Bringing Value from the Sea to Filipino Homes: Ligo

Watching documentaries and seeing the plight of fishermen in the provinces made me realize how some of our fisherfolk's practices are not sustainable. We consume quite a lot of sardines, as it is one of the most affordable food items we have that is properly kept, canned and lasts a long while. In a 2017 survey, they listed 9 out of 10 pinoys actually consume it.

As commercial fishing boats become a norm, overfishing is becoming a huge problem. The amount of sardines they take out from the sea just wouldn't be able to sustain production. Add to that climate issues, and it's a tragedy waiting to happen.

Century Pacific Food Inc. who produces various sardine brands like 555, Lucky 7, Fresca, and well loved brand Ligo launched a campaign called "Sustendido Bulan" at Bulan in Sorsogon. This aims to make sure that sourcing raw ingredients including fish is sourced sustainably. They also want to make sure fisherfolk are educated about processes and make sure the long term supply of it.   

They also went over and beyond by doing community work with their products, teaching nutrition to empower the community and have an even better resource management practices in this location. CPFI and Ligo wants to enable they understand that there could be a supply chain that could benefit them all. Through various partnerships, education and innovation, they would be able to balance the needs of people to bring value from the sea to Filipino homes too.

Putting their call "Lamang ka sa Ligo" is a practice that gets both consumers and suppliers at a beneficial standpoint. Something that would not harm the planet and not have overfishing at these locations.

As of now, they have trained 250 fishermen and women about sustainability. They also accredited 500 families as suppliers. They also now created over 850 posts to employ them in plants across the region and had 1075 kids benefit from their school feeding programs. They also noted how rejection rates of fish went from 13 to only 3% and hopefully have eliminated resource strain because of the "Sustenido Bulan" efforts. They are following UN Sustainable Development goals and hope to maintain these gains in the coming years. We fervently hope this becomes beneficial for future generations and be practiced at different locations. It doesn't have to be in one place of course!

Ligo certainly brings value not only from the sea, but to Filipino homes nationwide!

Teach Kids About Biodiversity Through MIND S-COOL Special

There exists a Biodiversity crisis and there's certainly no opportune time to teach kids about its dangers but now. If you don't know how, the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. and United States Agency for International Development have come together to bring you a special edition of MIND S-COOL TV. They also have put up a Biodiversity Crisis Escape Room which you can try, so you and your kids would be able to get hold of your role before tragedy strikes.

We got to experience the escape rooms earlier. It teaches you how each of us affects the balance between agriculture, aquaculture, the land we live in. This would be a good thing to do especially with young adults and kids. The activity costs Php 150 in Mind Museum, but may be free when brought to other areas.

It is ultimately a collaboration, of what you, your government, and other people could do to act on it. The Biodiversity Crisis Escape Rooms (BCER) would teach participants to work together in order to achieve goals and solve the crisis. This same setup will be done in different parts of the country including Subic, Puerto Princesa and Davao. Community leaders including decision makes are encouraged to join. The 3 rooms are actually connected, and they'd have to work together to solve it with different measures, each one needs to do their part.

A special about this will also be broadcasted on May 26th at 11am on. OnePH. This will also be replayed at 4:30pm on the same day. During the launch, Kathy Watchala of USAID Sibol and Maria Isabel Garcia of BAFI welcomed everyone and urged more people to come on dates indicated on posters. You may email them at mindscool@bafi.org.ph if you want to know more about the project, so you too can get involved!

Your Future Beach Home: Hamilo Coast Pico Terraces

Things are certainly busy and traffic has been at an all time high especially over the holidays. Ever thought about getting your own home away from the city? I bet you would love to have sand on your feet, a huge coastline you could walk on during sunset and a few hours of listening to crashing waves, changing your mood like a vacation... but you actually live there. Well, that can happen to you at Pico Terraces, Hamilo Coast's latest development at Pico de Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas.

It's a quaint residential community, carefully planned by Costa Del Hamilo Inc. under SM Prime. They made this especially for those who think about their mental health, and overall well being because Pico Terraces can certainly do wonders for that. They've got available units at the second building, and those who currently reside there love the positive impact it has been able to give while being there. The property spans 2.3 hectares, lots of room to walk around and appreciate mountain views, outdoor spaces and nature.

Pico Terraces also has lots of amenities like pools, cabanas, clubhouse, places where kids could roam around and play, several nature trails, outdoor fitness spaces, and barbecue areas. These are all dedicated to Pico Terraces home owners, a treat for those who want to live comfortably. Their units come in 1-3 bedroom arrangements, to fit different family sizes, with large windows and ventilation to make the space brighter and fresher. If you get a unit, you also get to be a member of Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club and get the perks that go with it.

Pico Terraces certainly would be a good future beach home, if you fancy or get the urge to live here, get more information from the Hamilo Coast FB page or hamilocoast.com.

Sibuyan Townsfolk Plead Help as Mining Scuffle Happen in the Island

Sibuyan Island Mining Situation (Photo Credits belong to Cort Catajay as published in Romblon News Network social channels.)

Things have certainly gone pretty violent at Sibuyan Island in Romblon when environmentalists and townsfolk have tried to stop trucks from going out to port and faced personnel who tried to dismantle their barricade. Videos have already been shown in GMA News Online as published last February 3rd and social posts on Twitter when tensions from parties increased.

According to recent reports this February 10th, the Philippine Ports Authority GM Jay Santiago confirmed that they didn't give permits for ports or ship docks to Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (supposedly owned by William Gatchalian)  in the said island. This was said during the Dos Por Dos program of Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja. He also had instructed the local Port Management Office in Batangas who has jurisdiction in the province and require no permits be issued until resolution be made with the mining company's operations in Sibuyan Island. It would also require them to get DENR clearance, approval from local government too with regards to its foreshore lease. Santiago also confirmed they had previously applied for it but no requirements have been submitted to this date. Any operation without it will be deemed illegal according to the General Manager as their facilities are unregistered.

A local Barangay official was reported to also be handcuffed during the date of the protest but later released. According to reports, they are part of the residents of the island who have seen nickel being transported from the area - this of which they have heavily resisted since late January 2023. The government should certainly intervene with the situation and see how the resources in the area be not abused, and restraint be exercised for the safety of those who live in the area. Pretty sure they only want flora and fauna be saved for them and their children's children.

The Beautiful and Scenic Golden Haven Cebu

Cebu is certainly one destination I wouldn't get tired of. I've been there countless times for pleasure, work and play. With it's sprawling landscapes, fantastic beaches, good food anytime of the day, and genuinely warm people, one would not resist the ample combination of having urban metro scenes with the quiet countryside.

I wouldn't be surprised that Golden Haven Cebu has chosen this to be their site for a memorial park. In fact, it's one of the most beautiful in the country. It's huge 13 hectare property has mountains in the foreground, trees, grassy hills and terrain, definitely a peaceful place to spend with family and the dearly departed. It's at the Binaliw Road area and you can tell, it's got that Italian theme. There's the Saint John Paul II Memorial Hill, and the Garden Plaza, plus the Imperial Gardens that makes quite calming, it changes the mood outright if you're up for some tranquility. For a little Asian flare, Golden Haven Cebu also has The Mood Gate which functions as an entrance to mausoleums. There rests three columbaries named after St. Teresa de Avila, St. Mary of the Child Jesus and Mother Teresa of Calcutta India (called the Thereseum). If you also like nature, there exists the Vatican deck where you can see scenic views of this memorial park.

It's also near shops, schools, religious landmarks. Aside from that, I could imagine how this would be a worthy investment especially for OFW's, for their families and their children. Get in touch with them via (02) 8873-2922 to 23 as they've got people who can answer your queries.

Dream Beach Properties at Hamilo Coast

It's been a stressful few years for all of us in the Philippines but the real estate market have been relentless especially in sustainable communities like Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas. The place has a lovely white sand beach, luscious landscapes and country club amenities that would be a dream to have at this time and age. Thing is, it's accessible as it only takes an hour and 30 minutes away to get there from Metro Manila.

Recently, Lamudi published an increase in acquisitions of beach homes back in 2020. It was even bigger compared to 2019 despite having health scares across the globe. Leechiu Properties Consultants Inc. on the other hand proved much of that data is true even in the luxury market, as people turned to getting into homes that are stress free, all during that time when lock-downs were prevalent. It makes total sense as people prefer to even work in these conditions, even banks became more lenient providing loans for this purpose and see it a good return of investment in a couple of years.

Aside from those who wanted and needed to move, investors have taken a nod in owning homes with picturesque views like the ones in Freia. The condo units there have mountain and sea views, anyone would dream to have. Aside from the resort like look and amenities, you're gaining quality properties that are managed by Costa Hel Hamilo, Inc. which is under successful SM Prime. It's safe, secure, very tropical in design courtesy of foreign partners and consultants that did a tremendous job to make this a paradise. If you would want to see the property or take interest in owning one, you may check hamilocoast.com or call their office at 79458000. Wish I'd take refuge there!

GTalks All About Biodiversity

Organizations that care for the planet got us listening through GTalks, a “Tambayan” type event hosted by Mynt and the people behind GCash.

WWF, the worldwide fund for nature Philippines has been implementing various conservation projects in the country involved in crafting solutions in climate change and natural disasters. They operate in over 100 countries supporting almost 5 Million people worldwide but are doing significant work here.

BIOFIN on the other hand (Biodiversity Finance Initiative Philippines) also introduced themselves as a heavily involved in a project involving 35 other countries identifying biodiversity plan implementation and figure out financing for it. They identify finance solutions, raising new money, aligning resources, preventing future costs and improve delivery of finance. This is for programs that contribute to biodiversity. They do convergence programs so either public or private entities get to partner up and maximize their resources.

Gene, Species and Ecosystem was also explained by a young lady from DENR. She hailed the country as a Mega Biodiversity site and is unique, at par with countries like Brazil, US and Australia.

Lots of our animal species are endemic and some are critically endangered. It made us think about what else we can do to help for this not to happen.

The lack of awareness is also not helping, the country is beautiful but if we do not practice use of resources responsibly, we’re all doomed!

GCASH will also be launching a CSR project called GCASH For Good next month, to address how everyone can help in this day and age. Even if you are busy are work, taking care of your family, you would have ways to help impact communities and organizations by individually helping them.

We all can make a difference.

Green Tools From MIMI and ME

Do you care about mother nature? Like how much? Can’t measure it? Have you done something solid to support that claim? Don’t worry, I’m not here to point fingers. Actually, I’m here to tell you about how you can help be in that zero waste state you’ve always wanted. It starts with the small things.

The Status

The Philippines is one of the top countries named as a source of plastics dumped in the oceans. This body of water is a source for food, a tool for tourism, you’ll be amazed how much flora and fauna we have - and being an archipelago we are pretty much in the middle of everything (dubbed as the center for biodiversity). It’s pretty sad to see our country contributed to the 14 Billion pounds of plastic that are being dumped in the ocean each year and a lot of sea creatures die from it (recent studies show 40% of sea turtles die). Now let me ask you another question, are you doing enough to prevent that from happening?

The Zero Waste Movement

Today there are tons of organizations and individuals who are campaigning for zero waste and live to tell about it. It’s basically a philosophy of using a material again so it won’t end up in incinerators or landfills. I met a young woman a few days ago at the co-working space ROOTS in Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City.

She’s Julia Camille Chiong, founder of Mimi and Me, a green tools company. This is her passion, she wanted to make others aware that there are products out there which can be environmentally friendly, little to less carbon footprint to make and still have the same quality of lifestyle using it.

She showed us a couple of things which we can use instead of the usual plastic wastes (like the ones you order from fastfood places, fork, spoons, the packaging too). These are things that are reusable and safe.

This reusable SPORK is so good for those always dining out. Imagine the spoons and forks you use from fast food places, now you can use this instead. It's handy as it folds in half so you can store it away after washing.

Reusable wipe cloth for removing your makeup, comes in 12s and very cheap. Just clean with soap and water afterwards.

The bamboo toothbrush comes in regular bristles or the one with activated charcoal.

This is the Bamboo Straw, it comes with the cleaning tool so you can spruce it up after use. Don't let it get molds, carry it around dry and use it again on your next drink.

Mimi and Me means her monicker (Mimi) and Mother Earth. This thing is inspiring, I actually am now opting for reusable things when I dine out. I don't even ask for straws and plastic spoon and forks anymore when ordering fast food. Now imagine how much a difference that would make if ALL OF US started to do the same. Makes sense?

These green tools from Mimi and Me are made by communities from Palawan, Rizal and nearby cities in Metro Manila. Even the packaging is sourced and made by organizations that help small scale industries in the Philippines including women empowered to do these odd jobs without leaving the comforts of their own home. Right now Julia is opting to have these sold online through partner sellers and at ROOTS in Katipunan Avenue (Right in front of Ateneo and the same building with Yellow Cab). They also are selling this through BeautyMNL, so if you need more information about their products go to their Facebook page via https://www.facebook.com/mandmgreentools/. 

You should make an effort, you should do the deed before it's too late. These green tools can make you start somewhere so check out their channels if you wish to have one. I'll tell you about her sister too who is equally passionate about their business soon.

KUMAGCOW
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Where Do I Start?

I'm an ordinary guy with ordinary hopes and dreams. I only go out of the norm for work and causes that need me to perform more than what's expected of me. I was listening to the radio this morning and it struck a cord with me. Thousands of people from this side of the globe went running for nature. The fun run proceeds would go to a plantation of trees and maintenance of a water shed so people in the city and our kids could still have clean drinking water in the future.

I always ask my self "Where do I start?" in helping to clean up the environment. The thought of it is just complicated because I am not much of a nature person. I am educated so I know a couple of things to help; even in my own little way. At home, we always use soaps and chemicals to clean up things. These are very biologically harmful if you think about it. Inventors now have coconut oil based soaps that are 0% harmful to the environment that even if you use it to clean stuff on rivers not a single molecule or helpful bacteria would die from it. There are lots of ingredients from these products that are only seen from remote locations from countries like Peru and Brazil. I personally would recommend you start from your own households and take the initiative to purchase only natural products like these. Green cleaning products not only do what it's obviously for, it also infuses good energy since everything is herbal.

Harmful industrial processes such as rust removal just got natural too. RUSTERIZER, a new product that you can use to remove those forming rust in metal components in your house is so nature friendly that no plants could be killed by it. Isn't that just great?!

In your own way, in your own home you can do your part in saving nature. No matter how small it is or how far you run in your local marathons in life, it adds up to the effort we need to do so our children's children would be able to drink water safely.