Taiwan and the Future of Smart Agriculture

Taiwan not only excels in technology but has also set aside it’s eye on agriculture improvement. 

Besides being a technological hub, Taiwan also has a flourishing agricultural sector. Indeed, just in the first half of 2019, Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture reported that the island republic has logged US$2.7B (nearly 140 billion pesos) worth of agricultural exports.

This number is only expected to grow as the nation recalibrates its agricultural strategy. Taiwan aims to optimize its farming techniques by using high-precision technology as it commits to the Agriculture 4.0 movement.

Agriculture 4.0, or precision farming, refers to a redefined farming system that integrates high-technology innovations. According to the World Government Summit, Agriculture 4.0 is a green agricultural revolution with science and technology at its heart.

In an effort to sustain its growth, the Taiwanese government is currently raising its investments in Agriculture 4.0 with a pledge of up to $300 million by 2020.

To properly implement Agriculture 4.0, the following materials are needed: Solar technology for energy needs, lighting technology as different plants grow best at different wavelengths, drone technology for soil and water modeling purposes, Internet of Things for smart sensors, semiconductors to manufacture sensors, control software and data mining algorithms, and robotics to assist in planting and harvesting.

As a leading tech hub, Taiwan produces thousands of electrical engineers, semiconductor specialists, and robotics experts each year. The workforce then feeds into a supply chain of thousands of enterprises that create the components required in smart farming.

On the industry side, Taiwan is the second largest in the semiconductor industry, as well as a manufacturer for most of the sensors used in IoT and high-tech projects such as robotics, drones and solar technology. Companies have also developed specialized horticulture LEDs that can fine-tune wavelengths to increase plant growth and yield.

Solid examples of smart farming innovations include Owlting, a Taipei-based startup that supplies farmers with big data to optimize operations by monitoring rain, temperature and chemicals in the soil. Another innovation is LeBio’s Spectral X, which is a new type of agriculture net that adjusts sunlight and RGB spectrum ratios to improve plant health and growth over time.

A number of Taiwan Excellence awardees also have a range of hi-tech autopilot helicopters made to help farmers. Robotics giant Thunder Tiger has the Thunder Hawk, which can spray pesticides across a hectare of land within eight minutes, greatly improving agricultural efficiency and reducing human and plant exposure to pesticides. Additionally, there’s Alpas II, from Geosat Aerospace and Technology, another unmanned drone equipped with computer-controlled flight settings, as well as dual laser sensors, allowing precise and automatic spraying.

By introducing these digital innovations to the farming routine, the expected results are increased yields, reduced operating costs, reduced crop damage and minimized water, fuel and fertilizer usage.

These advantages will also flow to the consumer side as it ensures cheaper yet better quality produce for everyone.

 

 

“Brigada Pagbasa” Launched by World Vision PH and DepEd

In celebration of the National Literacy Month this September and in preparation for November’s National Reading Month, World Vision Development Foundation in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) recently launched Brigada Pagbasa, a movement that seeks to enhance the reading skills of the Filipino children.

The project, an extension of the Brigada Eskwela campaign that promotes community participation in time for school opening, will bring together experts, change makers, policy-makers, and other stakeholders across all sectors from international and local agencies, as well as public and private organizations to spread reading literacy among Filipino children.

DepEd and World Vision, together with their partners National Library of the Philippines, National Book Development Board, GCash, Rex Bookstore, and E Net Philippines, are one for children to promote literacy among Filipinos through the “Brigada Pagbasa” campaign. 

 

To make this happen, World Vision, together with DepEd, is partnering with the National Library of the Philippines, National Book Development Board, GCash, Rex Bookstore, and E Net Philippines, and have also tapped TV and radio personality Joyce Pring to be the Ambassador for Brigada Pagbasa.

TV and radio personality Joyce Pring is the World Vision Ambassador for Brigada

“Literacy, most especially amongst the children and youth, is one of the key factors that determines how well a country progresses in this rapidly-changing world. We have an unfortunate reality where some Filipinos, both young and old, are still struggling with their literacy skills,” said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision in the Philippines.

Based on a report by United Nations, the Philippines has the highest literacy rate at 97.95 percent among Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia. The literacy rate is 98.9 percent among females and 97 percent among males aged 15-24.

In photo (from left): Mr. Rez Salazar of DepEd Division of Camarines Norte, World Vision Philippines Executive Director Mr. Rommel Fuerte, DepEd ESQ External Partnerships Service Undersecretary Tonisito M.C. Umali, and Ms. Renita Abraham Ed.D. of DepEd Division of Camarines Norte. 

While the literacy rate showed the country’s improvement from the past years, there is still a staggering number of children in the country who face literacy challenges. The remaining gap reflected in the study above shows that more work must be done to address this pressing issue.

“To become literate is an important component in the development of children, especially at this fast-paced, technology-driven age. Brigada Pagbasa aims to unleash the potential in every child,” said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Philippines.

World Vision Philippines Executive Director Mr. Rommel Fuerte (left) and DepEd ESQ External Partnerships Service Undersecretary Mr. Tonisito M.C. Umali (right) forged their partnership to enhance the reading skills of the Filipino children through the Brigada Pagbasa program. 

“This campaign is a life-long commitment for all of us, perhaps, until every child receives an opportunity to be educated and to develop his or her full potential,” Mr. Fuerte added.

Brigada Pagbasa will fully commence this November at several communities across the Philippines to educate everyone the value of reading.

About World Vision
World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Plastic ACTion: Businesses Take Action VS Plastic Pollution with WWF-Philippines

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines is tapping businesses to tackle plastic pollution and stop the flow of plastic waste into nature.

As part of the first anniversary of WWF-Philippines’ #AyokoNgPlastik movement and the recent launch of its ‘No Plastics In Nature’ initiative, the conservation organization now introduces Plastic ACTion (PACT) for businesses.

At least 20 businesses came on board the movement on its first year and have since worked to significantly reduce their usage of single-use plastics. In the hopes of maximizing the efforts of these companies, WWF aims to encourage them to join PACT, a voluntary business initiative to eliminate plastic pollution in nature.

WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma reiterates that the time to take a stand against plastic pollution is now and stresses the need for a collective movement to ensure a sustainable planet for all.  Photograph © WWF-Philippines/Maverick Asio

Businesses that have taken part in the sustainable journey movement were recognized as they transitioned into PACT. Each company reported their measurable impact in terms of the amount of plastic units that they were able to prevent from becoming trash.

“We all have a role to play in finding a solution to this plastics issue – and this includes businesses. We’re very grateful that these companies chose to take on the challenge of putting an end to plastic pollution and supporting our goal, which is to prevent plastic waste from leaking into nature,” shared WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma.

A total of nine businesses were awarded for taking first monumental steps towards plastic reduction. These businesses include Bellevue Hotel and Resorts, LIND Boracay, CIBO, The Moment Group, Toby’s Estate, Shakey’s Philippines, foodpanda, Corkcicle, and Fairways and Bluewater.

Bellevue Hotel and Resorts served their complimentary water in glass bottles and stopped serving plastic straws, resulting in the annual elimination of 668,120 plastic bottles and 246,084 plastic straws. LIND Boracay also made the switch to water served in glass bottles, thus preventing 65,480 plastic bottles from becoming trash.

Together Possible with PACT. Businesses that heeded the call to lessen the leakage of plastics into nature are awarded trophies for their commendable efforts to reduce single-use plastics in their establishments. Photograph © WWF-Philippines/Maverick Asio

CIBO opted to go with reusable straws, which removed 310,361 plastic straws for the first year. The Moment Group also refused to serve single-use plastics leading to the elimination of 114,691 plastic straws and 53,700 plastic cutleries in one year. Removal of straws was also the focus of Toby’s Estate, eliminating 144,000 plastic straws in a year’s time.

One of the top consumer companies, Shakey’s Philippines has also pledged to reduce and eventually eliminate plastic straws and containers, which could lead to the yearly reduction of 1,791,600 plastic straws and 1,837,700 plastic containers. Online food delivery marketplace foodpanda gave their customers the option to opt out of plastic cutlery, removing in one year 34,633 pairs of cutlery.

Tumbler brand Corkcicle also promoted the use of reusable drinking bottles, thus eliminating 1,267,450 plastic bottles per annum. Lastly, Fairways and Bluewater also committed to reduce 1.2 million units of plastic annually by ditching plastic bottles and toiletry containers.

WWF-Philippines Head of Marketing and Resource Generation Ismael Cabigao commends partners who have joined the PACT and looks forward to more measurable impacts with more partners in the near future. Photograph © WWF-Philippines/Maverick Asio

“We really hope that more businesses adopt circular solutions in their operations. Companies contribute to the production, consumption, and disposal of plastics globally which is why it is essential that they also take accountability for this. So far, our partners have been receptive of this and we are thankful to have their support,” said Czarina Constantino, WWF-Philippines’ No Plastics In Nature Initiative Project Manager.

Through PACT, WWF hopes to bring up industry standards of material use by providing advice and assistance to different companies and enable them to make decisions on how they can best adjust their operations while contributing to protecting the environment from unnecessary plastic waste.

 

To know more about the various WWF initiatives on plastic pollution, visit www.ayokongplastik.org or follow /WWF.Philippines on Facebook. To engage in conversations on plastics, join facebook.com/groups/ayokongplastik.

 

 

WWF PH’s “Ayoko Ng Plastik” Movement Turns a Year Old

The ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative aims to prevent unnecessary plastic wastes from harming nature. Present at the launch were (from left to right) WWF-Philippines National Ambassador Rovilson Fernandez, WWF-Philippines National Advisory Council Member and Hope In A Bottle Founder and President Nanette Medved-Po, WWF-Philippines No Plastic In Nature Initiative Project Manager Czarina Constantino, and WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma. Photograph © WWF-Philippines/Kim Rodriguez

In line with the 1st anniversary of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines’ #AyokoNgPlastik movement, the leading environmental organization launches the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative, a larger approach that seeks to stop the flow of plastic waste in nature by 2030.

 

The problem with plastics has been escalating for decades, where the Philippines has been identified as the world’s third largest contributor of plastics in the ocean. Plastic pollution has always been a huge issue in the Philippines with the continuous generation of plastic wastes and poor waste management.

 

In 2016, global plastic production has reached 396 million metric tons, which translates to 53 kilograms of plastic per person on the planet. A third of this number has already become land or marine pollution and with a projected increase of 40% by 2030, an additional 104 million metric tons will leak into nature in a business as usual scenario. This poses harmful effects not only to our environment, but to human health as well. It is estimated that on average, people could be ingesting approximately 5 grams of plastic every week.

Recognizing the threat brought about by plastic pollution, WWF-Philippines rolled out the #AyokoNgPlastik movement last year in hopes of addressing the issue by creating awareness among Filipinos to reduce dependence on single-use plastics such as straws, bags, bottles, and cups, among others.

 

This year, WWF-Philippines reinforces their campaign against unnecessary plastics by adopting the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative, a global WWF approach that intends to stop the flow of plastics entering nature by 2030 through elimination of unnecessary plastics, doubling reuse, recycling, and recovery, and ensuring remaining plastic is sourced responsibly.

 

“With the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative, we are hoping to make the Philippines free of unnecessary plastic wastes, but we cannot do this alone, we need the help of everyone. Every individual, company, and institution should be mindful of the amount of plastics they produce and use daily, and take action accordingly, to make this goal a reality,” said Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines President and CEO.

 

The initiative is a holistic approach consisting of four main strategies such as lobbying for a global legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, Plastic Smart Cities movement for cities and tourism destinations, Plastic Action (PACT) for businesses, and #AyokoNgPlastik for the general public.

 

The WWF network is continually pushing for a new international legally binding agreement to comprehensively address marine plastic pollution throughout the full life cycle from both production to disposal and recovery back into a circular loop. This is the network’s response to the agreement made at the recent 14^th Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (COP 14) in Geneva, which stresses that the developing world could no longer be a plastic dumping ground and that any trade would require the prior consent from the receiving country.

Plastic Smart Cities, on the other hand, is a global movement of cities and tourism destinations that are fighting plastic pollution through improved collection, recycling, reduction of key waste plastics, and landfill management. Currently, the Philippines is working in six cities including Davao City, Digos City, Tagum City, Manila City, Parañaque City, Island Garden City of Samal, and four municipalities including Lupon, San Isidro, Sta. Cruz, and Donsol.

 

Meanwhile, WWF-Philippines was able to partner with at least 20 businesses for the sustainable journey movement where programs to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics in their supply chain system, workplace, and business operations were implemented. This program resulted in the prevention of over 1.5 million pieces of plastic waste from leaking into nature. Currently, WWF-Philippines is adopting the Plastic Action (PACT), which is a regional initiative on engaging businesses to take on a circular economy.

Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg

Finally, WWF-Philippines’ successful #AyokoNgPlastik movement will continue to educate the general public about plastic pollution, its impacts, and how people can help in addressing it through the Facebook community and the recently launched AyokoNgPlastik microsite. Members of the movement have also demonstrated their commitment to this cause by signing the petition to support the call for a new legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution.

 

“The problem on plastic pollution will only continue to worsen if we don’t do anything about it. We are determined to address this issue to ensure that there will be no more plastic pollution in nature by 2030, and we hope to achieve that through the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative,” Palma reiterated.

WWF-Philippine’s ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative was launched on the 5^th of September at Shakey’s Quezon Avenue. Shakey’s Philippines is one of the newest partners and supporters of the #AyokoNgPlastik movement.

 

To know more about WWF-Philippines and the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative, visit www.ayokongplastik.org or follow /WWF.Philippines on Facebook. To engage in conversations on plastics, join facebook.com/groups/ayokongplastik.

 

Young Actress Bianca Umali Spearheads World Vision’s 1,000 Girls Campaign Launch

 

World Vision in the Philippines, together with World Vision Ambassador for Education Bianca Umali, launches “1000 Girls,” a campaign that aims to give girls a better future and help them to reach their potentials and achieve their dreams.

 

Globally, millions of girls do not have the chance to go to school because they are forced into child labor, child marriage or child pregnancy. According to a survey released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, 63.3% of the Filipino out-of-school youth are girls. It was also revealed that the main reason for the high percentage is marriage and family matters.

In response to this alarming problem, World Vision is introducing the “1000 Girls” campaign, a global movement that intends to help 1000 Filipino girls through the organization’s Child Sponsorship program. The project will pave the way for the celebration of International Day of the Girl on October 11.

“Each girl deserves to be in school, overcome poverty, reach her full potential, and eventually, be a valuable member of the community. I encourage everyone to help us reach our goal and help these girls fulfill their dreams,” shared World Vision Ambassador for Education Bianca Umali, a staunch advocate of women empowerment.

The lovely 19 year old is a fast rising actress and is grateful for the chance to work for the entertainment industry. Despite her busy schedule, Bianca allots time in being one of the celebrity ambassadors for World Vision PH. She even has a sponsored child which she monitors from time to time.

 

“We decided to adapt the ‘1000 Girls’ campaign in the Philippines because Filipino girls share similar struggles with girls who live in poverty in other countries. There are so many challenges in fulfilling their dreams. If no one will help them and stand for them, how can they attain their goals?” said World Vision Executive Director Rommel V. Fuerte.

Running to Empower Girls’ Dreams

In support of the campaign, business mogul Victor Consunji and his race partner Enrico Menichetti pledged to join and finish the 2019 Fire + Ice Ultra Marathon, which took take place from August 26 to 31 in Iceland. The duo has set up a fundraising page where people can pledge their support not only to cheer Victor and Enrico on but also to empower the dreams of girls still living in poverty.

“When we join a marathon, we have a specific goal in mind and that is to reach the finish line. We overcome obstacles and push ourselves to the limit to reach this goal. The same can be said for the thousands of Filipino girls who also have their own goals, dreams and aspirations. Sadly, not everyone has the means to do so because of poverty,” Victor explained. “We believe child sponsorship can help change this.”

 

“Enrico and I are dedicating this race to these girls because we want them to know that reaching their dream is possible. We want to empower them through this fundraising run. I hope that you can support Enrico and I as we run another race for children,” Victor added.

Menichetti sent over a personal and special pre-recorded message which was viewed during the campaign launch.

This is not the first time Victor and Enrico are running for the benefit of World Vision children. In 2018, the race partners successfully finished the Marathon Des Sables, also known as ‘the toughest foot race on earth.’ The funds raised from Consunji and Menichetti’s run were used to support World Vision’s nutrition project in Batangas, provide school supplies for children in Malabon, give water facilities in West Misamis, and build a new water system in Bohol.

“We implore everyone to join our cause in helping Filipino girls who are suffering from circumstances brought by lack of access to their most basic needs. With everybody’s help, we can reach more children.” concludes Mr. Fuerte.

World Vision’s “1000 Girls” campaign is also supported by its major partners Shopee Philippines, UL Skin Sciences, Tupperware Brands Philippines, and Elev8 Media.

Congratulations Bianca and the rest of World Vision Philippines for this very noble and compassionate campaign!

To know more about “1000 Girls,” visit www.worldvision.org.ph. You may also Like and follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram for more updates.