Envi Group Calls for Stronger Protection from Toxic Skin-Lightening Products on World Consumer Rights Day, Expects Better Collaboration from Regulators

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Environmental organization BAN Toxics has once again reiterated its call for stronger enforcement against the continuing influx of skin-lightening products (SLPs) containing toxic mercury a day before World Consumer Rights Day.

“We have been consistently advocating for the total ban of mercury-containing SLPs for several years now, yet there seems to be no letup in their sale in both physical and online markets. These toxic SLPs put the public and the environment at risk, which is a violation of consumer rights and highlights the need for stronger protection,” said Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics Campaign and Advocacy Officer.

World Consumer Rights Day is observed annually on March 15, first celebrated in 1983 by Consumers International. It is globally recognized and supported by the United Nations and other international bodies, serving as a reminder for countries to uphold and protect consumer rights and interests.

According to Dizon, one of the key issues with mercury-containing SLPs is regulating their entry into the country. “We recognize that regulating these items remains a challenge for our government regulators, which is why we are continuously coordinating with them to provide any support we can,” he said.

On March 3, 2025, BAN Toxics, together with the Zero Mercury Working Group and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), organized an online workshop that brought together international technical experts and government regulators, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). The workshop aimed to explore policy options for strengthening the regulation of SLPs, share monitoring strategies used in other countries, and discuss effective enforcement approaches.

A presentation during the workshop by BAN Toxics' Policy Development and Research unit estimated that mercury entering the Philippines through SLPs could reach up to 22 metric tons (MT) annually. This estimate is based on import data for SLPs, assuming that half of the imported products contain mercury at an average concentration of 8.47 parts per million (ppm), derived from 50 samples tested in 2024. The group purchased these samples from online platforms, with 44 testing positive for mercury at levels ranging from 7 ppm to an alarming 67,400 ppm—far exceeding the 1 ppm regulatory limit.

“While the estimate we made is far from definitive, it provides a glimpse into the potential amount of mercury entering our country through SLPs. One key issue in tracking these SLPs is that many enter the country undetected, possibly illegally, or through small parcels ordered via e-commerce platforms,” said BAN Toxics Deputy Executive Director Jam Lorenzo.

International experts from the EEB and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) shared case studies on implementing mechanisms to address the online sale of mercury-added SLPs. Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, Policy Manager for the Zero Mercury Campaign of the EEB, discussed the US Amazon case, where Amazon committed to removing mercury-containing SLPs from its platform, and the EU Product Safety Pledge, which holds online marketplaces accountable for unsafe products. The ACCC presented the Australian Product Safety Pledge, which outlines voluntary commitments from online platforms to improve product safety and compliance.

One of the objectives of the workshop was to engage with online platforms in formulating safety pledges. Lazada, Shopee, and Meta were invited to participate in these discussions, but Lazada declined the invitation, while Shopee and Meta did not respond. BAN Toxics has been actively pushing for stronger accountability from online platforms to address this ongoing issue.

For their part, the FDA, DTI, and EMB presented the various legal frameworks and existing regulations of each agency that cover mercury-containing SLPs, prompting Lymberidi-Settimo to describe these regulations as “advanced” compared to those in other countries.

One highlight of the discussion was the DTI’s presentation of the relatively new Internet Transactions Act (ITA) of 2023, or Republic Act 11967. The law establishes a regulatory framework for protecting merchants and consumers in internet transactions. It designates the DTI as the primary agency with regulatory jurisdiction over e-commerce activities, granting it the authority to issue subpoenas, takedown orders, compliance orders, and blacklist orders.

According to Dizon, their monitoring of popular online platforms Shopee and Lazada shows that the sale of mercury-added SLPs remains rampant. Some online sellers may be taken down, but new ones—or possibly the same sellers under a new account—often reappear. Dizon also noted that social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, are being used to promote and sell these SLPs.

“We hope that the ITA will lead to stronger enforcement to better address the sale of mercury-containing SLPs online and hold sellers accountable,” Dizon said.

BAN Toxics emphasized that improving coordination among regulatory agencies and strengthening inter-regional cooperation are crucial to addressing the illegal sale of mercury-containing SLPs. The organization expressed hope that the workshop would pave the way for more consistent and effective collaboration between regulators and online platforms, ensuring that mercury-added SLPs are permanently removed from the market.

Mercury is a highly toxic chemical that can cause irreparable damage to the nervous system. It has long environmental persistence and global mobility, cycling through the atmosphere, ocean, and land. Its emissions and releases can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the food chain, posing a significant threat to human health and the environment. The Minamata Convention on Mercury—a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from man-made emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds—aims to address these risks. The Philippines is a party to the convention, underscoring its commitment to reducing mercury exposure.

The Philippines is also a member of the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive, a regulatory framework that harmonizes cosmetic product requirements among ASEAN member countries to promote trade and ensure consumer safety. 

Tapuy Lees: The New Anti-Aging Superfood? Filipino Researchers Unlock Longevity Potential

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

For centuries, tapuy—Philippine rice wine—has been a traditional part of celebrations and rituals. But a new discovery by Filipino researchers suggests that what was once considered waste in the tapuy-making process could be a key to longevity and better health. Scientists from Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines have found that tapuy lees, the solid residues left after fermentation, contain powerful anti-aging compounds and antioxidants that could revolutionize health food and wellness industries.

Unlocking the Power of Tapuy Lees

The research, led by Edward Kevin B. Bragais and Paul Mark B. Medina, focused on optimizing the fermentation process by experimenting with different microbial starter cultures, known as bubod. This seemingly simple adjustment had profound effects on the composition of tapuy lees, transforming them into a nutrient-rich byproduct with significant medical and nutritional benefits.

What Makes Tapuy Lees Special?

Tapuy lees are composed of rice residues, yeast, and other microbial byproducts. Through optimization, researchers found that they contain high concentrations of polyphenols, compounds known for their ability to combat:

Oxidative stress

Inflammation

Cellular damage

These properties make polyphenols essential in fighting age-related diseases and promoting overall health.

Scientific Evidence: A Step Towards Longevity

In laboratory tests, animals fed with extracts from optimized tapuy lees showed remarkable results:

Increased lifespan

Improved motility and reproductive health

Higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a crucial enzyme for cell protection

These findings indicate that tapuy lees could potentially slow aging and improve quality of life by protecting the body from free radicals and other harmful agents that accelerate aging.

A Sustainable Health Innovation

The study not only highlights the potential health benefits of tapuy lees but also introduces an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to food production. Since lees were previously discarded as waste, repurposing them into a superfood aligns with global efforts to reduce food waste and promote sustainability.

Next Steps: From Lab to Market

While the initial findings are promising, researchers emphasize that clinical trials in humans are necessary before tapuy lees can be widely marketed as a health supplement. If confirmed, this could lead to:

The development of anti-aging supplements derived from tapuy lees

New functional food products incorporating tapuy extracts

The rise of Philippine indigenous food innovations in the global wellness market

A Breakthrough for Philippine Science

This research positions the Philippines as a leader in innovative food technology, merging tradition with modern science. The potential commercialization of tapuy lees could benefit local rice wine producers, providing them with new business opportunities while promoting Filipino culture worldwide.

Conclusion: The Future of Tapuy as a Superfood

What was once considered a simple byproduct of rice wine fermentation now holds the potential to redefine health and longevity. As scientists continue to explore its benefits, tapuy lees may soon be recognized as a game-changing superfood—one that could place the Philippines at the forefront of global wellness trends.

With continued research, tapuy lees could soon be a staple in the health industry—turning a centuries-old tradition into a modern solution for aging and longevity.

PHLPost’s Bold Move for Teachers Shocks the Nation – You Won’t Believe What They Did!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a heartfelt acknowledgment of its unwavering support for educators, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) was honored by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Metrobank Foundation for its significant contributions to the 2024 National Teachers' Month (NTM) celebrations. This commendation underscores PHLPost's dedication to honoring educators and elevating the teaching profession in the Philippines.

The recognition was presented to Jocelyn Edralin Cacho, Executive Assistant at the Office of the Postmaster General, by DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, and Metrobank Foundation Executive Vice President Philip Francisco U. Dy on March 11 in Makati City. Ms. Cacho expressed her gratitude, stating, "It is truly an honor to receive this recognition, as it affirms that PHLPost is making meaningful contributions to honoring teachers through its education-focused initiatives." 

National Teachers' Month, observed from September 5 to October 5, is a collaborative movement led by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc., DepEd, and various multi-sectoral groups. The initiative aims to celebrate Filipino teachers and educators for their invaluable contributions to shaping the nation's future, encapsulated through the "My Teacher, My Hero" campaign. The essence of the NTM celebrations lies in encouraging nationwide participation by extending the Teacher's Day festivities beyond school campuses and into the broader public sphere. 

In line with its commitment to honoring educators, PHLPost released commemorative stamps during the 2024 NTM celebrations. On September 5, PHLPost, represented by Northwest Luzon Area Director Jun Malacapo, presented the 2024 National Teachers' Month commemorative stamp frame to DepEd officials during the kick-off ceremonies in Candon City, Ilocos Sur. Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos highlighted the significance of these stamps, stating, "Through the NTM Commemorative Stamps, we pay tribute to our beloved teachers who are vital in molding the future of the Filipino youth." 

Beyond commemorative stamps, PHLPost, in collaboration with DepEd, has been instrumental in promoting literacy and the art of letter writing among the youth. The National Letter Writing Competition, a joint initiative, encourages students to express their thoughts and creativity through handwritten letters. This competition not only hones their writing skills but also instills in them the value of traditional forms of communication. 

Additionally, PHLPost has announced the 54th Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for Young People. The 2025 competition invites participants aged 9 to 15 to write letters on the theme: "Imagine you are the ocean. Write a letter to someone explaining why and how they should take good care of you." This theme encourages young minds to reflect on environmental conservation and express their thoughts creatively. The winning piece will represent the Philippines in the worldwide competition to be held in Berne, Switzerland. 

Through these initiatives, PHLPost continues to play a pivotal role in promoting education, literacy, and environmental awareness among the youth, while honoring the invaluable contributions of educators nationwide.