09
Feb 2016
There were basically two (2) topics discussed in this session, ecological solid waste management (ESWM), a very popular and practical topic, and urban gardening (UG). Speakers in the session explained how urban gardening is related to ESWM, food security and climate change mitigation. As an added value to the discussion, they also shared the psychological impact of solid waste management and urban gardening to people. They highlighted the benefits gained from the practice of urban gardening and ESWM such as: • Urban gardening (UG) produces healthy food while protecting the environment in......
Read More
Running an Organic Restaurant
The Coconut House is not just an organic restaurant but a social enterprise managed by the Philippine Coconut Society whose advocacy is for the welfare of the coconut farmers through the development and production of different healthy products that can be derived from coconuts. Being a social enterprise, the restaurant is not profit- oriented but is more on empowering the farmers by maximizing their gains. As a means of promoting the products, Coconut House...
Read More
Contact Growing: The Promise of Cocoa
The great demand for organically grown and processed cacao provides opportunities for cacao farmers, processors and traders. Their organization is helping capacitate the farmers by providing them support and training on organic cacao farming and processing. Aside from the health benefits that can be derived from cacao products, there are ecological gains from organic cacao farming.
Read More
Benefits of Raw Food
Raw food, being 100% natural and minimally processed is rich in dietary fiber, life- giving enzymes, minerals, water and vitamins. It therefore is healthier, and promotes long life. When heated to more than about 43˚C/118˚F, foods lose more than 85% of their enzymes which our body needs. Below are some considerations in raw vegan food preparation: 1. Choose local and organic. Since there is no cooking involved, buy organic fruits and vegetables. Buying local...
Read More
Food as Medicine
The rates of obesity and chronic diseases have increased significantly because we have shifted away from natural remedies and rely on processed, fatty and sugar-laden food diet. Quoting Hippocrates, “Let thy food be thy medicine, let medicine be thy food”, he said that putting the right fuel into your body makes your internal engine run smoothly. Every meal that you consume influences the way you feel. The more nutritious foods you choose, the healthier...
Read More
Back to Basics
The Biomedical Approach is an intervention that involves dietary modification and targeted nutritional supplementing with an aim to correct underlying abnormalities seen in the children. The approach which they adopted inspired many life-changing decisions in their lives. There was a change in their lifestyle especially in their diet. From conventional eating, they have gone back to the basics which are all organic and fresh. They became more conscious of food labeling, checking whether the...
Read More
RA 10611: Food Safety Act of 2013
Food safety, according to the FDA, refers to the assurance that food will not cause harm to the consumer when it is prepared or eaten according to its intended use. Its hazards to safety are biological, chemical, and physical in nature. Biological hazards are mainly caused by bacteria. Chemical hazards include insect or pest repellants and cleaning agents. Physical hazards are objects that can cut and choke like glass and stone which get into...
Read More
Health and Food
The session on Health and Food was chaired by Grace Bernadette Padilla Chua, a board member of Consumer Rights for Safe Food which is a non-profit, non- governmental organization formed to educate consumers about choosing food that is healthy, available, nutritious and sustainable. The moderator was Ms. Maria Fatima A. Villena, a staunch advocate of primary health care, community health and integrative healthcare. She is a volunteer member of Alternative Budget Initiative, Consumer Rights...
Read More
Organic Meat
There are advantages of organic farming and the benefits derived from organically grown foods. He shifted into organic farming and shared some tips on how to raise organic meat and poultry using probiotics and other naturally growing organisms in the environment. He also raised the challenges they have to face and enumerated the support needed by organic farmers from the government.
Read More
