The Kinaiyahan Piyestahan, an initiative presented by the Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA) and the Gerry Roxas Foundation (GRF), with the invaluable support of USAID, takes center stage in our quest to understand and celebrate the significance of our home planet.
This remarkable series of episodes is dedicated to shedding light on our ecosystems, showcasing their beauty, complexity, and the urgent need for their preservation. From lush forests to vibrant coral reefs, join us on this captivating journey as we unravel the wonders of our planet’s diverse ecosystems and explore the vital role they play in sustaining life on Earth.
Kinaiyahan Piyestahan Episode 1: Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation.
The first episode of the Kinaiyahan Series was launched on March 3, coinciding with World Wildlife Day. The first episode highlighted the significance of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, featuring testimonials from two Civil Society Organization (CSO) grantees of the USAID-GRF INSPIRE Project.
The episode commenced with heartwarming statements from the grantees, which put light on the vital function that ecosystems play in maintaining life on this planet. The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. (AFI) shared a brief overview of the projects each organization was working on as part of the INSPIRE initiative.
Jimbea Lucino, the Project Manager of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), discusses their efforts to train local and indigenous forest guards. She emphasizes the importance of strengthening landscape protection for future generations.
Meanwhile, Joal Ascalon, the Project Lead of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc., shares the importance of training community members to understand the value of the environment and become key players in protecting vital coastal resources.
Furthermore, Anson Tagtag, OIC of the DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) took this opportunity to deliver a solidarity message. The bureau highlights the importance of biodiversity in the Philippines. He stated that protecting and conserving our biological diversity and natural resources must be everyone’s mission and task.
Kinaiyahan Piyestahan Episode 2: Investing in Our Planet
In the spirit of Earth Day, the second episode of Kinaiyahan Piyestahan delves into the significance of our planet Earth. With the theme “Invest in Our Planet,” this episode aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices. This episode was launched on April 26, 2023.
Joan Pecson, the Project Manager of World Wild Fun for Nature Philippines, talks about a previous project under the INSPIRE initiative. She stated that efforts are being made to build on the post-Odette emergency grant, aiming to effectively manage natural ecosystems, conserve marine biodiversity, and safeguard the well-being of surrounding communities.
Mitzi Jonelle Tan, representing Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines, shares a powerful solidarity message. Tan invites everyone to care for the environment and embrace the cause of climate justice. As Filipinos, she shared how it becomes our responsibility to join the fight for climate justice, demanding systemic changes through collective action.
Kinaiyahan Piyestahan Episode 3: Sustaining Our Oceans and Honoring Our Farmers and Fisherfolk
The Kinaiyahan Series continues its enlightening journey with the launch of the third episode, coinciding with the Month of the Ocean in May. Since 1999, May has been dedicated as the Month of the Ocean in the Philippines, a time to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of our marine ecosystems. This year’s theme, “Sustainably Feed the Global Population,” emphasizes the critical role our oceans play in providing resources for both economic growth and ecological balance.
In the Philippines, May is also recognized as the Farmer’s and Fisherfolk’s Month, a tradition that dates back to 1989. This month-long celebration honors the immense contributions of farmers and fisherfolk to food security and nation-building. These hardworking individuals are not just local heroes; they are global champions in protecting marine ecosystems and preserving the abundance of our oceans.
Maria Dy Clavaton, the Officer-in-Charge of Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya, Inc. (SIKAT), urges everyone to take an active role in ocean conservation. She emphasizes the need to educate ourselves and influence others to do their part in protecting and conserving our ocean resources.
In a heartfelt solidarity message, John Leo Algo, the Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Campaigns from Living Laudato Si’, reminds us of our interconnectedness with nature. He shares how human innovation has been inspired by the environment, citing the creation of airplanes as an example, inspired by the flight of birds. This interconnectedness serves as a reminder that we are an intrinsic part of nature, and it is through embracing our diversity and working together that we can effectively care for our environment.
Kinaiyahan Piyestahan Episode 4: Celebrating Philippine Environment Month
The fourth episode of Kinaiyahan Piyestahan was launched on June 30 to celebrate the Philippine Environment Month. This celebration aims to raise environmental consciousness among the Filipinos.
One remarkable event during this month is the Philippine Eagle Week, observed annually from June 4 to 10. This week-long celebration shines a spotlight on the Philippine Eagle, one of the largest eagles in the world. Sadly, despite its grandeur, the Philippine Eagle is considered critically endangered by the IUCN Red List, primarily due to deforestation, shooting, and entrapment.
Jimbea Lucino, the Culture-based Conservation Manager of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), shared an inspiring message. The PEF, in collaboration with the USAID INSPIRE, is implementing the SACRED Project (Securing Sacred Areas, Culture, Rivers, and Biodiversity within Ancestral Domains) in the Northern Pantaron Bioregion of Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, and Agusan del Sur. By adopting a culture-based approach, they strive to protect the ancestral domains that overlap with eagle nesting sites, ultimately strengthening the conservation efforts for Philippine Eagles.
The episode also shares how the Philippines stands as part of the Coral Triangle, a region encompassing Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands. This area is home to over 500 species of coral. Recognizing the significance of this, the first Coral Triangle Day was commemorated on June 9, 2023, to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts within this vital marine ecosystem.
Joel Ascalon, the head of Bantay Kalikasan, the conservation program of the ABS-CBN Foundation shared a solidarity message. Their INSPIRE project, titled “Protecting the Verde Island Passage and Sibuyan Sea Coral Reef Ecosystems by Employing Citizen Science Reef Monitoring Methods,” aims to empower coastal communities with cost-effective and user-friendly methods and tools to monitor the health of coral reefs.
The Kinaiyahan Piyestahan series continues to empower communities and promote a sustainable future. Each episode has shed light on the importance of preserving our ecosystems, from wildlife conservation to investing in our planet and sustaining our oceans. Through education, collaboration, and innovative projects, we can create a harmonious relationship with nature and secure a sustainable future for generations to come. Let us be inspired by these episodes of Kinaiyahan Piyestahan to take meaningful action in preserving our planet.
