Ten years ago, Christian Schmidradner and Claudia Rose Mendez of Pristine Solutions raised the alarm warning of a looming global crisis often disregarded even shrugged off by many. It began with sustainable seafood, but the advocacy has expanded to cover entire food systems matched by a wider cast of engaged multi-sectoral communities in the F&B industry from restaurants, hotels and chefs to retail and trade, suppliers and importers including the academe, private as well as government agencies and NGOs. The advocacy that began a decade back has grown to become a movement for systemic change in the appreciation of food. That evening, the Philippine Sustainability Movement celebrated a major milestone engaging even more sectors to the cause presenting a new chapter in its decade long history. Now let's shuck some fresh and succulent Irish Gallagher Oysters...
The Philippine Sustainability Movement takes the lead once more in its advocacy for sustainability, building trust through traceability, institutionalizing certified responsibility, ethical sourcing, collaboration and advancing organic food and produce with renewed purpose bringing together various communities with a shared advocacy. For over a decade, the Philippine Sustainability Movement presented viable steps for real systemic change in transforming perceptions and practices on food provenance. At the 10th Anniversary of the movement held at the innovative coworking space, The Collab by Sheraton Manila, pioneering advocates Christian Schmidradner and Claudia Rose Mendez of Pristine Solutions takes environmental stewardship and transparency in food systems at the very top of the agenda with the goal of making sustainability more achievable and directly impacting communities and consumers. Stronger than ever, the Philippine Sustainability Movement embarks on a new chapter with strengthened alliances towards responsible food systems.
And it's been a remarkable journey. I've covered the movement's early years from 2017 to the present on my blog for my own small contribution to the cause in spreading awareness and I've been enriched with both knowledge and appreciation for a sustainable option throughout the food system. Along the way, I've seen innovative community-based products expanding the list of sustainable options for everyone to enjoy as the community grows (for more on the Philippine Sustainability Movement through the years, see my posts Sustainable, Traceable, Fresh And Right At The 2nd Sustainable Seafood Week Launch from 2017, The Freshest Catch For The Third Straight Year At The Sustainable Seafood Week Launch from 2018, Sustainable Seafood And A Sunset At The Seawall Garden also from 2018, Sights And Flavors At The Philippine Sustainability Movement Event By SeaTrace International At Marriott Manila from 2023 picking up right after the global pandemic, Philippine Sustainability Summit Part 1: On The Right Path To Transforming Food Systems Toward Sustainable Practices and Philippine Sustainability Summit Part 2: Celebrating The Day's Freshest Catch On The Path To Sustainable Practices from last year). And it all begins at the local grassroots level direct to the source from various fishing and farming communities.
From a limited niche category, food provenance is increasingly establishing a firmer foothold in an emerging demand centered on sustainable and organic produce with more sectors showcasing the benefits of freshness and quality contributing to the overall health of both consumers and the environment. But there are pressing challenges ahead, including the threat of plastic waste. The Philippine Sustainability Movement's road map for the next decade reflects a much broader scope with a framework for standardized certifications anchored on the pillars of environmental, social and governance or ESG as a key component in transformation. And complete transformation can only happen when "every link in the complex food chain works together, from producers to consumers, for people, planet and future generations."
Founder and president of PYC Foods Corporation Julio "Jun" Sy led the private sector in the advocacy for sustainability and traceability by incorporating environmental and social accountability as an integral part of daily food operations in all its dining concepts through the ESG Sustainability framework. Brands like One World Deli and many other restaurants under PYC Foods Corporation are now guided by trust and traceability in building relevant food businesses. The Philippine Sustainability Movement is no longer just a mere passing trend, it's at the heart of food provenance.
As with previous summits, the 10th Anniversary of the Philippine Sustainability Movement highlighted unique products bannering the sustainable philosophy. Renowned for its extensive line of furniture made entirely with 100% recycled chopsticks, ChopValue redefines the concept of "waste to resource" while setting a new standard for responsible manufacturing. Imagine hundreds of thousands of chopsticks disposed every single day from restaurants and hotels and you get the picture. This readily available resource eliminates waste by repurposing used chopsticks giving it new life in the form of coasters, trays and cutting boards to dining tables. It's an alternative wood product that doesn't require a forest reengineered to be stronger and more durable than traditional wood as well as a carbon negative option for a climate positive future. And it looks good too.
How many used chopsticks are needed for a dining table? 8,550 chopsticks, easily sourced from various dining establishments. All the available wood without cutting trees offers infinite possibilities towards a sustainable future (for more on ChopValue, visit their website at https://chopvalue.com/).
Coffee or tea? The 10th Philippine Sustainability Movement showcased two proudly local brews at The Collab by Sheraton for a taste of all-natural goodness in a cup. Former Mayor Aljun Diamonte's vision and dream of empowering local communities is celebrated with each cup and soothing sip with Cebu's first homegrown specialty coffee. Tuburan Coffee offers a seed-to-cup experience with its premium harvest of Robusta from over 2,000 local farmers, a success story on local community development. It's stories like this that make a simple cup of coffee so much more special...
...as Tsaa Laya with their line of local artisan herbal teas brings even more refreshing blends to your list of all-natural options. Proudly local and community-driven, both brands reflect the rich and bold flavors of the country's produce. Ethically sourced and with absolutely no artificial additives, it's pure flavors in a cup just as nature intended it (for more on Tuburan Coffee and Tsaa Laya, visit their FB Pages at https://www.facebook.com/tuburancebucoffee and https://www.facebook.com/tsaalaya for more information and updates).
One of many highlights at the annual summit includes the impressive selection of both local and imported sustainable product offerings. Thirsty? The soothing tartness of all-natural Kombucha offers yet another flavorful libation...
...along with local craft beer from Alcalde Brewery. The local artisan beverage scene is looking real good.
Known for high quality, naturally processed and ethically sourced specialty seafood products, condiments and seasonings made by fishing community enterprises, Sinaya Seafood shares its bountiful catch of the day at the 10th Philippine Sustainability Movement. Seafood has always been the symbol of the current state of the environment, and Sinaya Seafood shared its unique take on sustainable entrepreneurship and community focus with its lavish array of seafood products at the 10th Philippine Sustainability Movement. Bannered by its "Painting the Philippines Blue" campaign, expect to hear more from Sinaya Seafood in the next few months...
A unique feature at this year's Philippine Sustainability Movement summit are the "experience rooms" lined along the sides of the venue where guests can immerse themselves with the different set-ups for a closer look at the sustainability philosophy. Inside the PYC Foods Corporation's experience room, guests savored the fresh flavors of sustainable seafood like Steamed Fishta Pompano...
...and Norwegian Salmon Sashimi. Seafood has long been the symbol of the Philippine Sustainability Movement but as it evolves with a much more expanded scope, meat products produced with the highest ethical standards are now part of the movement's repertoire of sustainable products...
...like Jack's Creek Lechon Baka Ribs...
...and Clean Pork Belly Samgyupsal. Jack's Creek from Australia and the local Clean Pork from Bicol are just some of the featured products from One World Deli, consistent with its curated selection representing the very best sustainable produce mandated by PYC Foods Corporation. The fresh, clean and pure flavors in just one bite already seals the deal for premium sustainable and all-natural produce.
At the 10th Philippine Sustainability Summit, different hotels presented their savory creations...
...from juicy slabs of premium Jack's Creek Beef Short Ribs by Sheraton Manila...
...to intricate tasty bites like the Truffle Chicken Quiche...
...and Chicken Caesar Parmesan Crisps in Cones by Sheraton Manila Bay.
Throughout The Collab by Sheraton, participating hotels prepared their tempting creations for the evening's lavish feast...
...with each dish using sustainable produce. Samba of Shangri-La At The Fort shared one of their newest offerings...
...with the Tiraditu Asi Lo Hacia Mi Abuela, an exquisite and tasty bite of fresh grouper, aji amarillo leche de tigre, coriander, cancha dust and sweet potato.
Now an annual tradition at the Philippine Sustainability Movement summit, Tempus Dining showcased their fresh premium Irish Gallagher Oysters...
...led by the reigning Master Oyster Shucker himself, Executive Chef Robert Davis (for more on reigning Master Oyster Shucker Chef Robert Davis, see my post The Master Oyster Shucker Reigns At The Glasshouse as one of many activities of the Philippine Sustainability Movement from 2018).
The inclusion of oysters at the annual Philippine Sustainability Movement summit is a fitting and apt reminder of the sustainability philosophy. Considered by many as a vital bioindicator of the ocean and coastal ecosystem health due to its filter-feeder role, oysters represent the ideal gauge on the state of the oceans.
And the cold, clean and pristine waters off the Irish coast always delivers one of the world's freshest succulent oysters. Plump and succulent, each bite drapes the palate with an indulgent briny sweetness for an experience like no other. Take it straight or with a dab of tart Mignonette or Gin & Tonic Cucumber and enjoy one of the ocean's true treasures.
Then the much-awaited Oyster Shucking Competition takes centerstage at The Collab by Sheraton to cap another successful edition of the Philippine Sustainability Movement. Will reigning Master Oyster Shucker Executive Chef Robert Davis retain his crown?
The competition begins with friendly banter but the mood quickly shifts, as the contenders tackle the tray of Irish Gallagher Oysters...
And within minutes, the reigning master oyster shucker asserts his dominance with enough time to spare for a beer.
Tempus Dining Executive Chef Robert Davis remains the reigning master oyster shucker at the 10th Philippine Sustainability Summit. This year's edition of the annual summit ends with a festive vibe as relationships and alliances are strengthened by a common cause.
Now with a wider and expanded role, the Philippine Sustainability Movement charts a new course in the bigger picture of transforming food systems anchored on sustainability, traceability and standardized certifications. And that's a win for everyone, from farmers, fishing communities, suppliers and producers to restaurants and hotels to the consumer. Next time you enjoy the fresh flavors of ethically sourced ingredients, raise a toast to the movement that began ten years ago. And yes, do have another half dozen Irish Gallagher Oysters too and support the continued success of the movement...
For more on the Philippine Sustainability Movement, visit the FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/ThePhilippineSustainabilityMovement, Pristine Solutions and https://www.instagram.com/pristinesolutionsandservices/ for more information and updates.
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