Haights Farm in Atok Aims to "Harvest Water" from Fog

Program: The Fog Catcher and Water Harvesting Program

Importance: CSR, Food Security and Climate Resilient Farming Communities

Interest: Technology Innovation, Philanthropy, Environment and Social Impact, Sustainable Farming, Carbon Offsetting Relevance: People Culture Value Formation and Legacy type CSR

initiative.

Global Issues: Carbon Neutrality, Policy Seeking Agenda on Carbon Neutrality

Speakers: 1. Kevin Martin dela Cruz, Chief.                             Sustainability Officer

                   2. Edward Haight, Chief Advisor

                   3. Alexander Miguel Mercado,                                Project Head

Boilerplate: FarmConnect Philippines is a bootstrap stage Agtech Startup providing an AI driven platform for the Crop Agriculture Value Chain driving Sustainable Decarbonization Data.

Click to contact: Diego Jose Ramos 

Haights Farm, Paoay, Atok, Benguet—- stands at an elevation of 7,400 feet above sea

level. This farmland plateau, situated near the Halsema National Highway—known as

the most dangerous highway in the Philippines—is renowned as a modern highland farming technique hub. It serves as the epicenter of the "salad cradle" of the Philippinesand the birthplace of generations of farmers, direct descendants of Franklin Guy Haight,the Father of Philippine Highland Vegetables. Haights Farm, also known as Sakura Park,

The ongoing El Niño phenomenon has caused losses exceeding 1 billion Pesos in the

local crop agriculture industry. Meanwhile, the increase in vegetable imports from

ASEAN countries, including China, threatens the future of Filipino farmers.

Edward Haight, President of E. Haights Farm and Chief Advisor to an Agtech Startup,

expressed concern about the declining prospects for local farmers and farmworkers. He emphasized the urgent need for policies and laws that prioritize the welfare of local

farmers over traders, noting that government assistance remains elusive due to the

complex access process for small farmers.

In response to these challenges, Farmers, Sustainability and Impact Entrepreneurs have

come together to devise immediate solutions to social and environmental issues at the

grassroots level. Miguel Mercado, the Project Lead of an Agtech Startup, is spearheading a campaign to involve private sector companies in strategic partnerships for the Fog Catcher and Water Harvesting Project. 

This initiative stands out for its unique approach in engineering innovation with “LEGO-like” building process of Fog Catcher and user-centric construction feature within a five-hour team activity, while providing verifiable decarbonization data for carbon neutrality projects. This benefits the private sector by enhancing CSR initiatives, supporting ESG reporting, and fostering sustainable farming communities. According to Mercado, this is the first project of its kind in the Philippines, offering more than just hope for the Philippine Crop Agriculture Industry.

The project also serves as a community engagement platform, bringing together

business leaders and executives from various industries to support grassroots

solutions to pressing issues.

For more information on how to get involved in this project, just drop a quick message

at www.farmconnect.ph

___________________

Kevin Martin dela Cruz, Chief Sustainability Officer

“The agriculture value chain needs to be continuously monitored, improved and

supported given its vital importance to any citizen. Food security, livelihood

development, and environment preservation can all happen if skills and resources will

be invested in sustaining this from the ground up.

Attaining sustainability is not just measured through specific environment-related

metrics, but also through the changes in the behaviors and processes in response to

day-to-day challenges in the community. Given this, sustainability requires the close

involvement and ownership of the people and related agencies to make it happen

through knowledge exchange and strategic cooperation 

EL NIÑO ADVISORY No. 9 / LA NIÑA WATCH

 

PAGASA has been continuously monitoring the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the tropical Pacific. The El Niño Advisory No. 9 was issued stating that El Nino started to weaken and may return to ENSO-neutral conditions during the April-May-June (AMJ) 2024 season.  However, model forecasts suggest an increasing probability of La Niña to develop in the June-July-August (JJA) 2024 season.  With this development, the PAGASA ENSO Alert and Warning System is now raised to La Niña Watch.

La Niña (cool phase of ENSO) is characterized by unusually cooler than average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific (CEEP).  When conditions are favorable for the development of La Niña within the next six months and the probability is 55% or more, a La Niña Watch is issued.

Pre-developing La Niña historically, is characterized with below normal rainfall, therefore, the possibility of a slight delay on the onset of rainy season is likely with the combined effects of the ongoing El Niño.

PAGASA will continue to closely monitor the ongoing El Niño, its effect on the local climate, and the possibility of La Niña. All concerned agencies and the public are encouraged to keep on monitoring and take precautionary measures against their potential impacts.

For more information, please call the Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section (CLIMPS), Climatology and Agrometeorology Division (CAD) at telephone number (02) 8284-0800 local 4920 and 4921 or through email: pagasa.climps@gmail.com.

JCI Philippines launches "The One Pearl of Pasay 2024

MAKATI CITY -- In relation to the Women’s Month Celebration and Pinay Power of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines launched on Saturday (Feb. 17) the project called “The One Pearl of Pasay (TOPP) 2024” at the Manila Club-Elks Club in Corinthian Plaza Building, Paseo De Roxas, Makati City.

In a press conference and official launching of TOPP 2024, Maya Gamboa-Arcega, 2023 LO President of JCI Perlas Pasay, Harapin said that JCI is a worldwide organization with 7,000 members and more than 200 Chapters in the Philippines and not only banking on leadership, but rather, development projects and programs anchored on the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations such as gender equality, among others.

It is originally composed of women leaders  and subsequently evolved its composition. 

Arcega stressed that this year, they have established a stronger partnership with the Pasay City local government in youth development and social development programs.

Pasay City Mayor Imelda "Emi" Calixto-Rubiano has been very supportive of JCI Perlas Pasay.

In her message, via phone patch , Mayor Calixto-Rubiano cited the no. 5 Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations that is gender equality and women empowerment.

The Pasay City Chief Executive expressed her full support to the JCI, especially in the "TOPP 2024".

"We have our own set of protocols, but we don't impose," Arcega said.

Nanelyn Bontoyan-Santos, 2024 LO President of JCI Perlas Pasay, said that one of their priority projects is the Community Livelihod Acceleration Program (CLAP), which involves those who are living in the city cemetery and they are capacitated for their own respective livelihood.

CLAP originated from LINGAP Project, which was managed by Santos, that capacitated the children for their proper education and upbringing.

Santos added that the TOPP is a way to search for even a laundrywoman can be recognized.

"The TOPP is a new endeavour of JCI Perlas Pasay which is geared towards recognizing and giving importance to ordinary women of Pasay City in uplifting the quality of life of their families and communities through their vigor, creativity, innovation, and determination," Santos said.

The Social Development Department of the Pasay City Government has committed to send nomination letters to the 201 barangays of the city, whose nominees will screen the qualifications of the nominees. 

According to JCI Philippines, "mga babaeng nasa laylayan ngunit mayroong malaking ambag sa lipunang ating ginagalawan" (women who are in the garment's lower end but have a big contribution in the society we belong) who despite of their predicament, have asserted themselves as strong women and have positively contributed to the betterment of their own family or community.

"We want their stories to be told in order to inspire others to emulate the extraordinary qualities of the awardees to improve their lives and that of their families and friends," the JCI Philippines said.

Santos herself is a product of the woman in the laylayan. They are 10 children in the family, whose mother was a laundry woman who raised them up and made them what they are now.

The JCI is a 75-year-old organization and is now composed of All Female members, All Male members, Co-Ed, and with Chapter branding. It is a non-profit and non-political organization. 

Quaified in the TOPP 2024 Search are female by birth and until now, 25 to 60 years old, single or married for as long as they hurdle the criteria.

Pinay Power is the mother project of JCI with more than 200 local chapters who have their own respective projects.

The event helps create awareness and promote the TOPP.

Submission of nomination starts on Feb. 17, 2024 and will end on March 10,2024.

Screening will be from March 10 to 17, 2024.

Judging will be from March 18 to 22, 2024. 

The awarding ceremonies will be held during a press conference and testimonial dinner on March 31, 2024.

The TOPP winner will be awarded with Php 15,000 Pangkabuhayan package, who will be monitored in one year after the award has been bestowed.

Atty. Patrick Maglinao, JCI Philippines-Metro Area Vice President, said that they are supporting the project of TOPP, adding that, hopefully the JCI Pasay would be coming up with more projects and programs in the future.

JCI Metro Area has 47 chapters. 

Also involved in the event were Arces Escovidal, 2024 LO President of JCI Perlas Pasay, Michael Angelo Pizarro, JCI Philippines Metro South Regional Vice President, the JCI Fort Bonifacio Taguig City, Michael Uy, of JCI Manila, JCI Navotas Pescadores, JCI Las Pinas and JCI Quezon City Capitol. By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

MIAS 2024: Bridging the Future of the Automotive Industry

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the Philippines’ largest annual motoring event, returns for another thrilling edition on April 4-7, 2024 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and SMX Convention Center Manila. This 2024, MIAS celebrates its 19th year as it continues to widen its reach in the automotive industry, embodying this year’s theme — Bridging the Future.

With the overwhelming support from the automotive industry and fans across the country, MIAS 2023 attracted more than 149,000 visitors and featured more than 200 car displays. The 2024 MIAS is co-presented by BPI Auto Loans and Shell, and supported by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and Petron.  Participating passenger car and commercial vehicle brands include BAIC, Changan, Chery, Chevrolet, DAF, Dongfeng, Foton, GAC, GWM, Hongqi, Hyundai, Hycan, JAC, Jetour, JMC, Lynk & Co, Kinglong, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Omoda & Jaecoo, Peugeot, Seres, Subaru, Suzuki, and Weichai.

TWO VENUES FOR THE FIRST TIME!

MIAS 2024 will feature a combined exhibition floor space of 41,000 square meters at TWO world-class venues simultaneously - World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTC) and SMX Convention Center Manila (SMX) throughout the four-day exposition. A single ticket enables access to both MIAS venues.

FREE shuttle service will be provided throughout the day at designated pickup and drop-off points. This makes parking and visiting both WTC and SMX on the same day easy and convenient for the price of just one Php150 ticket. With dual venues, this year’s MIAS promises to offer better insights into the latest automobile technologies. Car buyers can make well-informed vehicle choices by experiencing the latest models the automotive market has to offer.

MIAS 2024 is a world-class auto event with car launches to take place during the MOBILITY MARATHON. The country's top car brands will debut their latest vehicles along with show-stopping performances. Visitors get to check out the country's finest show cars at the MIAS-Petron Custom Classic Car Competition. Participants vie for “Best of Show” by displaying their well-restored and highly-customized vehicles, and share some useful tips on how to set up your own dream show car. MIAS will be the best marketplace to check out and test drive your dream car at the TEST DRIVE ZONE. From big trucks, off-road and camping rigs, to reliable commercial vans, MIAS 2024 will take you on an exhilarating adventure of off-road and outdoor driving at the TRUCK ZONE. See the breathtaking driving of British precision driver, Russ Swift, holder of three Guinness World Records — parallel parking in the tightest space, J-turn in the tightest space, and the fastest donuts—as he drives the latest Subarus at the RUSS SWIFT STUNT SHOW.

PAGASA Officially Declares Start of Summer Season

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PAGASA) recently held a press conference on the status of the ongoing El Niño and La Niña watch, the official termination of the Amihan season, and the launching of the "Updated climate projection in the Philippines" last 22 March 2024.

The press conference was also held in line with the agency’s celebration of the 159^th National and 74^th World Metrological Day being commemorated annually, every 23^rd of March.

“Today, we officially declare the start of the Philippines summer based on analysis of the latest forecast,” said DOST-PAGASA Administrator, Dr. Nathaniel Servando.

“We expect the number of warm and dryer days will increase in the coming weeks and in the coming months. And with the effects of El Niño, which is expected to continue, we expect above temperatures and even drier conditions during the month of April and May in particular,” he added.

Servando also advised the public and all concerned government agencies to continue their precautionary measures to minimize the potential health impacts of hot weather such as staying hydrated, avoiding the prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and optimizing the daily use of water for personal consumption.

Furthermore, DOST-PAGASA Climatology and Agrometeorology Division Chief Ana Liza Solis told that this warm and dry seasons between April and June could be one of the warmest, which could reach up to 40.7 Degree Celsius, particularly in Northern Luzon, including the Cagayan Valley area.  Solis also said that many places have pronounced ‘state-of-calamity’ due to less rainfall experience due to the ongoing effects of El Niño.

Furthermore, DOST-PAGASA Weather Division Chief Juanito Galang added that the warm season could last until the month of May and gradually shift to southwesterly. By Abigael S. Omana, DOST-STII

DOST official shares PH efforts on gender digital gap and AI education for women at international conferences

In an interactive dialogue for the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York City on 22 March 2024, DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) Director Franz de Leon emphasized the reaffirming commitment of the country to leveraging technology to promote gender equality during the interactive dialogue on the emerging issue of Artificial Intelligence to advance gender equality.

"While there are significant challenges to overcome, AI presents numerous opportunities for advancing gender equality when developed and deployed thoughtfully, ethically, and inclusively. It requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, technologists, researchers, and civil society organizations, to harness the full potential of AI for promoting gender equality,” said Dir. de Leon. 

In his presentation, Dir. De Leon highlights how the Philippines, through its various government agencies, train women in AI, data science, analytics, and related fields through online learning, as well as the government initiatives to refine the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap with the aim of mainstreaming gender in PH AI policies.

To protect women and girls from the potential harms of AI, the Philippines has implemented various gender-related laws, such as the Magna Carta of Women, Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act, Safe Spaces Act, Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act, and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, among others.

Meanwhile, in his message, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Antonio M. Lagdameo reminded everyone of the shared responsibility to eradicate women’s and girls’ poverty and address all the barriers that are standing in the way.

"We are meeting today at a critical time for the lives and livelihoods of women and girls. The challenges to fulfill their rights and needs are unprecedented in scale and complexity. Foremost among these is their fundamental right to a life of safety, dignity, and prosperity,” the Ambassador said.

The CSW68 interactive dialogue provides an opportunity to delve deeper into Artificial Intelligence and how it can be harnessed to fulfill the human rights of women and girls.

With the theme “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective,” the Commission serves as the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. (Information from DOST-ASTI and Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York’s Official Facebook Pages) By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII

UN Meeting on Migratory Species Conservation Opens in Uzbekistan

14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Opens under the slogan, "Nature Knows No Borders.”

Samarkand, 12 February 2024 – The 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) opened today in the historic Silk Road city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This pivotal UN wildlife meeting brings together CMS Parties and other governments, UN organizations engaged in biodiversity conservation, scientific experts, wildlife conservation organizations and many other stakeholders from around the globe. The meeting will consider progress in implementing the Convention, as well as actions for addressing the many conservation needs and challenges for migratory species and their habitats. During the week-long negotiations, CMS COP14 is expected to consider an extensive agenda covering more than a hundred items, including:

• Amendments to CMS Appendices to include fourteen additional species in need of international conservation, including the Eurasian lynx, the Bull ray, the Pallas’s cat, and the Magellanic plover.
• Proposals for new Concerted Actions as priority conservation measures for seven species.
• Measures to address the illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory species.
• Actions to advance ecological connectivity.
• New global guidelines addressing the impacts of light pollution on migratory species, and best practices on linear infrastructure.
• New Strategic Plan for Migratory Species for the period 2024-2032.
• Numerous species-specific and Range States-wide initiatives such as the Central Asian Flyway and Transboundary Jaguar Initiatives.

The first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report will also be launched on the opening day of COP14, helping to provide a scientific foundation for the discussions at the meeting.

This UN wildlife conservation conference is one of the most significant global biodiversity gatherings since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). CMS has a major role to play in achieving the implementation of the GBF. 

Amy Fraenkel, CMS Executive Secretary, said:

“We are at a critical juncture for the future of migratory species as we open COP14 in Samarkand. This meeting, taking place for the first time in Central Asia along the historic Silk Road, emphasizes the importance of transboundary cooperation by bringing together governments and a global community committed to migratory species conservation. Our agenda is ambitious, reflecting the urgent need for action highlighted by the 'State of the World’s Migratory Species' report. As we face challenges of habitat loss and species decline, COP14 provides a critical opportunity to advance conservation efforts and directly contribute to the achievement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework."

Billions of animals make migratory journeys each year on land, in the oceans and rivers, and in the skies, crossing national boundaries and continents, with some traveling thousands of miles across the globe to feed and breed. They are an integral part of well-functioning ecosystems and provide many benefits to people, including as a source of food, economic benefits such as from tourism, and services and functions such as pollinating plants, transporting key nutrients, preying on pests, and helping to store carbon.

H.E. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Host of CMS COP14 said:

“Uzbekistan is paying a special attention to regional cooperation and connectivity. There are ongoing multiple discussions with our neighbours, countries in the Central Asian region and beyond to devise effective policies on connectivity. Ecological connectivity is essential for migratory species, which rely on a specific network of important habitats throughout their lifecycles. It has also been recognised as playing a major role in addressing effective land restoration, climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Taking this opportunity, we would like to urge global community to actively engage with the Central Asian region. Uzbekistan is committed to further fostering of environmental diplomacy and an approach of living in harmony with nature in the same way as our ancestors did for generations before us."

But migratory species are facing increasing threats. The landmark CMS report “State of the World’s Migratory Species,” to be released later today, reveals a shocking decline with many of the world’s migratory species of animals declining and the risk of global extinction increasing. Featuring analysis of over 4,000 species, including 1,189 that have been recognized by CMS Parties as needing international action, the report issues a clear wake-up call and provides a set of priority recommendations for action to the COP.

The conference opens under the slogan, "Nature Knows No Borders," which is a reminder that the journeys of migratory species do not adhere to political boundaries, and that their survival is dependent on international collaboration, including transboundary, regional and global conservation efforts.

This CMS meeting is the first COP of any global environmental treaty to take place in Central Asia, a region that is home to many migratory species including the Saiga Antelope, the Snow Leopard, and many species of migratory birds.

Along with the launch of the State of the World’s Migratory Species report, the COP will consider other scientific reports, including new CMS reports on Climate Change and Migratory Species, Wildlife Disease and Health, and Insect Decline.

Delegates are also expected to discuss new and strengthened mandates on addressing the illegal and unsustainable taking of species, programs on Flyways, Cetaceans, and priority actions on the impacts of climate change on migratory species.

The COP’s opening was preceded by a High-level Segment (HLS), convened on 11 February, under the theme “Working together for migratory species and sustainable development in Central Asia.” Sessions 1 and 2 of the meeting featured special dialogues among Ministers, Executives of International Organizations, and other high-level representatives with a focus on strengthening transboundary cooperation for the conservation of migratory species in Central Asia. The last session invited ministers and other high-level officials to share their experiences related to international or transboundary cooperation on migratory species conservation.

The slogan of COP14 reflects the core of the CMS mandate and builds on the historic resolution of the UN General Assembly in 2021: "Nature knows no borders: transboundary cooperation – a key factor for biodiversity conservation, restoration, and sustainable use" (A/75/L.73). The proposal, led by countries from Central Asia, urged all UN Member States to increase international and transboundary cooperation to maintain and enhance the ecological connectivity of transboundary habitats, cross-border protected areas, and ecosystems that are either vulnerable or form part of the migratory range of specific species.

The logo of the conference features a snow leopard, which is a keystone species in Uzbekistan, with a range that extends across 12 countries. While the big cat is a sacred symbol of power and benevolence, its conservation status is of great concern, with only 2,700 to 3,300 individuals thought to exist in the wild (Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species).

Despite the grim outlook of species decline and increasing pressures on their habitats from human activities, there are also many cases of hopeful recoveries thanks to coordinated conservation efforts under CMS. A notable example from Central Asia is the highly successful integrated conservation and restoration efforts in Kazakhstan, which have brought the Saiga Antelope back from the brink of extinction.

The event schedule includes the Migratory Species Champion Night, set for the evening of 12 February, which promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating sustained commitments by CMS Parties towards the conservation of the planet’s migratory wildlife.

The negotiations of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) will be held during plenary and working group sessions throughout the week of 12-17 February, with final deliberations and the adoption of a set of new resolutions and decisions on Saturday, 17 February 2024.