THE PARADIGM OF SUSTAINABILITY

The Philippines is a country of natural beauty—an archipelago of wondrous islands and idyllic beaches, majestic landforms and notable biodiversity. Add to these a rich history and an array of diverse cultures to make for a great tourist destination. Several of its scenic spots and cultural sites have, in fact, received recognition from international organisations, like the recent inclusion of the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan into the New7Wonders of Nature and certification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, these praises cannot erase the fact that the very nature we celebrate greatly agonises from our own abuse as well.

Human neglect towards nature is evident: wild animals facing extinction because of poaching, woodlands disappearing because of deforestation, fields becoming barren because of climate change. While most environmentally-abusive practices have already been criminalised—illegal logging and mining, dynamite fishing, and irresponsible