Seeking ways to give back to the community is no longer limited to big organizations but also becoming more accessible to individuals. You may have read about groups who are involved in projects dedicated to improve the lives of those who belong to more challenged communities. There is definitely a plethora of advocacy organizations around the world but take note of the equally impressive CSR activities in Cebu. Listed below are the five advocacy groups where you can join and easily get your feet wet on what it’s like to be a volunteer for a good cause.
Do what you love and help along the way is the mantra of Waves for Water. With a global reach, the organization focuses mainly in donating simple filtration systems to provide drinkable water for marginalized communities. The organization is supported no less than by international leaders , renowned surfers and influencers who are in the forefront of global positive change.
With a mission, get clean water to every person who needs it, their Philippine National Director Carlo Delantar, who is from Cebu has already spearheaded projects across the country, providing clean drinking water to over 100,000 Filipinos. Locals helping locals is the driving culture of the group, without having to heavily rely on foreign volunteers, W4W educate, train and empower local community leaders who can pass on the learnings and skills on operating and maintaining the water filters.
In Cebu, W4W have deployed clean water couriers to its northern part after the Yolanda Typhoon and is now expanding to other communities in the province. What is truly appealing for the implementation of the project is that it is scalable. You may start with just one filter or as many as you can manage, that’s why individuals, families, groups or a business organization can team up and pick a community to help.
Find out more about Waves for water and join the movement as a clean water courier, you may directly reach Carlo Delantar at carlo@wavesforwater.org or visit their website, www.wavesforwater.org.
Greenpeace PH is an environmental advocacy group, and in Cebu, the group is highly vocal in campaigning against any plan for new coal-powered energy plants.
In March 2016, alongside with other environmental advocacy groups, Greenpeace PH marched under heavily pouring rain from the South side of the province, the Naga City Coal Plant to Sawang Calero, in Cebu City.
There was a controversial proposal that the LUDO Power Corporation intends to open a 300 Megawatt Coal Power Plant without consulting the residents of Barangay Sawang Calero.
There was an online-petition against the coal powered plant raking in 1,500 supporters issued by Henry Sheida, stating that the concerns are beyond the environmental, health and general social welfare of the community residents but also for all Cebuanos.
But note that even though the initial proposal has been junked already, with the new mayor and city council, the LUDO Power Corporation can re-submit a proposal, so be on the lookout if you would like to campaign against it.
For activities, events, and updates check their Facebook page, fb.com/greenpeaceph.
According to an October 2015 article published in www.ecowatch.com, the Philippines is among the top 5 countries in the world that contribute to most of the plastic waste into the oceans, negatively affecting the state of our marine ecosystems.
The Philippines is among the top countries that should be on someone’s must-visit-destination. Featured in Conde Naste Traveler in 2016 with Cebu as one of the ten best islands in the world. The pristine white sand beaches and its globally renowned diving sites for its marine life diversity, attracts tourists and enthusiasts alike, but what is equally disappointing is the growing indifference towards the preservation of our natural resources. One must ask, what is to become of our marine life, the Philippines Seas? We must SAVE it!
Save the Philippine Seas is constantly seeking for volunteers to sustain its programs, to educate and train on responsible and doable marine conservation activities. Check their website and see how you can be part of their team.
A mass civic led clean up movement is growing rapidly since its launching in January 2015. Battling against problems in trash management, LDI Philippines hosted a 3 day Trash Warrior Boot Camp in Badian, Cebu, where multi-sectoral leaders were trained from all regions of the county by Speakers and Facilitators on how to invite sign up volunteers for a one Day National clean up every 3rd Saturday of September, with its goal of reaching 5 million volunteers in September 2018.
Let’s do it! Philippines’ Core team are based in Cebu, meeting regularly at least once a month to continuously look for strategic partners, to join you can visit their website at www.letsdoitphilipines.com.
Sustainable Energy and Enterprise Development for Communities was put together to give renewable energy systems for the last mile communities. When Yolanda struck in 2013 a lot of homes lost their electrical connection, but what has been learned is that there are far more communities who do not have any source of reliable energy system.
Through an inter-agency partnership and support from generous donors, SEED4COM was able to deploy to 160 communities in the Visayas Region.
As it continues to be present in more and more humble Filipino homes, they are launching the Hero of Light project where one can sign up to raise funds and help a Fisherman in Gilutongan Island in Cordova, Cebu to own a Mobiya Floating Lamp that he and his family can use.
To sign up and receive more information on how to join, please visit our site www.seed4com.org.
There are other CSR activities that you can go ahead and look up online, however with the current climate change that is posing as a threat to all, it is just right that we come together and join in to mitigate its development by joining environmental conservation projects. Do your share by signing up and take part in the success of these altruistic efforts.