Businesses commit to more sustainable paths forward post-pandemic

With the continuing battle against plastic pollution in the country, Philippine business leaders highlight their initiatives and show support for the Extended Producer Responsibility.  

Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR is an environmental policy approach introduced in the 1990s for accelerating the transition to sustainable waste management and a circular economy and more and more businesses worldwide are on board. 

EPR relies on two factors - improvement of product design and recyclability and improvement of waste management systems - and businesses here in the Philippines have stepped up to the challenge, taking sustainability seriously, by working on both upstream and downstream measures to address the plastic crisis. 

Coca-Cola Philippines is continuously moving forward with its “World Without Waste” campaign, a global effort of the Coca-Cola Company that aims to successfully recycle used bottles to new ones. In the Philippines, Coca-Cola’s one-billion-peso recycling facility is already nearing completion with a target to be open this year.

WWF Continues to Fight Against Plastic Pollution, Advocates for an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme in the Philippines

Snapshot from a recycling facility in Quezon City,
taken during a field visit last February 2020
Photograph © Czarina Constantino / WWF-Philippines

Plastic pollution has reached gigantic dimensions worldwide and has caused serious consequences to marine life and the wellbeing of society. In a recent study, it has been estimated that about 11 million tonnes enter the ocean every year. If no action is made, this can triple by 2040 which is equivalent to 50 kg of plastics for every coastline meter worldwide. 

The Philippines, based on a 2015 modelling study, has been considered as one of the 10 top countries contributing to plastic pollution, has been continuously challenged with increasing waste generation and the lack of a sound waste management system. This calls for a comprehensive approach among policy makers, corporations, cities, and consumers to ensure that no plastics reaches nature. 

Reef monitoring system vital for reef conservation and management

Sulu Sea, the richest reef region in the world, is home to 505 coral species and yet we know little about its reefs. With tourism booming exponentially in the Palawan islands, fishermen immigrating from nearby regions, and the seas warming, how are our corals coping? Which anthropogenic threats affect our reefs the most? Will corals in the Sulu Sea survive the warming waters? These questions seem basic yet no coral reef monitoring system is in place to help answer them. 

Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan with his team of research assistants from the De La Salle University Br. Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research Center (DLSU-SHORE) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines recently embarked on consecutive reef research trips to Tubbataha, Cagayancillo islands, Honda Bay, and Taytay, Palawan. This collaboration between DLSU-SHORE and WWF-Philippines, under a grant from WWF-Singapore, is called Designing of Monitoring and Evaluation System for Coral Reef Resilience and Fisheries Sustainability in Northeast Palawan through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or Network of MPAs. 

Ayoko Ng Plastic!" Is Earth Hour Philippines' Battle Cry this 2019

On the second year of the global #Connect2Earth theme of Earth Hour that calls for the urgent need to care for the Earth’s biological diversity, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines continues to focus on the issue of single-use plastics and how addressing it can help reverse the loss of nature.

Now on its 12th year, Earth Hour is considered as the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment. What started out as a campaign to engage people and create significant environmental action against climate change has evolved into a platform that aims to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity as a viable resource link that families, communities, nations, and future generations all depend upon. 

Let's Make #AyokoNgPlastik Literally and Figuratively Happen.

We can all agree that we hate (single-use) plastics that has already made a huge damage in the world. But solving this is not easy, but doable. We just need to lend our hands to make this idea a reality. WWF Philippines the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, together with Ayala Malls and other partner corporations, recently launched the #AyokoNgPlastik movement at Glorietta 2 Activity Center.

With eight million tons of plastic ending up in oceans every year, the Philippines ranks as the world’s third plastic polluter of oceans. The #AyokoNgPlastik movement hopes to address these alarming facts by bringing together companies, individuals, and other sectors to minimize and eventually put a stop to single-use plastics such as straws, bags, bottles, and cups. Refusing these is a simple yet strong first step that individuals can take to commit to a sustainable lifestyle, especially since the harm that these materials cause directly affect humans.

Hamilo Coast & WWF: Nurturing a Sustainable Partnership

Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast’s maiden development,
is home to residential condominium developments
and a variety of leisure amenities at the
Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club.

The Philippines ranks third in plastic pollution in terms of dumping plastic into our oceans. This is largely caused by inefficient waste disposal in the country and poor awareness of the problem. Because of this, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, has been closely involved in coastal cleanups and other initiatives around the country to instill the importance of tackling this issue. 

On its 11th landmark year, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines’ partnership now stands firmly on environmental programs aimed at not just ending plastic pollution but also at preserving its surrounding nature. Hamilo Coast, with the help of WWF-Philippines, has gone way beyond annual coastal cleanups and has carefully planted sustainability within its day to day operations. 

Pasig City Named Philippine Winner of WWF’s One Planet City Challenge 2018

Leading experts within the field of urban sustainability around the world have proclaimed Pasig City as the Philippine National Capital of the 2017-2017 edition of World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) One Planet City Challenge (OPCC), a biennial global challenge that recognizes cities for developing infrastructure, housing, transport and mobility solutions to power the global transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. This edition saw 133 cities representing 23 countries accepting the Challenge. 

WWF-Philippines Opens Exhibit with Visual Art Ambassadors

Five top visual artists join World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines as art ambassadors to support its biodiversity conservation efforts. For their very first project, BenCab, Elmer Borlongan, Geraldine Javier, Mark O. Justiniani, and José Santos III created limited-edition sculptures, inspired by the organization’s iconic panda logo. Done in collaboration with Tin-aw Art Management Inc. and Secret Fresh, the show is the initial project of “Art, Heart, Earth,” a WWF-Philippines campaign to work with the cultural sector.

WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma says, “The Philippines is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries in the world, home to more than half of the world’s species. We are very excited to have five of the nation’s top artists join our battle to conserve nature in the face of climate change. We hope that through art, we continue to raise awareness on the urgent need to step up environmental action to protect earth’s biodiversity.”

WWF-Philippines: Earth Hour 2018 to push for intensified environmental actions

Supporting global calls to protect earth’s biodiversity, thousands trooped to the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ front lawn in Pasay City to take part in the official Earth Hour switch-off event led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

WWF-Philippines’ CEO and President Joel M. Palma said, “The Philippines will continue to play an important role in sending a message to the rest of the world that we can tread the path to sustainable development and help protect our people and planet’s health and wellbeing. Thriving biodiversity serves as our lifeline, as it holds us all together.”

Earth Hour 2018 tackles biodiversity in a changing climate

Countdown is set for March 24 as World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines urges Filipinos to join the much-anticipated Earth Hour 2018 with the theme #Connect2Earth, which calls on the urgent need to care for our planet’s biodiversity. 

This year, Earth Hour’s Manila staging will come home to the iconic Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, the venue of the Philippines’ first Earth Hour switch-off event 10 years ago. Annually, Earth Hour attracts millions of people around the world to converge around major world landmarks, cities, and communities to hold switch-off events for 60 minutes – starting at 8:30pm, as a sign of commitment to address the plight of our planet and our people.  

Coastal Warriors of Hamilo Coast

Being close to nature’s wonders is a luxury in itself. With the breadth of its natural charms, Hamilo Coast ensures preservation of its natural bounty together with its long-standing partner – WWF Philippines (WWF), a close ally in environmental stewardship. 

Together, Hamilo Coast and WWF have implemented several programs to guarantee the upkeep of the pristine, coastal surroundings. A focal point is Reef to Ridge Management, a program that centers on both the land and seas, acknowledging that everything that happens on the ridge, has a direct effect on the reef. A significant feat through this program was the declaration of Hamilo Coast’s three coves – Pico de Loro, Santelmo, and Etayo coves as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The monitoring and conservation of these coves is especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and resources. As a result of this effort, Hamilo Coast’s MPAs have been a go-to destination for snorkeling, fish feeding, and even quick dives in the area; not to mention the significant increase in fish catch in its other coves that of course were affected by the healthy ecosystem of the MPAs.  

Wine, Dine and Save the Planet at WWF’s Sustainable Food Sustainable Future Dinner

THE changing climate and the uncontrolled and wasteful consumption have resulted to concerns on how to continue feeding the planet today and in the future.

This is why WWF-Philippines, with the mission of Transforming Lives, is calling all food connoisseurs and environmental advocates to support Sustainable Food Sustainable Future, a benefit dinner created to educate Filipinos on the importance of sustainable consumption and supporting our local farmers and fishermen by eating local.

Proceeds of the Sustainable food, Sustainable Future dinner will go to WWF-Philippines’ campaigns and efforts to secure food sources of the future, aid the livelihood of local farmers and fishermen, and promote eco-friendly means of food production and consumption.

Samsung supports Earth Hour through its "Turn Off Your Light" Campaign

 On March 25, Samsung invites everyone to switch off their lights for one hour and demonstrate their commitment to fighting climate change to support World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the WWF campaign and is set to happen this Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening.

Samsung expresses their support in this advocacy with the “Turn Off Your Light” campaign launched last March 21. The campaign was organized to precede Earth Hour as Samsung elected to kick off its campaign on a weekday evening – reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions – and encouraging its employees to raise the issue of climate change and electricity inequality at home with their families.

Samsung Philippines along with over 51 global sales branches participated in this campaign. It began at a sales branch in New Zealand, which was followed by branches in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Central and South America, and North America respectively. The amount of electric charge saved at these branches were delivered, along with social welfare donations, to the residents of Tiom, a rural village in Indonesia’s Papua province, that are suffering from electricity shortages.

WWF-Philippines Ambassador Luis Manzano becomes fundraiser for a day

Last March 16, WWF-Philippines Marine Conservation Steward Luis Manzano was the newest WWF Ambassador who became a fundraiser for a day. Held in Glorietta 4, Makati, this project aimed to spread awareness on pressing environmental issues and introduce the Individual Donor Programme (IDP) to the public.

Everyone can now directly contribute in the ecological-sustainability initiatives of the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines thru participating in the Individual Donor Programme which encourages people to funnel their finances in vital and urgent causes such as conservation.

WWF-Philippines appoints Iza Calzado as its Female National Ambassador

Environmental solutions-provider World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) announced the appointment of its latest National Ambassador – multi-awarded actress and TV personality Iza Calzado.

Calzado joins the growing family of celebrities who are helping spread WWF’s solutions on climate change, conservation, resource protection and environmental education.

WWF-Philippines President Joel Palma believes she is a natural choice. “Iza embodies the empowered Filipina who leads an active, healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Plus, she’s actively involved in raising environmental awareness.”

The actress is excited to become part of the organization and hopes to share WWF solutions – plus her own unique lessons – to raise public awareness on ecological issues. “It’s time for us to give extra attention to environmental solutions and how we can turn the tide if we work together, today,” said Calzado.

Start the Year Right with Green Tips from WWF

Bikes are green rides. (Gregg Yan)

According to the Philippine solid waste management group, humanity generates over 10,000 million tons of solid waste each year – and only 12% of this is reused and recycled. Though a season of joy, the holidays also contribute to the planetary problem of solid waste.

Start the year right with these green New Year resolutions! Follow these simple tips shared by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) to give Planet Earth the gift of healing.

Lights of Hope: WWF-Philippines Deploys Solar Lamps in Beton, Palawan

About 15 million Filipinos have no access to electricity. Living in far-flung villages which are not directly connected to power grids, they instead rely on highly-flammable kerosene to light up their homes. This lack of access to a safe, stable, and sustainable energy source hinders opportunities for social and economic advancement.

Located in the municipality of Taytay in northern Palawan, the remote island-community of Beton is home to an estimated 300 families who rely on subsistence fishing and seaweed farming for food and livelihood. The majority of them make do with living in darkness after sundown.

Lights of Hope: WWF-Philippines Deploys Solar Lamps in Beton, Palawan

About 15 million Filipinos have no access to electricity. Living in far-flung villages which are not directly connected to power grids, they instead rely on highly-flammable kerosene to light up their homes. This lack of access to a safe, stable, and sustainable energy source hinders opportunities for social and economic advancement.

Located in the municipality of Taytay in northern Palawan, the remote island-community of Beton is home to an estimated 300 families who rely on subsistence fishing and seaweed farming for food and livelihood. The majority of them make do with living in darkness after sundown.

Earth Hour Philippines to Give the Gift of Light Organizers ask for help in deploying solar lamps

Polar lamps to light up off-grid island communities will help children study better at night, says Earth Hour organizers in the Philippines. 

Around 15 million Filipinos lack regular access to electricity, relying instead on flammable and expensive kerosene lamps to illuminate their homes. “I must earn an additional PHP150 (USD3.5) each month to buy half-a-gallon of kerosene,” says Joys Dominguez, a 35-year old fisherman from the island community of Beton in Northern Palawan. “I have four small kids. If they tip over just one of the lamps, our wooden hut can burn down. I need safe lights for my family.”

DENR, FEU and WWF Launch Tamaraw Month with Campaign to Double Tamaraw Numbers by 2020

Ten thousand tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) once grazed and bred throughout the island of Mindoro. Sadly, the population has taken severe blows – from a crippling outbreak of cattle-killing Rinderpest in the 1930s to incessant land clearing and poaching. It is thought that only a few hundred hold out atop the grassy slopes and forest patches of Mts. Iglit, Baco, Aruyan, Bongabong, Calavite and Halcon in Mindoro. 

Differentiated from the larger and more docile carabao (Bubalus bubalis carabanesis), the stocky tamaraw bears distinctive V-shaped horns, a shorter tail and a shaggy coat of chocolate to ebony fur. Adults stand four feet tall and average 300 kilograms.