Muni on this:
Stop global whining. Ask yourself instead, “What are you doing to contribute to society?” – Anna Oposa, Chief Mermaid and Co-Founder of Save Philippine Seas (SPS)
Change lies in our own hands. Saving the world may seem like a daunting task, but time and again, we are shown by many individuals that such feats are possible. It doesn’t necessarily demand bold gestures and self-sacrificing heroics. Rather, it’s about caring enough for something, so much that you follow that up with action.
The Strength of a Collective Voice
When the news on “the rape of the Philippine seas” [1] broke in 2011, a handful of individuals decided to take a stand and started the Save Philippine Seas (SPS) movement. By making noise online via #reefwatchPH on Twitter, and offline lobbying, SPS was able to consolidate a national voice that demanded political will for faster legislation, stricter enforcement, and compliance of environmental protection laws. Thus ensuring the issue doesn’t get swept under the rug.
Now two years in existence, SPS describes itself best at being a dot-connector and enabler. They assist a collaborative network of interest groups from both public and private sectors, engaged in marine education and conservation projects throughout the country.
Pawikan Watchers Project: Giving Power to the People
The Pawikan Watchers Project with PAWB (Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau) is one such initiative. The thing with sea turtles is that local communities, though well-meaning, tend to mishandle them especially during the nesting season. The Pawikan Watchers Project aims to prevent this by building a national network of volunteers specifically trained on the biology and ecology of sea turtles. This way, communities will become more equipped in protecting their seas, instilling in them a deeper sense of ownership of the environment.
On the other hand, SPS also aims to educate the public on how to properly interact with marine creatures through social media platforms, while keeping them abreast with marine conservation-related issues. As the adage goes, knowledge is power.
Amazingly, what started out as a hashtag on Twitter and a bunch of letters to government officials has evolved into a multi-faceted movement. Seeing how things panned out for SPS just validates one thing…small steps lead to large leaps indeed!
#CutTheCrap,: Bringing Muni, SPS, and everyone together!
Speaking of small but impactful steps, Muni and Save Philippine Seas are both purveyors of mindful living. As Anna Oposa of SPS perfectly puts it,
“I always say that we can measure how good of an advocate we are through the little things – if we still see people throwing cigarettes butts out of their cars and on the streets and into the seas, the work is not done. If we can’t do the little things, we have no business pursuing the big things. A cleaner, healthier environment begins with our habits.”
The #CutTheCrap Campaign is a testament to how just by re-thinking our day-to-day actions, we can already make a difference. The #CutTheCrap gig on June 15 at Route 196 will bring the campaign all together in a complete audio-visual experience and will raise funds for Muni’s #CutTheCrap initiatives, while 25% of the proceeds will be donated to Save Philippine Seas’ Pawikan Watchers Project.
Contribute to the movement by joining us at the #CutTheCrap Gig. Tickets are available online via Artiste Connect or via Muni’s online shop at P200, or at the gate for P250, inclusive of a beer, #CutTheCrap canister, and 10% discount from Muni’s online shop!
Save Philippine Seas
Website: http://www.savephilippineseas.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/savephilippineseas
Twitter: @SavePHSeas
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