In Raja Ampat's Solol Village, youth are transforming coconuts from raw goods into value-added products like Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). Supported by Bentara Papua, the initiative boosts local incomes, utilizes waste, and protects natural heritage.
Tag: Indonesia
Building a Sustainable Local Cacao Business: Lessons from a Women-Led Village Enterprise
Chocolate fever is sweeping the globe. From the rise of premium chocolate trends in Europe to the viral "Dubai chocolate" phenomenon on social media, cacao has once again ascended as a high-value commodity. Yet cacao is far from a new crop in the Philippines. Introduced during the Spanish colonial period, it has long been woven into Filipino culture through traditional products such as tablea and tsokolate de batirol. Today, chocolate is no longer just a confectionery staple, it is a premium product that reflects origin, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
How Culture-Driven Sustainable Skincare Is Redefining Beauty Trends
In today’s fast-paced beauty landscape, viral fads and daily product launches often tout scientific claims and advanced technology, turning skincare into a race for the latest “must-have” trend. This constant influx of products has overshadowed the simple yet effective ritual that genuinely nourishes the skin. In response, consumers are embracing a more intentional and organic approach to self-care, with the Philippine organic skincare market projected to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2026.
Tropical Transformation: How Bananas Are Fueling Innovation and Empowerment in Southeast Asia
More than just a global celebration, World Banana Day highlights how Southeast Asia was a pioneer in turning bananas into a tool for innovation and empowerment. In the Philippines, the banana serves as a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness, famously exemplified by Maria Orosa’s wartime invention of banana ketchup.
Intergenerational Empowerment for Our Indigenous Entrepreneurs, Stories from Philippines and Indonesia
In Indonesia, intergenerational empowerment also exists to support local entrepreneurs. The Siak Sustainable Creative Center (Skelas) through its incubation program, Siak Sustainable Business Incubation (Kubisa), offers innovative and sustainable solutions in the Siak area, Riau, which is known to have great local economic potential, one of which is by building intergenerational collaboration.
Fiscal Mechanism to Boost Conservation in the Philippines
Komunitas Konservasi Indonesia Warsi (KKI-Warsi), a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation, focuses on education, advocacy, and land restoration has conducted activities with the community to restore and conserve peatlands. This include sustainable coffee cultivation, eco-fishery, peatland edu-eco-tourism, and the Pohon Asuh (foster tree) initiative. Warsi also uses these initiatives to provide an additional livelihood to the community while promoting sustainable land use. On the other hand, the activities done by Warsi are often used as proof points on the impact of restoration efforts to curb carbon emissions and, therefore, should be supported.
Protecting Peatlands with Sustainable Swamp Fishing
Manila, Philippines – The worsening impact of climate change is driving the Philippines to prioritize peatland conservation. In May 2023, House Bill 8204 was approved to help improve the sustainable management of peatlands, recognizing their significance as natural climate change solutions. Peatland ecosystems, characterized by the accumulation of decomposed plant materials, permanent waterlogging, and various vegetation, …
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Let’s Fly Juans More to Seoul and Southeast Asia
With international destinations easing travel requirements for tourists, many Filipinos are looking to book affordable flights for their next vacation. The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB) is at the forefront of providing low fares for everyJuan, both for international and domestic flights. And with 16 destinations in its international network now widely open for …
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Southeast Asia’s First Ever Star Wars Virtual Run Launches on May the 4th
UPDATE: In light of the current COVID-19 situation and in line with additional precautionary measures implemented by governments around Southeast Asia, the STAR WARS Virtual Run 2020 has been rescheduled to begin on 15 June instead of 4 May. Participants will now clock-in their distances between 15 June – 30 September 2020. All participants who have registered for the …
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Hannah Precillas Back in PH After Winning 2nd Runner Up at ‘D’ Academy’ in Indonesia
After her successful stint in Indonesia for the Dangdut Academy (D' Academy) Asia Season 5, Kapuso OST Princess Hannah Precillas is now back in the Philippines! Among 35 contestants from all over Asia, Hannah consistently received top scores, becoming the lone Filipino and female contestant to compete in the grand finals held last December 29, …
