The Philippines has the largest generation of young people in its history, with 30 million between the ages of 10 and 24 accounting for 28% of all Filipinos. Young people are a key demographic for the EU’s public diplomacy, and the EU Delegation to the Philippines (EUD) has been working to engage university students and promote awareness of the partnership between the EU and the Philippines.

EU Whiz – an annual student competition in the Philippines – is amongst these initiatives, aiming to bring the best out of youths through a series of competitions that responds to current issues. This year marks its first online run, under the theme ‘Filipino Youth of the FEUture’.

From 17 March 2021, three competitive tracks were open to university students, for online trivia on the EU, digital art focussed on the environment (‘Green ECO I See’) and videos discussing youth rights (‘My Space, My Rights’). Submissions were made in trios with the support of their academic institutions, and prizes and certificates were awarded to finalists and winning teams by EUD.

By the end of the three-month competition, 1 663 Filipino youth from 330 universities nationwide had taken part, making this year’s run the biggest turnout yet.

Through its broad engagement with young Filipinos, EU Whiz deepened awareness of bilateral relations and partnerships, cultivated young partners to support EU public and cultural diplomacy, and strengthened the EU’s networks with Philippine universities. Despite COVID-19, the virtual competition proved to be a safe and efficient way to reach more interested participants from across the country, beyond Metro Manila and the region of Luzon.

Stay informed of further competitions and activities conducted by the EU Delegation to the Philippines (EUD) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.