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January Kamayan forum maps cross-sector environmental concerns, actions for 2026Green Convergence (GC) convened its 427th Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan forum, themed “Facing the Environmental Challenges of 2026,” on January 16, via Zoom and Facebook livestream, bringing together representatives from business, civil society, the Church, and government to discuss the environmental challenges that will shape the country in the... -
December 2025 Kamayan talks creation, nature in spiritual contextGreen Convergence (GC) closed 2025 with the 426th session of Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan themed “The Birth of Christ and the New Cosmology” last December 19, 2025, via Zoom and Facebook livestream, linking ecological understanding to spiritual meaning in the season of Christmas. Sr. Marvie Misolas, Miriam College Environmental Studies...
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November 2025 Kamayan CSO's Say No to Nuclear Energy, WTE in Just Transition EffortsGreen Convergence (GC) convened the 425th session of the Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum themed “Just Climate Transition: Should it include Nuclear & WTE?” on November 21 via Zoom and Facebook livestream. The November forum was supported by JRS Express. With stronger calls for the phase out of fossil fuels...
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GC, FPH, DEPDev conduct GHG accounting workshop for businesses, civil society organizationsGreen Convergence (GC) and First Philippine Holdings (FPH), through its Ako Ang Bukas (AAB) Advocacy Program, held a greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting workshop for businesses and civil society organizations (CSOs) on October 16, 2025, at Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The workshop was co-organized with the environmental technical...
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GC, First Gen conduct GHG inventory workshop for several LGUs in Northcentral LuzonGreen Convergence (GC), in partnership with First Gen’s Corporate Social Responsibility Group and through the Ako Ang Bukas (AAB) Advocacy Program, held a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory workshop on October 20, 2025, at the First Gen Hydro Power Plant in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. The workshop was held for the development...
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October 2025 Kamayan forum addresses flooding situation, reinforces nature-based mitigationGreen Convergence, with the support of JRS Express, held the 424th session of Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum themed “Baha at Bayanihan: A Holistic Approach to Flood Mitigation” on October 17 via Zoom and Facebook livestream to address worsening flood issues and discuss ecological solutions. Sr. Marvie Misolas, Executive Director...
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Climate change, carbon footprint calculation seminar-workshop concludes, ecological literacy highlightedGreen Convergence (GC), through its Ako Ang Bukas (AAB) Advocacy Program, concluded the seminar-workshop on greenhouse gas (GHG) themed “Climate Change and Your Carbon Footprint” on September 29, at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. The first session was held last July 21, 2025. Opening the session, Senior...
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Dangers of mining, threats on mangroves, and more: Kamayan’s September forum echoes issues raised in Green SONA 2025Green Convergence shed light on some issues raised in the recently concluded State of Nature Assessment (Green SONA) 2025 held in Leyte, for the 423rd Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum, “Beyond the Green SONA: Voices, Visions, and Commitments,” held on September 19 via Zoom and Facebook livestream. In her opening...
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GREEN SONA 2025 "ECOSYSTEMS INTEGRITY: A MUST FOR PHILIPPINE SUSTAINABILITYThe State of Nature Assessment is an annual review of the developments in the Philippine environmental scene. Also known as the Green SONA (GSONA), it is organized by Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment, and Sustainable Economy, or simply Green Convergence (GC). The holding of GSONA started in...
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Support local, Eat local: Sustainable environment for safe food emphasized in August 2025 Kamayan forumLocal cuisines from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and safe food for sustainability were highlighted in Green Convergence’s 422nd Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum themed “Safe Food: Appreciating Local Cuisine for Sustainability” on August 15, Friday, via Zoom and Facebook livestream. Green Convergence President Victoria Segovia opened the forum by recognizing...
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GC, AKP, NMP spearhead climate change, carbon footprint calculation seminar-workshopIn conjunction with the “Katumbalikwasan” exhibit, Green Convergence (GC), through its Ako Ang Bukas (AAB) Advocacy Program, kickstarted the first seminar-workshop session on greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting titled “Climate Change and Your Carbon Footprint” last July 21, 2025, at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. GC President Victoria...
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Interconnectedness of health, livelihood, environment highlighted in July 2025 Kamayan forum on indigenous foodBenefits of indigenous food and heirloom rice production were spotlighted during Green Convergence’s 421st Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum themed “Rediscovering Indigenous Food” on July 18, Friday, via Zoom and Facebook livestream. Opening the discussion, Green Convergence President Victoria Segovia first expressed the contrast of today’s time to the past...
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GC, AAB continue decarbonization efforts with FPH through GHG accounting seminar-workshopGreen Convergence (GC), through its Ako Ang Bukas (AAB) Advocacy Program, held a seminar-workshop on greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting for the First Philippine Holdings (FPH) suppliers last June 16, 2025 at the Rockwell Business Center in Pasig City, with around 300 participants in attendance. In his opening remarks, FPH and...
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June 2025 Kamayan on organic agriculture as answer to food securityGreen Convergence organized its 420th Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum themed “Organic Agriculture: Answer to Food Security?” on June 20, Friday, via Zoom and Facebook livestream, highlighting the need to value organic farming amidst climate disruption. Kickstarting the forum, Green Convergence President Victoria Segovia acknowledged organic agriculture both as a...
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Green Convergence, AAB hold GHG calculation seminar-workshop with PBSPGreen Convergence, in collaboration with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), held a seminar-workshop on greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting titled “Watt’s Up?: The Basics of Green Energy and Decarbonization” last May 28, 2025 at Citynet Central in Mandaluyong City. The event was held in line with PBSP’s decarbonization efforts. As...
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Operation Baklas: Post ElectionUpcycling of campaign waste materials, highlighted in May 2025 Kamayan forum In line with the recently concluded May 2025 midterm elections, government agencies and organizations discussed the disposal of campaign materials in the May 2025 Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum, “Operation Baklas: Post Election,” organized by Green Convergence on May...
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Knowing your carbon footprint is a leap towards climate neutralityAre you aware of how much your carbon footprint is? In this era of global boiling, the buzzword is to reduce carbon footprint to counter climate change, hence the many carbon footprint calculators that have rolled out all across the worldwide web. But what is “carbon footprint” and why do...
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Vote Green, Not GreedGreen Convergence, along with Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), held its April 2025 Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum with the theme “Vote Green, Not Greed” on April 25, via Zoom and Facebook livestream, focusing on the electoral campaign agenda for the upcoming 2025 Midterm Elections produced by a broad coalition...
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“Governance and the Environment”Kamayan’s 35th anniversary session focuses on environmental stances of 2025 midterm election candidates For the 35th anniversary of Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan, Green Convergence held its March 2025 forum titled “Governance and the Environment” on Friday, March 21, via Zoom and Facebook livestream, highlighting the relevance of environmental issues in...
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Journey to Decarbonization: First Gen, Green Convergence spearhead GHG calculator workshopGreen Convergence’s Ako Ang Bukas (AAB) Program led the workshop on the use of the entity level greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator in a forum organized by the First Gen Corporation titled The Green Shift: Mapping Your Decarbonization Journey on Wednesday, March 12, at the Rockwell Business Center in Pasig...
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5th Philippine Environment Summit "Ako ang Bukas: Quantum Leap to Climate Neutrality"We greatly appreciate your attendance and participation in the 5th Philippine Environment Summit held at Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City with the theme, Ako ang Bukas: Quantum Leap to Climate Neutrality.We hope you will benefit from the rich knowledge and deep insights on environment and climate change shared by...
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"5th Philippine Environment Summit in a Capsule"Green Convergence held its Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum for the month of February 2025 titled “5th Philippine Environment Summit in a Capsule” on Friday, February 28, via Zoom and Facebook livestream. The February forum aimed to debrief and relay ‘in a capsule’ the discussions during the 5th Philippine Environment...
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Quantum Leap to Climate Neutrality’: What it means and how we can achieve it“Sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” “environment-safe”—these and more are terms that we often hear when we talk about the positive ways to quell the worsening climate change. Then, we are often told to reduce, reuse, recycle, plant more trees, pick up the trash on the floor, and many more practices that can...
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5th Philippine Environment Summit: Spotlighting Relief for a Planet in GriefGreen Convergence held its Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum for January 2025 themed “5th Philippine Environment Summit: Spotlighting Relief for a Planet in Grief” on Friday, January 17, via Zoom and Facebook livestream. The forum commenced in anticipation of the upcoming 5th Philippine Environment Summit on February 19 to 21,...
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Global Climate Talks: Expectations vs. RealityGreen Convergence commenced its Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan forum for the month of December 2024 titled “Global Climate Talks: Expectations vs. Reality” on Friday, December 20, via Zoom and Facebook livestream. Victoria Segovia, President of Green Convergence, opened the forum discussing a backgrounder on the United Nations Framework Convention on...
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Christmas is just around the corner. Are you still thinking of ways to celebrate the holidays the sustainable and eco-friendly way? Ako Ang Bukas (AAB) encourages you to try these seven ways to spend Christmas without the environmental guilt! Get crafty with old papers The practice of recycling old papers is...
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The Saving Power of MountainsHave you ever wondered how our planet's natural defenses shield us from intense typhoons? In this enlightening discussion, Green Convergence brings together esteemed experts to share insights on: - The crucial role of mountain ranges as natural barriers - Exploitative activities impacting our mountains - Success stories in protection and regeneration Meet our speakers: -...
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HSBC Philippines: 2024 Sustainability ForumBuilding resilient supply chains through emission measurement Topic Speaker Related References Emission Measurement – The Foundation of Sustainability Benjamin Soh Founder & Managing Director ESGpedia Calculator Workshop – Ako Ang Bukas Movement by Green Convergence Philippines Agnes De Jesus Head of Business Task Force Milagros Serrana Project Leader NOTE: To respect the intellectual property rights of Green Convergence, please acknowledge them in your organization’s reports. The PLDT Story:...
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Spirituality and Earth Care: Are They Connected?The October 2024 edition of the Kamayan para sa Kalikasan Forum delved into the intersection of spirituality and environmental stewardship, examining how these elements intertwine in addressing the urgent climate crisis. With a theme centered on "Spirituality and Earth Care: Are They Connected?", the forum explored humanity’s spiritual and...
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Infopro Business Solutions Inc.- IBSI TrainingEmcee: Mr. Clifford Serrano, First Philippine Holdings, Inc. Welcome Remarks: Mr. Ernie Imperial, First Philippine Holdings, Inc. Introduction and the 7 EPs: Dr. Angelina Galang, Convenor of Ako ang Bukas AAB GHG Calculator Background: Ms. Agnes De Jesus, Head of Business Task Force, AAB AAB GHG Calculator Workshop: Ms. Milagros Serrana, Project Leader,...
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Floods: Mitigation and AdaptationOpening Session The forum opened with a presentation of the house rules, setting the tone for a respectful and productive discussion. This was followed by an opening prayer led by Medardo Pizarra, President of Norwich Brent Cedric School, Inc., and a rendition of the Philippine National Anthem. The moderators, Marie Marciano...
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State of Nature Assessment 2024: "Climate Change: Challenge to Sustainability"DAY ONE August 28, 2024 | Student and Alumni Center, Tarlac Agricultural University | Camiling, Province of Tarlac, Philippines Live streamed on the Green Convergence official Facebook page Tarlac, Philippines – As the world grapples with the accelerating impacts of climate change, the 2024 State of Nature Assessment (Green SONA 2024) convened...
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Bamboo bikes, E-bikes and the Urban Bike EcosystemBicycles are means of transport that can mitigate climate change, removing cyclists from motor transport which largely uses fossil fuels. Further mitigation can be achieved when parts of bicycles use environment-friendly materials like bamboo, replacing metals that need to be mined. However, bamboo growing should likewise be ecologically sustainable....
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Mainstreaming E-vehicles: Thinking out of the BoxThis episode's objective is to provide stimulating discussion on a proposed business model that would open livelihood opportunities to consumers of renewable energy. If more people patronize EV that are powered by coal, we will worsen availability, economic challenges in dealing with fuel, and enhance climate boiling. The proposed business...
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Has Metro Manila Reached Its Carrying CapacityThe objective of this webinar is for the participants to: (1)Be informed of the carrying capacity concept, its indicators, the challenges that come when it is exceeded and recommendations that can be adopted; (2) Listen to various views regarding carrying capacity; and (3) Gain insights from the presentations and...
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DENR-PENRO Cavite Training ProgramAfter the First Balfour deep dive training course on greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting for its current suppliers, another successful session done at DENR-PENRO Cavite. Program of activities: Welcome Remarks ...Ma. Joy Grace Sazon-Chief, Management Services Message ...Januel R. Peras-OIC, PENRO Message & Orientation to the workshop … Angelina P. Galang, Ph. D.-Program Director,...
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Responsible Mining: Possible?There are existing laws and efforts by government to address these concerns but how effective have they been in guarding communities and the environment? There is what we call responsible mining. What is this? Can this be the answer we all are looking for? Resource Persons: Mining Issues in Palawan...
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First Balfour Suppliers Training ProgramStarting the session were Green Convergence Convenor Dr. Angelina Galang, Executive Director Ma. Teresa Oliva , and Project Leader Milagros Serrana who first discussed the seven environmental principles namely Balance of Nature, Diversity and Stability, Interdependence, Change, Materials Cycles, Finiteness of Resources, and Stewardship. These principles were laid down...
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Impacts of Development Projects on Indigenous PeoplesThe Indigenous People represent nearly 14% of the country’s population. They are among the poorest and the most disadvantaged social group in the country A more substantial implementation of the law is still sought, as the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines continue to live in geographically isolated areas with lack of...
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Energy Transition and the Transport SectorBrief History of Kamayan The three ‘founding fathers” were journalists and broadcasters Vic Milan and Ed Aurelio or Ding Reyes, and restaurateur Vicvic Villavicencio of Triple V, the well-known group of Kamayan, Saisaki and Dad’s Restaurants. All three were Earth and Nature lovers. Vic Milan and Vicvic were scuba divers...
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As Farmers See It: Challenges in AgricultureThe objective of this forum are: (1)Be aware of the challenges faced by farmers that compel them to throw away their produce; (2.)Listen to various recommendations and initiatives on how these challenges can be addressed; and, (3) Gain insights from the presentations and exchanges and get motivated to act...
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Institutionalizing Nature-based Solution to Address Climate EmergencyThrough this webinar, Green Convergence (GC), provides a stimulating discussion on how nature-based Solution can be institutionalized. To broaden awareness of how Nature-based solutions, as a framework, addresses the biodiversity crisis while accelerating climate transformation and to gain insights from the presentations and exchanges and get motivated to act and...
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First Balfour, vendors address climate changeLopez-led engineering and construction subsidiary First Balfour Inc., and its vendors have agreed to explore measures they can adopt and integrate into their respective business operations as their way of supporting the campaign to help reverse adverse climate change. The vendors, who belong to First Balfour's supply chain, bared this...
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100% Renewable Energy for the Philippines: Possible?The goal of our Kamayan episode this December is for participants to be aware of how renewable leading countries transitioned to renewable energy and their existing programs; gain insights from the presentations and exchanges and get motivated to act and be involved in the Philippine’s move towards transitioning to...
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Pasig River Expressway: Pros & ConsThe planned Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) aims to contribute to the efficiency of our country’s transportation system. It is a six-lane elevated infrastructure to be built on top of the Pasig River. However, various groups and individuals disagree due to its perceived negative impact on public mobility, heritage, environment...
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Loss & Damage: Avoiding a Climate FrontierLoss-and-damage (L&D) is one of the most critical and urgent issues to address regarding the climate crisis. The impacts and risks of this crisis are becoming increasingly past the current capacities of mitigation and adaptation, placing millions of lives in short and long-term danger. The urgency of addressing L&D has...
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Valuing Ecosystems & Natural CapitalConventional national income accounting systems measure economic performance by determining the value of goods and services produced in a country and aggregating them to develop economic indicators, such as the GNP and GDP. Senate Bill 9, otherwise known as the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) will include...
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"From Ridge to Reef" State of Nature Assessment (SONA) 2023SONA 2023 will be a 1 1/2-day affair in General Santos City in Mindanao. Our main partner will be Notre Dame of Dadiangas in General Santos City. Our target audience will be students but other sectors – government, business, Church, NGOs, will be invited too. Around 200-300 participants make...
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Food is Life. Waste Food, Waste Life.Hunger stalks millions of people in the Philippines. Hunger leads to poverty and sickness and for many, the loss of life. Against this sad backdrop, Kamayan will present food wastage in the context of the foodservice industry and household food consumption. Discussions will include waste in the flow of...
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Beat Plastic PollutionRA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, was a landmark law, enacted in 2001. Sadly, after more than 20 years, according to Our World in Data, the Philippines produces over 1/3 of all oceanic plastic waste in the world. Plastics do not only impact our environment but...
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"Proposed: West Philippine Sea as a Peace Zone"The West Philippine Sea (WPS) is known as a center of marine biodiversity. It has countless species of fish, coral, seagrass and other marine life existing in interdependence. It is spawning grounds for schools of fish that populate waters throughout Southeast Asia. it may also hold the key to...
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"Let's take a closer look at nukes"The Philippine government recently announced exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) or modular nuclear plants as an option to address energy security and to reduce carbon emissions. Many are apprehensive about its safety and would rather explore other alternative sources for our country’s energy. This virtual event is hosted by Green...
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Invest in our PlanetIn the past decade, the global divestment movement has been influential in hastening the just transition away from fossil fuels, the primary culprit of anthropogenic climate change. Faith-based organizations have been the largest contributing sector to trillions of financial assets being withdrawn from coal, oil, and gas interests, and...
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"Water is Life"The human body is more than three-fourths water. Our planet is about 71% water. Water is essential for all forms of life. It is the basic element that allows all life forms to function and exist on earth, making Earth the only planet to support life. It is impossible...
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Our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been part of the 4th Philippine Environment SummitThe presentations and proceedings are available for download via this link:
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Fall in Love with Earth: "Pusuan ang Kalikasan"February is love month. Green Convergence for its February Kamayan spotlights Mother Earth. She has evolved to become not only our home but also to provide everything we need for healthy living, fulfilling livelihood, and beyond. How can we reciprocate this precious blessing that we have received? How can we...
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Green Convergence, DENR to Hold 4th PH Environment SummitTagaytay City will host the 4th Philippine Environment Summit with the theme “Caring for Earth: Scaling up Solutions to the Climate Emergency.” On February 21-23, 2023 at Taal Vista Hotel. Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy (GC), in partnership with the Department of Environment and...
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"All is not Lost...YET!" A Forum and Press Conference on the forthcoming 4th Philippine Environment Summit“Our fragile planet is hanging by a thread. We are still knocking on the door of climate catastrophe. It is time to go into emergency mode – or our chance of reaching net-zero will itself be zero.” - United Nation’s Secretary-General Antonio Guterres The Philippines needs to go into a path...
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COP 27: Is there hope for climate action at last?The 27th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) held in Egypt last November was a test of global resolve to fight climate change. It drew praise and anger. It managed to avoid the worst, but also avoided the best. What are the...
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Offshore Mining, Reclamation, and Seabed Quarrying: A Closer LookApplications for reclamation projects, offshore mining, and seabed quarrying are currently flooding government regulatory bodies following the signing of Executive Order (EO) 130 by then President Duterte last April 14, 2021. It lifted a 9-year ban on new mining agreements supposedly to bring significant economic benefits to the country;...
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Call for Presentations on Innovative Green ProjectsOur environmental coalition is sounding out a call for presentations on innovative technologies, products or breakthrough initiatives that promote and contribute to environmental protection and sustainable economic development. We, Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy, welcome any information describing such projects or activities, whether by a...
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Government Initiatives on Peatland ManagementIn the September episode of Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum, we began discussions on the Philippine Peatlands, the newly recognized treasure of the Philippines. Peatlands sequester carbon, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They absorb huge volumes of water during the rainy season while providing a water supply during the...
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Protecting Peatlands, the Newly Recognized Treasure of the PhilippinesWhile peatlands cover only 3% of the Earth’s land surface, studies show that they can store twice as much carbon as all of the forests on the planet combined, if they are kept in their natural state. The ASEAN region is home to about 27.4 million hectares of peatlands...
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State of Nature Assessment 2022: "The Continuing Assault on Nature: What are the Ecological Options?"The State of Nature Assessment (Green SONA) is a review of the past year’s developments in the Philippine environment scene. Green SONA has been held in different parts of the country since 2016, organized by Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment, and Sustainable Economy. Its objective is to...
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The Green Community Welcomes the DENR SecretaryThrough this webinar, Green Convergence (GC) provides a venue for DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo Loyzaga to meet and greet her environment constituency and to share her plans for environmental sustainability.
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Killing the Goose?The Philippines, being archipelagic, has a total coastline of 36,289 kilometers with bays and coastal waters covering an area of 266,000 km². Being tropical, our coastal waters harbor mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs which are the habitat of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic organisms on which coastal communities...
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CLIMATE EMERGENCY ALARM: What’s Your Level of Response?Many disasters due to climate change that has occurred in the past decades will continue in accelerated intensity as the world continues to warm up. We need to provide urgent responses and contribute to the solutions to save this planet.
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New Beginnings for the EnvironmentAs the Philippine elections cease and as the challenges of Climate Change continue to rise, we need to know more and contribute to the solutions of saving our planet.
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PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, PROTECTING OUR VOTEAs more frequent and more devastating calamities arise as a result of the climate crisis, scientists worldwide have set a call to action for leaders all over the world to take serious measures in battling climate change. Each and every vote this coming election will determine the fate of our...
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POLITICAL DISCERNMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTThe world’s most urgent mission is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 with an ecological agenda that would help save our planet and mankind. With climate change as one of the main causes of irrevocable damage to nature, the upcoming national elections must see us vote for leaders who...
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CANDIDATES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL PLATFORMSOur practices today will determine our future just as much as the leaders we choose today to determine the fate of our nation and the next generations. With the upcoming elections, Green Convergence Philippines has invited select candidates to share and discuss their environmental platforms and vision for the nation.
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Transition to Renewable Energy: The Possibilities and ConstraintsContinuous population growth and economic progress result in greater demand for power. The existential threats posed by global warming make imperative the transition to renewable energy in the shortest time possible. The geography of the Philippines makes it highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. However, this...
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Give Love On Christmas: Love the Earth, Love the FutureEach year, 227,000 miles of wrapping paper, 1 billion Christmas cards, and 300,000 tonnes of card packaging are consumed, subsequently turning into trash and causing pollution. With the humongous amounts of waste generated during the holidays, we need to come up with creative and practical ways of celebrating without...
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Climate Change: What Did Glasgow Achieve? A Report From the Philippine Delegation to COP 26The 26th Conference of Parties (or COP 26) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was recently held in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, from 31 October to 12 November 2021. Did the global top-level climate negotiations achieve any significant stride in obtaining country commitments to (1) keep...
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Black Sand MiningTo shed light on the controversies surrounding black sand mining in the Philippines, we have invited stakeholders in this issue to provide us insights and opinions regarding the environmental impacts and possible ultimate outcomes for our country if this type of mining continues.
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State of Nature Assessment 2021: "Climate Change: Dare to hope"Year after year, rapidly rising global temperatures are wreaking havoc on the Earth’s climate system, posing a serious threat to Nature and all of humankind. Scientific assessments have established that global warming has worsened steadily since the Industrial Revolution, due to concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases emitted into the...
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Reclamations: Solution or Problem?The effects of land reclamation on marine ecology and the coastal environment are gaining attention and being widely studied. It has been found that reclamation may contribute to changes in flooding patterns, cause damage to marine life, and affect the stability of coastal foundations and slopes. With the current...
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Nature's Twin Scourges: Plastic and Climate ChangeSince the invention of plastic over a hundred years ago, the synthetic material has made its way into every aspect of our life; in food, medicine, clothes, and more, plastic has made our daily tasks more convenient. Unfortunately, the ease that comes with using plastic has a dark side, and...
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‘Ako Ang Bukas’ movement launches; pushes campaign for climate neutrality by 2050Ako Ang Bukas, a Philippine multisectoral environmental movement was launched on Friday, unveiling its focal campaign “Quantum Leap NOW to Climate Neutrality 2050!” “The climate situation requires immediate action and will require stock-taking of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the increase of carbon sinks in the country to achieve net-zero...
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Civic Organizations for the EnvironmentWhen the state and business sector fail to secure the needs of the people, it is civil society that plays the lead role in protecting and empowering its own people. In recent years, more and more groups have come together to advocate, not just for the people’s welfare, but...
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Environmental Forum: ‘We need to re-establish our relationship with nature!’Faith-based organizations gathered to tackle the role of spirituality in caring for the environment in the 370th Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan online forum held by Green Convergence Philippines last April 16, 2021. “For Buddhists, all things are interconnected,” shared Venerable Zhi Yi, superintendent of the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple. “Consciously,...
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Environmental Coalition Green Convergence held the 369th session of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum entitled “Entrepreneurs for the Environment” last March 19, 2021 through Zoom. “We have entrepreneurs who are either into business reviving nature, regenerating nature, or curing nature,and those who are into businesses who make sure...
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State of Nature Assessment 2020 ResolutionsSTATE OF NATURE ASSESSMENT Krisis: COVID at Kalikasan August 21, 2020 RESOLUTIONS Whereas the Philippines is a country gifted with rich natural resources considered as among the most remarkable in the world and has unique topographies teeming with biodiversity; Whereas the rich geographical ecosystems of the Philippines provide ecological services to the people and...
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Kabataan Para sa Kalikasan!Last February 19, 2021, Green Convergence held its 368th Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum entitled "Youth for the Environment". Speakers Mitzi Jonelle Tan of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), Natasha & Isabella Tanjutco of Kids for Kids, and Jeff Estela of Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines shared their...
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Artists for the EnvironmentNature has been the inspiration behind many brilliant works of art. Whether it is through paintings, songs, films, stories, or poems, Mother Nature has been the muse behind these works of creativity. In this month’s Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum, we take a look at how some artists are giving...
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For its Christmas offering, last Dec. 18, 2020, Kamayan para sa Kalikasan focused on the native Pine Tree and endangered endemic tree species. The resource speakers were Atty. Allan Barcena, Head of Corporate Social Development of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and Ronino Gibe, Forester and Social Program Officer of...
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Environmental Forum: 'Kailangan pa rin ang green spaces sa urban area'Urban farming was the subject of the 365th session of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum held last November 20, 2020 through an online webinar hosted by Green Convergence. Environmental Lawyer Ipat Luna showed her rooftop garden to the forum participants and shared some of her planting endeavors. “I...
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According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, 59 million Filipinos were reported to suffer from a moderate to severe lack of consistent access to food in 2019. Lack of income, unemployment, and natural disasters are just some of the many causes that lead to the growing number of...
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Position paper on Manila Bay BeautificationPOSITION PAPER ON MANILA BAY BEAUTIFICATION All human activities have an impact on nature to a greater or lesser extent. Whether an activity should be undertaken depends on the balance between cost and benefit. This is the rationale for the Environmental Impact Assessment Law (EIA). An EIA is required of any...
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Honoring God's Precious Gift: Nature“A true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” -Laudato Si (49) The pursuit of economic development often results in the neglect of...
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Groups urge for the passage of the Rights of Nature BillThe Rights of Nature Bill was the main topic for the 363rd session of the Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum held on September 18, 2020 hosted by Green Convergence Philippines. Atty. Mario Maderaso introduced the bill to the participants as “a legislative proposal anchored on a paradigm shift”. “There are 2...
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Green Convergence Celebrates the 2020 Season of CreationThe Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar is divided into several meaningful periods: Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. These seasons are meant to celebrate the birth, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They reveal how God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten...
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Krisis: Covid at Kalikasan2020 will always be remembered as the COVID-19 pandemic year. It is a year filled with worry for public health and safety, hardships for frontliners, and so much more. The fight against the pandemic led to lockdowns and strict social distancing measures. As a result, the world saw a...
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Anti-Terror law met with criticism at environmental forumThe Anti-Terror law and its implications on the environment was the subject of the 361st session of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum held on July 17, 2020 through an online webinar hosted by Green Convergence. The law was criticized by human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, who described the...
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The Ecological Way: Addressing the Challenges of Covid-19Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan is back! This year, the whole world is struck by a pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). First detected in Wuhan, China, the virus spread to the Philippines on January 30, 2020,...
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Green Convergence to LGUs: ‘Invest in green spaces!’The state of air quality and the need for expansion of green spaces in Metro Manila was the subject of the 355th monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum held on October 18, 2019 (Friday) at Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA, Mandaluyong City. In a 2012 report by the World Health Organization, “Every...
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MWSS’ Salamat: ‘I will resign’ if water crisis unsolvedEnvironmental Coalition Green Convergence held the 354th installment of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum about the status of water security in the country on September 20, 2019 (Friday) at Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Energy Development Corporation CEO Federico Lopez explained that the country’s water security problem is...
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Green Convergence's contribution to the 2019 Season of CreationThe Catholic Church's liturgical calendar is divided into several meaningful periods: Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. These seasons are meant to celebrate the birth, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They reveal how God so loved the world that He sent His only...
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Philippine environmental defenders converged in 2019 Green SONAGreen Convergence together with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and the Forest Foundation Philippines, and with the support of Partnership for Clean Air, Palawan State University, Palawan NGO Network, Inc. (PNNI), and the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) held the 2019 State of Nature Assessment (#GreenSONA): Pilipinas, #ParaisongNanganganib at...
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Environmental groups renew call for sustainable dev’t paradigm in PHGreen SONA, Healthy Environment, Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan, State Of Nature Assessment, Sustainable Economy, UpdatesEnvironmental Coalition Green Convergence held the 353rd installment of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum about the pressing environmental concerns that the Philippines is facing on August 16, 2019 (Friday) at Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA, Mandaluyong City. “There are programs of the government which Filipinos should be deciding on. But...
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Green Convergence to PH gov’t: ‘Invest in native medicinal plants!’Environmental Coalition Green Convergence held the 352nd installment of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum about the future of the Philippine native medicinal plant industry on July 19, 2019 (Friday) at Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Former Department of Health Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan discussed that “Around 1500...
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Environmental group echo farmers’ call: ‘Protect PH coconut industry!’Environmental Coalition Green Convergence held the 351st installment of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum about the state of the Philippine coconut industry and alternatives to help the coconut farmers on June 21, 2019 (Friday) at Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Quezon Province’s Samahan ng Magniniyog ng Burdeos President...
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Environmental forum: ‘Go for ecological agriculture practices!’Environmental Coalition Green Convergence held the 350th installment of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum about alternatives to intensive agriculture and achieving food security on May 17, 2019 (Friday) at Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Green Convergence President Dr. Angelina Galang emphasized that “agriculture has almost permanently gone to...
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Environmental forum calls to ‘#VoteIndependentSenate in 2019 Election’Atty. Alex Lacson, Convener of People's Choice Movement presents the 10 senatorial candidates who have ranked the highest in the organization's assessment in terms of their (1) character and integrity, (2) competence and abilities, (3) faithfulness to public service and public office and (4) faithfulness to God, Constitution and...
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Coalition rejects China-funded Kaliwa Dam projectMANILA, Philippines — A coalition of environmental and rights groups has expressed its strong opposition to the proposed construction of Kaliwa Dam, saying the China-funded project would put people’s lives at risk, destroy the biodiversity in the area and tie the country to an ‘onerous’ loan. The Kaliwa Dam project, a...
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“Cha-Cha” gets heavy beating at forum“The proposed Cha-Cha is anti-Filipino in the sense that it is removing protectionist provisions enshrined in the 1987 Constitution that ensure our right to be in control of our resources.” This was the opening salvo of Bayan Muna General Counsel Atty. Cris Yambot at the 348th session of the...
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Green Convergence forum tackle effectiveness of ecobricksEnvironmental coalition Green Convergence held the 347th installment of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum last February 15, 2019 at Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Resource speakers included Lou Arsenio of Ecobricks Philippines, Chairman Rolly Datiles of Barangay Bagumbuhay, Quezon City and Juvy Serafin of the Solid Waste...
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Calendar of Activities: March 2019GC CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MARCH 2019 DATE ACTIVITY March 6-8 Green Convergence Strategic Planning March 12 Tribute for Gani Serrano of PRRM 4:00 pm Earth Day Network Mother Ignacia Street cor. Dr. Lascano Street, Quezon City March 12 4th State of the Humanitarian System 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Luxent Hotel, 51 Timog Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Contact Person: Loreine dela Cruz, Center for...
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Letter of Support for the Mangyan CommunitiesJanuary 22, 2019 HON. ROY A. CIMATU Secretary Department of Environment and Natural Resources Dear Secretary Cimatu, Isang makakalikasang pagbati! We, participants of the Kamayan para sa Kalikasan Forum held last January 18, 2019 at Kamayan Restaurant on EDSA, echo the call of the Mangyans in Mindoro that they be involved in decision- making processes...
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GC to PH gov’t: ‘Respect rights of IPs; no to false environmental solutions!’Environmental coalition Green Convergence held “Landslides: Today’s Recurrent Nightmare,” at its monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum. Resource speakers included Rodne Galicha of Climate Reality Philippines and Mangyan representatives from Mindoro Virgilio “Ka Mot” Bunsoy and Alangan tribe leader Librada “Ka Badang” Isidro. They discussed the current environmental situation...
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Green Convergence’s Galang: “Update PH communal forest policy!”Environmental Coalition Green Convergence held the 345th installment of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum last December 21, 2018 at Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Resource speakers included forester Amie Rabang of the Forest Management Bureau and Liberty Talastas-Bituin, a member of the indigenous people in the Cordilleras. ...
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10M in 10 recognizes partners in Negros IslandPIA, 7th January 2019 via BigNewsNetwork.com DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 15 (PIA) -- The 10 Million Trees in 10 Years for Greener Negros Movement (10M in 10) celebrated its 3rd year milestone by recognizing its partners in Negros Island who helped propagate trees over the last three years. The 10M in 10 is...
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Green Convergence exec bucks coal plants in NegrosBy Mary Judaline Partlow December 13, 2018, 6:55 pm via Philippine News Agency DUMAGUETE CITY – The head of the Green Convergence, a coalition batting for safe food, healthy environment and a sustainable economy, is urging local government officials and the people of Negros to reject the entry of coal-fired power plants in...
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Global warming, ‘urgent concern’ – Green ConvergenceEnvironmental Coalition Green Convergence held the 344th installment of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum about the 1.5°C Special Report on climate change of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on November 16, 2018 (Friday) at Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA, Mandaluyong City. “The report highlights a number of climate...
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No to Kaliwa Dam! Sign the petition now!AN URGENT LETTER TO PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE WHO IS BEING MANIPULATED BY HIS ADVISERS TO SIGN THE CONTRACT FOR THE KALIWA DAM PROJECT WITH CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ON NOVEMBER 11, 2018 Dear Mr. President: If you really care for our country, you will NOT SIGN THE Agreement FOR THE CONSTRUCTION...
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Calendar of Activities: December 2018GC CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2018 DATE ACTIVITY December 14 Green Convergence Christmas Party Details to be announced December 14 Green Convergence Board of Trustees Meeting Details to be announced December 21 Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan Forum Topic to be announced 10:30 AM-2:00 PM Kamayan Restaurant, Greenhills, EDSA, Mandaluyong City
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‘Cheaper fuels may impact public health’October 23, 2018 at 09:30 pm by Rex Arcadio R. San Diego II via Manila Standard Is cheaper fuel the answer? While there is a clamor for more affordable fuels to address inflation, it might be wise for the government and the public to consider its health impacts. Speakers and participants to the recent...
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No to the Return of Euro-2 in the Philippines! Sign the Petition Now!Just this August 2018, the Department of Energy released Department Order 2018-08-0012 “directing the Philippine downstream oil industry to offer Euro II-compliant diesel as a fuel option for the transport and industry sector to reduce the impact of rising oil prices in the world market.” Euro II, a cheaper diesel...
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Calendar of Activities: November 2018GC CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER 2018 DATE ACTIVITY November 5 2018 Climate Reality Leadership Awards Climate Reality Project Philippines 6:00-9:00 PM, National Museum of Natural History, Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, Ermita, Manila Contact Isabelle at (0915) 593 7352 November 7 Living Laudato Si Philippines Climate Reality Project Philippines 7:30-10:00 AM, Manila Cathedral and Casa Manila Contact Sheena Katrina A. Orihuela...
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Talking about troubled watersBy Patricia Bianca S. Taculao via Agriculture Monthly Life in the Philippines also comes from the sea that surrounds the archipelago. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Philippines ranked 8th among the major fish producing countries in the world in 2012. We had a total...
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Calendar of Activities: October 2018GC CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR OCTOBER 2018 DATE ACTIVITY October 15 Board of Trustees Meeting Faculty Conference Room (Room 121), Mother Mary Joseph Hall, Miriam College 9:00 AM October 19 Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan Forum Is Euro-2 the Solution to Rising Fuel Prices? 10:30 AM-2:00 PM Kamayan Restaurant, Greenhills, EDSA, Mandaluyong City
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Monsters of today: lessons learned from forum on greenhouse gasesBy Tricia Buendia, Haribon Membership, edited by Haribon Membership Visibility Committee via Haribon Foundation Haribon member Tricia Buendia shares this reflection after attending the Kamayan Forum on Philippine NDCs to reduce global greenhouse gases with Green Convergence last June 2018. Every year monsters visit and haunt the Philippines. We name each one, anticipating its destruction on the...
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Green Convergence forum takes on Philippine fisheriesRepresentatives from the National Coastal Watch Council, Oceana Philippines, Pangisda Pilipinas and the Department of Interior and Local Government discussed the state of Philippines fisheries and talked about ways to solve its immediate concerns. Environmental Coalition Green Convergence held the 342nd session of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum on...
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Thermal waste-to-energy tech, unsafe says environmental scientistPlastic trash. by TNM/Sherwin De Vera Posted on August 27, 2018 via Tawid News Magazine BAGUIO CITY – An environmental scientist and former United Nations Development Program (UNDP) consultant said the waste-to-energy (WtE) program promoted by the government is unsafe for the public and environment. In his talk during the State of the Nature Assessment at...
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Green SONA tackles “environmental monsters”By SHERWIN DE VERA via Northern Dispatch Weekly BAGUIO CITY — Environmental advocates across the country gathered at Hotel Albergo in this city on Monday, August 20, for the annual State of the Nature Assessment (Green SONA) organized by Green Convergence (GC). This year’s theme, “Environmental monsters are back; Superheroes needed!”...
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Federalism a major threat to the environmentBy KIMBERLIE NGABIT-QUITASOL via Northern Dispatch Weekly BAGUIO CITY — The Duterte administration’s push for a federal form of government is seen as among the major threats to the environment by green groups who spoke about mines, giant dams and forests at the State of Nature Assessment 2018 on August 20. “For...
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Negros Oriental Bats For Renewable Energy, Vows Against Coal In ‘Green SONA’By Featuresdesk (ICG) on August 22, 2018 via Page One The achievements and continuing initiatives of the province of Negros Oriental toward renewable energy (RE) were the major highlights of this year’s State of Nature Assessment (SONA), organized by non-profit environmental group Green Convergence in partnership with the Forest Foundation of the...
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Green SONA calls for eco-heroes to take actionBy climaterealityph | Aug 21, 2018 Photo by Rexor Amancio/The Climate Reality Project Philippines Environmental advocates convened in the 2018 State of Nature Assessment or the "Green SONA" held last 20 August at the Albergo Hotel, Baguio City. The gathering is an annual event for assessing the performance of the government in environmental conservation and...
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Green SONA 2018: Environmental Monsters are Back! Superheroes Needed!Different environmental groups, representatives from the government, the academe and the church converged in Baguio City on August 20, 2018 for the annual State of Nature Assessment. Environmental Coalition Green Convergence held the annual State of the Nature Assessment (Green SONA) with the theme "Environmental Monsters are Back; Superheroes Needed!" on August...
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Group to assess state of environmentby Hanna C. Lacsamana via Baguio Midland Courier Green Convergence Philippines will hold the annual State of the Nature Assessment (Green SONA) with the theme “Environmental monsters are back; Superheroes needed!” on Aug. 20, 8 a.m. at Albergo Hotel, Baguio City. This year’s forum is expected to tackle how genetically modified...
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Environmental groups decry return of "monsters"Environmental advocates convened for a press conference to call for the stop of the return of environmental monsters in the Philippines. Environmental Coalition Green Convergence held another installment of the monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum on August 17, 2018 (Friday) at Max’s Restaurant, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City. As a...
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Calendar of Activities: August 2018GC CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR AUGUST 2018 DATE ACTIVITY August 06 Board of Trustees Meeting ESI Conference Room 9:00 AM August 08 State of the Philippine Environment 2018 Forum Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC) 1:00-4:00 PM Geronima T. Pecson Auditorium (MB Auditorium), Philippine National University August 17 Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum Max's Restaurant QMC, Quezon City 10:30 AM-1:30 PM August 20 State of the Nature...
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2nd Philippine Environment Summit 2018 (Cebu) Progress ReportsThe Environment Summit is a biennial undertaking of Green Convergence to celebrate important breakthroughs and advancements in environmental protection through private and public initiatives. It provides a platform where all sectors can share common challenges, collaborate on creative solutions, and replicate success stories. It is a call to government...
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Forum warns vs foreign resource ownershipAugust 04, 2018 at 10:00 pm by Rex Arcadio R. San Diego II via Manila Standard Filipinos should be more careful and cautious concerning environmental conservation contained in the proposed Federalism constitution. Participants in the recent Kamayan para sa Kalikasan Forum at the Kamayan Edsa came to this conclusion after a discussion on how...
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Kamayan Forum scrutinizes Cha-Cha's implications to Philippine environmentEnvironmental coalition Green Convergence held another installment of their monthly Kamayan Para sa Kalikasan Forum last July 20, 2018 at the Kamayan Restaurant EDSA, Mandaluyong City. The forum tackled the provisions on the environment in the proposed federal government under the Duterte administration. Atty. Galahad Pe Benito of Greenresearch discussed the said...
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Kamayan emphasizes forests' role to greenhouse gas reductionJUNE 15, 2018, Mandaluyong City – The 339th installment of the monthly Kamayan Para Sa Kalikasan Forum tackled the sustainable nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of the Philippines in its commitment to help reduce the global greenhouse gases as per the Paris Agreement of 2016. Dr. Rowena Boquiren of the Haribon...
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Calendar of Activities: April 2018GC CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR APRIL 2018 DATE ACTIVITY April 02 GC Consultation Meeting ESI Conference Room 1:00 – 5:00 PM April 06 GC Board Meeting GC Office at Caritas Hall, Rm. 114 1:00 PM April 12 Tala-Kalikasan: ‘On the Ecological Implications of Charter Change’ Environmental Studies Institute Conference Room, Miriam College, Katipunan Ave, Quezon City 1:00 to 5:00 PM Contact: Paul at...
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Cebu holds Philippine Environmental SummitBy Albert Balbutin & Princess del Castillo, March 14, 2018 via Haribon Around 1,000 environmental advocates recently gathered for the 2nd Philippine Environmental Summit in Cebu City. Speakers included Senator Grace Poe, Secretary Roy Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and a video message from former Vice President of...
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DENR steps up in protecting the environmentPosted at DENR Region 1 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) together with the Green Convergence (GC) organized the 2nd Philippine Environment Summit, with the theme “Mainstreaming Innovations for Sustainable Development” held last February 20-22, 2018 at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City Around one thousand (1000) partakers came from...
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DENR makes renewed call for LGUs on environmental vigilanceBy Ferliza C. Contratista on February 22, 2018 via Philippine Information Agency CEBU CITY, February 21 (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu called on local government units (LGUs) to be more vigilant against violators of environmental laws. During the first day of the 2nd Philippine Environment Summit held...
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Cimatu urges manufacturers to pay their share in pollutionBy Philippines News Agency, February 21, 2018 via Business Mirror Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu sees the need for a law that would make manufacturers pay up for their share in polluting the environment. “Perhaps we must consider enacting laws that will make manufacturers pay at least part of the cost of cleaning up...
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Why native trees?Published February 7, 2018, 10:00 PM, By Flor G. Tarriela via Manila Bulletin At a recent typhoon that hit Metro Manila on the way to Tagaytay, I noticed many fallen trees, Acacia and Tulip trees. Later I found out these fallen trees were actually “alien” trees and not native to the...
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DENR: Number of tourists in Boracay has reached 'alarming levels'By Adrian Ayalin, via ABS-CBN News. Posted at Jan 19 2018 05:58 PM MANILA - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday said the number of tourists in Boracay has reached “alarming levels” as government agencies and the private sector worked on innovations for sustainable development. Asked about the current...
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The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2017-2022Country’s plan to address malnutrition: Philippine Food and Nutrition Policies and Governance What are the malnutrition problems being addressed in PPAN? Other forms of Malnutrition: ◆Vitamin A deficiency ◆Iron deficiency anemia ◆Iodine deficiency disorders ◆Hunger and food insecurity Guiding Principles: ◆Attainment of nutritional well-being is a main responsibility of families but government and other stakeholders have the duty...
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EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 927FURTHER DEFINING CERTAIN FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE LAGUNA LAKE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYWHEREAS, the land and the waters of the Laguna Lake Region are limited natural resources requiring judicious management for their optimal utilization to insure renewability and to preserve the ecological balance; WHEREAS, the increasing pressure of urban growth and development dictate...
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Philippine CrocodileDescription The Philippine crocodile is one of the most endangered freshwater crocodiles. It is small with a relatively broad snout and thick bony plates on its back. Until recently, the Philippine crocodile was considered a subspecies of the very similar New Guinea crocodile (Crocodylus novaguineae). Biology Philippine crocodiles are thought to feed...
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Arroceros Park, A Window to Our Past, A Lifeline to Our FutureMichelle (not her real name), a third year education student of Universidad de Manila, sees the nearby Arroceros Park as welcome relief amidst the urban jungle that is Manila. “Our school is right next to busy thoroughfares, so there is considerable noise and air pollution around the area. The trees...
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Building The Country From The Bottom UpThe Goal: Communities living high quality lives in love, peace, and harmony. The Plan: Each area of the Philippines is developed with a non-negotiable commitment to certain principles. DownloadDownload You must be logged in to view this content. Free Virtual Library Registration Here Username or Email Address Password Remember Me
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Search for a Just Model for Economic SustainabilityGlobal context: Continuing crisis of the dominant global model (Washington Consensus) since the 2008-2010 Global Financial Crisis Reflected in the rise of Donald Trump (“America First”) and other Trumps, Brexit crisis in Europe, unresolved crisis of Greece, failure of the World Trade Organization to conclude its Doha Round (2000), crisis of “shareholder...
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Climate Change Reality ProjectBy 2050, warmer waters in the southern Philippines could cause the maximum fish catch to decrease by 50 percent. Low-lying areas inundation affecting seagrass beds in shallow tidal and sub-tidal marine environment coral bleaching and degeneration. Sea level in the Philippines is projected to rise two to three times faster than...
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Sierra Madre: Threats to its Ecological ServicesWhat are the threats to Sierra Madre? Timber poaching Agricultural encroachment Road development Airport development Settlement Kaingin making Wildlife hunting Influx of migrants Tourism development Forest Fire Mining/quarrying Treasure hunting DownloadDownload You must be logged in to view this content. Free Virtual Library Registration Here Username or Email Address Password Remember Me
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Coconut Oil the Tree of LifeUnderstanding Plant Oil What differentiates them is the profile of their fatty acid composition e.g. carbon chain. Plant oil is also referred to as Lipid Current usage of Coconut Oil based products Food Products Cosmetic & Personal Care Health Products Value-Adding Processes Coconut for Clean Air and Environment Coconut has many more potential applications...
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Visayan Warty Pig Wild Swine with a WILD LookWhy exhibit Visayan warty pigs? Help save this species now! The express purpose of this captive breeding program is to act as a genetic insurance policy: hybridization with feral pigs is a major threat to wild populations. Present a spokes-species for island endemism, and tell the stories of habitat...
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Tamaraw Habitat Assessment an Exploration of Inner Mindoro IslandThe Tamaraw, Bubalus mindorensis, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. It is the largest mammal endemic to the Philippines and can only be found on the island of Mindoro. The main current threat to the Tamaraw is habitat loss due to farming by resettled...
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Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua Haematuropygia)Cacatoès des Philippines. Previously widespread in the Philippine islands, this cockatoo now numbers perhaps less than 1,000 and is reduced to only a few places. Its stronghold being the island of Palawan where the LPF supports the conservation programme run by the Katala Foundation. The supporter partnership includes Chester...
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State of Nature Assessment 2017: ResolutionsSTATE OF NATURE ASSESSMENT 2017 “Our Land, Our Life” August 11, 2017; Little Theater, Miriam College RESOLUTIONS Whereas the Philippines is archipelagic, mountainous and volcanic, blessed with inherent ecosystems and natural elements that maintain and preserve the richness of its biodiversity; Whereas the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP) is the largest and most...
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General Assembly: August 22, 2017, Environmental Studies Institute -Miriam CollegeGreen Convergence Board of Trustees for 2017-2018 (from left to right: Standing-Carlo Garcia(Environmental Studies Institute), Clarissa Magsarili (Zero Waste Philippines), Leonor Berroya (Earthday Network Philippines), John Din (Columban Missionaries), Ma. Teresa Oliva (Executive Director, Green Convergence); Seated-Sr. Angelina Villanueva (Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines-Justice, Peace, and...
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Palm Oil Expansion In The PhilippinesMarami ang nagsasabi na mayaman ang Pilipinas subalit naghihirap ang mamamayang Pilipino. May katotohanan ito dahil kahit sagana sa mga likas na yaman ang ating bayan, nananatiling mahirap, nagugutom at nagdudusa pa rin ang marami nating mga kababayan. Kabilang sa pinakamayamang lugar sa ating bansa ang Mindanao, tinatawag din na...
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What's Happening in Green Convergence: 2017JANUARY 2017: A WRITESHOP, DAY 1- PRRM AND DAY 2-UNIVERSITY HOTEL FEBRUARY 2017: LETTER OF ENDORSEMENT TO CA, SENATE AND CONGRESS MARCH 2017: A MARCH TO SENATE APRIL 2017: GC'S GREENING THE CHURCH ADVOCACY MAY 2017: FIRST NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY CONGRESS, 23TH...
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The Oceans are in Trouble : Protecting Benham RiseThe oceans are in trouble, as ocean explorer, film maker and conservation advocate Alexandra Cousteau puts it. A team of marine scientists found a dazzling array of soft and hard corals, fish, algae, and sponges in Benham Bank,during a week-long expedition in May 2016. They observed one hundred percent coral...
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An Interview with Dr. Angelina P. Galang about GMObrought to you by: CONSUMERS UNION OF THE PHILIPPINES IN COOPERATION WITH: GREEN CONVERGENCE AND CONSUMER RIGHTS FOR SAFE FOOD PRESENTS: YOU MAY CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW THE FULL INTERVIEW: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BwYPn_CtT3XtNmlPTzhQdDVfbGs
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Education for Sustainability by Rev. Brother Armin LuistroMagandang hapon po sa inyong lahat. It gives me much pleasure to join you this afternoon but first a correction, I am not a presidentiable, so don't ask me difficult questions. It is a privilege to join you this afternoon, especially in the presence of Chief Justice, the greenest of...
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Bamboo Production or Propagation of BambooThe continued destruction of our forests has brought about the increasing demand for bamboo in the local and international market. The world bamboo market is currently worth 10 billion dollars per year. Bamboo is not only a high-yield renewable resource, it sequesters 400 percent more carbon dioxide and generates...
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Critically endangered: The Philippine Eagle - What Do We Know After a 100 yearsThe Philippine Eagle is a giant forest raptor endemic to the Philippines. It is considered to be one of the three largest and most powerful eagles in the world. Unfortunately, it is also one of the world’s rarest and certainly among its most critically endangered vertebrate species. The Philippine eagle...
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Ensuring Ecological Integrity, Clean and Healthy EnvironmentPriority Strategies Subsector Outcome 1: Sustained Functioning of Ecosystem Services Intensify sustainable management of natural resources through adoption of ridge-to-reef approach and integrated area development Reverse the loss of forest cover through sustained rehabilitation of degraded forest lands including critical watersheds & major river basins Complete delineation of final forest...
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National Catholic Reporter's Global Sisters' ReportSafer and climate-resilient communities by Marvelous L. Misolas Sep. 21, 2016 Recently, I took six graduate students in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) from the Philippine Women University (PWU) for a site visit to Payatas, Quezon City, an urban resettlement area. I have gone to the area before and...
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What's Happening in Green Convergence: 2016January 2016: Preparation for the 1st Philippine Environment Summit 2016-Promotion FEBRUARY 9-11, 2016: 1ST PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENT SUMMIT, SMX CONVENTION CENTER, PASAY CITY MARCH 31 - APRIL 1, 2016: GC CORPLANNING, DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY, TAGAYTAY CITY MAY 25, 2016: CONSULTATION WORKSHOP: POSITION PAPER FOR DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION, MMJ SEMINAR ROOM, MIRIAM COLLEGE, QUEZON CITY JUNE 2016: SUBMISSION OF...
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Piglas PilipinasNo to Coal Campaign - Batangas Sports Complex Over 10,000 people gathered in support of the global movement to break away from the use of fossil fuels to curve too much green house gas emissions, which has caused climate change. The mass was celebrated by Archbishop Arguelles. The group formed...
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Address of the Chair of Lopez Group of Companies, Oscar LopezDelivered by Mr. Richard B. Tantoco President and Chief Operating Officer of Energy Development Corporation (EDC is the largest renewable energy developer in the country making the Philippines the no. 2 geothermal country in the world since 1983). Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, and good afternoon Chief Justice. I'd like to begin...
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Sustainable Economy for the PhilippinesHon. Joey Salceda Governor, Province of Albay Good Morning! Unang-una salamat sa pagbibigay ng opportunidad sa akin upang maibahagi at matuto na rin ako sa mga ginagawa ng iba. Siguro naman kung may pipiliin kayong presidente para sa 2016, isa lang ang pamantayan: yung marunong makinig. At tignan ninyo na ang...
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Prayer from the Seniors (Luz Sabas, Founder of Zero Waste Recycling Movement of the Philippines)Loving God, we remember that Jesus taught us to pray saying, “Our Father”. You created us, You made this world, and You called Your creation very good. Yet often we forget that You are our loving parent who continues to bless Your world. Jesus told us that You are “in...
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Sustainable Cities & Sustainable SchoolsDENR Assistant Secretary Corazon Davis presented the ASEAN Framework for Environmentally Sustainable Cities (ESC) and Eco-schools. ESC are cities or urban areas that are environmentally sustainable while meeting the social and economic needs of the people as outlined in the ASCC Blueprint (2009 – 2015). The ESC Award aims...
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Traditional Knowledge in Environmental GovernanceEarly humans have enjoyed close relationship with nature as indicated by the knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities. The case study of the Ifugaos, entitled Community-based Monitoring System for Restoring Balance, described their traditional monitoring and management systems like the “do nothing” to minimal economic activities...
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Ecosystem GovernanceThe principles in ecosystem governance that Mayor Maquiabas employed in running their municipality’s activities include: - Strengthening leadership cognizant to better risk reduction and management, and climate change adaptation initiatives - Building a culture that is committed to the preservation of the environment - Building people for peace and development, by way of people...
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SALt LampThe SALt Lamp is a lamp with 90 lumens equivalent to seven candlepower powered by saltwater thus it can light up those in the coastal communities and those in the remotest barrios in the hinterlands. With two tablespoons of salt in one glass of tap water, the lamp runs...
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Micro-mini DamsHedcor, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation is the leading developer of run- off-river hydropower plants in the Philippines for 37 years. It develops energy sources that are locally available, can be constantly replenished, and have little adverse effects to the environment. The Run-off River Scheme is a type...
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Green Economic Development: Driver for Competitiveness and Innovation of the Industry and Services in the PhilippinesThe Green Growth Program of DTI Climate Smart Industries and Services is one of the desired outcomes in the 2010 National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP). Climate change and green growth is one of the future-oriented themes in the 2011 – 2016 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Plan....
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Wind EnergyRenewable Energy (RE) has a net benefit to electricity consumers. As of the end of 2015, there are already 393 megawatt wind farms and 144 megawatt solar power plants operating in the country. Based on the Energy Regulatory Commission’s approved Feed- in Tariff (FIT), rates for solar (P9.68/kWh) and...
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Community-based Renewable Energy Systems (CBRES) ModelCommunity-based Renewable Energy Systems (CBRES) is a model for renewable energy development that has been promoted by SIBAT since 1995. It provides need- based energy, and in the rural context of the country, these are household and community lighting, community services, livelihood, and non-power needs. It can provide reliable,...
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Community-based approaches: Private-community partnershipREGINA PAZ L. LOPEZ is the chairperson of one of the Philippines’ biggest non- government organizations, the ABS- CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. She initiated Bantay Bata163, the country’s first media-based hotline, which in 1997 became the United Nations Grand Awardee for Excellence besting 187countries. She spearheaded Bantay Kalikasan,...
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Private Agri Tourism: Malabing Valley Casibu, Nueva ViscayaJOSEPHINE NAMUJHE is the founder of the Malabing Valley Sustainable Integrated Forest Farmer's Association (MVSIFFA). The Malabing Valley Multipurpose Cooperative has ventured into non-traditional capacity building activities as a means to organize farmers in the valley, and as a way to protect its natural resources. The cooperative has joined...
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Writ of KalikasanMagandang hapon po sa inyong lahat. Well first, let me say I am happy to see again my friend, Secretary Luistro. Pagkatapos kong makinig doon sa sinabi niya ako ay naniniwala na higit na mabuti kaysa tuwid na daan ang berdeng daan. For a start I will give the background...
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Carbon Neutral Industries thru BiomassBiomass as legally defined in Republic Act 9513 is a non-biodegradable organic material originating from naturally occurring or cultured plants, animals and microorganisms. Biomass is a cleaner source of energy compared to coal. It emits less pollution and Green House Gases (GHGs) thus helps mitigate climate change. There are drivers...
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SUSTAINABLE TOURISMThis session was moderated by DR. DONNA PAZ T. REYES, the Chair of the Graduate Program of the Department of Environment and the Executive Director of Environmental Studies Institute of Miriam College. A graduate of Ph.D from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia, she is an authority in...
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Recycled Products: HMRCECILIA BANICOD, is the pollution control officer at the HMR Envirocycle Phils. Their environmental commitment recognizes that nature's resources are finite. Thus, HMR Envirocycle Phils. Inc., the de-manufacturing branch of HMR group, is committed to undertake maximum recovery of useable commodities from end-of-Iife and by-products for reuse through the...
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Non-burn TechnologiesENGR. JULITO POGOY is the President of Pollution Abatement Systems Specialists, Inc. (PASS, Inc.). It is organized by a group of mechanical engineers and is engaged in the transport, storage and disposal of infectious wastes using autoclave treatment process. The founding of the company was a response to the...
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Prayer from the Youth (Sarah L. Z. Sarmiento, Bachelor of Laws 2014)Almighty and everlasting God, You made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures. Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of Your creation, we may come to know You more truly, and more surely fulfill our role...
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Prayer from the Adults (Rex San Diego, Head Teacher of Ismael Mathay Sr. High School)Compassionate and loving God, You created a beautiful world for us to share. Give us the desire to live simply, so that our lives show Your generosity. You made us responsible for the earth: guide us so that those who come after us may enjoy Your creation. Merciful God, hear...
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The LGU Eco Champion Project: A Closer Look at LGUs Compliance to Environmental Laws and Regulations and Unique Efforts to SustainabilitySr. Marvie Misolas, MM Project Leader The LGU Eco Champion is a national survey of LGU compliance to various Philippine environmental laws and regulations that aims to determine successes and gaps in its implementation. The project is a collaboration between EMB/DENR and Green Convergence. Project Concept Philippine environmental laws and regulations have...
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Prayer from the Business SectorDear Lord, Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Please bless this conference and all its participants. Guide us with Your goodness and mercy. Give us the resolve and commitment to protect Your creation. Grant us the courage to do Your will and enhance the environment. Make us instruments of Your will. Give us the...
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Prayer from the NGOsGod of Glory, God of Grace, we lament the destruction that our greed, consumerism, and endless pursuit of “more” have wrought upon Your beautiful creation. We repent for the misguided choices that we have made and the resulting fragility, devastation, and spoiling of Your earth, Your air, Your seas,...
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Prayer from the GovernmentAlmighty God & Father, we praise You and we thank You for the many blessings You have given us. With Your might, You created the earth and enriched it with Your providence. You have given us the earth to cultivate, so that we may gather its fruits to sustain...
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Twin Phoenix Project: Climate Smart PlanningMA. SUSAN RACHEL JOSE is the chief technical advisor for the Project Climate Twin Phoenix, a project that envisioned to be the first stage of a more comprehensive and long term capacity development program for cities and municipalities to manage risks from climate change and climate-related natural hazards. With...
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Localizing GHG Inventory: Implications to LGUsSANDEE G. RECABAR is a Senior Research Specialist of the Climate Change Office of the Philippine Climate Change Commission (CCC). She started working for the Commission in 2011 and serves as its lead technical focal person for climate change mitigation issues particularly GHG inventories, mitigation actions and MRV. She...
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System of Rice Intensification: Climate Tolerant Endemic CropJESUS LAS MARIAS is an advocate of System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a method of planting and growing rice that reduces costs, increases yields, and avoids the use of agrochemicals. It has been successfully tested in more than 40 countries, and in almost all regions of the Philippines. SRI-Pilipinas...
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Budget Tagging for CCA / DRRM ProjectsRONALDO U. TOLEDO is the Director of the Fiscal Planning Bureau (FPB) Department of Budget and Management (DBM). As the Director, he supervises the operations of the bureau in its conduct of fiscal policy research and planning, development of fiscal and budgeting frameworks, (including multi-year and annual budget ceilings...
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CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION & MITIGATION & DISASTER RISK REDUCATION & MANAGEMENT (CCA – DRRMThe breakout session on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Measures was led by ATTY. ANGELA CONSUELO IBAY, head of Climate Change and Energy Program, WWF and the Program Coordinator of the Klima Climate Change Center. DR. MARY JEAN CALEDA, Associate Dean for Research and Governance Practice, Ateneo School of Government...
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E vehicle: Filipino Investment ModelJOHN TAN LEE is the president of Applied Machining Corporation and Nito Seiki Manufacturing Corporation. He is also the Director of the Philippine Utility Vehicle Inc. and the current President of Aerospace Industries Association of the Philippines. He is a Board Member of the Electric Vehicle Association of the...
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Implementing Euro 4ENGR. JEAN ROSETE is the chief of the Air Quality Management Section under the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. EMB-AQMS is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of R.A 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. Its primary goal is to...
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Inclusive Mobility Conceptual FrameworkJULIA NEBRIJA recently graduated with a Master of Urban Design from the City College of New York, Bernanrd and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture. She earned her undergraduate degree in International Affairs with concentrations in International Development and Latin America, at the Elliott School of International Affairs at the...
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Clean Cooking StoveDR. MYLENE G. CAYETANO is a Balik (Returning) – Scientist Fellow of the Department of Science and Technology. She is currently minting her career as an assistant professor at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology in the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. She had her...
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Technical Innovations for Clean AirENGR. REYNALDO ESGUERRA, a licensed chemical engineer, has over 30 years of experience in environmental management that includes research; policy studies; design of waste treatment facilities; water quality monitoring; and environmental management system. At present, he is the Chief of Environment and Biotechnology Division of Industrial Technology Development Institute....
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Healthy AirThe session on Healthy Air was chaired by ATTY. GLYNDA BATERINA- BATHAN, the Deputy Executive Director of Clean Air Asia. The moderator was MS. ELENIDA BASUG, the current Chief of the Environmental Education and Information Division (EEID) at the Environment Management Bureau under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources...
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Eel IndustryJUAN RAÑA is the chairman of Integrated Growers and Traders (IGAT), a private sector-led voluntary, self-help and selfregulating association composed of Philippine Eel Industry stakeholders. It is organized to promote the interest of the Philippines in general and the eel industry in particular. The acronym “igat” is a Filipino word...
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Healthy WaterThe session on Healthy Water was chaired by ATTY. ANTONIO A. OPOSA, JR. He pioneered the practice of Environmental Law in the Philippines and is one of Asia’s leading voices in the international arena of Environmental Law. He was conferred with the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2009 for “his...
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Healthy Environment by David Suzuki, Ph. D.First of all, I would like to congratulate the organizers of the first of what I hope will be a continuing series of conferences bringing together all of the people that are concerned about the environment in this beautiful, that you call your country. I would like to congratulate...
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Zero Waste Water FacilityA lot of water currently is wasted because of inefficient harvesting and treatment. There are a number of zero wastewater initiatives like wastewater treatment system, decentralized wastewater treatment system, rainwater harvesting and detention pond that may help solve the problem. In a wastewater treatment system, water from a septic tank...
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Ram PumpRam pump is a pump that requires no electricity or fuel. It uses only the kinetic energy of flowing water to push water to an upland tank. The collected water is then piped down into faucets constructed in the community. The ram pump is effective, easy to install, low...
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National Greening Program Success StoriesThe worsening forest destruction in the country has brought disasters especially during typhoons. To help address the issue, President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order No. 23 declaring a moratorium on the harvesting of timber in forests nationwide and creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force. With strengthened forest monitoring,...
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Role of Communities in Local Conservation AreasEstablished in 1986, Kapunungan sa Gagmay ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC) is the municipal fisherfolk association of Barangay Concepcion, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. It is active in coastal protection and management. The association implements marine-based livelihood projects like fish culture in cages, shell culture, crabs and fish mangrove aqua silviculture...
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Role of Local Communities in Forest Management: Indigenous Community Conserved AreasIn the past years, international policy events have paid great attention to that “historical interface” and to the role of indigenous peoples and local communities in conservation. Communities have managed natural resources with ingenuity and care because on those resources depend their very survival, their security, and many cultural...
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Protocols and Role of Native SpeciesMost reforestation efforts in the Philippines focus on the development of forestry and agro-forestry system using tree species which are introduced because they are selected for their fast growth and easy germination. The species composition of the original forest that once covered the land prior to logging are rarely...
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State of the Philippine Environment - Hon. Ramon J.P. PajeGood morning! This is still the most important conference of the week because we are talking about our own future - Mother Earth. Conferences like this are important. This can be a venue for the DENR Secretary to account for what he has done or has not done. What government...
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Healthy LandEducating the Filipinos about the care of our forests and the environment should start with the youth. Considering environmental stewardship as a track in Grades 11 and 12 is a good start to open their eyes in caring for our environment. People in government should also be educated and...
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Mandamus on Manila BayIn January 1999, concerned residents of Manila Bay filed a complaint with the RTC of Imus, Cavite against several government agencies for the cleanup, rehabilitation and protection of Manila Bay. In December 2008, the Supreme Court issued a Mandamus Ruling that ordered the defendant government agencies to clean up,...
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Mangrove RehabilitationMangroves provide ecosystem services that are valued from $14,166 to $16,142 per hectare per year. These services include raw materials and food, coastal protection, erosion control, maintenance of fisheries and carbon sequestration. The present mangroves to ponds ratio is 1:1 lower than the ideal 4:1 ratio because of the...
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The ECHO-store ConceptEvery consumer needs to know the source of their food to make sure that the food they eat is safe and nutritious. Better yet is for us to produce our own food. Adherent to the principles of slow food movement, which is to promote the production and eating of...
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Safe Food ManufacturingI am not sure if you will agree with me that manufacturing might be a broad label for the food production realm or the industry of food production. The word manufacturing evokes factories and mass production every single time. It might not be that, because cottage industries also involve...
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Organic Agriculture Program of Negros OccidentalAccording to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, organic agriculture is an effective strategy for mitigating climate change by building robust soils that are better adapted to extreme weather conditions associated with climate change. The Organic Agriculture Program in Negros Occidental started with the Public- Private Initiative...
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Organic AgricultureOrganic agriculture promotes an ecologically sound, socially acceptable and economically viable and technically feasible production of food. This is through the reduction of external inputs by avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals, while enhancing productivity without destroying the soil and harming farmers, consumers and the...
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Urban GardeningPERFECTO “JOJO” ROM is an urban farmer. He graduated from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan in 2001 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Crop Science through a full scholarship provided by the Xavier Science Foundation from 1997 to 2001. He has visited other countries teaching...
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Organic AgricultureThank you for inviting me to participate in this event. I also convey the greetings of Archbishop Antonio Ledesma for the success of this undertaking and in the conduct of an objective social audit process of our concerns about the environment. When Nina invited me to chair this session, I...
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Keynote Address of His Excellency President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III - by Hon. Ramon P.J. PajeI am honored to speak on behalf of President Aquino. Allow me to share with you his message for this occasion: Two years ago at the UN Climate Change Summit in New York, world leaders from across the globe gathered to discuss one of the most pressing challenges of our...
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Prayer from the Indigenous Peoples: Liberty Talastas, Regional Coordinator of Indigenous Green of CordilleraLord, help us to maintain a reverend attitude towards nature, threatened from all sides today, in such a way that we may restore it completely to the condition of brother/sister and to its role...
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Muslim Prayer: Alim Hamdi Mulok Barodi, Sariah Law of Madrasal Al-HikmaPraise belongs to Allah who created the heavens and the earth and appointed darkness and light... Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. Light upon Light. Allah guides to His Light whoever He wills and Allah makes metaphors for mankind and Allah has knowledge of all things. It...
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Catholic Prayer : Fr. Pete Montallana, President of Save Sierra Madre NetworkSa ngalan ng Ama, ng Diyos at ng Espirito Santo. Mapagmahal na Ama, di namin masukat ang iyong pagmamahal sa buong sangnilikha. Magmula sa mga damo hanggang sa napaka-komplikadong katawan ng mga may buhay. Nakakamangha ang iyong mga ginawa. Salamat din sa Pilipinas na para bagang mga perlas na...
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1st Philippine Environment Summit February 9, 2016A press conference was held on the first day of the 1st Philippine Environment Summit (February 9, 2016) in one of the meeting rooms at SMX Convention Center, the summit venue. In the panel were: Dr. Angelina P. Galang, President of Green Convergence, which was the organizer of the...
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Mongo Industry in the PhilippinesVICE MAYOR ROBERTO C. AGCAOILI is the Vice Mayor and three-time mayor of San Mateo municipality of Isabela. Under his leadership, it has garnered awards in agricultural development, solid waste management and governance. The Galing Pook Award of 2007 for “Munggo: The Black Gold of San Mateo” is a...
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Province-wide Zero Waste Campaign“It is high time for human beings to take the right action towards saving the earth.” This was how Gov. Padilla ended her talk where she shared why and how they implemented a province-wide zero waste campaign. With the aims to maximally increase the capacity of all the 275...
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May Bigas Na! May Ulam Na! May Ganansya Na! Maka Kalikasan Pa! Enhancing Organic Rice and Duck Industry though Integrated Rice Duck Farming System (IRDFS)Integrated Rice-Duck Farming System (IRDFS) is a method of growing rice and ducks together in an irrigated field. It benefits organic rice production in several ways. The movement of the ducks in the rice field helps it to produce more grains. The duck manure can be used as fertilizer...
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Sustainable Integrated Organic & Natural Mini-Farm Program: An Initiative for Food Self-sufficiency, Poverty Alleviation and Environmental RenewalA 1,000 sqm mini-farm model is a food-self sufficient and self-generating income. Livelihood income can be generated from the animals and crops while the composting of crops and manures will be able to sustain the fertility of the soil. It can also stabilize microclimate through the windbreak. Also it...
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Update on Conference of Parties 21 in ParisDistinguished guests, good afternoon to everyone. Bon jour. It is a great pleasure to be with all of you today for this 1st Philippine Environment Summit. I thank you for this opportunity that is given to me to share with you some insights about the 21st Climate Conference, also called...
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Sustainable Agriculture for Food SecuritySomehow we neglected the fact that healthy environment is necessary for healthy people. We’ve externalized the environment as if it was something outside us. But food is what connects the earth and our bodies. When we destroy the earth, we are destroying our health. We are destroying our economies. I...
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Urban Gardening & Solid Waste ManagementThere 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,...
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Running an Organic RestaurantThe 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...
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Contact Growing: The Promise of CocoaThe 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...
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Benefits of Raw FoodRaw 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...
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Food as MedicineThe 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...
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Back to BasicsThe 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...
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RA 10611: Food Safety Act of 2013Food 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...
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Health and FoodThe 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...
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Organic MeatThere 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...
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Dugong or Sea Cow a Protected Marine Mammal of the PhilippinesThe dugong is the only entirely marine mammal to feed exclusively on plants, a trait that leads to its other common name of 'sea cow'. These large, rotund animals have short, paddle-like front flippers and a fluke-like tail, with a straight or concave edge, that is used for propulsion. The...