By Marinel Peroy
In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, democratic backsliding, and rising global uncertainty, a new Filipino civic collective is placing its bet on the country’s youngest voters.
Team Pinas formally launched on February 19 in Manila, positioning itself as a multidisciplinary platform committed to strengthening democratic institutions, defending sovereignty, and advancing diplomacy-centered solutions to both local and international challenges.
But beyond policy papers and diplomatic receptions, its long-term focus is clear: mobilizing the “GenZennial” bloc in the run-up to the 2028 presidential elections.
The launch reception gathered members of the diplomatic corps, cross-sectoral leaders, and civic advocates. Among those present were H.E. Yuliia Fediv, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Philippines, and officials from the embassies of Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, signalling that Team Pinas intends to situate Philippine democracy within a broader regional and global conversation.
Composed of Filipino scholars, policy experts, legal advocates, security specialists, and civic organizers, Team Pinas Foundation describes itself as research-driven but action-oriented. It integrates policy analysis, public education, and grassroots engagement; this structure is meant to move democracy beyond slogans and into sustained civic participation.
According to Dr. Gary Ador Dionisio, Lead Convenor and Dean of the Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, the initiative traces back to a moment of political reckoning he witnessed abroad.
While at Georgetown University during the 2024 United States presidential election, Dionisio observed widespread frustration and despair among students and faculty — an atmosphere that prompted him to convene Filipino experts across disciplines to prevent similar democratic backsliding in the Philippines.
Inspired by La Liga Filipina, the reformist movement founded by José Rizal in 1892, Team Pinas seeks to transform citizens from passive observers into active participants in nation-building. Its leadership underscores that democracy cannot be sustained by elections alone, but must be reinforced by institutions, the rule of law, and civic consciousness.
Dionisio outlined the group’s guiding principles: strengthening democratic institutions; upholding the rule of law nationally and internationally; mainstreaming human rights; defending and protecting the West Philippine Sea, including resistance to foreign intervention and malign influence; supporting the passage of an anti-dynasty law; encouraging the election of a president in 2028 who is not from a political dynasty; and mobilizing Gen Z and millennial voters — the so-called GenZennial bloc.
“There is a need of support from the diplomatic community, especially in the case of China as the bully,” Dionisio said. “We also invited ASEAN member states, because we are basically leading the conference this year. Both national international community… it’s about competitive advantage. We look at the regional and the global perspective, [especially in looking at] internationl relations as part and parcel right now of public administration.”
Team Pinas advocates diplomatic engagement through partnerships with embassies, ASEAN member states, and the broader international community. Leaders have publicly affirmed support for the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, framing international law and diplomacy as essential tools in safeguarding Philippine sovereignty.
Yet it is the GenZennial strategy that gives the initiative its forward-looking edge.
During a fireside chat at the launch, core members emphasized that protecting democracy is not merely about winning the next election, but about sustaining democratic culture for generations. The proposed “GenZennial Tour” aims to establish campus-based and community chapters nationwide, conduct voter education drives, and campaign on data-driven information well beyond the 2028 elections.
Organizers noted that student participants during their 2025 midterm voter education initiatives demonstrated a sophisticated grasp of political challenges and openly rejected the status quo — a sign, they believe, that the next electoral cycle could be shaped by a more discerning and globally aware electorate.
Leaders are careful to clarify that Team Pinas is not a political party, but a “movement of conscience” grounded in law, diplomacy, and democratic reform.
“This civic movement will be truth tellers that are based on facts, not propaganda,” organizers said, describing their role as bridge-builders committed to strengthening both national institutions and the Philippines’ standing in the international community.
As 2028 looms on the horizon, Team Pinas is positioning itself at the intersection of diplomacy and democracy — and at the heart of a generation that will soon hold decisive electoral power.