Hi everyone,
Our newsletter this month features a hopeful one as we had our last Komunidad for the year where we celebrated the 5th anniversary of Effective Altruism Philippines and also held it as a Post-EAGxPhilippines Meet-up.
Composed here are farewell messages from the EA PH core team—Elmerei Cuevas, Alethea Cendaña, and Jaynell Chang—as they embark on the last day in their roles.
Also highlighted here are updates by EA UP Diliman and EA Blue where members of each community were able to participate in EAGxPhilippines.
The year is almost over, but this gives us hope that a new beginning is just right around the corner.
Highlights
EA PH Komunidad this November
EA Philippines held their Komunidad event last November 18 at the Bayanihan Cafe.
For our last Komunidad for the year, we held a celebration for EA Philippines 5th founding anniversary and a post-EAGxPhilippines hangout session where community members shared their learnings from the conferences with each other.
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who took the time to attend our event, and extend many thanks to Bayanihan Cafe for providing us with a productive space for our discussions.
Spotlight: Farewell messages of the EA PH Core Team
The 30th of November marks the last day of Elmerei Cuevas, Alethea Cendaña, and Jaynell Chang in their respective roles in Effective Altruism Philippines.
Presented here are their farewell messages to our community members.
When I first took on this role back in February 2022, I only expected to stay a year. That was the grant duration we were given. It became a wonderful surprise that I got to extend for another few months and even got to lead in organizing #EAGxPhilippines.
My sun may set now as ED of EAPH, but despair not for a new beginning is about to dawn for the community. My biggest takeaways from this role are really the people I met, the friendships, the calls, the chats, the talks about dreams, frustrations, hopes, and aspirations. I hear people thanking us for making EA Philippines as welcoming as it is, but really, it is the community who has made it welcoming- we merely mirror to others what the rest of the community is like.
I thank everyone who has joined our events, meet- ups, retreats, and even engaged with us virtually through Slack, Gathertown, social media, and newsletter during our tenure. I cherish the love and support you have extended to Althy, Jay and I, and hope you may also be generous to share it to the next leaders of the community. I will still be around - “an Elmer”, “a kuya” you may reach out to whether or not an EA-related topic. Hehe
Believing the Best,
Elmerei Cuevas
Outgoing Executive Director of Effective Altruism Philippines
To all who made the past year the most delightful chapter of my life: Thank you so much for all the cherished memories, the lively banter, our collaborative endeavors, and the shared commitment to effective altruism.
When I first came to EA Philippines, I knew I found more than a supportive community — it was a compass guiding my beliefs in doing good while expanding my perspective on what's possible and how I can contribute. EA Philippines has been a safe place to explore my advocacies, sharpen my principles, and embrace altruistic ambition.
To the student groups, especially those with whom I shared my first years in EA, thank you for crazy parties and random sessions about our rants about EA. I hope you stay as fun and as critical. Keep inspiring young, talented minds to pursue a better world in the most effective ways.
To all the seasoned professionals, thank you for teaching me to be pragmatic so that I can navigate through real-world problems with practicality. I am grateful for all your stories about your career experiences and for sharing your passion for EA, as you still find time to juggle projects and commitments outside your primary work.
To Tanya, Brian, Elmer, Jay, Janai, and Red, thank you for allowing me to work alongside you and bring to life all the projects, events, programs, and ideas that I hoped to create. It is because of you that I was able to achieve whatever impact I made in the EA Philippines community.
This is not a goodbye because I will still be around. If you need any help, advice, or want to delve into conversations about the animal advocacy movement or anything about effective altruism, please feel free to message me.
For a better, compassionate world,
Alethea ‘Althy’ Cendaña
Outgoing Associate Director of Effective Altruism Philippines
As a farewell, I would not be revolving my message on myself—but rather I would dedicate this portion of this space to you, dear community member.
All throughout my life I held to one insight stemming from the Little Prince—What is essential is invisible to the eye.
I have held on that insight for too long that I was able to witness how significant it is to put value on what we don’t see, or rather, what we felt—especially on where we are now.
Meeting other community members and talking with them, I saw one similar aspect that is interconnected to each of us, and that is—how we are all unique and special.
Where you are now is where you are meant to be. No individual is not deserving of certain greatness or best, but when we don’t get to achieve it, do not fall into turmoil or grief. It is not easy, I know, but you are where you are needed to be. Most important thing to remember is that you are special and unique. It is just a bump in the road or you may not find the proper answer in the moment.
For the meantime, this is an opportunity to reflect where you are now and look where you came from. You’ll be surprised how far you came. Progress is still progress because what weighs more in this life are the little aspects we tend to not pay notice—you choosing kindness over being mean, you choosing to live than give up, you who chose others than yourself, and you who chose to do good despite the harsh realities of our world.
You’re doing great. Please keep at it. Wherever you are I hope the warmth of the sun give you the brightest hugs because you deserve it. You are invaluable.
We all did our best. My efforts; your efforts contributed to where our community is now, and it may be invisible to some, but essentially find comfort that there are people, like I do, who recognize all the efforts that you do—in the community and in your life.
Your supporter to the end,
Jaynell Chang
Outgoing Communications and Events Associate of Effective Altruism Philippines
News in EA UP Diliman
EA UPD goes to EAGxPH!
Some of the EA UPD members, as well as alumni, attended the recently concluded EA Global x Philippines last October 22.
With both a mix of fun and knowledge, they made sure to make the most of this prestigious event. They had various 1-on-1 sessions, spontaneous yet informative conversations, valuable networks, and a huge bunch of learning opportunities.
EA UPD Learning Experience’s Co-Op sEAson: tEA Time x Rejection Party
Last November 27, the Learning Experience (LX) Committee successfully held the first cycle of the Co-Op sEAson: tEA time x Rejection Party at the UP Sunken Garden.
Some of the members shared their own rejection stories and best experiences with the EA community. It was surely a usual and relaxing picnic setup combined with personal reflections, sharings, and more!
Follow EA UPD for future updates!
News in EA Blue
EA Blue’s First Onsite Facilitator Training
💙 EA Blue at #EAGxPhilippines 🧡 🇵🇭
Last October 20-22, members and alumni of EA Blue participated in EAGxPhilippines as attendees, volunteers, and speakers. There, we had the opportunity to learn more about various cause areas, approaches to community building, and perspectives on EA by exchanging ideas with fellow EAs from other parts of the Philippines and the world!
We would like to express our gratitude towards the conference organizers, volunteers, and attendees for the fun and meaningful experience. The event has given us a lot to think about, and has certainly influenced our perspectives on doing good.
Follow EA Blue for future updates!
Upcoming Conferences
If you’re considering applying, kindly check first this forum post on updates on spending for CEA-run events.
• EA Global: Bay Area 2024 (Global Catastrophic Risks)
[Feb. 2-4, 2024]
[Deadline: January 21, 2024]
[May 31 - June 2, 2024]
[Deadline: May 19, 2024]
Check out the EA Global website to be updated with upcoming events!
Upcoming Programs, Workshops, and Reading Groups
• Global Challenges Project Existential Risks Workshop
• Jan 12 - Jan 15, 2023; Boston, US (TBC)
• Feb 16 - Feb 19, 2024; Berkeley, US (TBC)
• Mar 22 - Mar 25, 2024 Oxford, UK (TBC)
Express your interest while slots are available through here
News relevant to the Philippines
Be in the loop with local news and resources.
• Gov't urged to bring mental health services to remote areas
(2 mins. read)
• Why the climate negotiations are worth it for the Philippines
(5 mins. read)
• Championing animal welfare in the Philippines
(3 mins. read)
• Digitalization, AI pose threat to skilled PH workers
(3 mins. read)
Foreign EA-related news
Some important updates in the global community
• Open Philanthropy’s newest focus area: Global Public Health Policy
— by Open Philanthropy
(3 mins. read)
• Talking through depression: The cost-effectiveness of psychotherapy in LMICs, revised and expanded
— by Joel McGuire, Samuel Dupret, Ryan Dwyer, Michael Plant, and Maxwell Klapow
(5 mins. read)
• Fish Welfare Initiative Strategy Update: Broadening Our Research Mandate in India
— by Haven King-Nobles
(7 mins. read)
• GWWC's new recommendations and cause area funds
— by Sjir Hoeijmakers, Michael Townsend, and Alana
(2 mins. read)
— by Sentience Institute
(7 mins. read)
Some interesting reads
A list of some interesting and detailed resources we found
• The Role of Behavioural Science in Effective Altruism
— Emily Grundy
(7 mins. read)
• A critical ingredient in the alternative protein industry that’s never in short supply
— by Good Food Institute
(3 mins. read)
• Quantifying the neglectedness of wild animal welfare
— by Wild Animal Initiative
(8 mins. read)
• New opportunities are opening up in AI governance
— by 80,000 Hours
(1 mins. read)
• Getting Started with Impact Evaluation Surveys: A Beginner's Guide
— by Emily Grundy
(13 mins. read)
• Antimicrobial resistance: Tailored storytelling is key to successful community interventions
— by Malaria Consortium
(2 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
• Marketing and Communications Contractor - Giving What We Can
[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 February 05 - March 31, 2024
[Deadline: January 14, 2024]
• In-Depth EA Program - Effective Altruism Virtual Programs
Starts from February 05 - March 31, 2024
[Deadline: January 14, 2024]
• The Precipice Reading Group - Effective Altruism Virtual Programs
Starts from February 05 - March 31, 2024
[Deadline: January 14, 2024]
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]
Micro- grant for educational module/ tools related to EA - Clearer Thinking
Win up to $595
[No deadline specified as of the moment]
Opportunities for Filipino EAs
Associate Director / Director - IDInsight Philippines
[No deadline specified as of the moment]
Professionals Talent Directory
High Impact Professionals (HIP) has launched a Talent Directory to assist those looking to transition to a higher impact role at an EA-aligned organization. The directory will increase the visibility of your profile,, with your consent, as it will be proactively shared with organizations and shared publicly on HIP’s website.
If you are looking to transition your career to higher impact opportunities, please sign up to HIP's Talent Directory to ensure you are in front of organizations looking to make a hire.
Tälist Talent Community
Tälist is on a mission to accelerate the transition to an animal-free food system by matching Alternative Protein Businesses with top talent from around the world.
Check out their resources and services for both job seekers and employers, including monthly virtual candidate Q&As, an impact calculator, and the most comprehensive, global Alternative Protein job board. You may also sign up to their talent community to receive individual recommendations based on your profile and preferences
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