Posts by C-Help Team
The (Un)true Friend
Riddle: It is seen everywhere, it is used every day, everyone thinks it is their friend but it is not. Answer: Plastic. Some say, the very first plastic was created in 1862 and plastic bottles made of PET began to be produced in 1977. During this time, plastic was seen as the new revolutionary product…
Read MoreThe Legal Battle for Manila Bay Legacy
Twenty years ago, on Sept. 13, the Regional Trial Court in Imus City ruled in favor of concerned residents of Manila Bay and directed several government agencies “to clean up and rehabilitate Manila Bay and restore its water […] to make it fit for swimming, ski-diving and other forms of contact recreation.” Such noble first…
Read MoreJust and Equitable Transition in Energy for Traditional Jeepney Drivers and Operators
Transport is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs) globally, and the largest source of air pollution and energy-related GHGs, contributing to 34% of total GHG emissions in the Philippines. Thus, the Philippines aims to reduce GHG emissions by consolidating the public transport service and modernizing the jeepney fleet, amongst other efforts. In 2017, the Department…
Read MoreGolden Rice, Bt Eggplant, Bt Corn, Golden Kuhol, Masagana 99: The Common Denominator
When we hear about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture such as Golden Rice, Bt Eggplant and Bt Corn, we can’t help but liken its promises of health and economic benefits to that of Golden Kuhol’s and Masagana 99’s, some decades ago. Between 1982 and 1984, the golden apple snail (kuhol) was introduced in the…
Read MorePOWER FOR PEOPLE: THE CLEAN ENERGY JUSTICE PROJECT
The Clean Energy Justice Project is about making sure energy in the Philippines is sustainable, fair, and truly safe for everyone. We’re tackling some big issues—like legal battles to ensure a just transition for drivers and small scale PUV operators and the riding public, pushing for a future without nuclear and coal, and standing up…
Read MoreCORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY IN PLASTICS POLLUTION
In partnership with environmental groups and people’s movements, C‑Help seeks to hold major corporations accountable for plastic pollution in the Philippines. The advocacy to seek corporate accountability by preparing a complaint against the corporations arises from the urgent need to confront the systemic problem of single‑use plastic sachets. These products, often marketed as convenient and…
Read MoreREFORMING GMO REGULATIONS & FOOD SECURITY PROJECT
Our mission is to defend the intersection of environmental protection and human rights in the face of emerging technologies like GMOs. We believe that food systems must honor biodiversity, safeguard farmers’ seed sovereignty, and protect communities from exploitative corporate practices. By advocating for transparent policies and inclusive governance, we stand against ecological harm and the…
Read MorePROTECT MANILA BAY, PROTECT OUR FUTURE
The project challenges reclamation and seabed quarry in Manila Bay, which, while promoted as drivers of urban expansion and economic growth, cause mangrove loss, seabed dredging, and displacement of fisherfolk and coastal communities. Through legal action and advocacy, it defends community rights, protects marine biodiversity, and insists that development cannot come at the expense of…
Read More‘Most plastics used for in food, product packaging ‘not recyclable’ – ‘Balik scientist’
Most plastics are not recyclable, according to a Filipino scientist, and while very few can be recycled, they are difficult to collect and separated from non-recyclable plastics. Dr. Jorge Emmanuel, a 2016 DOST “Balik Scientist” talked about plastic and their recyclability in his affidavit that forms part of a landmark complaint filed in November, 2022…
Read MorePH fisherfolk to corporations and governments: end single-use plastics, adopt a strong plastics treaty
In celebration of National Fisherfolk Day this year, fishing communities and civil society organizations (CSOs) held a creative picket and protest calling on fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) companies to stop using plastics in their product packaging, especially sachets. The groups, led by PANGISDA Pilipinas—a national organization of small-scale fisherfolk—also asked governments to adopt a…
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