WWF National Ambassadors Marc Nelson, Rovilson Fernandez and Iza Calzado Lead 1st WWF Fundraising Hour

ACTION & EVENT-URE NEWS FEED: 

WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson, Rovilson Fernandez and Iza Calzado shared their passion for the environment with mallgoers and encouraged them to support WWF’s Individual Donor Programme (IDP) during the recent Ambassador's Fundraising Hour held in Greenbelt 1, Makati.

WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson, Iza Calzado and Rovilson Fernandez with Chi-Chi, the WWF Panda. (WWF)

Everyone can now directly contribute to the sustainability initiatives of WWF-Philippines by visiting    WWF booths in selected malls all over the country or by going to the WWF-Philippines website at wwf.org.ph/donate. Potential donors can choose to make a one-time donation or monthly donations, which can help sustain various WWF-Philippines biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation programs all over the country.

Bicol's Big Fish is Back!

ACTION & EVENT-URE NEWS FEED:

Late afternoon and we’re holed up in a hut along the coast of Tiwi in Albay, trading fish tales and waiting for fishermen to return. Sitting around us are their wives, mending nets and eyeing the swelling crowd of kids cajoling in the surf. This time of year, highly-prized bankulis or yellowfin tuna pass through Albay by the thousands.

Bankulis or yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) are the most highly-prized fish in Bicol's Lagonoy Gulf. A fisher shows off a 39-kilogramme fish. A decade ago, golden-finned bankulis were much larger. (Gregg Yan / WWF)

The first of the outrigger bancas arrive, unloading a decent haul of pundahan or skipjack – small, striped tuna which have proven surprisingly resilient to commercial fishing. Bancas two and three return empty-handed while a fourth disgorges a tub of galunggong or scad. Few yellowfin tuna are landed.

Pinoy fishers are back to the seas with stronger fiberglass bancas

“My father has always been a Pescador, our term for fishermen,” says Cocoy Garcia, a 38-year old fisher, as we strolled around his stilt village in Culion, Northern Palawan. “I was nine when he first took me out. We caught baskets of squid that first night, lured in by the glow of our petromax lamp.”

Two Bancas for the Philippines project beneficiaries haul up a netful of fish aboard a newly-made fiberglass boat in Busuanga, Northern Palawan. Through strong public and private sector support, the project has enabled fisherfolk to build 800 fibreglass boats across Palawan and the Visayas. 
Artisanal or small-scale fisheries employ 90% of the world’s capture fishers, providing 50% of global yields and 60% of wild-caught seafood. The Philippines has 1.3 million artisanal fishers, comprising 5% of its labour force. (Gregg Yan / WWF)

Together, Cocoy and his father fished for decades. The old Pescador taught his son the age-old skills of the sea – how to read the tide, mend nets, overhaul engines, repair boats, where to find the biggest fish.

WWF shares The Tuna Tale

“Tuna!” was all I needed to hear to wake up.

We’ve been wet and cold for 12 hours, looking for Yellowfin tuna. Around us, three other vessels are using their powerful strobe lights to turn night into day. Everyone furiously pumps circular hand-reels, hoping for a bite. The reels are occasionally exchanged for long-handled nets, used to pluck out fast-moving squid lured by the light. It’s a colourful carnival in the middle of the sea.

Splash! The first tuna is landed. It’s a handsome 36-kilogramme Yellowfin, dazed after being pulled up from the depths. Soon, we reel in another. Employing proper techniques, both fish are hauled aboard and gently placed in an ice-box to preserve meat quality. We head back before the sun rises. The night’s fishing is done.

Switch-off and then Kick-off the change! -- Join this year's Earth Hour!

FEATURISTIC:

Earth Hour in the Philippines is now on its 6th year.  And today, is the date set for this year's celebration of Earth Hour!

El Gamma Penumbra at Earth Hour last year

 

Earth Hour 2012

Earth Hour began as a single-city initiative in 2007. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on 31 March, 2.2 million people switched off their lights to celebrate Earth Hour in Sydney, Australia. The power saved during the 60-minute switch-off was equivalent to removing 48,613 cars off Sydney roads for an hour. In 2008, Earth Hour became a global movement, and the Philippines was the first Southeast Asian country to pledge full support. From 2009 to 2011, the Philippines, with the most number of cities and municipalities participating in the cause-oriented activity, has been a four-time Earth Hour champion.

Grab WWF Philippines 'FOR A LIVING PLANET Planner for 2013 / 2014

TADI ALERT:

There's no doubt people go crazy about the free planners from coffee shops (I was before!  hehe).  It's exciting and fun, and some have good cause too!  We just need to buy select coffee drinks and we'll get the stickers to collect for the free planner!  But I guess some are just not into coffee or the drink choices featured in the promo.  And some too are not inclined to joining the race.

I've become one of them so last year, what I got was the "National Geographic" journal because it's unique, it looks cool and it has amazing images of the wildlife! (I always want my things to have something that I will learn about.)  But I want it to be more engaging just like "Navi" or "This Journal Can Actually Change Someone's Life").  And since I'm closely working on projects with WWF, one of the suggestions that we brought up was to have a planner that will feature our environment and the organization's conservation efforts in the Philippines!  Now, there's no need for me to hunt for my next year's planner as WWF finally brought to life that idea! :)

And here is what I am actually looking for: the WWF Philippines' FOR A LIVING PLANET 2013 / 2014 Planner!

And when we get the 'FOR A LIVING PLANET' 2013/2014 Planner, we'll get to help WWF-Philippines' programs on climate change solutions, forest and marine conservation, endangered species protection, and business sustainability.

WWF's Panda Shop Now Open for A Merry Green Christmas!

TADI ALERT:

It's second of the "ber" months and I bet you've also noticed that we started hearing Christmas carols already and seeing Christmas decors everywhere!  And when early morning gives us a reason to stay in bed for minutes more or even an hour, it’s a sign that the cool breeze is near and the Christmas season will soon hit the city! And that gives us the signal to start preparing your holiday gift lists!

For the upcoming Christmas season, the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) invites you to have the environment in mind and spread the love for the planet by sporting and patronizing items from The Panda Shop, the conservation organization’s merchandising line.

Tweet Your Way to the WWF Reverse Run

ACTION & EVENT-URE NEWSFEED:

Can you help create awareness in helping the environment in 160 characters? Share with us your tips on how will you Reverse the Bad and get a chance to win free race kits in the upcoming Reverse Run on September 9, 2012 at McKinley Hill plus get a chance to meet and greet WWF Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez!

Here’s how:

WWF Reverse Run Now on September 9!

ACTION & EVENT-URE BULLETIN:

Take a step back then move forward for the environment by joining the WWF Reverse Run!

Originally slated for July 22 at the SM Mall of Asia, the run organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) was postponed due to Typhoon Ferdie.

WWF Philippines Announces Postponement of Reverse Run Due to Bad Weather

A&E BULLETIN:

WWF Philippines has announced that in the interest of everyone's safety, the WWF Reverse Run on July 22, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia is postponed due to bad weather.

The venue and most race routes are flooded as well.  Possible resumption of the event is in October 2012.  WWF will make announcements for updates about the run.

WWF would like to thank everyone for their support and understanding.

WWF Announces Reverse Run 50 for 50 Promo!

ACTION & EVENT-URE BULLETIN:

With just 5 days before WWF's Reverse Run and to herald 5 decades of successful conservation, WWF is giving away 50 race kits at a 50% discount!

Email wwfreverserun2012@gmail.com on or before July 20, Friday and avail of this special offer!

WWF, FEU and DENR Forge Alliance to Save the Mindoro Tamaraws

TADI ALERT:

They're not just an AUV. They're more than a collegiate basketball team. They’re short, shy and fierce. But they're our country's pride.   They are the tamaraws (Bubalus mindorensis) of Mindoro, another proof of the Philippines' rich wildlife and biodiversity.  But while we are proud and happy that these animals still roam the island of Mindoro, we need to do something now as time is fast running out.

Largest of the Philippines’ native land animals, the tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) is considered by the IUCN as a critically-endangered species.

Just over a century ago, an estimated 10,000 tamaraws grazed and bred throughout the island of Mindoro. But the population has taken severe blows – ranging from a crippling outbreak of Rinderpest in the 1930s to incessant land clearing and trophy hunting. Only about 300 of the wild dwarf buffalo remain – holding out atop the grassy slopes and forest patches of Mts. Iglit, Baco, Aruyan and Calavite in Mindoro.

Help Reverse the Bad in Our Planet, Join the WWF Reverse Run on July 22

ACTION & EVENT-URE:

Are you into running?  Have you done running in reverse?  Or have you not tried running at all and are you looking forward to that first and worthwhile run?

Then step back and move forward.

WWF Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez

This statement represents the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines’ (WWF-Philippines) vision to confront the present state of the environment by studying the mistakes of the past then focusing on building a greener future and keeping the Earth a living planet.  And we can help WWF Philippines realize that by joining the WWF Reverse Run on July 22 at the the SM Mall of Asia to launch the Reverse the Bad Student Program, a year-long membership program developed for high school and college students who want to amplify their commitment to protect the environment.

Treasure Find 28 -- Expedition to the World of Tubbataha

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

When I went to the picturesque Batanes, I thought nothing can equal that experience anymore.  But our Bayanihan Republic has a lot more to offer.  The Philippines is a paradise country and each corner of the archipelago offers something unique.  And that is why we also need to be extra careful and responsible about taking care of our environment as majority of our country's attractions are gifts of nature. 

I've been a wildlife enthusiast since I was a child.   And that fascination led me to becoming more concerned about the environment.  As most of the problems encountered by the wildlife is largely because of the loss of their homes.  That same interest also made me dream of being part of National Geographic or Discovery Channel or Animal Planet and capture nature's spectacular moments myself.  But destiny led me to a new direction.  And that new direction led me to having a more pro-active work for the environment, it led me to helping out WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) Philippines.

Photo by Sophia Dedace of WWF Philippines

WWF Philippines manages various conservation programs in the Philippines.  One of its most important project sites is the conservation of the Tubbataha Reef which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 8th best dive spot spot in the world according to CNN.

Bright Skies, Great Reefs -- Offset your carbon footprint through the Bright Skies for Every Juan Programme

WEB NEWS FEED:

Carbon Footprint.  Climate Change.  We often hear those terms but some people keep distance with the message they bring.  Perhaps they don't feel the impact yet or they just don't care.  But they are very real, relevant and their impact is already being felt.  Every time we use electricity and fossil fuel, we contribute to human's carbon footprint in the world, which causes Climate Change.  Like when every time we fly, our aircraft burns fuel and emit carbon into the atmosphere. The release of greenhouse gases contribute to climate change, which is now the most serious and pervasive threat to humanity and nature.

What if airline passengers have the chance to offset their carbon footprint whenever they fly?   Yup, the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) and Cebu Pacific Air, Inc. (CEB) run a programme called Bright Skies for Every Juan which give the opportunity for travelers to fly responsibly by donating to WWF's climate change adaptation programs when booking their trips online at www.cebupacificair.com. The CEB website generates a donation amount that corresponds to the distance of their flight and the estimated amount of carbon dioxide emitted.

The Philippines is Earth Hour's No. 1 for Four Consecutive Years!

ACTION & EVENT-URE BULLETIN:

Record-breaking 1671 RP Cities, Towns, Provinces and Municipalities Join Global Switch-off

MAKATI, CEBU, DAVAO, Philippines - “My challenge is not about this next hour, but about what we will be doing in the days, months and years to come,” said Philippine President Benigno Aquino III during the opening rites of last Saturday’s global Earth Hour switch-off. “The challenge is to reduce our wants so we can fulfil everyone's needs. I believe that so long as we are united under this goal, we will succeed.”

Earth Hour Switch-Off Ceremony in Makati City, Philippines.  (Photon courtesy of WWF -Philippines)

When the clock struck 8:30PM on Saturday night, 31 March, the Philippines was again engulfed in 60 minutes of darkness. A record-breaking 1671 Filipino towns, cities, provinces and municipalities - ten more than last year - joined the rest of the world in taking a stand against climate change. Organizers are elated by the immense outpouring of support from the government, private corporations and individuals. Earth Hour 2012 completed a record journey across over 6525 cities, towns, provinces and municipalities in 150 countries and territories - its highest participation levels ever.

Earth Hour 2012 To Reach The Outer Space!

ACTION & EVENT-URE BULLETIN:

Finally, Earth Hour breaches Earth! For the first time, the global 60-minute switch-off will extend to the International Space Station, where Earth Hour Astronaut-Ambassador Andre Kuipers shall stand vigil over our imperiled planet as the lights switch off on March 31, 2012, sharing photos and live commentary.

Official Earth Hour Shirts Now Available at WWF Philippines!

 WEB ALERT:

As the Earth Hour fever continues to heat on, WWF recently announced the release of the official Earth Hour statement shirts!

So if you are an Earth Hour advocate, aside from switching off your lights on March 31, 8:30 to 9:30 PM, you can also show your support by donning an Earth Hour statement shirt!  You may choose from the following statements: Come to the dark side (my favorite! hehe), I am not afraid of the dark and I like it when the lights are off.  Isn't it more cool to express your support to Earth Hour with these statement shirts?   :)

Join the Biggest Earth Hour Celebration this coming March 31!

FEATURISTIC:

I Will If You Will.  You may have noticed the presence of this phrase in the cyberspace for a quite a while.  At the start, you may have probably encountered fun dares like "I will go to the gym everyday if Carl quits his too many cheat days."  Social media influencers took part on it and everyone just kept on daring one another with fun and excitement.  But a week after after, I Will If You Will got serious, but not foregoing the interesting part as well.  The statement turned into something like "I will reduce my carbon footprint if Carl will stop watching dolphin shows."  From status messages, it became graphic designs, and then videos.  And with the captured interest, social media influencers and other netizens started to get involved, and this time with much conviction.  WWF Philippines after which revealed what the campaign is all about.  It's this year's biggest and grandest staging of one of the most important celebrations in the planet... the EARTH HOUR!