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

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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/

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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.

GUEST BIO:

Sarah is an entrepreneur with over 15 years in managing businesses across the retail printing and food industries. Her passion for social entrepreneurship grew when she became the licensee and managing director of Echostore in Davao, a sustainable lifestyle retail concept store. Her dedication to sustainability deepened after completing her Master's Program at the University of Gastronomic Sciences which is also known as the Slow Food University. This experience, along with her growth plans for Echostore, inspired her to launch her latest venture and passion project, VERDELI – a farm garden and cafe focused on sustainable practices.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why Verdeli Davao is a passion project inspired by Sarah’s late mother.
• How her time at Slow Food University shaped her approach to sustainability.
• The challenges of shifting from retail entrepreneurship to farm management.
• What makes Verdeli’s farm-to-table model and learning tours unique.
• Why teaching people to grow their own food is central to Sarah’s mission.
• How small-scale farming can be a powerful tool for community resilience.

QUOTES:

• It's for the love of mom. - Sarah Claudio
• We, in Verdeli, want to be a venue, to be a solution for those wanting to learn farming in an approachable set up. - Sarah Claudio
• You're actually teaching people something they can use for their own families. - Chit Juan
• When you say you're managing a farm, it's also like managing nature. - Sarah Claudio
• They have to believe that the natural farming way is the sustainable way. - Sarah Claudio
• That's how you promote sustainability - you start small. - Sarah Claudio

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Sarah Claudio:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verdeli.dvo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Verdeli.dvo/

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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.

GUEST BIO:

George Wade is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Zevero - a leading carbon management platform that empowers organisations to measure, reduce and report their carbon emissions with precision and efficiency. He’s passionate about building tools and using data to fight climate change. In his previous role as a carbon consultant in waste management, he realised that companies needed more actionable ways to become sustainable and co-founded Zevero. Since its inception, Zevero has worked with many global challenger brands in the FMCG and consumer-goods industries, including MOTH, DEYA, Gipsy Hill, among others. Zevero operates in the UK, Europe, Japan, U.S., Australia, and Asia-Pacific countries. George also writes The Grumpy Optimist, a newsletter highlighting positive climate news.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• What carbon management is and why it matters.
• The role of Zevero in simplifying emissions tracking and reporting.
• Why scope 3 emissions are often ignored and why that’s a problem.
• How small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can start making an impact.
• The journey from student to founder and global tech entrepreneur.
• Why Asia plays a major role in decarbonization efforts.
• How nature helps keep George grounded in his mission.

QUOTES:

• There are so many fantastic things that SME's can do. – George Wade
• The biggest problem I want to have an impact on in my life is climate change. – George Wade
• 50% of emissions are produced in Asia. - George Wade
• You can't reduce what you don't measure. – George Wade
• It's really about making invisible emissions visible. – George Wade
• Go outside in nature more often. - George Wade

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with George Wade

• Website: https://www.zevero.earth
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgewade-zevero/
• The Grumpy Optimist Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-grumpy-optimist/

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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.

GUEST BIO:

Zarah Juan is a fashion designer and social entrepreneur known for blending modern aesthetics with traditional Filipino craftsmanship. Committed to sustainability, she integrates eco-friendly materials, ethical production, and innovation into her designs while creating livelihood opportunities for artisans. Through capacity-building programs, she ensures their craftsmanship thrives in today’s market. Her impact has earned international recognition, including the Global Ambassadors Program of Vital Voices and APEC’s Best Innovative Business Model Award. By pioneering sustainable business models, Zarah celebrates Filipino identity, empowers communities, and continues to inspire future generations.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How Zarah Juan integrates sustainability and ethical craftsmanship in fashion
• Why collaboration between artisan communities creates long-term impact
• The role of cultural heritage in modern sustainable design
• How upcycling and responsible sourcing benefit both business and the environment
• Why profitability and social impact must go hand-in-hand for lasting success
• Tips for entrepreneurs on building a sustainable and purpose-driven brand

QUOTES:

• I always ask, "How can I go back and give back?" – Zarah Juan
• I realized that for me to be able to satisfy my creativity is for me to put people together, bridge people together. – Zarah Juan
• You would not see any product of mine that is made by just one community. - Zarah Juan
• We cannot do things on our own. We need help, and if we recognize our own power and allow people to help us out in the process, it would be more impactful. - Zarah Juan
• Imagine the number of hands that work together to create one masterpiece. – Zarah Juan
• Prioritize sustainable sourcing because every material tells a story. – Zarah Juan

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Zarah Juan:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

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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.

GUEST BIO:

Reese Fernandez-Ruiz is the co-founder and president of R2R (Rags2Riches), a sustainable fashion brand that empowers Filipino artisans through ethical craftsmanship and livelihood opportunities. Under her leadership, R2R has become a model for social entrepreneurship, blending sustainability with inclusive business practices. She has received global recognition for her work, including the Agora Awards for Social Enterprise in 2025 and representing Philippine MSMEs at the World Economic Forum in Davos. She was also named an Italian Design Day Awardee in 2023 and featured in Tatler’s Asia’s Most Influential list in 2022. Through R2R, Reese continues to drive innovation in sustainable fashion while uplifting artisan communities.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How R2R empowers Filipino artisans through sustainable fashion
• The importance of pivoting in business for long-term success
• Why profit and impact must go hand in hand for social enterprises
• The role of in-house design and vertical integration in sustainability
• How international expansion presents both opportunities and challenges
• Tips for social entrepreneurs on resilience and financial sustainability

QUOTES:

• Our mission was to lift Filipino artisans out of poverty, and I'm so proud that up to today, that is exactly what we're doing. – Reese Fernandez-Ruiz
• I learned a lot from good mentors, but what I had to learn the hard way was what to listen to and what to ignore. – Reese Fernandez-Ruiz
• I think of problem solving in a more societal way. I really like seeing the artisans being able to take care of their own families. – Reese Fernandez-Ruiz
• I don't like solutions that are one time big time. I like solutions that can be used over and over again. – Reese Fernandez-Ruiz
• Start with one positive impact and then go from there. – Reese Fernandez-Ruiz
• The more we avoid saying the word profit, the more it avoids us. – Reese Fernandez-Ruiz
• Start with using what you already have, repairing what you already have. – Reese Fernandez-Ruiz

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Reese Fernandez - Ruiz:

• R2R Website
• R2R Instagram
• R2R Facebook
• Instagram

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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.

GUEST BIO:

Henry James Sison is an IT professional turned agripreneur, leveraging his three decades of experience in technology to transform Philippine agriculture. A former Managing Director at Accenture Philippines, he shifted his focus to farming in 2011, establishing All Seasons Nature Farms, an integrated organic farm. In 2020, he founded AgroDigital PH, a pioneering agritech startup that connects over 38,000 farmers and fishers to markets through digital solutions, improving supply chain efficiency and price stability. With degrees in Computer Science from De La Salle University, Henry continues to bridge technology and agriculture, advocating for sustainable and scalable farming solutions.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How AgroDigital PH connects farmers and fishers directly to markets
• The role of digital technology in streamlining farm-to-market logistics
• Why price stability is crucial for small-scale farmers
• The benefits of good agricultural practices and organic conversion
• How cold chain solutions can help reduce food waste
• The impact of second-career farmers in the agricultural sector

QUOTES:

• Everything started by believing that Filipino farmers and fishers can produce at scale. – Henry James Sison
• I thought agriculture was easy. I thought. It is not easy. - Henry James Sison
• It is possible to have scale but still keep to the tenets of organic or natural farming. – Chit Juan
• Cold storage plus AgroDigital equals happy agriculture. – Chit Juan
• You help our farmers by knowing where your food comes from and how they grow your food. – Henry James Sison
• The best way to help farmers is to understand who these people are and consistently support their goods. – Henry James Sison

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Connect with Henry James Sison on LinkedIn.
• Visit the Agro-DigitalPH website.
• Follow Agro-DigitalPH on Facebook and Instagram.

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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:

• How corporate social responsibility has shaped the rise of social entrepreneurship
• The key factors that make a social enterprise sustainable and impactful
• Why balancing purpose and profit is crucial for long-term success
• How social entrepreneurs can build businesses that create lasting change
• A practical checklist to evaluate the strength of a business idea

QUOTES:

• People aren’t just looking for a good and green world. They want one that is economically sustainable too.
• CSR even became a marketing strategy for some companies, lodging their CSR efforts in the marketing department.
• For social entrepreneurs, the difference lies in the purpose for doing business.
• A business that does not create profit in financial terms is doomed to fail.
• Passion cannot be taught. I think this comes naturally to an entrepreneur.

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