Ciudad de Makati – The Luzon Island group has always fascinated me. The toponym “Luzon,” which by historical derivatives, came from “lusong” – a large wooden mortar used in dehusking rice.
(I will update this post soon…)
NETS & CUSP Co. (UPOU Enterprise Concept)
[Caveat: This enterprise concept is part of a requirement from the University of the Philippines Open University. This was under the MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) – Social Entrepreneurship, © 2023]
NETS & CUSP Co.
VISION
Nets & Cusp Co. is a sustainable, affordable, and innovative “for profit, mission-driven” enterprise, which aims to tap the Water Economy in the Philippines. It aims to provide Level 1 and Level 2 Water Systems in areas where water provision is highly needed, by partnering with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE
Experts say that by 2030, global fresh water demand will outstrip supply by 40%. This means that shortages will become more common, as the growing population would demand for more water provision.1 According to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), about 11 million Filipino families still have no access to clean water.2 This is also echoed by UNICEF data, which states that 91% of the country’s estimated 100 million population have access to at least basic water services; but access is highly inequitable across the country, with regional basic water services access ranging from 62% to 100%.3
This 2023, the recent establishment of Water Resource Management Office (WRMO), under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Office of the Philippine President, is a positive fruition on the issue. It is said to be a prefiguration of the Water Resources Department. 4
Nets & Cusp Co. aims to tap into this gap in the Water Economy of the Philippines, and thereby allow a certain percentage of the 11 million families to enjoy a better standard of living through water access.
DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE
In the Philippines, higher-income brackets rely on private waterworks, whereas lower-income brackets rely on vended water. This makes lower-income brackets to pay much higher water prices due to the lack of water access. This is one of the price gaps, which causes inequitable practices, that some entrepreneurial ventures must reconsider.
“Nets & Cusp” is a reference to the interdependence of “green water” and “blue water” resources of the country. Green water is defined as the water transpired by the plant that comes from rain water stored in soil. Blue water is the water in our surface and groundwater reservoirs. 5 Understanding both, including other tangential types like grey water, are needed in the effective resource management of water.
GREEN WATER
Although the main focus of the enterprise is Water Service, the protection of “green water” resources is an utmost concern since the overall Water Economics calls for it. Thus, the exploratory use and improvement of pre-existing Coconuts and Bamboo, which have high water holding capacity, in the community shall also be explored with farmers and community members. These shall help in minimizing the denudation of forest cover. The use of biochar from coconuts and bamboo, as water filtering component, is a point of interest for additional income for farmers and community members.
BLUE WATER
Some sources of groundwater must be considered as well, by applying updated technology on sustainable percolation techniques. Surface run-off is a concern for most blue water, thus sustainable uses of groundwater and other blue resources are considered. The ecosystem’s health and overall human well-being are also products of sound practices in water resources assessment.6
NETS & CUSP Co.
The Service Provision will initially cover Level 1 and Level 2 Water Systems, and with future goals of transforming into a Level 3 Water System through agglomeration and government support.
| Levels of Water Systems in the Philippines | |
| Level I | Stand-alone water points (e.g. handpumps, shallow wells, rainwater collectors) serving an average of 15 households within a 250-meter distance |
| Level II | Piped water with a communal water point (e.g. borewell, spring system) serving an average of 4-6 households within a 25-meter distance |
| Level III | Piped water supply with a private water point (e.g. house connection) based on daily water demand of more than 100 liters per person. |
Water, as one of the inelastic products in economics, is being touted to be declared as a global common good against the backdrop of an imminent water crisis by 2030. This, along with the other reasons, makes Nets & Cusp Co. a timely and relevant enterprise.
BENEFITS TO STAKEHOLDERS
Consumers – Stakeholders who are challenged with water provision will be given an opportunity to have access to water resources, and improve their standard of living. The providence of water can open new frontiers for local business developments.
Community – With partnerships with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), the goal of the enterprise is to give back to the community. It aims to empower community members by providing livelihood and thereby up-skilling them for the long-haul.
Producers – Since the enterprise also covers “green water” resources, the protection and eventual use of forests and reservoirs as water sources can be tapped through farmer organizations. The use of high-value crops for the water management practices can be tapped. The coconut and bamboo farmers can benefit from the added value of biochar production in their farms.
VALUE PROPOSITION
The value proposition of the enterprise, as stated in the vision, is to be Sustainable, Affordable, and Innovative. It aims to provide Level 1 and Level 2 water systems to areas where water provision is needed, subject to location-scoring analysis of possible communities. Sustainable: A Systems Approach is always useful for enterprises that cover utilities like water. The enterprise will serve all stakeholders who consume water, especially its employees by providing stable livelihood opportunities. Affordable: Since the goal of the enterprise is to lend a hand to the community, the affordability of the water resources is a priority. Innovative: Water is a basic raw material for most industries, especially food industries. Thus, exploratory value-adding of products (freezing and blasting facilities, etc.) can be done in the future, subject to feasibility studies.
Resources:
1. UN Environment Program (2026). Half of the World to Face Severe Water Stress by 2030 unless Water Use is “Decoupled” from Economic Growth. Retrieved on May 26, 2023 from https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/half-world-face-severe-water-stress-2030-unless-water-use-decoupled
2. Daphne Galvez (2023). 11 million Filipino families have no access to clean water — NWRB. Retrieved on May 26, 2023 rom https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1745469/11-million-filipino-families-have-no-access-to-clean-water-nwrb
3.UNICEF Philippines. Two billion people lack safe drinking water, more than twice lack safe sanitation. Retrieved on May 26, 2023 from https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-releases/two-billion-people-lack-safe-drinking-water-more-twice-lack-safe-sanitation
4. Philippine News Agency. Marcos OKs EO creating water resources management office in DENR. Retrieved on May 26, 2023 from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200318
5. Ganquan Mao, Junguo Liu, Feng Han, Ying Meng, Yong Tian, Yi Zheng, Chunmiao Zheng. Assessing Green and Blue Water: Understanding Interactions and Making Balance between Human and Nature. Retrieved on May 26, 2023 from https://hess.copernicus.org/preprints/hess-2018-193/hess-2018-193.pdf
Image Resources:
Image1. https://www.istockphoto.com/illustrations/blue-green-logo
Image2. https://www.wateroam.com/uploads/2/8/6/0/28600353/editor/clean-drinking-water.jpg?1603706525
Image3. https://www.hidropolitikakademi.org/uploads/wp/2016/08/848175df74.jpg
[Caveat: This enterprise concept is part of a requirement from the University of the Philippines Open University. This was under the MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) – Social Entrepreneurship, © 2023]
Cocos nucifera
Cocos nucifera, otherwise known as coconut, is native to the Pacific region and is believed to be first cultivated in Southeast Asia.2 As homage to the World Food Day,3 it is worth remembering that coconut plays an important part in the culinary terroir and overall agricultural economy of the Philippines. It is often a subject of Filipino artistic expressionism along with other tropical fruits, as exemplified by the Arts Décoratifs style in the Manila Metropolitan Theatre. Its influence also extends to architecture such as the famed Coconut Palace.4
(Ongoing Research)
REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on October 16, 2022 – World Food Day)
Bambusa vulgaris
Bambusa vulgaris, otherwise known as common bamboo, is native to Southeast Asia and is cultivated in the rest of the world.2 As homage to the World Maritime Day,3 it is noteworthy to remember that bamboo was used in the material dialectics of Filipino Culture such as the early use of balsa (raft) in the early yore of Philippine inhabitants. It is used as well in the metaphysical aspects of the Filipino National Pedagogy.4
(Ongoing Research)
REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on September 29, 2022)
Cariñosa: Capturing the intrinsic character of the Filipino Culture
Cariñosa is traditionally associated with the Maria Clara suite of Filipino dances.
Cariñosa may well be a byword of the “Alab ng Puso” – the romantic Cri de Coeur of Filipino sentimentalism. This form of intrinsic cultural sentimentalism, as exemplified by the artistic plethora of dances and songs throughout the centuries, may also be used to emancipate the already expansive contemporary arts of Filipinos. Although the word comes from a colonial-era point of view, it must not hinder the organic development
of artistic hybridity, since Filipino art is indeed an existing assortment of various
heritages.
Some “Alab ng Puso,” your Cariñosa, may well be subjective beyond dances and
songs. Recently, we’ve participated in a Bamboo Enterprise Development Session,
which highlights one of the centuries-old tradition – basket weaving. It’s an amazing
experience to have met some kins of Datu Guabong, who was then the Monuvu
chieftain of the tribal settlement near my birthplace. It is noteworthy to state that across the world, tribal narratives are slowly incorporated in the contemporary discourse of sustainability and environmental protection.
Tribal people, one of the most vulnerable, have guarded some pristine forests that are threatened by unbridled consumption of resources. In the local context, the extent of tribal narratives that can be integrated into the story of human solidarity and sustainability, is left to the guiding ethos of the nation’s social fabric. Perhaps, giving enough leeway to hasten the production of sustainable resources, like planting bamboo across the country, is a great start especially with the backdrop of rising global temperature and its effects to social welfare. That would be a beautiful Cariñosa between nature and its inhabitants.
Mindanaoan Art, as one of the facets of Filipino Art, is also exemplified by a long history of courtship – the art of hide and seek, like basket weaving, until the new story of Cariñosa unfolds. The new Cariñosa may well be about learning to start the loop-closing in our industries, and thereby ushering a new environmental narrative for Filipinos, that of Industrial Ecology.
Much may unfold henceforth. After all, some “Alab ng Puso,” your Cariñosa, may well be subjective beyond dances and songs.
Uring: Institutionalization of a Biochar Facility in President Roxas
Active carbon production is a more viable alternative to the disposal of carbonaceous materials (e.g. coconut shells, wood, etc.) as compared to traditional landfilling. 2 Philippines ranks as the second largest producer of coconuts in the world, which means that the country has a steady supply of coconut wastes. 3 These wastes can be processed into adsorbents, which include that of activated carbon for drinking water treatment. 4 Additionally, Biochar, which can be used for crop fields as soil amendment, can be produced from the same raw materials. 5 Future facilities for these carbon by-products are highly useful for an archipelagic country like the Philippines, which might experience salinity stresses in the future, as saltwater enters traditional crop fields (e.g. rice, corn, etc.). 6 Locally and generally associated with the word “uling/uring,” charcoal-based products like activated carbon and biochar may be developed with other value-adding studies and facilities in the future. 7 These facilities are not only good for sustainable food systems with touchpoints on soil fertility, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration; but, it is also great for other related industries like energy storage and research. 8
REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on May 30, 2021)
1. https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+make+activated+carbon&tbm=isch&hl=en&client=ms-android-samsung&prmd=insv&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0noG4q-_wAhVAw4sBHaHHAaIQrNwCKAF6BQgBEL0B&biw=360&bih=560#imgrc=E8PdD2qae1jeDM&imgdii=YBeKhciUEj0xOM
2. https://www.eeer.org/journal/view.php?number=938
3. http://www.fao.org/in-action/restoring-coconut-farmers-livelihoods-in-the-philippines/en/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234593/
5. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s13593-013-0150-0.pdf
6. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/9/12/847
7. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ee/c9ee00206e#!divAbstract
8. https://environment-review.yale.edu/bioenergy-and-biochar-two-concepts-brought-together-sustainable-land-use-0
Kruhay: Institutionalization of TESDA Alumni Office in President Roxas
Lifelong learning is an evolving concept, as various institutions start to adapt to the influences of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). 2 Perhaps, an old local word can fairly capture the concept of lifelong learning – Kruhay. It means “long live.” 3 “Long live” to the skills development programs that upskill the human capital in the Philippines, especially to that of TESDA which upskills the grassroot human capital. 4 TESDA can still beef up on strenghtening its alumni network as it try to address: “Skills Training for Drug Dependents; Skills Training for Entrepreneurs and Family Enterprises; Skills Training for Inmates and their Families; OFW’s Reintegration; Special Skills Program for the Indigenous People; Expanded Training Program for Women and PWDs, etc.” 5 Future partnerships of the TESDA Alumni Office with Department of Trade and Industry’s MSMEs Global Academy can be a great boost for the TESDA Alumni Network, especially in the intersection of agro-industrial lifelong learning programs. 6 Additionally, enabling laws for Agricultural Pension Fund may be strengthened by the agro-industrial upskilling projects of the said agencies. 7 Inter-agency partnerships can aid in the eventual internationalization of Philippine human capital, especially for adult lifelong learners (e.g. TESDA Alumni). 8 Kruhay!
REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on May 21, 2021)
1. https://www.tesda.gov.ph
2. https://extension.harvard.edu/blog/lifelong-learning-the-evolving-future-of-higher-education/
3. https://kealakai.byuh.edu/the-university-chorale-under-the-direction-of-student-director-lawrence-laureano-performs-with-praise-to-god-and-aloha-spirit-according-to-audience-members
4. https://www.tesda.gov.ph/About/TESDA/10
5. https://www.tesda.gov.ph/News/Details/16582
6. https://www.dti.gov.ph/archives/news-archives/pttc-msme-global-academy/
7. https://www.bworldonline.com/bill-filed-on-pension-social-security-benefits-for-farmers-and-fishermen/
8. https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/friends-of-lifelong-learning
Pili: Development of a Resin Industry in President Roxas
Pili 1
Pili (Canarium ovatum) is a typical tree in the Philippines. 2 It is used in the confectionary industry, as well as those industries related to phytochemicals. 3 Although Pili is traditionally associated with its commercially viable nuts, it also produces resins and oils. Thus, it is a great tree to propagate to increase local agroforestry projects and hasten developments in related industries. 4 Shrinkage of the forestry sector in Southeast Asia affects watershed protection, biodiversity, global carbon balance, and among others. 5 Rio Grande de Mindanao, for example, often affects many areas in the Mindanao River Basin through perennial floods. 6 With increased agroforestry projects, oil refineries may be developed in the future, especially that oil from the Pili nut is said to be comparable to olive oil. 7 Finally, with more studies, the development of Pili nuts for food, oil, and resins 8 may solve some perennial problems and hasten the development of new industries locally.
REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on May 18, 2021)
1. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vogue.com/article/pili-nuts-what-you-need-to-know/amp
2. https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/pili/
3. https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-030-30182-8_22
4. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/309274/files/An%2520Exploratory%2520Study%2520of%2520the%2520Economic%2520Potential%2520of%2520Philippine%2520Pili%2520Pulp%2520Oil%2520From%2520Waste%2520Pulp.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjzstqiutPwAhWQHXAKHWovC5EQFjAIegQIChAC&usg=AOvVaw1hbd0l5Bf110z4xJ4UL7DZ
5. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/i1964e/i1964e00.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiAqbjpvdPwAhVCzmEKHflxCVEQFjACegQICxAC&usg=AOvVaw2pfeWBuVIWKxEl6K16f6Cl
6. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2014/05/27/mindanao-river-basin-master-plan-secures-inter-regional-support/
7. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/PiliNut.html
8. https://academic.oup.com/jxb/article/70/1/217/5127112
Toyo: Development of a Soybean Industry in President Roxas
Soybeans are legumes that have an immense influence to international trade. 2 It has been cultivated for thousands of years. 3 As a nitrogen fixer, it is useful for crop rotation techniques alongside other crops like corn. It is used in the production of soysauce (locally known as toyo), 4 which may be considered as a staple condiment in Asian cuisine. 5 Additionally, soybean oil is also used in the canning needs of various corporations. 6 Thus, soybeans is very useful for both agriculture and aquaculture canning industries in Region 12 (SOX), especially that canned Tuna is still a top output driver by value of fish-based industries in the Philippines. 7 Soybean can be grown in May to June, as advised by the Bureau of Plant Industry. 8
REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on May 13, 2021)
1. http://gourmetvegetariankitchen.com/2019/01/31/how-to-make-soy-sauce-at-home/
2. https://asmith.ucdavis.edu/news/why-soybeans
3. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-23400-3_12
4. https://www.wordsense.eu/toyo/
5. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.0c04274
6. https://ifst.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2011.02608.x
7. https://www.bworldonline.com/tuna-harvest-drives-region-12-to-phl-best-fish-output-by-value/
8. http://bpi.da.gov.ph/bpi/index.php/news/8536-planting-calendar-here-s-your-easy-guide-on-when-is-the-best-time-of-the-year-to-plant-your-vegetables-their-maturity-estimated-harvest-per-ha-and-distance-of-planting
Canistel: Development of a Dye Industry in President Roxas
Cultures have various perceptions and associations with regards to color. But it was Newton who scientifically established the concept of “color spectrum.” 2 Spectrum is defined as “a continuous sequence or range.” 3 Studies have shown that psychological associations of people to colors influence their behavior. 4 Thus, it is our task to examine these psychological associations, and manage certain behaviors especially as it relates to the demand of the market. 5 Textiles, such as clothes, have immense influence in culture. This is one of the reasons why dyeing must also become sustainable alongside the processing of sustainable fabric. 6 Natural dye such as processed canistel fruit can be utilized. 7 With future innovations, this $3 trillion industry might become more sustainable in the future. 8
REFERENCES (URL, Retrieved on May 5, 2021)
1. https://www.abbeycolor.com/dyes-and-colorants/water-based-dyes/
2. https://library.si.edu/exhibition/color-in-a-new-light/science
3. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectrum
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4383146/
5. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/behavioral-control
6. https://www.intechopen.com/books/chemistry-and-technology-of-natural-and-synthetic-dyes-and-pigments/review-on-natural-dyes-for-textiles-from-wastes
7. http://scinet.dost.gov.ph/union/ShowSearchResult.php?s=2&f=&p=&x=&page=&sid=1&id=Canistel+%28<em>Pouteria+campechiana<%2Fem>%29+as+a+fabric+dye&Mtype=PROJECTS
8. https://cen.acs.org/business/consumer-products/new-textile-dyeing-methods-make/96/i29
Vincent Carlo Duran Cuzon 
