The recent launching of the Philippine Sustainability Month 2019 in Marriott Manila, was all about aligning the country with the United Nations development goals of sustainability not just in terms of providing sustainable seafood and supporting local farmers through local produce, but also supporting local communities by way of nonprofit organizations.
The topic of the by-invitation-only event covered the sustainable supply chain, which includes organic and integrated farming, seaweed products, food waste reduction, plastic reducing solutions, sustainable tourism, energy and waste management, greenhouse-gas monitoring and carbon footprint.
This is a breakaway from the previous focus, which was mainly about sustainable seafood. This year, the organization behind Philippine Sustainability Month 2019 took a more holistic approach. It partnered with various agencies, hotels, establishments, and entities from all across the country in order to push an agenda that sends the message that sustainability is of utmost importance and priority.
It also highlighted the important message that sustainability is more of a necessity now rather than something that is optional for companies and stakeholders alike. In fact, an audio visual presentation at the venue cannot stress enough the message that—“Nature does not need man, but man needs nature.”
Making a difference in the hospitality industry
A lot of hotel brands were present at the event. Without doubt, hoteliers are contributors in driving sustainability in their campaign toward its day-to-day activities in its thrust toward its businesses toward food and beverage, and hotel experiences. They have sent the message across that they are doing their best to make positive impact no matter how small the environment.
Host-hotel the Marriott Manila, for example, led the way in reducing plastic consumption by using refillable glass water bottles in its hotel rooms, instead of the conventional disposable plastic water bottle. Another admirable practice of this hotel is converting its plastic waste to school chairs, thereby benefiting educational institutions. Plus, they make food donation to a charitable institution in an effort to decrease food wastage and help feed the hungry in the process.
On the other hand, Prestine Solution, a coorganizer of the event, served as the glue that held the whole event together. They were the ones who pulled all their resources together in order to get everybody to participate and call attention to generate awareness and basically highlight the need for sustainability at present. Another important organization that was highly involved was Greenpeace. It has done a lot of advocacies in terms of environmental impact toward climate change and the pro active stances in preserving the environment, and they are coming up with ways to improve people’s lives through environmental activities and programs.
Seafood Galore
Hotels, culinary schools, food suppliers were on their toes as they showcased their creative take on a sampler portion of a seafood dish or a medley of them. Some of the participants were Alaska Prime Seafood which presented their Hawaiian Lomi/Lomi Wild Alaskan Salmon. Center for Culinary Arts churned out Gambas with Black Pandesal Bites and Breaded Shrimp with Sauce Marie Rose. Discovery Hotels whipped up some Spiced Seared Tuna Tacos, Grilled Prawn Satay, Fish and Chips. Hilton Manila cooked up Mapo Shrimp with Soy Custard. For New World Makati Hotel, simplicity is elegance as it let the freshness of its raw oyster wow the guests.
Attendees made a beeline at the different food booth to sample the freshest taste of the bounty of the sea, which was made a la minute. The feast was ode to seafood everyone could not get enough of.