Collective Mind is how we can explain it, how we could describe it, and how we can answer the question simply put as “anyare?” or suffice to the wonders of our minds and reactions whether positively or negatively–“wow!”
During my master’s, I read an article written by Dr. Alexander G. Flor, the former dean and a professor in the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). Currently, Dr. Flor sits as a member of my dissertation committee, and my professor too in my two subjects this semester. The article I’m talking about is “Communication, Culture and the Collective Psyche.”
The reason I remembered was during our recent class, timely as it is, Dr. Flor brought up the said article. Since we are in the middle of the post-electoral scene from the recent 2022 National Elections, the article does make sense to at least navigate us through one of the many answers, if not the sole conclusion, to our questions about the said elections–like, of course, “how did IT happen?”
As a development communicator, one of my objectives, as also shared by Dr. Flor in the article, is a development communicator researcher’s biggest ambition–“to understand and explain how a socially beneficial idea assumes a life of its own and spreads throughout society without the benefit of planned and funded campaigns” (Flor 2007, p.99).
Collective Mind is how we can explain it, how we could describe it, and how we can answer the question simply put as “anyare?” or suffice to the wonders of our minds and reactions whether positively or negatively–“wow!”
This Collective Mind refers to the synergy generated through individual minds in the social system (p.106). Thus, our society has its social system and its collectivity has a mind. Communication plays a huge role in this narrative. In fact, socialization by sociologists and acculturation by anthropologists can only be achieved through communication (p.111).
Society refers to a whole comprised of various individuals. Apart from they share the same spatial, they are typically subject to dominant cultural expectations. In a democratic country just like the Philippines, people have invested power to decide, in our recent case, elected officials in the government, through representation. Communication and comprehension of what’s being communicated craft the society we live in; education, and media/digital media play a huge role today that make or even break forms of information and social construction.
Many may point disinformation and misinformation as part of it, the seeds that are planted reap differently than what was expected of many, now as far as the election results go, the minority (I’ll concentrate more on this in another research). Needless to say, communication is an essential element, if not the main key, of politicking. Hence, as communication scholars, and development communicators at that, (in unison with the sociologists, media personnel, and journalists), we all have a crucial role to play. May it be breeding new sources of knowledge or research, but also understanding societal engagement and cultural communication unbiased more importantly, as we try to be.
Collective Mind is how we can simply glue how we came about, the same goes with the People Power I or EDSA 1 in 1986 and People Power II or EDSA 2 in 2001.
Reference:
Flor, Alexander G. (2007). Communication, Culture and the Collective Psyche. Chapter 10 in Development Communication Praxis, pp.99-114. University of the Philippines Open University Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services. Diliman, Quezon City. ISBN 978-971-767-200-7.
Transcript of my speech for the Career Story Day at CFA Homeschool last February 16, 2021, presenting Happy Shift PH and a gist of my life as a social entrepreneur and part of the workforce to the Accounts, Business, and Management (ABM) graduating students (Grade 12).
Good afternoon, everyone!
I am truly honored to be with all of you today and it is my pleasure to share little stories of mine that I hope can be of, somehow, an inspiration to all of you to continue thriving in life.
In this time of a health crisis, it seems that our lives have been disrupted and keeping up with our studies, work, and usual activities have been more difficult than it was then. A year into this situation, it sure taught us some lessons on importance and tolerance; however, I do know that its tough and whatever you feel in this situation is sure valid. And as it continues to be of a challenge, it is true that we need one another to survive, and yes, in a safe distance.
Happy Shift PH, for one, was also affected by these so-called pandemic challenges but we still continue to thrive despite of. Nothing is ever easy, there are times of troubles and deep challenges, but I say moving forward with it will always be worth it. I have started this business back in 2016, very broke, living in an 18 square meters apartment with bills to pay, career and graduate studies that seemed to be going nowhere. I had no assets; I barely had anything to save from my salary because of rent, daily cost of living, tuition fees, and the like. But, it was one of the most memorable and happiest times of my life. Perhaps, it was doing something with purpose – bigger than myself – that kept my spirit going.
Now, Happy Shift PH is a social enterprise that aims to help the community with its sustainable and eco-loving products – from soaps to reusable items. It also supports other microenterprises in the Philippines by hiring them as our direct suppliers of services, raw materials, and other ready-to-sell products. Happy Shift PH also supports Philippine-centered campaigns for the environment, organizations and people who are in need – World Wild Fund (WWF), Greenpeace Southeast Asia – Philippines, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, JCI Valenzuela, and other local government efforts.
I used to think that maybe I am not fit into the mold. In my earlier years before Happy Shift PH, I was so clueless about what I will do with my career and with my life, in general. I jumped from one job to the other because I am still finding out things about myself and the field I was in. It was frown upon to change jobs after a year or two, or even less that that; they say, ‘typical millennial.’ While I know that changing jobs or career paths can mean starting over again, I do it anyway. Not because I want to prove something to the world, but rather to prove something to myself and live my life with a purpose. I do not advise you to be fickle-minded, but what I can advise you is to try, to step out of your comfort zone, to explore the horizon, to be not afraid to ask questions, and listen to advice adults give you even if you do not agree with them, even if you dislike their ideas. It will always be good to reflect on it as it is by also listening that you will learn.
My enterprise is not the biggest, but I pledge to continue putting an effort and help even in the tiniest way I can. You give and lend a hand not because there is a promise of goodness in return, but you give and help because somebody needs it.
It is with a purpose that we can live our life with meaning and happiness. Whatever it may be for you, for now, it is never too little or too shallow. It is through small things that we can create bigger ones.
Senior High School might be overwhelming and so is what comes after it. During a summer vacation before I enter college – I literally still do not know what to do with my life, what career I must take, what purpose I got. I was lost. Even after I landed my first job, my second job, and even the job after that, I still do not have a hindsight of what I want to become and what I will be later on. But, that did not stop me from simply moving forward. Every day, I choose to learn something I do not know – from simply doing the laundry, techniques to fight stains, to writing one paragraph that is readable, and learning Adobe Photoshop just because.
Maybe what I am just trying to say is that you will never stop asking yourself questions of doubt. However, through it, you may encourage yourself to learn further. You will get to know yourself better and you will be able to trust yourself. Others opinion of you will not be too much of an importance and it is by knowing your center that you’d be able to fight the challenges along your way.
Friendships and romantic relationships are also blessings that you will encounter as you traverse through your life. You should know that not everyone will be your friend, but not everyone will be your enemy as well. You choose your friends, you choose the ones who will be there for you even not physically, but people who will be there for you whether you need them or not, in happiness or in sadness, whether you are broke or wealthy; or, someone who may or may not comprehend with every feeling you have but chooses to understand and be there for you no matter what; and you must also do the same for them. You take good care of people who take good care of you.
All of these that seems to be fillers can help you choose what career path you will take. It will all be an influence on what you want to become. Your family, your friends, your teachers, your classmates, or even simply the people you talk to everyday can guide you to a good direction, you just have to reflect and communicate, too. Remember that communication is not only about talking, but it is also by listening that you can effectively communicate.
There is no secret to success – faith, commitment, hard work, and courage are your best fuel. In simply believing you can and keeping yourself in check of your strengths and weaknesses can make a lot of difference. Do not be petrified to ask for help if you need one and do not be unmindful to offer yours as well.
Choose a career that you know you’d be of service. A career you will enjoy and you feel you can thrive. You should remember that nothing will come easy even with the things you love doing. However, you are most likely to continue and blossom if you know you ought to do something because it does not only serve you, but other people, too.
It is also okay if you still do not know what your purpose in life. You have to go through it to know what your real purpose is, your true meaning, and what you are made of. Your failures and mistakes do not define who you are – use them to improve, to be better, and to humble yourself. Do not feel trapped in a certain way that you think that you cannot switch careers, because you can. However, you must think multiple times before doing so, especially when you are already have a lot to consider. When you feel like doing it and moving forward with it, try to explore other hobbies or activities because it can also help you make good decisions, and if you have decided you must explore other opportunities, it is okay. Believe that you can and do not be scared to start over.
It is a scary world out there, but you must have the courage to always try, to always fight. Hardships can teach you a lot of discipline more than you can imagine. I am honored to know that one day our roads will cross again, and you’d be one of the best people I can rely on to help our country be a better nation. As cheesy as it may sound, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Remember that nothing will come easy and your mistakes are gems just like how your achievements are. Learn something new daily no matter how small as it will come handy for sure.
Part 1 of 2 of the State of the Philippine Environment Forum 2020 coverage
Featured Image from The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines – On Wednesday, April 22, 2020, in commemoration of the 50th Year of Earth Day, The Center for Environmental Concerns – Philippines (CEC) held a webinar about the State of the Philippine Environment in time of COVID-19 discussing the ecological challenges to the pandemic.
Together with the Kalikasan Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines and Earth Day Network Philippines, the webinar series aimed to discuss the environmental challenges and provide ecological solutions for the community.
During this time, the Philippines experiences environmental consequences that are aggravated by COVID-19 pandemic and the country is now facing the worst ecological crisis.
Neo-Liberalism and PH Vulnerability
Neo-liberalism is a policy model that accentuates and associated the laissez-faire economic liberalism and promotion of free-market competition.
“Neoliberalism allows the unbridled utilization of our natural resources. It devastated our environment and impoverished our people,” said Rosario Bella “RosB” Guzman, IBON’s Research Head and Executive Editor and the first speaker on the Earth Day webinar.
Guzman also reiterated that while the Philippines is first in Green Revolution, the country has still become more vulnerable to different calamities and natural disasters.
Wealth inequality has been an existing challenge in the economy and thus, various industries have contributed to the environmental destruction that resulted in deforestation and land-use change.
“In a healthy environment, forest cover must be at least 50 to 54 percent. Currently, the country has 23 percent forest cover, 10.5 percent severe, 16.6 percent moderate, and 3.2 percent very severe,” Guzman added.
Guzman furthers that the reason behind the declining forest cover and land-use change was the government’s prioritization to real estate, industrial plantation, agri-business venture, use of hybrid genetically modified crops, and large-scale mining.
Dirty Energy
In the discussion regarding Dirty Energy, Guzman explained that coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel and a major source of air pollution.
And, while there are some renewable sources of energy that the Philippines plans to utilize like the 21 hydroelectric power projects, they are not considered as renewable energy as they utilize large dams that cause changes in the ecosystem and displacement of communities.
Social Distancing and Handwashing to combat COVID-19
Social distancing and handwashing are the most effective ways to fight COVID-19 contamination. It has been prioritized by the Philippines government, LGUs, and WHO. Hence, the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
The ECQ aims to limit physical interaction in the community and the suspension of public transport, public and private work, and classes, as well as the aggressive promotion of good and proper hygiene and suspension of rotational water interruption.
While social distancing and handwashing are deemed essential and promoted, it is still considered a privilege to many, especially those who are in highly populated areas and stricken by poverty.
According to Guzman, 1 out of 4 Metro Manila residents are informal settlers and 51 percent of them are in danger areas and only a little over half of the number of families have water piped into their dwelling.
Urbanization has resulted in various community challenges that must be prioritized. The community is more vulnerable to the effects of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic due to poverty.
The Earth is being celebrated annually every April 22nd. This year, April 22, 2020, marks its 50th year with the theme, Climate Action.
Earth Day has become the largest civic event that aims to have a unified movement to combat an environment crisis – pollution, ocean acidification, deforestation, and climate change to name a few. For fifty years, Earth Day is a significant occasion to educate citizens, celebrate the planet, and call for support to forward for the Earth.
This commemoration is a good reminder that citizens of the world can stand together for the benefit of the planet and its inhabitants. It is also an opportunity to get reminded how Earth should be taken good care of and call out purveyors that endangers it.
Earth Day in History
Started on April 22, 1970, by its founder and then U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, the first Earth Day has given birth to modern environmental efforts and paved the way to annually recognize the said civic movement to call for support to help the planet fight its continuing ecological challenges.
The first Earth Day movement has joined by approximately 20 million Americans (10 percent of the total U.S. population during that time) to protest environmental unawareness and request a new mode of techniques and systems to support planet Earth.
The said protest has been successful and drew actions by the government to create environmental laws to protect the environment such as the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and public policies like The Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Act which many countries around the world have adopted as well.
The first Earth Day also opened opportunities for volunteers, environmental advocates, and activists to form organizations for the benefit of nature. In 1971, Greenpeace, an environmental activist organization was established.
Earth Day has consistently held major international events to put countries together and lay significance in protecting the planet. Hence, on Earth Day 2016, the United Nations (UN) has signed on the Paris Agreement on Climate Change that aims to strengthen the global action to the danger of climate change.
At present, more and more advocates are starting to make a difference for the environment regardless of age. One is Greta Thunberg, a Swedish Teenager and Climate Activist who called for “School Strike for Climate,” which participated by more than 17,000 students from over 20 countries.
Earth Day in the Philippines
Earth Day is also being recognized in the Philippines every April 22, the same day as it is recognized globally. Proclamation No. 1481 signed and effective on April 10, 2008, by former Philippine President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the may convenor.
Various private and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) have made April 22 in celebration of the planet through Earth Day Runs, Mass Tree Planting, Clean Up drives, and Earth Day Concerts among others. The aim of these said events is to bring people together, educate them on the importance of acting for the Earth, and share and strengthen the advocacy for the planet.
Earth Today
At present, the planet Earth is experiencing a lot of changes that seem apparent through the current climate and deterioration of biodiversity. Humans play a significant role in the changes that the planet face.
As of March 2020, the Earth population has reached 7.7 billion. Therefore, 7.7 billion people are competing for a limited number of natural resources including food, water, and fuel. Experts and scientists believe that the planet has reached the limits of what it can only support. Thus, controlling population growth has deemed necessary.
Due to the advancement of technology and the emergence of various businesses, the majority of the world’s population is already living in urban than rural areas. Hence, a greater number of pollutants were being listed due to the growing need for transportation, manufacturing, and other production. The rise of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases has been a serious threat to the planet.
The effects of global warming also affected the patterns of water and its accessibility for necessities. Some regions and rural areas dependent on agriculture experience a lack of access to safe drinking water and or supply per se to cultivate.
Aside from these challenges, the Earth also faces threats of deforestation, ocean acidification, and failing ecosystems.
Climate Action
Goal 13 in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals is Climate Action. The goal seeks to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact.
Any country in the world is experiencing the drastic effects of climate change. It is evident through the number and the intensity of natural disasters that occur annually. Global warming is also a major threat that has a lifelong effect on nature and its inhabitants.
Climate Action aims to strengthen the resilience and adaptability of the world most especially the most vulnerable areas and regions (island states and confined countries). Climate Action calls nations to create mandate and national policies integrating essential measures and strategies empowering climate resilience and disaster response.
Anyone on Earth – whether private or public organizations, leaders, and ordinary citizens – are encouraged to help to craft a collective effort to support climate action.
Photo from United Nations SDG Fund
What People Can Do to Help
Everybody can do their part to help combat the implications of climate change. By simply using energy wisely – unplugging electronics when not in use, washing clothes in cold water and simply hanging them dry, and changing lightbulbs to more energy-efficient ones, to name a few – can help.
Supporting local, all-natural, sustainable, and organic businesses can also contribute to the recovery aim of the environment. It lessens energy use to create items, transport products from and to, and it also helps the local economy to grow. Eating a less-meat, plant-based diet can also benefit. Consuming less, upcycling, repurposing, composting, and/or recycling is encouraged as well.
Resorting to a greener commute is also essential. To lessen carbon footprint, people may consider the option of taking public transport, car-pooling, riding a bike, or switching to electric vehicles.
Being politically active and choosing good leaders is also a vital aspect of succeeding in the battle towards a better climate. Employing great political leaders can also give birth to necessary national policies that citizens and nature can benefit from.
Spreading the word about climate action initiatives, staying engaged, and educating fellowmen are also significant contributions to the battle. By doing so, it promotes collective actions to care to eliminate the hazardous and overwhelming impact of climate change to the planet.
April 7, 2020 – This World Health Day, as the world grapples with the worst public health emergency in recent memory, over 90 percent of respondents surveyed in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong support a government-led closure of illegal and unregulated wildlife markets, according to new research for WWF.
The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the link between zoonotic diseases – those transmitted from animals to humans – and wildlife markets into sharp focus. A survey conducted in March among 5,000 participants from Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam found that 82 percent of respondents are extremely or very worried about the outbreak, with 93 percent of respondents in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong supporting action by their governments to eliminate illegal and unregulated markets.
Questions remain about the exact origins of COVID-19, but the World Health Organization has confirmed it is a zoonic disease, meaning it jumped from wildlife to humans. The Chinese government announced a comprehensive ban on the consumption of wild animals on 24 February. WWF’s research shows that citizens support similar action from other governments across the region.
This was the first survey of public opinion about the connection between COVID-19 and wildlife trade undertaken across Asia.
“China has taken great steps prohibiting the hunting, trade, transport and eating of wild animals, and Vietnam is working on similar directives,” said Christy Williams, Regional Director of WWF’s Asia Pacific Program. “Other Asian governments must follow by closing their high-risk wildlife markets and ending this trade once and for all to save lives and help prevent a repeat of the social and economic disruption we are experiencing around the globe today.”
Nine percent of those surveyed by GlobeScan stated that they or someone they know had purchased wildlife in the past 12 months at an open wildlife market, but that 84 percent are unlikely or very unlikely to buy wildlife products in the future.
“The public in Asia have spoken – those living in countries where wildlife markets are most prevalent are demanding that wildlife consumption is curbed and illegal and unregulated wildlife trade is eliminated. People are deeply worried and would support their governments in taking action to prevent potential future global health crises originating in wildlife markets,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “It is time to connect the dots between wildlife and trade, environmental degradation and risks to human health. Taking action now for humans as well as the many wildlife species threatened by consumption and trade is crucial for all our survival.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the current COVID-19 pandemic, along with at least 16 percent of all human pathogens, are zoonotic in origin – wildlife trade is an aggravating risk in the spread of zoonoses. Other recent epidemics, including SARS, MERS and Ebola, have also all been traced back to viruses that spread from animals to people.
Unsustainable wildlife trade is the second-largest direct threat to biodiversity globally, after habitat destruction. Populations of vertebrate species on earth declined by an average 60 percent since 1970, and a 2019 report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) concluded that an average of 25 percent of global species are currently threatened with extinction.
To access the full GlobeScan Report and Survey, kindly see here:
Presidential Proclamation no. 760 declaring January as the National Zero Waste Month was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino on May 15, 2014. This declaration has a purpose to remind Filipinos and the rest of the country to be mindful of waste generated.
The said proclamation was also pursuant to the Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. One of the highlight provisions of the RA is the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment including disposal of solid waste.
________
These decrees aim to encourage appropriate management of rubbish due to various crises the country faces in terms of garbage disposal.
The Philippines is the third-largest contributor to ocean pollution.
The Philippines is known to be the third-largest ocean pollutant after Indonesia as it produces two million tons of plastic waste per year. Approximate 800,000 tons of this said waste goes directly to the ocean.
Daily, the Philippines generates 43,684 tons of garbage and 4,609 tons of it is plastic waste. Such plastic dross came majorly from single-use plastics like sachets and those tetra packs. These product packagings are influenced largely by the country’s penchant for ‘tingi’ that has become its current market culture.
To recount, there are only 139 operational sanitary landfills in the Philippines. These landfills are servicing only 308 of the nation’s 1,634 Local Government Units (LGUs). At least 425 illegal dumpsites are operating in the country; moreover, only 24 percent of the entire nation’s 42,036 villages had its functioning Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) – such given capacity or lack thereof are one of the causes of waste problems and health hazards.
________
What we are doing:
We, at Happy Shift, are aware of the current implications of solid waste to our environment most especially to our oceans and marine species. In 2019, all our deliveries throughout the Metro is plastic-free. Our parcels are recycled brown papers and we do not use plastic bubble wraps, even shredded papers. The latter, while made of recycled materials cannot be re-used any more.
We also refrain from using plastic tapes and shifted to using masking tape instead. Masking tapes are made from thin paper with adhesives. Currently, we are still looking for other and better ways to keep all purchased items secured without compromising our clients and the environment.
For orders outside Metro Manila, we are using cartons or boxes to deliver instead of the usual plastic parcel. We are in negotiation with our couriers to handle deliveries with extra care since we are emitting plastics entirely.
We still have a long way to go in our #plasticfree and #zerowaste journey. We are still improving deliveries as we do not want soaps to dent and get damaged in transit to our clients.
What we can do more:
We encourage everyone to dispose of their waste properly. Waste segregation and recycling or upcycling are highly supported. Let us not stop the yearning to learn more about how we can live sustainably and how we can further help our environment and our country in combatting the challenges regarding waste management.
We also believe that businesses especially huge firms or corporations should take a leap from using and producing single-use plastics to more sustainable packaging.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s continue the #zerowaste journey.
National Solid Waste Management Commission (2017). 17th Anniversary of R.A. 9003 and Zero Waste Management Celebration. [Article] Retrieved from http://nswmc.emb.gov.ph/?p=1065
In this class, I gained an in-depth understanding of social entrepreneurship and I have learned how it was aligned with what I was doing since 2016. Before I ventured to put up a business and actually having a cause, I was an active volunteer of various movements for the environment. Subsequently graduating with a business degree, I initially thought of putting my own business apart from my endeavor in the academic field.
happy-shift.com
Somehow, it already dawned on me to craft something for a larger cause – a cause bigger than myself, the recognition, and my desired profit. Being an advocate for the environment, I was exposed to different challenges that our country and our nature, for that matter, face.
Being a tiny fish in the sea of entrepreneurship, I braved the field to create even a slight difference. By which, looking back, I know I am not there yet; however, I am glad that I have already started and have quite spread the word on how we could be able to help with our own little effort.
Background: The Happy ‘Shift’
In 2016, I was a struggling young professional spending nearly a decade in both the academe and corporate fields. It was also the time that I have celebrated a year in graduate school. I was juggling studies with all these jobs feeling that there was still a void I need to fill.
I have started crafting my vision of a business – not labeling yet if it will be a commercialized one or a social enterprise. Back then, I just thought that I need to be able to do something – mostly for myself. But doing it only for myself was not fulfilling. It will not fill the void. More so, it will only make it worse.
When I was starting to tap various manufacturers and suppliers for a business focus and offering still unknown then, I have recognized marginalized workers who give businesses affordable products that are being sold way too expensive in the market. These workers get an estimate of 0.03 percent of the total retail price and sometimes even lower, almost for free.
I could not help but empathize and I felt that ‘need’ to do something. That was the exact time I knew that I need to get going. Happy Shift PH was born.
Rationale
Happy Shift is a passion project to empower and support the local community in the many how to’s of all-natural, sustainable, and green living.
Happy Shift went through different positive changes throughout its early years. Today, it is a retail online shop promoting and supporting all-natural items that are sustainable, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and made affordable for everyone.
We, at Happy Shift, advocate for the environment and livelihood supporting the local market. Our online presence is a venue to learn more about the environment, its struggles, and viable solutions to preserve it and uplift it.
We provide a ‘shift’ to usual consumed products with the commitment to delivering an unceasing contribution to the benefit of our environment and our homeland.
Product Offerings and Benefits
Happy Shift offers a range of products from makeup, bath, face & body items, products for home & living, and continue expanding to novelty and other artisan collections. All are made from all-natural and sustainable materials.
These products benefit stakeholders – mainly local manufacturers (marginalized workers), local businesses (for other supply needs), and consumers. Happy Shift assures that all products are safe-to-use and made affordable for consumption.
Happy Shift products, while do not have approved therapeutic claims, are mostly derived from real and natural ingredients. We refuse to put chemicals on our products as to not cause harm to consumers.
In the long run, we aim to be a one-stop-shop for the daily needs of the Filipino people. We are for everyone. Currently, our markets are mainly from the masses and middle-income earners. We aim to turn every customer to be an advocate for the environment and help us with our mission and vision to help the local community and provide all-natural and sustainable products for the nation.
Our Value Proposition
We aim to maintain financial sustainability in the long run, but we believe that putting a huge margin will not help one of our main stakeholders, our consumers. We, therefore, adjusted how to manage finances and how we spend it; thus, not to make our customers suffer by purchasing costly products. We want to venture that supporting our local products are better and more affordable. After all, we are making the products in the Philippines for the Filipinos.
While we, after all, is an enterprise, we do not want to be known to be high-priced. We offer premium products at the most available price as possible. We want to have a share in the social market.
We aim for social change. We want the market to help the environment and gain traction of effort through word-of-mouth in terms of promotions.
It is true that we cannot de-industrialize. As such, moving forward, embracing changes – no matter how awful it gets sometimes, and engaging ourselves to incorporate internet data opened different horizons of not only how we transmit information but on how we also learn.
New Horizon
The internet has been around for years – even more than we could imagine. It is one, if not the best evidence that we have improved through the time of learning. Engaging in the process to shift from traditional to digital is a new move. On the other hand, it did not come easy for everyone. As we go through years subsequent the year 2010, we are pacing through the substantial light of phasing out traditional media and deviating to digital or new media.
Communication has been easy. People around the world connect in a deemed direct manner. Everything seems to be digitalized; information is more comfortable to create and share; thus, everyone becomes media creators.
The prowess of the internet and its advantages indeed overcome its cons. Learning has never been this easy. Data are available for everyone to consume, revise, or devise. Educators have more option to share what they know and add to what they currently identify.
Some consider this century a gift. While it is high time for any industry, the government, education, and communication, experts on the field do not stop yet to cultivate a friendlier sphere of information and know-how.
Digital Learning
Selected performers of the academe have already shifted to digital learning. Some combined traditional and the latter; and others are on their transition to explore the opportunity that the digital world or the ‘cyberspace’ can offer.
Universities and Colleges around the globe have expanded their admissions and program offerings through digital platforms like Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). They are also utilizing Learning Management Systems (LMS) to cater to students worldwide without them leaving their homelands and even their home for that matter. Many students have taken this path to higher learning because it does not disrupt their time for work, family, and socialization. Thus, they see it as an opportunity to be flexible, collaborate more with other people (regardless of distance), and be available for more data.
Digital Learners are those who utilize online platforms to learn and engage; thus, eventually, earn degrees. The convenience that the 21s Century Learning give these learners the control over what they want to know and achieve in their professional career and life per se. Students have gained a new balance and remarkably more fulfilled compared to those who learned traditionally.
In the book An Intelligent Career: Taking Ownership of Your Work and Your Life by Michael B. Arthur, Svetlana N. Khapova, and Julia Richardson, they showcased the new balance between the Digital Learner (21st Century Education) and Traditional Education.
A “New Balance” Between Traditional and 21st Century Education from the Book An Intelligent Career: Taking Ownership of Your Work and Your Life (Arthur, M.B., et.al)
The figure above presents the comparison between traditional and digital education. Evidently, digital learners are considered more adaptable and self-paced than those who learned in the traditional way. The digital experience has also given them the newfound purpose of learning for life and a chance to apply what they learned to a real-time task.
The mix of traditional and digital learning also manifest the new balance. Its combination arranges adaptability and versatility to what is available and useful. Moreover, it teaches students a better perspective in life and career and how they could be able to ace and furnish learnings in two different manners.
Digital natives could also be labeled as new media dependents. For educational institutions, setting up a digital platform catered to these audience gives better feedback than those that are still traditionally-inclined. While the latter might not consider inappropriate, they are perceived as a more difficult and bootless errand to conform to.
The Digital Age is happening and constantly improving. It continuously gives a brand-new perspective not only to digital learners but also to leaders – whether of industry or a country.
Issues in the environment are not all new. In fact, such problems surfaced since the 19th century – the aftermath of the industrial revolution.
Technology and nature, on some levels, do not coincide. Coals have been utilized to support power supply that also supports types of machinery.
At some point (at least not so much in the current aspect), innovation or development equates to pollution.
As early as the 1950s, there were already attempts to raise awareness and spread information about the adverse impact of technological innovation on the environment.
The price people have to pay for the advancement of technology is increasing. Not that innovation cannot do humanity any good; however, development should not be at the expense of the existing natural resources and the entire community that relies on it.
Changes are evident in the seasons. Natural disasters, while inevitable, are extremely destructive and even getting far worse – putting many lives and resources at stake. The nation cannot seem to handle such extremity anymore. Hence, the attempt and will to advance the various disaster and risk reduction programs.
The national initiative of the government is vital to encourage people to engage and be informed of what they can do to abate the effects of climate change. While these initiatives are deemed essential, promotion of sustainability and environmental protection shall be participated by local businesses and big corporations.
Tapping businesses to participate is necessary because they are the ones who produce massive supplies and in control of a heavy production for public or market consumption. In simple terms, they have the power to influence people. Thus, getting them to be more aware of the implications and existing atrocities of generating materials that can batter the environment is not only essential but should also be mandatory.
In return, businesses can also gain adherence from the market in promoting and achieving sustainability. Hence, it can empower their venture in the long run while influencing more and more people to participate. Many startups today leverage by promoting and encouraging the market to shift to using sustainable products on its excellent cause.
One hindrance why businesses cannot or would not power through sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives because it could mean more expense from their end. What these companies do not see yet is the ‘good cause’ that makes them more preferable by the market while in bequeath to support sustainability.
More often than not, businesses have more competence and power to influence people even more than how the government has done. Thus, sustainability and the potential to help the environment combat its issues could rely on enterprises (primarily, but not solely).
The future is indeed sustainable. It is not (at least not yet) a hopeless case. The government, business (whether big or small), together with the community should work hand-in-hand towards the goal of a sustainable future.
Technology-centered or -driven companies could make use of the opportunities to lead business sustainability by making wise choices on how they consume energy and where they generate it.
Retailers and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies can support this effort by averting the use of single-use plastics in their packaging.
Culling better alternatives to what was usually the best resort due to its economic advantages could be overwhelming at some point. The community should also realize that what is economical sometimes does not duly equate to being environmental and sustainable. Therefore, it can result in drawbacks and other complications – whether in health, finances, ecological, etc.
In the past, I also had a fair share of handling finances improperly. As an adult, bills are inevitable and totally overwhelming at some point. One thing I learned through the years is that it is not how much you earn, it is how much you save and invest.
When I was in my early 20s, saving is part of my monthly/bi-monthly plans. I save at least 10 to 20 percent of my salary. I know this could be ideal, but I also know that it was not enough. I enrolled myself in graduate studies in a state university – though it is not that expensive compared to other private universities, it also needed planning.
Apartment rent took a big chunk of my budget, especially in Manila. The rate is too steep, but the convenience is priceless since it is near where I was working and accessible whenever I need to attend meetings, conferences, or the like.
I was a struggling millennial. I was living to pay the bills. Aren’t we all are? Continuously, I have learned what could work from what could not. Here are some of the tips on how we could all handle our finances properly:
Find a more affordable alternative
Ladies would understand. It is almost impossible not to splurge on things even a bit. Shopping could be therapeutic. If you cannot duly put a halt on shopping, then at least find a cheaper or a more affordable alternative.
If you like to shop for cosmetics like brand new lipsticks, face powder, and the like, then shift to less pricey items. Happy Shift is a go-to brand! Items are not more than Php300.00. (Yey! Nakapag-plug pa). Hehe. But seriously, you should be more cautious about how much you spend especially if you are saving for something big.
Save and Invest
Saving is essential, yet it is not enough. If you want your money to grow, you must invest. Nowadays, there are many ways on how you can double or triple your resources. You may opt to start your own business, buy stocks, get non-traditional insurance, and the like.
Such ways can ensure that you would be able to sustain your preferred lifestyle by the time you retire.
In addition, there is no fear of crossing the streets anymore because you are insured should you encounter accidents. Hehe.
Don’t bite more than you can chew
It is applicable in every instance of life. Don’t buy things you know you cannot afford or if you know that it will be a pain to pay for it. Don’t go to places where your budget could not fit in – maybe your personality can, but your pocket cannot.
Don’t go on dates you cannot afford and put a halt on purchasing items just because they are trendy. Life is about making the most out of everything you have and not chasing things or people who cannot see you as a feasible confidant.
Depending on your circumstances, you can enjoy your stay here on Earth without much of an expense.
Rumaket Raket is the best way to jumpstart your earnings and your savings. If you have free time and you tend to be bored, why not look for things that you can enjoy and you can earn at the same time? When I was a fresh graduate and moved out early from my grandparents’ home, I looked for many different opportunities I can do during weekends that can pay. I copywrite, proofread articles, write blogs, and even stories for films.
It pays just right for the time I shell out to do it. I went to teach kids voluntarily and later on hired as a part-time teacher. With those, I can afford travels around the Philippines and internationally.
I know these things are hard to do for some, but it is more difficult to just be ‘surviving.’ It is nice to afford ‘living’ and having fun while you still can. I always believe that money is not everything, but it is essential. Working and saving for it is not wrong, just know when to rest and renew yourself from time-to-time.
Shainne Hostalero 