What does it take to scale organic farming from a single farm to a million kilos of produce annually? In this episode of the Good and Green Podcast, Chit Juan talks to Mike Melendres, founder of Organic Options, Earthman, and Biotech JP. From a modest farm in 2001 to a vertically integrated business promoting food safety, farmer training, and agricultural innovation, Mike shares how his journey has stayed rooted in his core values of health, sustainability, and impact. Whether it’s helping smallholder farmers shift to organic practices or introducing low-calorie, low-protein rice through Japanese fermentation technology, Mike proves that good food and good business can go hand in hand.

GUEST BIO:

Michael “Mike” Melendres is a farmer-entrepreneur and visionary behind multiple agri-based enterprises that uplift smallholder farmers and champion food safety. As founder and president of Organic Options, he helped build a supply chain that delivers nearly a million kilos of organic produce annually while ensuring better prices and stable markets for family farms. Through Earthman & Co., he trains and equips farmers to become agri-preneurs using climate-resilient and science-based farming models. Mike also leads Biotech JP, a joint venture bringing low-protein and low-calorie rice innovations to niche markets in the Philippines and abroad. His advocacy centers on making healthy, safe food accessible while proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. A UPLB Distinguished Alumnus, Mike has been recognized for his work in agro-enterprise development and social entrepreneurship.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why Mike transitioned from chemical to organic farming.
• How Organic Options grew to distribute nearly a million kilos annually.
• The creation of Earthman to train and support smallholder farmers.
• Marrying organic and regenerative agriculture for larger impact.
• How Biotech JP introduced healthier rice options for niche markets.
• Why food safety should be at the center of agriculture and consumption.

QUOTES:

• The core today is still organic because that's our belief. Food should be safe. — Michael Melendres
• We try to look for ways on how to share the knowledge because the people who are with me enjoy these activities also. — Michael Melendres
• If you believe in your product, then you might as well do everything. — Michael Melendres
• We're in the business of food safety. We're not in the business of food security. — Michael Melendres
• To eat food that is safe is a must. It's a need and it's a must. — Michael Melendres

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Michael Melendres on:

• Organic Options - https://www.organicoptions.store
• Earthman & Co. - https://www.earthman.com.ph/
• BiotechJP - https://biotechjp.com.ph

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.

Seeds are at the heart of farming and food security. In this episode of the Good and Green Podcast, host Chit Juan talks with Julius Barcelona, Chief Operating Officer of Harbest Agribusiness Corporation and Vice President of the Philippine Seed Industry Association. Julius explains why seeds are the foundation of agriculture, the differences between open-pollinated, hybrid, and transgenic seeds, and why vegetable consumption in the Philippines remains so low. He also shares insights on hydroponics, the challenges and opportunities in the food value chain, and how young people can find both purpose and profit in agriculture.

GUEST BIO:

Julius Barcelona is the Chief Operating Officer of Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, a pioneer in agricultural solutions for Filipino farmers since 1997. He also serves as Vice President of the Philippine Seed Industry Association, Asia’s oldest seed association, where he leads key initiatives like the annual Seed Pavilion at Agrilink and contributes to projects such as the Vegetable Industry Roadmap 2021–2025. With agricultural training in Asia, North Africa, and Europe, Julius brings global expertise to advancing seed development, farmer empowerment, and climate resilience in the Philippines.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why seeds are the foundation of farming and food systems.
• The differences between open-pollinated, hybrid, and transgenic seeds.
• Why vegetable consumption in the Philippines is still very low compared to neighboring countries.
• The opportunities and limits of hydroponics and vertical farming.
• How agriculture can be both a business and an advocacy for the next generation.

QUOTES:

• Without the seed, everything else falls apart. — Julius Barcelona
• Everything that we grow today is genetically modified because it's all undergone artificial intervention. — Julius Barcelona
• We want the farmers to have dignity. — Julius Barcelona
• Vegetables make you a lot of money. — Julius Barcelona
• Food cannot be expensive as a basic human right. — Julius Barcelona

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Julius Barcelona on:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliusbarcelona/
• Harbest Agribusiness Corporation - https://www.harbest.com.ph
• Philippine Seed Industry Association - https://www.philseedindustry.org/

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Subscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.

Chit Juan sits down with Carlomagno “Carlo the Farmer” Aguilar to talk about how growing your own food can change both consumer and farmer mindsets, reduce waste, and make farm-to-table truly work in the Philippines. Carlo shares his mission to localize food production, empower communities, and bring fresh, sustainable food closer to home. From backyard gardens to island-to-island farming solutions, he explains how anyone can start small and make a big impact. This episode is filled with practical tips, inspiring stories, and a vision for a future where every Filipino household can access fresh, healthy food.

GUEST BIO:

Carlomagno “Carlo the Farmer” Aguilar is a social entrepreneur, farm consultant, and agri-educator passionate about making food-growing a part of daily life. Founder of CoGrow and Fresherb, he helps transform idle lands into sustainable farms, trains the next generation of farmers, and supports businesses in growing their own food. Recognized by the BPI Sinag Foundation for his impactful farm consultancy model, Carlo is on a mission to bring food closer to people while promoting farm-to-table practices across the Philippines. Through his active presence on social media, he continues to inspire Filipinos to grow their own food, proving his belief that “everyone can grow.”

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How Carlo’s childhood and family inspired his love for farming.
• Why communication between farmers and chefs is key to reducing waste.
• Practical tips for households to start backyard or tower gardens.
• The importance of growing for a ready market to ensure farm profitability.
• How localization can address food security in the Philippines.
• Carlo’s passion for teaching and sharing farming knowledge freely.

QUOTES:

• My inner self brought me back to my real and mission—going back to the soil. — Carlo Aguilar
• Communication is very important for farmers and chefs. — Carlo Aguilar
• I would recommend, if you don't have space, do a tower garden. — Carlo Aguilar
• If you will it, you can do it. — Chit Juan
• I just love teaching. I enjoy teaching. — Carlo Aguilar
• My mission in life is to fix the agri sector of the Philippines. — Carlo Aguilar 
• Grow food where food is needed. — Carlo Aguilar
• I believe that food localization starts at home. — Carlo Aguilar

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Carlo Aguilar on:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carlomagnoaguilar9376
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlomagno.aguilar
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlothefarmer
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlothefarmer

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Subscribe to

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.

Chit Juan speaks with Reena Gamboa about the vibrant and growing Slow Food movement in the Philippines. Reena shares how her community’s deep-rooted pride in Ilonggo food culture laid the foundation for their leadership role in hosting Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific, a biennial event gathering farmers, chefs, food advocates, and producers from across the region and beyond.

Reena gives us a preview of what to expect at the event: earth markets, educational exhibits, taste workshops, talks, and international collaboration—all anchored on the Slow Food principles of good, clean, and fair food. She also discusses how food tourism can uplift communities, preserve biodiversity, and build meaningful connections across borders.

GUEST BIO:

Reena Gamboa is a farmer, entrepreneur, and the president of Slow Food Negros. Based in Silay City, she runs Casa A. Gamboa, her ancestral home turned tourist destination offering private dining, homestays, and cultural events that highlight traditional Ilonggo and Filipino cuisine. A licensed tour guide, she advocates for sustainable food and cultural heritage through partnerships with the Department of Tourism, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda. Inspired by her aunt, renowned food writer Doreen Gamboa Fernandez, Reena continues to champion Philippine culinary traditions. Her work with the Slow Food Movement includes food mapping initiatives and organizing events that support farmers and promote local ingredients in Western Visayas.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific is a landmark event for the region.
• How Slow Food Negros became a leading community in the country.
• The link between pride in local cuisine and food sustainability.
• What we can expect to find at the Terra Madre Festival
• How Slow Food promotes biodiversity and cultural heritage

QUOTES:

• We believe that people who eat are part of the food system, not just the farmers. — Reena Gamboa
• We are very particular about our food, just like the Italians. — Reena Gamboa
• Be proud of your  home cooked meals. — Reena Gamboa
• I already foresee the Philippines in the map of gastronomy. — Reena Gamboa
• The angle that we are pushing—good, clean and fair food—is not just a trend. It's a lifestyle. — Reena Gamboa

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Slow Food Negros:

• Slow Food Negros Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SlowFoodNegros
• Slow Food Negros Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/slowfoodnegros

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Subscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.

What happens when a photographer trades the ocean for the land? In this episode of the Good and Green Podcast, Chit Juan sits down with Al Linsangan III, environmental photographer turned regenerative farmer, sustainability advocate, and founder of Coron Natural Farms. Al shares how his journey from scuba diving and ecotourism led him to conservation agriculture, farm-based education, and community development. Listeners will learn how his sustainable mindset guides his efforts to promote biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience in Palawan and beyond.

GUEST BIO:

Al Linsangan III is a social entrepreneur, environmental photographer, and organic farmer dedicated to sustainability and community development. He is the founder of Coron Natural Farms in Palawan and a director at the Society for Sustainable Tourism. Recognized as an Outstanding Palaweño for his contributions to conservation agriculture and tourism, Al also shares his expertise as a consultant and educator in farm tourism, ecotourism, and sustainable development. His background includes work with the Department of Tourism and the DILG’s LGSP-LED program, and he has taught at Palawan State University. Al holds a degree in Environmental Economics from San Beda College and pursued further training in organic agriculture, permaculture, and farm tourism through UP Los Baños, TESDA, and ISST. Through his work, Al continues to promote regenerative practices that restore both people and the planet.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How Al founded Coron Natural Farms
• The 15:30 model that encourages households to grow 30 kinds of plants in 15 sqm.
• Shifting from conventional farming to regenerative farming and its impact on soil health and biodiversity.
• The connection between food security, native seed conservation, and resilient farming communities.
• The role of biodiversity in regenerative agriculture and why it matters for Palawan’s future.
• How farm-based learning is used to teach environmental values and sustainable living.
• How community-based tourism and agriculture can work together to create sustainable local economies.

QUOTES:

• I'm a person  who's  really  in  love  with  nature. — Al Linsangan
• One  of  the  things  that  we proved  is  that  we  can  make  use  of  small  areas [in farming]. — Al Linsangan
• The good thing when you're doing regenerative farming or you're working with nature — nature will later work for you. — Al Linsangan
• Our model is very simple, very practical, and not expensive. — Al Linsangan

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Coron Natural Farms:

• Coron Natural Farms on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CoronNaturalFarms

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Subscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.

What happens when art, agriculture, and social good come together? In this episode, Chit Juan talks with Bernadette “BidiBidi” delos Santos, artist, entrepreneur, and farmer-leader from Bicol. Through her vibrant upcycled fashion brand, BidiBidi empowers over 150 rural women with embroidery skills while promoting sustainability and Filipino culture. She also shares her work as RAFC Chair, giving voice to farmers and fisherfolk in national policy-making. It’s a powerful story of creativity, community, and change stitched together with purpose.

GUEST BIO:

BidiBidi is a passionate social entrepreneur, artist, and volunteer farmer leader dedicated to sustainability, community empowerment, and cultural preservation. Through the BidiBidi enterprise, she taught more than 150 rural women and continues teaching the art and skill of hand embroidery. She upcycles fabrics into vibrant patchworks, creating unique handcrafted products that celebrate Filipino artistry. Her work provides livelihood opportunities to local artisans, particularly women, while promoting eco-conscious fashion. As a volunteer farmer leader and RAFC Chair of the Bicol Region, she advocates for sustainable agriculture, rural development, and the welfare of farming communities. Rooted in creativity, social impact, and environmental stewardship, BidiBidi’s work is a testament to the power of art, sustainability, and community in transforming lives.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How BidiBidi started her enterprise after returning home to Camarines Sur
• The role of embroidery as both creative expression and community livelihood
• Reviving a local embroidery tradition that had nearly disappeared
• Training women from 4Ps communities through DSWD partnerships
• Building a self-sustaining value chain by buying back finished embroidered goods
• Balancing art and business to create an impactful, mission-driven brand
• Her work as a farmer representative through the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council

QUOTES:

• I needed people to also make the products that I had in mind. — BidiBidi delos Santos
• You actually found yourself an army of women. — Chit Juan
• All they have to have are a pair of hands and good eyesight. — BidiBidi delos Santos
• I always say that the inspiration actually comes from myself. — BidiBidi delos Santos
• Do whatever you love doing, and be good at it. — BidiBidi delos Santos
• Create things that not only help communities but are also good for our environment. — BidiBidi delos Santos

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with BidiBidi:

• BidiBidi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bidibidi101/
• BidiBidi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bidibidi101

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Subscribe to EchoNews on Linked

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.

Chit Juan speaks with Anya Lim, co-founder of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, about how she’s preserving Filipino weaving traditions through sustainable fashion and community enterprise. Anya shares how ANTHILL empowers artisans—especially women—by providing market access, entrepreneurial training, and circular design opportunities. She also opens up about the challenges of running a social enterprise, including navigating the pandemic and addressing issues like fabric counterfeiting, while staying rooted in cultural heritage and purpose-driven work.

GUEST BIO:

Anya Lim is the co-founder of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, a pioneering social enterprise that champions Filipino weaving traditions and empowers craft communities through sustainable livelihood and community enterprise building. With a Master’s in Communications for Social Change from the University of Queensland, Anya merges contemporary and circular design with grassroots impact. Her work focuses on women’s economic empowerment and market access for artisans, earning her numerous accolades including the 2016 Young Entrepreneur of Cebu, a 2020 GSBI-Miller Center Fellowship, and the 2023 Ramon V. Del Rosario Siklab Award for Impact Entrepreneurship. Anya is a recognized leader in the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and social change.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• The origin of ANTHILL and its mission to preserve Philippine weaving.
• How cultural exposure, family legacy, and volunteerism inspired Anya’s path.
• The challenges and breakthroughs of introducing weaves to the fashion mainstream.
• Community-based innovations like the Master and Apprentice Program.
• The impact of technology on indigenous textiles.
• How ANTHILL survived the pandemic by putting people before profit.
• Anya’s three wishes for the future of circular fashion and cultural continuity.

QUOTES:

• Our living tradition of weaving is dying, and a lot of those who weave are already in their elder years. — Anya Lim
• Anthill became one of the pioneer brands that really used weaves for contemporary wear that was accessible to everyday wear. — Anya Lim
• We call them our business partners because we don't just procure fabrics from them. — Anya Lim
• It's the right time to be doing this because there's a lot of people also who are wanting to wear weaves. — Anya Lim
• The good thing is people are already accepting native weaves as everyday wear. — Chit Juan
• We want to bring our weaves to the world. — Anya Lim

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Anya Lim:

• ANTHILL Fabrics Website - https://anthillfabrics.com
• ANTHILL Fabrics on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anthillfabric
• Anya Lim on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joyanyalim/
• ANTHILL Fabrics on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AnthillFabricGallery

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.

How can we protect the oceans that feed us and empower the coastal communities that rely on them?

In this episode of the Good and Green Podcast, Chit Juan speaks with Attorney Gloria Estenzo Ramos, co-founder of the Philippine Earth Justice Center and former Vice President of Oceana Philippines. Atty. Ramos shares her decades-long mission to protect the Philippines' marine ecosystems and fight for the rights of small-scale fisherfolk. From the importance of the 15-kilometer municipal waters policy to the use of technology in tracking illegal fishing, this conversation reveals how law, science, and community engagement work together to restore our oceans. Listeners will also learn how consumer choices and traceability can support a more sustainable seafood system.

GUEST BIO:

 Atty. Gloria "Golly" Estenzo Ramos is the former Vice President of Oceana Philippines, where she led efforts to advance science-based, sustainable fisheries management and helped implement landmark policies such as vessel monitoring for commercial fishing vessels and the protection of Philippine Rise. A co-founder of the Philippine Earth Justice Center, she played a key role in halting offshore oil drilling in the Tañon Strait through a Supreme Court victory. Recognized as one of the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s 2024 Women of Power and the 2018 Mariang Maya awardee, Ramos has long championed marine conservation and continues to advocate for ocean protection through law, policy, and community engagement. 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• What makes the Philippines the "center of the center" of marine biodiversity
• Why the 15-kilometer municipal waters law is essential to fisherfolk livelihoods
• How illegal commercial fishing threatens food security and marine life
• The role of technology like satellite data and vessel monitoring systems
• The importance of post-harvest facilities and support for fishing communities
• How local governance and consumer engagement drive sustainable change
• The need for traceability and sustainable seafood labeling

QUOTES:

• The Philippines is the center of the center of marine biodiversity in the world. — Gloria Ramos
• We rank 12th in the world for fish production. — Gloria Ramos
• The Philippines has very progressive world class laws to protect our environment, to protect our ocean, but the implementation is very weak. — Gloria Ramos
• We can use technology to make more sustainable communities. — Chit Juan
• We, as consumers, should have that right to know where our food is coming from and if they were sustainably harvested. — Gloria Ramos

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Oceana Philippines:

• Website - https://ph.oceana.org
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/oceana.ph
• X - https://x.com/Oceana_ph
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oceana_ph

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.

How do we protect our oceans while empowering the next generation of advocates? 

In this inspiring episode, Chit Juan speaks with Anna Oposa, Chief Mermaid and co-founder of Save Philippine Seas, about her 14-year journey in marine conservation. Anna shares how education, storytelling, and community partnerships fuel her advocacy work, and why empowering young leaders is key to long-term impact. From climate education and waste workshops to saving sharks and changing policy, Anna reminds us that everyone has a role to play in protecting our seas.

GUEST BIO:

Anna R. Oposa is the Executive Director and "Chief Mermaid" of Save Philippine Seas, a movement to conserve coastal and marine resources by empowering "seatizens" towards collective action and behavior change. For over a decade, she has been in the forefront of programs to reduce and manage marine litter, conserve sharks and rays, and address the impacts of climate change on our oceans through experiential education programs and policy advocacy campaigns.

Anna graduated with a degree in BA English Studies from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with honors and obtained her MSc in Conservation Science from Imperial College London as a Chevening scholar. Anna has been recognized locally and internationally for her efforts: she was the youngest recipient of the Future for Nature Award in 2012; one of the 2021 awardees for The Outstanding Young Men and Women of the Philippines (TOYM); and one of the 2021 awardees for The Outstanding Women in Nation's Service (TOWNS). She is also passionate about puns, punctuation marks, and red lipsticks.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How Save Philippine Seas began and how it evolved.
• Anna’s turning point in year seven of her advocacy journey.
• The power of youth engagement and experiential education.
• Why marine conservation includes solid waste, policies, and culture.
• Bridging gaps between urban and coastal communities.
• Anna’s reflections on national identity and our disconnect from the ocean.
• How companies can support marine conservation through partnerships.

QUOTES:

• Just ride the wave. — Anna Oposa
• We need to focus more on education. — Anna Oposa
• The ocean knows no borders. — Anna Oposa
• Filipinos don't have a strong sense of national identity that is related to the sea. — Anna Oposa
• We have to look at the oceans with a different set of glasses. — Chit Juan
• Reflect on what changes you can make at home. — Anna Oposa
• It's not always about not buying, but buying better. — Anna Oposa

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Anna Oposa:

• Anna's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaoposa/
• Save Philippine Seas - https://savephilippineseas.org
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/savephseas
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/savephilippineseas

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Face

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.

Building a social enterprise isn’t just about having a great product or mission. It’s about creating the right environment for that mission to grow. In this episode, Chit Juan shares why social entrepreneurs need ecosystems made up of nonprofits, local governments, and private sector allies. Drawing from her experience with ECHOstore and the Great Women Project, she explains how collaboration, market access, and aligned values can help build sustainable impact. Whether you’re launching a small startup or growing a grassroots initiative, this episode offers practical insight on how to thrive through partnership and purpose.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why every social enterprise needs an ecosystem to thrive
• The story behind ECHOstore and its roots in community support
• Examples of ecosystem-building in agriculture and fisheries
• The role of NGOs, government, and market access in social impact
• How collaboration can lead to sustainability and replication

QUOTES:

• I think that what a social entrepreneur needs is actually an ecosystem. - Chit Juan
• When you think of sustainability, you actually have to think of the value chain. - Chit Juan
• The secret to sustainability is actually being mindful that the ecosystem is present. - Chit Juan
• You don't have to be alone. - Chit Juan

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Check out the following:

• ECHOstore - https://echostore.ph
• Great Women Project - https://www.facebook.com/greatwomenproject2/

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

• Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
• Follow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Subscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.

Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.