Lessons From the Earth: Benefits of Organic Farming

For decades, environmental groups from around the world have warned us of the ill effects of abuse we bring upon our environment and surroundings. At the turn of the century, this was heightened and earth-friendly methods were lobbied further.

Earth Day 2013 Philippines

Last week, in a visit to SM Megamall with my wife, we witnessed an albeit early celebration of Earth Day 2013 of which, based on what I know, will be officially held on April 22, 2013. Anyhow, it was entitled “Earth Day 2013 Philippines Eco Fair” and organized by the groups of Earth Day Network Philippines, SM Supermalls, SM Cares, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The program opened early in the morning mall hours and led by no less than Mr. Jojo P. Navera, Earth Day Project Head/Regional Operations and Manager of Environment Committee, SM Cares.

Messages from partners DENR and Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc. were also delivered by Environmental Management Bureau Director Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna and Chair/President Roberto B. Guevara, respectively.

Eco Fair

With the tagline “Earth Day Everyday, Everywhere, for Everyone,” exhibitors in the Eco Fair included:

• 

  Plantex

• Science of Identity Foundation
• PRRM
• Manila Water
• Redgard Coating Solution
• Earth Day Network Philippines
• Aging Pinoy
• Shell-Malampaya Foundation
• Fujimoto
• Quanta
• Amon
• Monrio Industrial Corp
• PCEPSDI

Organic Farming Seminar

One of the seminars we attended in the afternoon was also an eyeopener of the benefits of organic farming and its effects on our environment and health, aside from the financial rewards. This is much similar to a past experience where we visited an organic farm in Laguna – the Costales Farm.

Here are some benefits of Organic Farming which we learned in bullet points:

• There is wealth in worms (verniculture)
• Horticulture Theraphy – improves physical and mental health
• Optimistic activity
• Empowering
• Opportunity to be creative
• Medicinal benefits of herbal plants
• Possible better spirituality

Furthermore, Earth Day 2013 is significant in such a way that this is Earth Day Network’s15th year anniversary.  It was in 1999 that Mr. Mark Dubois of Earth Day International visited the Philippines and helped form the Earth Day Network Philippines in the house of the late Odette Alcantara, the founding Country Coordinator.  Since then, the celebration of Earth Day has become truly a dynamic celebration.

May this Earth Day 2013 coordination with SM Supermalls and its nationwide presence in the Philippines further amplify EDNPI’s environmental advocacy through the years.