Mang Inasal reinforces commitment to youth empowerment through Rappler’s multi-city Engage for Change roadshow

Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, strengthened its commitment to nation-building and youth empowerment as it supported Rappler’s #AmbagNatin: Engage for Change civic empowerment roadshow, a multi-city initiative held across Zamboanga, Pangasinan, and Metro Manila from September to October 2025.

The roadshow brought together citizens, community leaders, local officials, and youth participants to encourage active civic participation and address quality-of-life issues affecting Filipino communities. Across its three legs, the initiative tackled topics such as governance, media literacy, climate resilience, public safety, education, cost of living, and digital responsibility, issues that resonate deeply with everyday Filipinos.

As one of Rappler’s key partners and sponsors, Mang Inasal supported the roadshow’s mission to create safe spaces for dialogue, learning, and community-driven storytelling. The first leg, held September 3 to 6 together with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Now You Know, featured a public forum with local government and civil society leaders, alongside workshops that trained select youth participants to become Rappler “Movers” or civic engagement volunteers focused on community journalism.

The initiative then moved to Far Eastern University in Metro Manila on September 16, held in honor of Grandparents’ Day. Titled “Lolo at Lola Laban Sa Scam,” the event focused on media literacy, fact-checking, and digital safety, equipping both senior citizens and younger family members with tools to protect themselves against scams and disinformation. The intergenerational forum highlighted the importance of informed, responsible digital engagement across all ages.

Completing the roadshow was the Pangasinan leg in partnership with Pangasinan State University and the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, held from September 29 to October 2. There, students and young storytellers participated in hands-on journalism workshops, while a public forum in Dagupan brought citizens and local leaders together to discuss pressing regional concerns, from climate resilience and transportation to education and fisherfolk welfare.

For Mang Inasal, supporting initiatives like Engage for Change reflects its longstanding commitment to uplifting Filipino communities beyond the four walls of its stores.

 “Through our Kaing Mang Inasal campaign, we communicate how the brand helps create safe spaces in its over 597 stores nationwide, where everyone is free to be themselves as they enjoy our Ihaw-SARAP meals,” said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. “Our support to Engage for Change is aligned with this commitment. By helping young people engage with local issues, promote civic engagement, and find their voice in telling the stories of their communities, we do our bit in contributing to meaningful change, among our customers.”

 The partnership also aligns with Mang Inasal’s values of mahusay, masayahin, mapagmalasakit and buo ang loob.  Just as its stores serve as familiar gathering places where families and friends come together to share Ihaw-Sarap meals, the brand recognizes the importance of platforms that help communities speak up, organize, and take part in shaping a better future.

 Castro added, “Mang Inasal has always been about bringing people together. Supporting Rappler’s Engage for Change program allows us to extend that purpose, not only through food, but through initiatives that inspire social awareness, collaboration, and civic responsibility.”

 Through its participation in Rappler’s multi-city civic empowerment roadshow, Mang Inasal reaffirms its belief that empowered individuals and informed communities are essential to a thriving nation, and that the Filipino youth, when given the tools and opportunities, play a powerful role in driving that progress.