Weird species of worm named after Godzilla’s enemy
We love sharing the uncovering of the vast biodiversity of our world with our readers. In 2020 alone, 503 new animal species were discovered. From the Popa langur monkey, to nine new snake species and the highest living bumblebee Bombus tibeticus. It is inspiring and exciting to see the wide range Read More...
Mouse species feared extinct survives devastating volcano eruption
After Mount Pinatubo on the Philippine island of Luzon erupted violently in 1991, the Pinatubo mouse, a species endemic only to the area surrounding the volcano, was feared to be extinct. Three decades later, however, it turns out the very rare volcano-dwelling mouse is not only alive but actually Read More...
A look into Piñatex, the alt-leather made from pineapple leaves
While working in the Philippines during the 1990s, Spanish leathergoods expert Dr. Carmen Hijosa grew horrified at the environmental impact of leather production. The problem for her was that she didn’t approve of petroleum-based alternatives either. In search of a better alternative, Hijosa Read More...
Clean energy revolution: Philippines to stop building new coal power plants
Currently, coal is the dominant source of energy in the Philippines, with more than 41 percent of the country’s economy relying on dirty fossil fuel. That may soon change though, as the Filipino government recently announced that it will no longer accept proposals to build new coal power plants, Read More...
Philippines teachers start call center to help struggling remote students
To contain the spread of the coronavirus, schools in the Philippines have remained closed since lockdown ensued in March. This has pushed virtually all of the country’s students to continue their education online. Concerned that virtual learning may become a struggle for students, a local Read More...
Critically endangered turtles hatch in record numbers in Philippine village
Hawksbill sea turtles are a critically endangered species of sea turtle, with its population declining by as much as 80 percent in the past decade. In the Philippines, this turtle species is among the most trafficked on the black market due to its sought-after shells. Recently, however, Read More...
This Philippine island is reconstructing itself by turning volcano ash into bricks
Last week, the island of Luzon in the Philippines was startled by an eruption of the Taal Volcano - one of the most active in the region - displacing thousands of people and blanketing neighboring towns and villages with thick layers of erupted ash and mud. Following the disaster, the ash-covered Read More...
Philippines approve bill requiring students to plant 10 trees before graduating
As an archipelago in the Western Pacific with a high vulnerability to extreme weather and sea level rise, the Philippines is among the top countries in the world that are most affected by climate change. However, the Southeast Asian country has also demonstrated some of the most ambitious actions Read More...
Those left behind
Money sent home by immigrant workers makes a dramatic impact in developing countries. Reporting from the Philippines, Jonathan Rowe reveals that the effects go far beyond economics. Jonathan Rowe| July/Aug 2007 issue A visitor to rice country in the Philippines these days encounters scenes that Read More...