Showing posts with label Environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Environment. Show all posts

October 2, 2023

Leonie Agri Corp. Opens Its Doors to the International Market

LAC, the first and largest organic-certified farm and manufacturing plant in the Philippines¹ 
welcomes DENR international delegates 
 

Leonie Agri Corp. (LAC), a subsidiary of one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines PascualLab, takes a step into the international market via the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 2023 ASEAN Conference on Medicinal Forest Trees tour held last September 7, 2023.  

LAC welcomes the 2023 DENR Asean Conference onf Medicinal TreesMR
 
Opening the Doors to an International Market 
LAC, the first and largest organic-certified farm and plant in the Philippines,¹ recently welcomed 80 delegates of the ERDB from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, at its 42-hectare home in Nueva Ecija. As part of their three-day itinerary, the delegates from the business, academe, and public sector, were given the tour of the newly refurbished LAC. 
 
ERDB OIC Asst. Director (For) Conrado Marquez and LAC President and CEO Antonio Causing

According to ERDB OIC-Assistant Director Forester (For) Conrado B. Marquez: “We have carefully chosen LAC as the ideal location for the conference tour. LAC is a renowned agriceutical company and the tour provided invaluable insights to every individual regarding the importance and utilization of medicinal plants, as well as the various forest tree species. This immersive experience further enhanced the understanding and appreciation of the potential benefits that these natural resources hold for society." 
 
Leonie Agri Corp. 
LAC recently renovated its farm and manufacturing plant, to further its parent company’s mission of providing quality health and wellness products and services, with highlight on its combination of organic-based farming methods and produce as well as its pharmaceutical-grade processes and products. Along with its farm and plant improvements comes the widening of its product and service portfolio. 
 
Home of Ascof Lagundi and WellGreens plus C-Lium Fibre  
LAC natural products on display at the DENR delegates' tour of the agrieceutical company

Home of the first Lagundi cough relief in the market, Ascof Lagundi² and the first commercially available Sinta food supplements, WellGreens Sinta, LAC is also home to premium and   organic-certified raw materials including Sambong (Blumea Camphor) and Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa). It also mostly manufactures C-Lium Fibre³, the leading psyllium fiber brand in the Philippines while another food supplement, PureGreens Malunggay is in the pipeline.  
 
Government-recognized  
LAC, certified by the Department of Agriculture for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and by the Islamic Da’Wah Council of the Philippines for Halal, produces premium organic raw materials to meet the various toll needs of clients.  
 
Industry-compliant  
Also certified by Department of Health’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), LAC offers reliable toll manufacturing services such as:   Sachet filling, Blistering, Dehydration, Milling, Encapsulation, Packaging, Spray drying, Extraction, Essential oil extraction, and Sterilization. 

LAC President and CEO Antonio Causing with some of the Asean delegates

Antonio C. Causing, LAC President and CEO affirms: “We share with DENR, the same passion for sustainability, and their vision of a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and a clean and healthy environment. LAC for one, adheres to these sustainable practices and quality standards.” 
 
Originally servicing clients in Southeast Asia, LAC is gearing up to explore more markets in Asia and the rest of the world in the coming years. 
 
Corporate Social Responsibility 
While LAC’s vision remains aligned with its parent company PascualLab’s vision for Strong, Healthy Families and its focus on market expansion, the Filipino-owned agriceutical firm continues to draw from its core – a passion for CSR. LAC is a socially responsible organization that employs sustainable methods. It also supports community development and the livelihood of local farmers. It partners with the local communities not only of Nueva Ecija, but also of Aurora and Bulacan in Luzon, Philippines to train farmers with the processes and standards of organic farming, providing them opportunities to improve the quality and increase the quantities of their crops, through earth-friendly methods, while earning a sustainable living as agripreneurs. 
 
Beyond this, LAC reaches out to sectors in need and survivors of natural calamities. 
 
Leonie Agri Corporation – continuously evolving to provide purposeful health solutions to its current and emerging markets. 
 
For more information, visit http://www.leonieagricorp.com/ 

June 13, 2023

LGEPH and Pasig City Government Collaborate for a Greener Future on World Environment Day

LG Electronics Philippines (LGEPH), in collaboration with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Pasig City, celebrated World Environment Day by organizing a tree planting activity. The event, held on June 5, 2023, aimed to promote environmental conservation and sustainability in the community.
Turnover of plants / Commencement of the Tree Planting Activity
MD, CFO, and PDs with the representatives from City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)

World Environment Day, established by the United Nations in 1972, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and natural resources. Recognizing this crucial initiative, LGEPH Managing Director, Mr. Sungjae Kim, expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their participation in the tree planting activity.

"Our goal is to create a more nature-friendly environment, ensuring a sustainable community in the long run," stated Mr. Sungjae Kim during his opening remarks. "LG has always been committed to making the world a better place, and this event reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship."

Turnover of plants / Commencement of the Tree Planting Activity
MD with the representatives from The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Ms. Sonia Fuentes Fuentes (the person holding the plant) and Mr. Jimster Samson.

The tree planting activity saw the active involvement of 51 LGEPH employees, including the Managing Director, CFO, and Product Directors. They were joined by 10 volunteers from the CENRO of the Pasig City government, forming a collaborative effort to make a positive impact on the local environment.

51 LGEPH employees including the Managing Director, CFO and PDs volunteered to the Tree Planting Activity. They were joined by 10 volunteers from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the Pasig City government

A total of 350 saplings were planted, comprising various tree species. The selection of trees included 50 Salingogon Trees, 50 Bougainvillea, 10 African Talisay, and 240 Pintabebua. These saplings will contribute to the beautification and enhancement of the local ecosystem.

LGEPH Managing Director Mr. Sungjae Kim planting a sapling
during the Tree Planting Activity on World Environment Day.

LGEPH remains committed to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Through initiatives like the tree planting activity, the company aims to inspire others to take an active role in preserving the environment and fostering a greener future.


"We would like to express our sincerest appreciation to all the volunteers who participated in this meaningful event," concluded Mr. Sungjae Kim. "Together, we can make a significant difference and create a more sustainable world for future generations."

For more information about LG Electronics Philippines and its environmental initiatives, follow LG Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok. LG products are available in all authorized dealers nationwide both in-store and online. Visit lg.com/ph for a complete list of our retail partners. You can also visit LG's Official Flagship Stores in Lazada and Shopee.

May 6, 2023

Making Waves: How Uratex Is Helping Save The Oceans with its Trill Seave Collection

You can now sleep better at night and contribute to saving the environment at the same time.

Uratex hosted a beach and underwater cleanup at Caban Cove, Batangas in collaboration with Pure Oceans in an effort to reduce the waste in our waters. 


Pure Oceans is a social enterprise based in the Philippines that advocates for marine conservation. This partnership between Uratex and Pure Oceans brought to life an unforgettable experience for the participants and hopefully, a change, no matter how big or small, to water pollution.

To further emphasize the importance of creating a change and saving the environment, Uratex Philippines starts its sustainability journey with this latest collection.


The Trill Seave Collection

In partnership with the Seaqual Initiative, the Trill Seave Collection of Uratex is its newest addition to their growing line of sleep products. “Seave” is derived from the words save and sea, which the collection features a mattress, topper and pillow. The collection was designed and made with the least amount of possible negative impact on the environment as all products are made from post-consumer recycled plastic gathered from the ocean floor that was turned into woven fabric. This collection makes Uratex the first company in the country to offer Filipinos a sustainable mattress option.

Go check out the Trill Seave Collection of Uratex on uratex.com.ph and follow them on their social media pages for more updates.


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About Uratex

Uratex is the leading foam company in the country, offering products that help enrich lives and create meaningful moments such as mattresses, pillows, toppers, etc. For more than 54 years, the brand is committed to provide comfort through its products and services.

April 11, 2023

Hamilo Coast --- committed to nurture and protect the marine life

Home to the most diverse marine ecosystem in the world, the Philippines has been tagged as one of seven biodiversity hotspots across the planet. This means that a high number of endemic or endangered species are found in these tropical isles, which are now a conservation priority region due to the threat of severe habitat loss. Add to this the adverse effects of climate change, and a variety of destructive practices that impact our rich coastal areas, and one could say that our much-touted aquatic biodiversity is constantly imperiled.
Native giant clams re-stocking, spawning and orientation for ocean nursery project of UP Bolinao Marine Lab done in partnership with DENR, Rotary Club of Nasugbu and the LGU.

Fortunately, the Philippines’ coastal communities are relentlessly pushing for sustainable practices that are primed to help preserve our marine rersources. One such community, Hamilo Coast, is unwavering in its campaign to protect and preserve its picturesque sanctuary located in Nasugbu, Batangas.

A 40-hectare premier leisure resort complex, Hamilo Coast is only an hour and a half commute from Mall of Asia via the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and Ternate-Nasugbu road. A development of Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. (CDHI), a duly recognized SM Prime company, Hamilo Coast is a masterplanned community that features the idyllic Pico De Loro Cove, which integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses.

Stepping up its game to protect and nurture the incredibly rich and breathtaking marine life surrounding it, Hamilo Coast recently renewed its partnership with the World Wide Fund of Nature Philippines (WWF). The collaboration will continue to expand and enhance the scope of its sustainability initiatives that have covered coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation, the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness since the year 2007.
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle hatchlings are immediately released to the ocean as part of Hamilo Coast’s Marine Turtle Conservation Program.

"Hamilo Coast has always made an effort to preserve our marine resources, as it is not only a responsibility but a privilege to do so. Our partnership with WWF manifests our resolve to ensure that our community remains a safe haven for marine life, and that we continue to be a model for sustainable coastal development in the Philippines," shares Ms. Imee G. Francisco, Vice President and Head of CDHI Projects and Operations.

Hamilo Coast has gone beyond expectations to ensure that its slice of paradise remains pristine for the years to come. To fulfill this advocacy, Hamilo Coast currently engages in several marine and environmental activities in partnership with the local government and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Leading such efforts is its collaboration with the University of the Philippines Bolinao Marine Lab, which provides training in the culture and ocean rearing of giant clams through the Giant Clams Restocking and Spawning Program. This activity is a conservation strategy that aims to improve the biodiversity and productivity of stressed coral reef habitats.

SM Leisure Resort Residences Executives and Management team led the Coastal Clean-Up at Hamilo Coast’s Pico De Loro Cove in support of the company’s advocacy to save the environment
 and marine life.

Next, with Hamilo Coast’s beautiful and well-kept beach fronts as favorite nesting grounds of Olive Ridley Turtles, the community regularly implements the Marine Turtle Conservation Program. In this undertaking, Hamilo Coast’s Estate and Sustainability teams proactively monitor and protect the turtle nests until the eggs hatch, after which the hatchlings are immediately released to the ocean.

Hamilo Coast also continues to hold the annual Coastal Clean-Up Program, a highly effective collaboration between the management and employees of Costa Del Hamilo Inc. and the local government. The volunteers collect trash and debris from Pico Beach and neighboring coves, identify the sources of the litter, help change behaviors that cause pollution, and raise awareness on the extent of the marine debris problem.

“As we strive to create a more sustainable future, we are proud of what we have accomplished and continue to do here at Hamilo Coast,” Francisco relates. “While we are very excited to do even more to preserve our aquatic biodiversity, we hope that we may also inspire other communities to do the same.”

For more information on Hamilo Coast, its marine conservation efforts, and its other sustainability initiatives, you may check out the Hamilo Coast official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hamilocoastph), website (www.hamilocoast.com), and Instagram (@hamilocoastph).


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ABOUT HAMILO COAST
Hamilo Coast is a master-planned seaside residential community in Nasugbu, Batangas. Developed and managed by Costa del Hamilo, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime. It is approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 7-945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

April 9, 2023

Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards advocates the fight against plastic pollution with Century Tuna Saving Our Seas initiative

Asia's Multimedia Star and Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards leads the reef cleanup for the Century Tuna Saving Our Seas Initiative at Anilao in Mabini, Batangas

For the first time ever, Asia’s Multimedia Star and Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards dived the seas of Anilao in Mabini, Batangas to join the Century Tuna Saving Our Seas initiative, an advocacy that highlights the importance of preserving the local marine biodiversity and plastic waste management in the country.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards shows a piece of shoe he found during the reef cleanup.

“I'm not going to scuba dive for leisure but I'm going to scuba dive to help protect the planet and to save our seas,” said Alden pointing out how important it is for celebrities like him to use their platform to influence and amplify the messages on pressing issues including plastic pollution, climate change and other environment concerns.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards leads the Saving Our Seas initiative with Century Tuna.

The Saving Our Seas program is an initiative of the local canned tuna brand, Century Tuna, that aims to raise awareness about the current challenges that we are facing because of plastic pollution that affects not only marine biodiversity but the human population as well.

Century Tuna recognizes that the Philippines is part of the ‘Coral Triangle’ that is the center of the world’s marine biodiversity which is why the local tuna brand exerts efforts in addressing the ecological challenges that currently affects the Philippine seas.

Century Tuna, through Saving Our Seas, encourages people to join the fight against plastic pollution and become part of the solution to conserving the environment. In partnership with Aling Tindera Waste-to-Cash program by HOPE, an impact organization, communities can collect plastic wastes that they can exchange for an amount of money. The Saving Our Seas project reinforces the Plastic Circular Economy which diverts collected and recycled plastic away from nature.

Alden Richards also revealed that Century Tuna Saving Our Seas is his first environmental advocacy project and that this initiative opened his eyes to the impact of plastic pollution on the ecosystem.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards collects the trash in the seas of Anilao, Batangas

The superstar said, “This is the first and it’s saddening that people still take waste management for granted. Way back, I used to think that throwing a piece of wrapper wouldn’t hurt but when I saw the reef, it made me ask myself what would happen if 10,000 people thought the same? I believe that change starts in you. If you want to see change, be the change you want to see because the things that we take for granted will make an impact on the future generations.”

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards preparing for the Reef Cleanup

Through the Saving Our Seas initiative, Century Tuna hopes to help strengthen the Plastic Circular Economy which entails that all plastics collected and recycled will not leak back into the open environment. In partnership with HOPE, the Saving Our Seas project aims to collect 10 metric tons of plastic this 2023.

“It's really about the cause that made me say yes – a combination of scuba diving and reef cleaning.  I've never done that in this lifetime so I’m very honored. Thank you, Century Tuna for considering me to be a part of this,” said Alden.

Alden Richards encourages the people of Barangay Ligaya to support the Saving Our Seas Initiative.

Alden Richards was joined by Century Tuna executives including Century Pacific Food Inc. Executive Chairman Mr. Chris Po, Director & Treasurer Mr. Leo Po, EVP & COO Mr. Greg Banzon, VP & GM for Branded Tuna Business Mr. Carlo Endaya, HOPE Founder Ms. Nanette Medved-Po and Managing Director Ms. Ilusion Farias, Century Tuna Superbods winners and finalists together with volunteers from the community.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards joins the crowd of Brgy. Ligaya, Mabini, Batangas

Coinciding with the celebration of Earth Hour, the commencement of the Saving Our Seas initiative was filled with environment-conscious activities including shore and reef clean up, community visit, and the observance of Earth Hour.

Aside from Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards, the newest Century Tuna ambassador Pia Wurtzbach also supports the Saving Our Seas advocacy.

For more information, feel free to visit the newest Saving our Seas microsite at https://centurytuna.ph/SavingOurSeas/ or visit Century Tuna Superbods on Facebook or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.


March 23, 2023

SM Prime helps address water scarcity in PH through water recycling in SM malls


Water scarcity is one of the biggest issues that the world is facing today. Defined as a problem that occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available water supply, water scarcity is seen as a problem that will only get worse, especially since water use continues to increase at an unprecedented rate globally.

According to 2019 figures from UN-Water, an interagency mechanism that coordinates the efforts of United Nations (UN) entities and international organizations working on water and sanitation issues, global water demand is expected to continue increasing by 1 percent annually until 2050.
As a company with sustainability at the core of its operations, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) knows that there is a need for solutions that help address the degradation and depletion of the world's natural resources. In line with this, the company has been continuously working towards strengthening its commitment to a circular economy, implementing solutions that help improve efficiency when using natural resources, including water.

“We all know that fresh water is a finite resource, so it is important that we try our best to conserve it. This is why SM has been adhering to a circular framework when it comes to our resource consumption, including the way we use water in our malls,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, Vice President for SM Supermalls Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Environment.

To improve water efficiency in its mall operations, SM employs facilities that help reduce its consumption of fresh water. Among these are sewage treatment plants that treat wastewater plumbing systems. This allows the water to be reused, helping ensure that there is enough water for the malls and the communities nearby.

All wastewater from tenants and mall restrooms are treated in the sewage treatment plants to become non-potable water. The recycled water is then used for air conditioning operations, specifically by cooling towers, as well as for flushing toilets and watering of gardens.

In 2021, SM was able to save a total of 8.7 million cubic meters of water—enough to fill 3,480 Olympic-sized swimming pools—with the help of these facilities, which are present in 72 SM malls nationwide and have been in operation since the early 2000s.

"Aside from minimizing our impact on common water resources, recycling water through these sewage treatment plants allows our malls to save big on water costs," Engr. Silerio said. "Now, imagine if we all did it. I think we can leave a significant positive impact on our country's source of fresh water."

SM Prime is committed to supporting the United Nations in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including “SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation” which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Other initiatives of SM aimed toward this include the Trash-to-Cash Market and Plastic Waste Collection initiative, both promoting responsible disposal of plastic waste so they don't end up in seas and oceans; the AweSMSeas campaign in partnership with the USAID and PRRCI, which raises awareness of the importance of managing plastic pollution affecting the world's waters; and the International Coastal Cleanup that gathers thousands of volunteers annually.

Visit www.smprime.com/sustainability-overview to learn more about the sustainability programs of SM Prime Holdings.

November 15, 2022

RAFI and ICTSI Foundation expand One to Tree program to Luzon, support more than 50 farmers


(Batangas, Philippines)Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), a non-profit organization that focuses on upholding the dignity of man by working with communities to elevate their social, physical, and economic well-being in the Philippines, officially announced its partnership with ICTSI Foundation, an active environmental protection advocate, in expanding its One To Tree (OTT) program in Luzon.

RAFI and ICTSI Foundation marked this project milestone with a ceremonial tree planting activity in the municipality of Balayan, Batangas province on October 28, 2022. The project aims to grow 45,000 timber and fruit trees in a 56-hectare area in the next 3 years.

RAFI and ICTSI Foundation’s implementing community partners consist of people’s organizations (POs) such as the Samahan ng mga Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of Brgy. Lucban, Balayan; Calan Farmers Association of Barangay Calan, Balayan; and Samahan ng mga Magsasaka at Kababaihan of Brgy. Dao, Tuy, Batangas, in coordination with the Center for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (CARRD).

“One development pillar of ICTSI Foundation is Environment Protection and we are happy to partner with RAFI, a known and credible foundation with its 20-year tree-growing advocacy,” ICTSI Foundation Executive Director Filipina Laurena said. “This project is different in a sense that it addresses various concerns simultaneously – revival of nature, community development, livelihood generation as well as beefing up food supply in the community.”

Grassroots community engagement

Over 50 farmer-members of these POs have committed to participate in seedling production, site preparation, planting, monitoring, and maintenance activities for native tree growing.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed with the MLGUs of Balayan and Tuy to formalize the collaboration between and among partners, including the provision of capacity-building assistance for the farmer-members of the peoples’ organizations.

Cacao, rambutan, avocado, coffee, guyabano, pomelo, lanzones, and kalamansi are some of the native trees to be planted and nurtured at the vacant, rolling, and idle agricultural lands in sugarcane farms in the area.

In his speech during the ceremonial tree planting activity, Mario Aplon, President of Samahan ng Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries from Brgy. Lucban, Balayan, said the farmers are being taken care of–from tree planting to monitoring–and the benefits out of this project will go for generations to come.

“This is the reason why we readily accepted and grabbed this project opportunity from RAFI and ICTSI Foundation,” he added.


Enhancing biodiversity and socioeconomic well-being

“Over the last 20 years, our approach in RAFI has always been holistic. Aside from taking care of the environment, we make sure that the people who take care of the trees are also being taken care of,” shared Amaya Aboitiz, President and CEO of RAFI.

“We recognize that this is a community effort; we cannot just stop at taking part in tree planting activities. We also need to nurture it for it to grow, and, most of all, we need to take care of the communities who take care of our trees.”

RAFI OTT aims to increase the country’s forest cover, enhance biodiversity, and support bio-sequestration to help mitigate the impact of climate change in the Philippines. For the last 2 decades, it has planted 8,327,846 native trees and 1,275,500 mangrove seedlings in 10,410 hectares of land.

In 2021 alone, RAFI planted a total of 641,311 native trees through OTT programs and partners in Visayas and Mindanao. Through its community-based approach, the tree-growing project will continue to expand the program in the coming years to ensure the survival of native trees in the long-term, and uplift farmers through socio-economic development programs and assistance.

Organizations can further aid this cause by visiting the RAFI OTT website: https://onetotree.org/#donatesec


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The RAFI One To Tree (RAFI OTT) program has been active in reforestation and conservation efforts for over two decades and has achieved more than 80% survival rate for native tree growing. RAFI OTT assists companies in the service delivery of Environmental Compliance Certificate requirements set by the Philippine Government, as well as helping them achieve carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation goals.  

The ICTSI Foundation is a dynamic and active collaborator of the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Group that cares and looks out for not only the communities of the Group’s business units but society at large. Anchored on youth development, social welfare and protection of the environment, the Foundation helps keep these communities safe, sustainable, thriving and empowered.

July 12, 2022

SM Cares and DENR-NCR celebrate World Oceans Day with special plastic waste collection program

Participants get a free seedling from the Community PanTREE

In observance of World Oceans Day, SM Cares held a special version of its Plastic Waste Collection Program in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) to underscore the importance of adopting sustainable habits such as reducing plastic consumption and planting trees.

Conducted simultaneously in the following SM malls: Megamall, Mall of Asia, North EDSA, Fairview, Southmall, East Ortigas, Marikina, and Marilao, the activity supported DENR-NCR's Community PanTREE, a program that was launched in 2021 with the aim of providing free fruit-bearing seedlings to encourage urban and backyard gardening.

Participants who brought at least 1 kg of plastic waste each got a free seedling from the Community PanTREE. More than 700 kg of plastic was collected through the activity, and has distributed 700 pcs of seedlings across the 8 collection venues.

“The goal of this activity is to help divert plastic waste from ending up in landfills and bodies of water while also giving the participants the opportunity to grow their own trees,” said Director of SM Cares' Program on Environment Engr. Liza Silerio.

SM’s Plastic Waste Collection program has gathered over 16,000 kg of plastic for re-processing since it began in 2021. Currently available in 12 SM malls, it is just one of SM Cares' numerous sustainability projects. The pioneering Trash to Cash recycling market and the E-Waste Collection Programs round up the initiatives on solid waste management. Other projects include the annual Green Film Festival, which promotes environmental awareness; the AweSMSeas project in partnership with the USAID and PRRCI, which promotes responsible plastic waste management; and the International Coastal Cleanup that gathers thousands of volunteers every year, among others.

Through these efforts, SM Cares supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly "SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation," "SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities," "SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production," "SDG 13: Climate Action," "SDG 14: Life Below Water," and "SDG 15: Life on Land."

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

July 5, 2022

Protecting and restoring ecosystems: Globe, WWF encourage in-depth environmental learning for Filipinos via Camp Kalikasan


For an archipelagic country like the Philippines, many of our industries and livelihood are dependent on marine resources. In celebration of the Philippine Environment Month, World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) and Globe are encouraging Filipinos of all ages to be more proactive in learning about how we can help protect and restore ecosystems by signing up for Camp Kalikasan.

Globe and WWF recently hosted a webinar titled “Climate Change in the Classroom: Understanding the Urgency of Climate Education” with guest speakers from the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as youth environmental advocate Xia Vigor, and WWF-Philippines ambassador Karen Ibasco.

“One of the many things that we want Filipinos to take away from Camp Kalikasan is that our actions can greatly impact the environment – from our daily habits, to the waste we produce, and the carbon emissions we emit. Camp Kalikasan reminds us that we are part of nature. Whatever we do to the environment always has a way back to us,” said Apple Evangelista, Globe's Head of Sustainability and Social Responsibility.

Camp Kalikasan is an interactive online resource platform designed for students, teachers, and everyday citizens for a more in-depth take on environmental education. The platform and program is a collaboration between Globe and WWF-Philippines which aims to strengthen environmental stewardship among Filipinos in response to the growing risks of climate change.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Globe aims to empower communities through climate education to drive positive environmental impact. The company partnered with WWF-Philippines to encourage Filipinos to participate in the movement to care for the environment.

"Alongside our partners at Globe, we are very excited to bring Camp Kalikasan to more Filipino users as a one-stop digital resource for all things about the environment. Not only do we see it as a way for them to deepen their appreciation for the ocean, but also for them to develop a better understanding of how they play a part in enabling more sustainable living for Filipinos," said Dino Calderon, Environmental Education Program Manager of WWF-Philippines.

While there are already plenty of online resources on the environment and the ocean, Camp Kalikasan is unique because it offers a more immersive experience, including animated videos, games, quizzes, tutorials, and other exciting activities that make learning more enjoyable for everyone.

Registered members can access the book entitled “Daloy ng Pag-asa,” which highlights the implications of people’s actions to the environment and society.

Camp Kalikasan also offers different modules that can match one’s level of interest and expertise. The module on biodiversity provides lessons about mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs— all of which play a crucial role in maintaining the ocean's health.

Aside from biodiversity conservation, Camp Kalikasan teaches energy conservation and climate change. Upcoming modules include lessons that focus on sustainable lifestyle (i.e. waste management and water management), sustainable production, and sustainable consumption. It makes environmental education in the country more accessible to everyone while strengthening WWF-Philippines’ and Globe’s support for Republic Act 9512 or the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.

The program is also part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 13, which underscores climate action’s importance in saving lives and livelihood to address climate emergencies, and UN SDG No. 14, which emphasizes Life Below Water.

To learn more about the ocean and help preserve it, join Camp Kalikasan today! Visit its website at https://www.campkalikasan.com/ to learn more about the different modules it offers.

Those interested may also watch the full webinar here: https://fb.watch/dGdPngHZat/

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

May 6, 2022

WWF Ambassadors Pia Wurtzbach and Jeremy Jauncey champion WWF-Philippines’ Build Back Better campaign for Bicol fishing communities

P
hilippine fisherfolk
are among the poorest sectors in the Philippines and are among the most vulnerable to natural hazards and extreme weather conditions.

In 2020 alone, three consecutive typhoons devastated Lagonoy Gulf, heavily affecting fifteen municipalities. Whole fishing communities lost not only their homes but also their means of livelihood, their boats.

World Wide Fund (WWF) Philippines has worked with the fishers of Lagonoy Gulf for over a decade in establishing the country’s first sustainable Marine Stewardship Council-certified handline tuna fishery. As committed partners, WWF and the tuna fishing communities collaborated on ways to “Build Back Better” post-disaster, with the latest efforts anchored on replacing the wooden fishing boats that were lost or damaged during the typhoons.

The “Build Back Better” boats, co-designed by industrial designer Mark Victor Bautista and the tuna fishermen, is an innovation combining traditional know-how and state of the art/best practice design technology. The boats will be made of a combination of fiberglass and steel, making for sturdier hulls that can withstand increasing storm intensities. The boats will also have features that will help maintain the quality of tuna catch and support other conditions of the tuna fishery’s sustainable certification.
WWF hopes to raise Php 21 million to deliver 27 units of these Build Back Better boats. One new boat is equivalent in capacity to three traditional fishing boats, and would translate to support for more than 200 families in 15 municipalities in the Lagonoy Gulf area.

Celebrity couple and WWF-Philippines Ambassador Pia Wurtzbach and WWF-USA Ambassador Jeremy Jauncey went on a trip to Albay in late April to meet the Lagonoy Gulf fishermen and see for themselves how the “Build Back Better” campaign is helping fishers improve their livelihood by applying environmental sustainability principles. Pia and Jeremy also went on one of the Build Back Better boats to see up-close the benefits of its design and material.

The couple are staunch supporters of WWF and are known to be passionate about their advocacies.

“It’s high time that our local fishers have more access to stronger boats to make their living. The stories of our fishers represent the challenges faced by thousands of Filipinos who continue to work hard for their families, and we are inviting everyone to help them recuperate through the ‘Build Back Better’ campaign,” shared Pia Wurtzbach.

“This trip to the Lagonoy Gulf has not only been educational for me and Pia but also affirming for us. One boat at a time, we can help change the lives of several fishers and their communities through the ‘Build Back Better’ campaign,” added Jeremy Jauncey.

“We hope that many more people, companies, and organizations join in this Build Back Better campaign because of the long lasting and transformational impact we can make together. Our experience working with the Lagonoy Gulf fishers validates a model for sustainable fishing that has improved community livelihood. We all need to support communities that are at the forefront of addressing environmental issues,” said Ms. Katherine Custodio, WWF-Philippines Executive Director.

WWF-Philippines continues to explore new ways to help the fishers of Bicol as the organization moves further into long-term recovery and sustainability efforts. WWF is committed to its partner communities, most especially those that are in the frontlines of the dual challenge of nature conservation and climate change.

For parties who are interested in supporting the “Build Back Better” Boats campaign, you may visit Pia Wurtzbach and Jeremy Jauncey’s SimplyGiving fundraising page at simplygiving.com/event/pia-jeremy-wwf or reach out to Campaign Lead Ismael John Cabigao (icabigao@wwf.org.ph).

To know more about WWF-Philippines and its initiatives, please visit https://wwf.org.ph/


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About WWF

The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines is an environmental non-government organization committed to create an impact on biodiversity protection and to respond to the climate crisis -towards a safe and just recovery. WWF-Philippines works with a host of partners including national and local governments, to co-create inclusive, innovative and interdisciplinary solutions that emphasize the role of science in the service of life. WWF-Philippines' focus is on scaled solutions with our partners to match the enormity of the tasks required to address the urgent environmental challenges facing the present and next generations of Filipinos. Its mission is "to stop, and eventually reverse the accelerating degradation of the Philippine environment – to build a future where Filipinos live in harmony with nature."

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