U.S. Exchange Alumni launch AdaptPH to promote COVID-19 safety protocols

In response to the continued challenges posed by the pandemic, alumni of the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) launched AdaptPH, a nationwide campaign encouraging Filipinos to observe public protocols that help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

AdaptPH’s website (www.adapt.ph) offers free downloadable information kits for local governments, public transportation operators, public markets, and small businesses to assist in the implementation of proper social distancing, sanitation, and hygiene practices.

The website contains creative printable signs and infographics promoting basic safety protocols and providing accurate information on the COVID-19 pandemic.  AdaptPH also offers learning toolkits and guides for school administrators, teachers, parents, and students on effective strategies for maximizing online learning.

AdaptPH materials are highly contextualized: “Our YSEALI team empathized with stakeholders, observed their behaviors, and came up with creative tools to positively influence them to adapt to the current situation,” said Project Head Joie Cruz.  This process resulted in distinct sets of resources designed for different types of businesses and organizations available in multiple languages including English, Tagalog, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon.

The project is funded by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and implemented in partnership with Limitless Lab, Tagani Philippines, and the “Disiplina Muna” Campaign of the Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Supporting outstanding initiatives of U.S. exchange alumni, like AdaptPH, is one way the U.S. government is partnering with the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Since the outbreak began, U.S. exchange alumni across the nation have donated PPE to frontliners, provided livelihood assistance to families in need, and launched online projects to share critical health and safety information.  We commend these extraordinary efforts,” said U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Counselor Philip Roskamp.

For more information about AdaptPH and YSEALI, visit https://adapt.ph and https://yseali.state.gov.