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EJN Media Grantee Produces 6 Podcast Episodes on Climate-Fueled Threats to Animal Welfare and Human Wellbeing in the Philippines

Man standing with a paddle next to some boats and the sea

Last year, EJN, through its Asia-Pacific project, awarded 8 media grants to media organizations in the Asia-Pacific region. One of these grantees, Pumapodcast in the Philippines, had proposed a podcast series investigating the country’s lack of natural disaster policies (including the protection and evacuation of farm animals) and how this policy gap leads to preventable death and disease within farming communities.  

In May 2024, the team of Pumapodcast journalists, based in Manila, Philippines, completed their project, “Alagang Handa” (which translates to no beast or pet left behind), six podcast episodes spotlighting the relationship between animal welfare and human well-being in the context of climate change-driven disasters in the Philippines. 

A graphic show the six podcast episodes' headlines and images and analytics underneath each episode
The six-episode podcast series has amassed more than 4,000 listens and 4 million social media impressions so far / Credit: Pumapodcast.

The series takes listeners on a journey across the Philippines, exploring the unique challenges faced by various communities during times of crisis. From lechon (roasted pig) vendors in Carcar City, poultry farmers in Danao, to fisherfolk in Lapu-Lapu City, each story reveals the difficult choices people make during disasters—often forced to choose between their safety and the well-being of their animals.  

Yet, the audio series also offers stories of hope.  It explores Batangas' response to the Taal Volcano eruption to protect the animals, big and small, from future eruptions. It also shines a light on "Mr. Disaster" Cedric Daep, a champion for disaster preparedness in Albay, and explores the potential of Organic Diversified Integrated Farming Systems (ODIFS) as a solution for mitigating disaster risks for both Filipinos and their animals.

The episodes, produced in English and Filipino languages, can be found on major platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. The six episodes have over 4,000 listens so far and over 4 million social media impressions. 

Pumapodcast has been actively promoting the series on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X. On Facebook alone, their efforts netted them 4.4 million impressions and 185,000 clicks, along with over 1,300 reactions from their listeners.

"The series of report serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role animals play in Filipino lives. By incorporating animals into disaster planning, we can empower the most vulnerable group—often the poorest in society—to weather any storm better,” said Patricia Aquino, Pumapodcast project lead.

“It is increasingly important to have disaster planning for animals as we experience more frequent, intense and destructive natural disasters. The series of episodes on animal welfare presented by Pumapodcast shed light on unreported topics that need urgent actionable solutions,” said Imelda Abano, Internews EJN’s Program Manager for the Philippines.

The Pumapodcast team said they are determined to continue outreach and advocacy to amplify the message on animal welfare and to inform the public about the need for better policy on disaster planning for animals.


Banner image: This series from Pumapodcast focuses on exploring how communities responded to the Batangas Taal volcanic eruption to protect their animals and fisheries from future eruptions / Credit: Pumapodcast.