins and their applications in the Philippines by providing a platform for researchers and students to exchange knowledge and ideas in this dynamic field.
Condor Camp Philippines is currently fundraising in order to organize a local iteration of Condor Camp. Condor Camp aims to accelerate the most highly talented Filipino and Southeast Asian students into impactful opportunities in AI safety under the mentorship of the Condor Initiative team. The program is set to take place around late July to early August in Manila. The Filipino team is composed of Lexley Villasis, Lenz Dagohoy, and Kyle Reynoso. You can express your interest here to receive news about their program or to collaborate with them in the future!
WhiteBox Research recently commenced the trials phase of their AI Interpretability Fellowship, successfully taking on 13 prospective fellows in their first cohort. WhiteBox Research will support these fellows as they master the fundamentals of AI interpretability research.
Healthy Futures Global concluded their training on their prenatal syphilis screening initiative for Kabankalan City Health Office. This initiative brings Healthy Futures Global closer to their goal of providing vital health services to every pregnant Filipina.
EA Taft opened an Interest Check for an EA Introductory Fellowship for La Sallians interested in learning about and practicing EA principles. If you know any La Sallian who may be interested in this opportunity, feel free to share the link with them!
If you or someone you know is running a local EA initiative, please feel free to reach out to Sam (sam@effectivealtruism.ph) and Zian (zian@effectivealtruism.ph) to share any milestones and updates you’d like us to feature! We are proud and excited for all the progress each of these organizations has achieved this quarter. We are hoping for another great month ahead!
⭐️ Opportunities
Upcoming Conferences
EA Global London - link
31 MAY – 2 JUNE 2024
Application deadline: 19th May 2024 (11:59 pm BST)
EA Global Boston - link
1 – 3 NOVEMBER 2024
Application deadline: 20th October 2024 (11:59 pm EDT)
Upcoming Programs, Workshops, and Reading Groups
Introductory EA Program - Effective Altruism Virtual Programs - link
START HERE IF YOU’RE NEW TO EA!
29 April - 23 June 2024
Application deadline: April 7, 2024
In-Depth EA Program - Effective Altruism Virtual Programs - link
29 April - 23 June 2024
Application deadline: April 7, 2024
The Precipice Reading Group - Effective Altruism Virtual Programs - link
27 May - 14 July 2024
Application deadline: May 5, 2024
Global Challenges Project Existential Risks Workshop - link
May Workshop - Berkeley
July Workshop - Oxford
September Workshop - Boston
Ambitious Impact (Previously Charity Entrepreneurship)
Magnify Mentorship - link
Magnify Mentoring is running a pilot mentorship round for people from underrepresented groups. You can apply here.
Application deadline: April 5, 2024
United Nations Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship - link
The fellowship will provide the opportunity for 20 young scientists from the Global South to join an online interactive training program before a field visit during the meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention in Geneva.
Application deadline: April 5, 2024
Jobs, internships, and volunteering
Innovations for Poverty Actions (Multiple Roles) - link
Centre for Effective Altruism
List of Challenges and Prizes Related to Top Problems - link
List of Internship and Residency Programs, Machine Learning / Software Engineering - link
List of Alternative Proteins Opportunities - link
📖 Further Reading
Global EA-related news
Charity Entrepreneurship launches Founding to Give
Fish Welfare Initiative (FWI) recently launched a new study - First R&D Study of 2024: Validating Satellite Imagery to Detect Poor Water Quality by Dr. Paul Monaghan, Fish Welfare Initiative Research & Development Lead
Open Philanthropy announced Forecasting as its new grantmaking focus area
The Life You Can Save has updated its charity evaluation framework
The Humane League (THL) released Common Enemy, a new documentary detailing the story of Oklahomans protesting the animal agriculture industry
Some interesting reads
“What are the biggest misconceptions about biosecurity and pandemic risk?” by 80,000 Hours - link
“Tragic Beliefs” by tobytrem - link
“Killing the Moths” by Bella - link