Written by Mark Andy Pedere
Last June 2, 2025, the Student Union Building Room 421 at the University of the Philippines Diliman became a creative hub for youth participants, advocates, and facilitators of the Agap, Handa, Aksyon (A.H.A.) Palihan. The one-day workshop aimed to strengthen and refine the concept pitches of selected teams preparing for A.H.A.. Handaan Na!—a performative social experiment responding to the pressing question: “How much are you willing to invest, commit, and prepare to address food and nutrition challenges brought by climate change?”
Facilitated by Dr. Glecy Atienza, the workshop opened with a discussion on UP Diliman’s existing food ecosystem and emphasized the importance of shifting toward healthier and more accessible food systems that center community well-being and climate adaptation. Dr. Atienza reminded participants that creative solutions must be rooted in lived realities and collective needs.
In the Ideation Workshop, Ms. Shaira Venzon of the College of Media and Communication guided participants in identifying target audiences and crafting persuasive ideas. Drawing from communication theory, she stressed that the core of a compelling pitch lies in balancing ethos, pathos, and logos. One concrete idea she shared involved promoting urban gardening through in-house kits and printed pamphlets—a blend of personal practice and public education.
The afternoon sessions highlighted the relationship between creativity and advocacy. Dr. Roberto Mendoza of the College of Arts and Letters led the Songwriting Workshop, encouraging participants to critically examine the intersection of economics, politics, and cultural perceptions about food and consumption. Using familiar tunes, teams composed “saling-himig” jingles that reflected their advocacies:
- Mangan! TEAManininda performed a fruit-seller themed jingle to the tune of “Bulaklak.”
- Team Kuman turned “Ako ay May Lobo” into a song about planting, from a child’s perspective.
- Team Binhi reimagined “Pamela” to highlight the benefits of urban gardening.
- Team Bulungan used “Pusong Bato” to resist reclamation and emphasize environmental justice.
To help teams visualize their ideas effectively, Mr. Chris Sanchez and Ms. Kel Almazan of the UP Resilience Institute – Research and Creative Work Division conducted the Visualization Workshop. They emphasized the importance of clarity, creativity, and accessibility in visuals—encouraging participants to use vibrant design, metaphors, and strategic messaging in translating ideas into posters, digital materials, and campaign graphics.
The workshop was documented by Mr. Mark Andy Pedere, project assistant from UPRI–RCW Division. Highlights of the event can be viewed via the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RCWPanahonNa or through this video link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AmTwWdJwL.
The day concluded with a reflection session, where participants affirmed their readiness to move forward. With stronger concepts, better articulation, and a shared resolve, the five teams—Mangan! TEAManininda, Team Kuman, Team Binhi, Team Bulungan, and Team RICEng Stars—are now set to finalize and rehearse their project pitches. From plans to practice, the A.H.A. Palihan proved to be a crucial step in building a community-led, creative, and climate-responsive food future.