Fueled by Learning: Coffee farmers visit Vietnam for a learning tour

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Nine coffee farmer leaders from the provinces of Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat, Ifugao, and General Santos City visited Vietnam on May 20 to 25, 2024 to learn firsthand the best practices in coffee production and processing of the second largest coffee producer in the world, behind Brazil.

Spearheaded by the Peace and Equity Foundation, in partnership with the Philippine Coffee Guild and Pinoy Coffee Club Vietnam, the learning visit brought the farmers to three coffee farms in Pleiku, Gia Lai in the Central Highlands region.

During the farm tour, the farmers discovered good agricultural practices in land preparation, soil and water management, pest and disease control, and fertilizer application.

Vietnamese producers Highlands Tropico and Vietnam Coffee Academy also shared their experiences and expertise in processing high-valued coffee, showing the farmers their green coffee processing plants and roasteries.

Meanwhile, Mori Coffee, known for its specialty robusta in Vietnam, demonstrated its natural and honey processing methods.

“This learning visit is an eye-opener for coffee farmers like us. We are looking to implement what we’ve learned in our farms,” Bukidnon farmer leader Noel Duyongan said.

The delegation was welcomed by representatives from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Vietnam and the Department of Trade and Industry Attaché in Ho Chi Minh City.


The Peace and Equity Foundation aspires to drive positive change in poor Filipino household communities by investing in social enterprises that will provide them with viable livelihood and better access to basic services. We work with partners who share this vision by developing models and best practices that will steer social enterprises to scale up. Founded in October 2001, our Foundation is the steward of an endowment fund and registered as a non-stock, non-profit organization based in Quezon City, Philippines.

Healthcare Waste Generation, Segregation, and Public Awareness: Key Issues Identified in Eastern Visayas Inception Workshop

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The Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project (PHCWMP) concluded its second leg of regional inception meetings in Eastern Visayas with high hopes after identifying possible interventions to address key healthcare waste challenges at the project’s partner hospital.

The Region 8 Inception Meeting and Validation Workshop was held on May 30-31, 2024, and was attended by representatives from the pollution control unit of the partner hospital, the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC), as well as representatives from the Region 8 offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and the Department of Health (DOH). The meeting was facilitated by the DENR-EMB Central Office, the project’s national lead agency, and the environmental NGO BAN Toxics, which serves as the executing entity. Also in attendance was the DENR Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Service unit.

A visit to the waste management facilities of EVMC was conducted on May 30, while the inception proper took place on May 31.

“After a very productive discussion with our partners here in Eastern Visayas, we have identified current issues at EVMC that require attention. These include their inadequate capacity to treat and store healthcare wastes generated daily, access to final disposal of these wastes, and the need to raise awareness among both hospital staff and the patient population regarding waste segregation," shares Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics’ Policy and Research Officer, and the PHCWMP project manager.

The series of regional inception meetings and validation workshops conducted by the PHCWMP aims to identify current healthcare waste challenges faced by the project’s partner healthcare facilities. These findings will serve as the basis for project interventions.

Located in Tacloban City, the EVMC is a DOH-retained hospital that provides comprehensive health care services to the people of Region 8. It is a tertiary hospital mandated under the health facilities operation program to provide quality health care services.

Based on data presented during the workshop, EVMC generated a total of 217.775 tons of pathological and infectious waste (classified as M501 waste by the EMB) and 191.345 tons of general waste in 2023. A comparison of M501 waste generated in the first quarter of 2023 and 2024 indicates more than a threefold increase. In the first quarter of 2023, 40.66 tons were generated, while in the first quarter of 2024, this figure rose to 138.27 tons.

In the open forum during the meeting, Yanina Antasuda, Environmental Management Specialist II of EMB’s Hazardous Waste Management Section, stated that based on their monitoring system, the storage and disposal of M501 is a common issue for healthcare facilities nationwide, especially during the pandemic. This was one of the main reasons the project was conceptualized.

“We want this project to be successful, and our goal is to ensure the sustainability of the programs implemented beyond the project's five-year term. More importantly, we want our partner healthcare facilities to become models for other hospitals, enabling them to replicate the project's best practices and technologies," Antusada said.

Meanwhile, Ma. Elena Joy Villarosa, DOH Region 8 HCWM Program Manager, expressed gratitude for selecting EVMC as one of the partner-beneficiaries of the project. She said she is eagerly looking forward to the policy review that will be conducted by the project, noting that there might be policy gaps that need to be addressed since waste management is not just the concern of hospitals, but also of various levels of local government units.

The first year of PHCWMP’s implementation will focus on policy reviews to determine necessary improvements for easier implementation of waste management practices. It also includes baselining data to ensure a scientific approach to the interventions that will be carried out.

“It is not just EVMC and the environment that will benefit from this project, but also the communities residing near the hospital. We want everyone to become aware that healthcare waste management is not just the responsibility of government agencies; everyone should play a part,” said Villarosa.

Lorenzo on the other hand says the success of the project would mean hospitals will be able to provide better service to the public and safeguard the populace from exposure to hazardous wastes. “It ultimately protects our right to health and a safe environment,” he adds.

The PHCWMP, to be implemented in Region 2, Region 8, and the National Capital Region, plans to reduce the release and emissions of hazardous chemicals in healthcare wastes through environmentally sound practices. This five-year project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and will be administered by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The first inception meeting took place on May 23 in Region 2, and the third meeting for the NCR is scheduled for June 10.



#CleanerSaferSustainable #healthcarewaste #environmentallysoundwastemanagement #toxicfreefuture

The Rainy Season in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The climate of the country can be divided into two major seasons: (1) the rainy season, from June to November; and (2) the dry season, from December to May.

The Philippines, an archipelago consisting of over 7,000 islands, is located in Southeast Asia and has a tropical maritime climate. This climate is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. The country experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season, which typically lasts from November to April, and the rainy season, which usually spans from May to October. The rainy season, also known as the wet season, is a significant period in the Philippines, affecting various aspects of life, from agriculture to transportation and even culture.

Climate and Weather Patterns

The rainy season in the Philippines is largely influenced by the southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat." This monsoon brings warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, resulting in heavy rainfall. The intensity and frequency of rainfall can vary significantly across different regions of the country due to its geographical diversity.

Monsoon and Typhoons: 

The southwest monsoon is a major driver of rainfall during the wet season. Additionally, the Philippines lies within the typhoon belt, making it prone to tropical cyclones, which are locally called "bagyo." These typhoons can occur throughout the year but are most frequent between June and December, often peaking from July to October. Typhoons bring intense rainfall, strong winds, and can cause widespread flooding and damage.


Regional Variations: 

The amount of rainfall and its distribution can vary greatly. For instance, the western parts of the country, including Luzon and parts of Visayas, receive more rainfall due to their exposure to the southwest monsoon. In contrast, the eastern regions, like the eastern seaboard of Mindanao and the Bicol region, experience significant rainfall even outside the typical rainy season due to their exposure to the Pacific Ocean and frequent typhoons.

Impact on Agriculture

Agriculture is a vital sector in the Philippines, and the rainy season plays a crucial role in this industry. The country's primary crops, such as rice and corn, are heavily dependent on rainfall.

Rice Production: 

Rice, a staple food in the Philippines, requires a substantial amount of water. The rainy season is essential for irrigating rice paddies, and farmers often plan their planting and harvesting cycles around the monsoon. However, excessive rainfall or flooding can damage crops and reduce yields.


Challenges and Adaptations: 

Farmers face challenges such as flooding, soil erosion, and crop diseases during the rainy season. To mitigate these issues, the government and agricultural organizations promote the use of resilient crop varieties, improved irrigation systems, and sustainable farming practices. Moreover, weather forecasting and early warning systems are critical in helping farmers make informed decisions and prepare for adverse weather conditions.

Socio-Economic Effects

The rainy season affects various socio-economic aspects of life in the Philippines, including transportation, infrastructure, health, and daily living.

Transportation and Infrastructure: 

Heavy rainfall and flooding can disrupt transportation systems, leading to road closures, flight cancellations, and delays in public transportation. Urban areas, particularly Metro Manila, experience severe flooding due to inadequate drainage systems and urban planning challenges. The government invests in flood control projects and infrastructure improvements to mitigate these impacts.


Health Concerns: 

The rainy season often brings an increase in waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis, dengue fever, and cholera. Stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to higher incidences of dengue and other vector-borne diseases. Public health campaigns focus on educating communities about preventive measures and ensuring access to medical services.

Cultural Significance and Lifestyle

The rainy season also holds cultural significance and influences the lifestyle of Filipinos.

Festivals and Traditions: 

Despite the challenges, the rainy season is a time for various festivals and cultural activities. For instance, the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City celebrates the bountiful harvest and the resilience of its people. These events showcase traditional music, dance, and local cuisine, fostering community spirit and cultural heritage.


Daily Life: 

The rainy season affects daily routines, with people adapting their activities to the weather conditions. Families prepare by ensuring their homes are protected from flooding, stocking up on essential supplies, and staying informed about weather forecasts. Umbrellas, raincoats, and waterproof footwear become everyday necessities.

Environmental Impact

The rainy season has significant environmental implications, influencing ecosystems and natural resources.

Water Resources: 

The abundant rainfall replenishes rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources, which are crucial for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation. However, excessive rain can lead to soil erosion, landslides, and sedimentation in water bodies, affecting water quality and availability.


Biodiversity: 

The wet season supports diverse ecosystems, providing essential water for forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands. The increased water flow in rivers and streams also supports aquatic life. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these natural habitats and managing the impacts of human activities during the rainy season.

The rainy season in the Philippines is a complex and multifaceted period that significantly impacts the nation's environment, economy, and culture. While it brings challenges such as flooding and health risks, it is also a time of renewal and growth, particularly for agriculture. Understanding and adapting to the rainy season is crucial for the resilience and well-being of the Filipino people. Through sustainable practices, infrastructure improvements, and community preparedness, the Philippines continues to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by its unique climate.