Although the Philippines has long been recognized as the world’s center of marine biodiversity, policies to protect marine life in the Philippine seas from illegal fishing and other human activities are not strictly enforced. As a result, almost half of the fishery products in the country, or...
When the pandemic brought fear and uncertainty to many, some found hope and security in the shape of an edible garden. Photographer Lou Dizon shares the same sentiment. “Harvesting from our backyard meant instant nourishment . It also lessened our exposure to the virus since we don’t have...
Farming is not merely about growing food; it can also be a means of nurturing love and connections that transcend language, distance, and cultural differences. Mashistro Farms’ proprietors, Rida and Rosemarie Mahshi, came from two different countries and cultural backgrounds. Rida is a Lebanese...
Several studies have shown that exposure to nature, whether as simple as walking in green spaces or as challenging as farming in the fields, improves both mental and physical health. Humans need time in nature to recharge. However, not everyone has the luxury of time and resources to tend to a farm...
Celebrities are often expected to live luxurious lives due to their fame. However, once the cameras and microphones are turned off, not everyone can see that they, too, can be human beings seeking a simple life. It is this way for the Philippines’ Pop-rock Royalty Yeng Constantino-Asuncion, who...
Many professionals began their careers with no fixed path ahead of them. Despite the unknown, some people discover a newfound passion along the way. It's a similar case for Leah de Ocampo-de Guzman, 30, a communications graduate who fell in love with farming when she started working for a seed...
Next to chickens, duck, or itik, is the second major source of egg and meat in the Philippines. Ducks are primarily raised for balut and salted egg, or itlog na pula. Almost 500,000 Filipino families rely on ducks for livelihood as well. Whether for personal or commercial purposes, a native breed...
It can be recalled that in 2020, Horacio “Howie” Severino shared his experience as Covid-19 patient 2828. In his recovery, the journalist and Covid-19 survivor has found company and respite in plants. Since he was discharged from the hospital, Severino has been spending most of his days...
When employers implemented a work-from-home policy in response to COVID-19 in 2020, Janssen M. Martinez, 29, a policy analyst in an NGO for climate change and energy policy, was one of those who were assigned to work remotely. By working from home, he found spare time to try new hobbies and do...
The question of whether or not to start gardening in a cramped space is familiar among city dwellers. However, space does not necessarily have to restrict one from growing things or pursuing urban farming. There are a plethora of vegetables and fruits that you can choose from or begin with...
Robert and Analiza Tengco, energy technician and nurse respectively, are a couple of Pinoy gardeners who are currently living in Coachella Valley, Southern California. The Coachella Valley is an arid valley that is part of the Colorado desert. Despite the area’s extreme temperature, which can...
Many Filipino families have a knack for food production. Farming skills and practices of old family members are passed down to younger generations by default. Adele Eisma Woodward is a 54-year-old Filipina who adopted her family's love for farming. Adele Woodward is all smiles with her long...
