Program Trust

For the past six years most of the projects and endeavors of SPM were focused on drainage clean up drive, providing assistance to calamity victims (giving foods and relief goods), and tree planting, and feeding malnourished children around the Philippines.  Starting 2012, the Sonshine Philippines Movement will shift its trust to environmental protection in a more sustainable method to help counter the impact of global warming. The following areas are the focus of SPM’s programs, projects and activities as follows:

 

2.1.    Agri-forest Resource Development and Management 

Sustainable watershed management is one of the important issues in the Philippines. More than 25 million people (among the country’s poorest of the poor) live in the uplands. Upland environments are the most complex, diverse, and risk prone agricultural ecosystems. Soil erosion is a major environmental hazard associated with agricultural production in these ecosystems. Rapid population growth and economic needs push farmers to cultivate steeper and more fragile lands contributing to erosion of 50-200 tons of topsoil annually. These dark pictures of upland environments require a holistic approach to

address complexities, diversities and risks on the technical, social and political elements of upland development and natural resources management requiring appropriate upland technologies, strong community institutions, and proactive government support.

 

The Sonshine Philippines Movement is moving its efforts to this direction to contribute to a sustainable management of upland and watershed resources.  The on-going development of Mt. Tamayong reflects SPM commitment to this endeavor.  SPM will design, innovate, and implement projects for upland and watershed development in partnership with the communities, LGUs, NGOs, Government Agencies and international funding donors.   SPM will lead in mobilization of resources and participation of communities for a sustainable development and management of upland resources.

 

 

Coastal communities in the Philippines are dependent on marine resources; the archipelago of over 7,000 islands ranks 11th on the list of fish- and seafood-producing countries globally and the export market is a major source of national income.  Marine resources in the Philippines are currently threatened by destructive fishing techniques involving dynamite and cyanide, and overfishing to service the nation’s ever-growing seafood export contracts. The extraction of rocks, sand and coral from marine ecosystems for construction, pollution from shipping and rivers, and the clearing of mangroves are more

general environmental concerns that compound the problem of depleted fish stocks.

 

There are about 500 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the country, 9 are located in Davao Oriental and 3 are located in Davao del Sur.  Through a sustain partnership with the communities, environmental groups, government agencies, LGUs, and funding donors SPM will design, innovate, and implement projects and activities for the protection, conservation, development and management of marine resources in the countryside.

 

 List of MPAs in Davao Region

  

 

 

The management of solid wastes in the Philippines currently is undergoing several important changes because of the signing into law of Republic Act No. 9003 or The Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, an act providing for ecological solid wastes management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefore, and for other purposes.

 

The Typhoon Ondoy in October 2009 that brought unimaginable catastrophes in greater part of Manila and Luzon is a reminder on how the nature gets back to the people for inattention to the environment.  Tons of garbage was cluttered in the streets and backyards of houses.  The irresponsible throwing of garbage is the main reason.  With this reality, SPM will continue to work with communities and LGUs in street and drainage clean up in a more sustainable strategy.  SPM saw the importance of involving and educating the community on proper waste management disposal.  SPM will design and implement effective and sustainable solid waste management activities and projects in partnership with the LGUs and communities.

  

Ecotourism is a responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. It is a form of tourism visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas. Its purpose is to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights.

 

This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:

·         Minimize impact

·         Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.

·         Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.

·         Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.

·         Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.