Good and Green

In this Christmas episode, Chit Juan reflects on the meaning of giving during the holidays and invites listeners to revisit the idea of presents beyond material gifts. She talks about offering the gift of time, creating a “job jar” of thoughtful favors, sharing causes and advocacies, and finding moments to be truly present with the people who matter. Chit reminds us that time is finite, but choosing how we give it can create deeper connections, greater purpose, and a more meaningful Christmas for ourselves and others.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Organic farming is gaining new momentum in Southeast Asia, and the Philippines is beginning to feel that shift. 

Chit Juan talks with Marco Schlüter, Director for Strategy and International Affairs at Naturland, about how organic markets emerge, what helps farmers transition successfully, and why restaurants and retailers play a crucial role in expanding access to organic products. Marco draws from decades of global experience, including his work with IFOAM, to explain the systems, training, and verification models that support sustainable agriculture. He also offers practical starting points for Filipinos who want to make organic part of th...

In this episode of Good and Green, host Chit Juan speaks with Ann Dumaliang of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation about the delicate balance between nature conservation and human activity. Ann shares how the Masungi team transformed a once-threatened landscape into a thriving model for geotourism, reforestation, and environmental protection. She and Chit discuss the importance of building systems—not just trails—to protect over 3,000 hectares of critical land in Rizal. From dealing with encroachers to designing nature-based experiences, Ann reminds us that true sustainability is not just about planting trees—it’s about stewardship, collaboration, and protecting ecosystems for generati...

Chit Juan talks with sustainability and supply chain leader Christian Schmidradner about ten years of the Philippine Sustainability Movement and how it all started with Sustainable Seafood Week. Christian shares how his work in traceable seafood supply chains led to a nationwide campaign for responsible sourcing and collaboration among government, business, and communities. He explains the importance of certifications, the impact of bycatch, and why sustainability is a continuous journey that begins with awareness. The conversation also highlights the movement’s growth beyond seafood — now including organic farming, plastic reduction, animal welfare, and food waste solutions.

What does it take to leave a stable career abroad and rebuild life from the ground up back home? In this inspiring episode, Chit Juan talks to Anatista Perez, a former OFW and civil engineer who returned to the Philippines to build Don Narciso Café-Restaurant in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. From failed ventures to finding purpose in coffee, Anatista shares how she turned setbacks into stepping stones and built a thriving business rooted in community and sustainability. Her story is a testament to resilience, continuous learning, and the power of going back to one’s roots to grow something mea...

In celebration of National Coffee Month, this October series of Good and Green episodes features inspiring stories from Filipino coffee advocates and entrepreneurs. In this episode, Chit Juan sits down with Imelda Dagus, founder and CEO of Dennis Coffee Garden, the first heritage coffeehouse brand rooted in the Kahawa Sug tradition of the Sulu Archipelago. Imelda shares how she transformed her family’s 1962 coffee legacy into a thriving business that uplifts farmers, preserves Tausug culture, and empowers communities. From her years as an OFW to becoming a cultural entrepreneur, Imelda reflects on legacy, sustainability, and the power of coming ho...

How do we bring dead soil back to life?

In this episode, sustainability advocate Chit Juan sits down with Nicolo Aberasturi, President of Banhaw Agriculture and a longtime champion of regenerative farming in the tropics. Together, they unpack how small farms can thrive by working with nature — not against it — and how compost, ruminants, and indigenous wisdom all play a role in soil health and food security. Whether you’re a landowner, a backyard gardener, or a budding agri-preneur, this episode will show you how regenerative farming can be a powerful, scalable, and deeply Filipino solution.

Duration: 00:32:17

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 go...

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.

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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.

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 disc...

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.

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Al Linsangan III is a social entrepreneur, environmental...

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.

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BidiBidi is a passionate social entrepreneur, artist, and volunteer farmer leader...

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.

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Anya Lim is the co-founder of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, a pioneering social enterprise that champi...

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...

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.

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Anna R. Oposa i...

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.

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When entrepreneur Sarah Claudio left behind a thriving retail career to revive her late mother’s unfinished farm project, she didn’t expect it to spark a whole new mission. In this episode she shares with Chit Juan how Verdeli Davao was born as an agritourism destination and learning site that brings sustainable food systems to life through natural farming, community collaboration, and experiential education. She also shares how she integrates her Slow Food training, navigates the challenges of small-scale farming, and inspires others to grow their own food even with just one square meter of space.

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What does it really mean to track your carbon footprint, and how can small businesses take meaningful steps toward sustainability? In this episode, Chit Juan speaks with George Wade, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Zevero, a carbon management platform that helps organizations measure, reduce, and report their emissions with confidence. George shares why understanding your environmental impact is like balancing your finances, how even SMEs can take smart steps toward decarbonization, and what inspired him to build a startup that spans the globe. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on climate action, data, and building partnerships that matter.<...

Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend. It’s a movement that creates lasting economic and social impact. Chit Juan sits down with designer and social entrepreneur Zarah Juan to explore how her brand blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design while empowering Filipino artisans. From her early days as a flight attendant to becoming a champion of responsible sourcing, Zarah shares how collaboration, upcycling, and cultural appreciation play a key role in her business. She also reveals how sustainability goes beyond materials and design, influencing business decisions that benefit both people and the planet.

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How can a social enterprise stay resilient for nearly two decades? 

In this episode, Chit Juan speaks with Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, co-founder of R2R (Rags2Riches), about her journey in sustainable fashion and ethical entrepreneurship. Reese shares how R2R started by supporting artisans in Payatas and evolved into a fully integrated fashion brand. She discusses the pivots, challenges, and lessons learned in building a business that uplifts Filipino artisans while staying profitable and impactful.

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Reese Fernandez-Ruiz is the co-founder and president of R2R (Rags2R...

How can digital technology revolutionize farm-to-market systems? 

Chit Juan sits down with Henry James Sison, founder of AgroDigital PH, to discuss how his agritech startup is transforming small-scale farming into a scalable and sustainable business. With over 38,000 farmers and fishers in their network, AgroDigital is helping producers achieve price stability, improve market access, and adopt better agricultural practices. Henry shares his journey from IT professional to farmer and explains why technology is key to the future of Philippine agriculture.

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Henry James Sison is an IT professional turned agripreneur, leveraging h...

Chit Juan explores the essential elements that make a social enterprise sustainable and impactful. She reflects on how corporate social responsibility (CSR) has evolved and why social entrepreneurs must go beyond philanthropy to create long-lasting change. Listeners will gain insights into the key factors that drive a purpose-driven business, from ensuring financial viability to making a meaningful social and environmental impact.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

This episode explores how aspiring entrepreneurs can build socially responsible and environmentally sound businesses without compromising profitability. Chit Juan shares practical strategies to align one's passions with ethical practices and financial sustainability, offering valuable insights for success in a competitive landscape.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

QUOTES:

This episode explores how aspiring entrepreneurs can build socially responsible and environmentally sound businesses without compromising profitability. Chit Juan shares practical strategies to align one's passions with ethical practices and financial sustainability, offering valuable insights for success in a competitive landscape.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

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Chit Juan kicks off 2025 with a heartfelt reflection on the growth of the Good and Green podcast since its launch in July 2024. She shares highlights from memorable episodes and expresses gratitude to listeners for their feedback and support. Chit also announces an exciting update for the podcast, which will now focus on helping social entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building sustainable and impactful ventures. Listeners can look forward to inspiring stories, practical advice, and actionable solutions that align with the podcast’s core values of sustainability, innovation, and positive global impact.

WHAT YOU’LL LEAR...