Source: https://lnkd.in/e7MK5qHU 

#Chitin #Collagen #Biopolymers #SustainableMaterials #CircularBioeconomy #Foodpackaging

The Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich, guided by Hon. Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño’s 10-Point Agenda, prioritizing agricultural development, has expressed its full commitment to the initiative. The Municipal Agriculture Office, led by Ms. Gemma G. Cania, emphasized the need to strengthen and reintegrate local farming systems to address issues such as declining productivity and deforestation. Supporting this collaborative effort is Dr. Mary Koren Witting-Acuesa, Director of the Research, Development, and Innovation Division at NBSC, who has played a key role in leading and shaping the institutional partnership behind Project KABILIN+. 

The event, themed “Pista ng Nayon” (Community Festival), was graced by Hon. Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño, whose address emphasized the vital role of collaboration in advancing the municipality’s agricultural development agenda. Dr. Azizur Rahman, President and CEO of CCCR and A.R. Environmental Solutions (ARES), captured the spirit of unity and shared purpose driving the initiative. 

Dr. Rahman, who leads the project under ARES, an innovation venture incubated at ICUBE, University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), underscored the importance of integrating science with cultural heritage. He presented CCCR’s plan to implement the “Food as Medicine” technology in Bukidnon, promoting soil restoration, 

biodiversity conservation, and the production of safe, chemical-free food. “Our vision is to make farming a source of both nourishment and healing,” Dr. Rahman said. “By treating food as medicine, we ensure that every harvest supports not only the body but also the planet that sustains it.” 

For CCCR, the project exemplifies a comprehensive sustainability framework where science, policy, education, and indigenous heritage intersect. Dr. Rahman highlighted that the initiative is “a movement to restore harmony between people, food, and the environment,” representing a legacy of innovation rooted in cultural inheritance and designed to support future generations.

These initiatives are part of the Heritage and Agriculture Project also known as Project Kabilin Plus which aims to integrate indigenous knowledge local resources and academic research to support community resilience and climate responsive livelihoods. The partnership highlights the shared commitment of Philippine and Canadian institutions to promote inclusive and sustainable development in rural communities.

As part of the project implementation NBSC and CCCR Canada conducted heritage and livelihood community visits in the barangays of Santiago and Kalugmanan in Manolo Fortich. The visits allowed researchers faculty members and community leaders to engage directly with residents farmers and local stakeholders. Discussions focused on traditional practices agricultural conditions environmental concerns and potential livelihood opportunities rooted in local culture and heritage.

Following the community visits NBSC formally partnered with the University of Toronto and CCCR Canada in a ceremonial event that brought together academic leaders government representatives and community members. The partnership emphasizes collaborative research capacity building and the development of heritage based agricultural initiatives that can support long term sustainability and economic growth.

In addition to academic and community engagement activities NBSC and CCCR Canada also explored potential bamboo development initiatives during a courtesy visit to Congressman Jose Manuel Joeman F Alba. The discussion highlighted bamboo as a sustainable and versatile resource that can contribute to environmental conservation green industries and livelihood generation for local communities.

Taken together these activities reflect the strong and growing partnership between NBSC and its Canadian counterparts. The collaboration demonstrates how international cooperation local knowledge and community participation can work together to protect cultural heritage strengthen climate resilience and create meaningful livelihood opportunities for communities in Bukidnon.

Take a look at related news from our Philippines partners:

A.R. Environmental Solutions (ARES) is paving the way to advancing sustainable innovations that empower communities, particularly indigenous farmers, in their collaboration with the Philippines’ local government. The company was nurtured through ICUBE’s Venture Forward program and founded by Dr. Azizur Rahman, President and CEO at the Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) at the University of Toronto. ARES is dedicated to tackling environmental challenges in agriculture through organic technologies that eliminate synthetic chemicals, restore soil and water health, and reduce greenhouse gases.

The signing with the Philippines transpired on September 29, 2025, culminating in a Memorandum of Agreement in partnership with Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) and CCCR. This marks the launch of Project KABILIN+, an initiative designed to empower Indigenous peoples and forest-dependent communities by introducing traditional practices with ARES’ modern organic farming technologies. 

  Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony

Before the event, Dr. Rahman led field visits in Manolo Fortich, a Municipality in Mindanao, Philippines, to better understand cultural traditions, agricultural practices, and livelihood challenges. These engagements provided opportunities to connect with farmers, leaders, and residents, offering deeper insight into how indigenous knowledge can be integrated with scientific research to strengthen community-based programs.

During one of these field visits, Dr. Rahman explored a 15,000‑hectare coffee plantation where ARES technologies are set to be introduced. By adopting their technology, the plantation aims to double the production capacity of organic coffee and other pilot crops grown in the Philippines. The expected revenue from this is projected to reach $113 million within the next five years, with products being sold locally and exported to countries such as Japan, Germany, Italy, and Canada. 

The combined efforts of NBSC, CCCR, and ARES have fostered meaningful connections among local industries and academic institutions through an international partnership between the Philippines and Canada. With the agreement now underway, ARES is well positioned to achieve its aims of enhancing agricultural productivity, safeguarding cultural heritage, strengthening community-based livelihoods, and supporting local economic development.

Project KABILIN+ marks a new era of environmental solutions. One in which Indigenous knowledge and modern science work together to promote inclusive growth, uplift the well-being of Indigenous farmers, and advance international stewardship. ARES continues to demonstrate how research-driven innovation can serve as a catalyst for environmental resilience, economic opportunity, and sustainable development. Collaboration between NBSC and CCCR remains ongoing through online meetings that advance the project’s long-term strategic plans. 

Dr. Rahman shares, “Today, our company is thriving, with several innovative products now available both nationally and internationally. The mentorship and resources from ICUBE not only accelerated our product development and commercialization but also helped us secure grants and expand our business. ICUBE’s support has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals and scale our impact in the market.” As Project KABILIN+ continues to grow, we are proud to spotlight ARES and demonstrate how their vision and efforts contribute to building more sustainable futures.

The partnership signing was the culminating event of a visit from Dr. Azizur Rahman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Climate Change Research and A.R Environmental Solutions. Since his arrival on September 25, Dr. Rahman has been engaging with local communities in Manolo Fortich to better understand the traditions and practices surrounding the project’s focus areas. The partnership formalizes a commitment to blend indigenous knowledge with modern scientific research to enhance the value and sustainability of key agricultural products.

The event, themed “Pista ng Nayon” (Community Festival), was a vibrant celebration of culture and collaboration, featuring a performance by the NBSC Dance Troupe. The ceremony was attended by key institutional and community partners. Representing NBSC were Dr. Mary Koren Witting-Acuesa, Director of the Research, Development, and Innovation Division; Mr. Alven L. Gomez, Director of the Community Extension Services Division; Ms. Rowena E. Bagongon, Director of the Student Affairs Services and Development Division; and Ms. Maria Michaela Q. Jamora, Head of the International Affairs and External Linkages Office. Also in attendance were Manolo Fortich Municipal Mayor, Hon. Rogelio N Quiño, and the Head of the Municipal Agricultural Office, Ms. Gemma G. Cania, with her team, underscoring the strong local support for the initiative.

This international collaboration represents a major step forward for the college’s research and development goals. By joining forces with a global research leader, NBSC is poised to elevate its capacity for innovation, drive sustainable agricultural development in the region, and create new opportunities for its students and faculty. The partnership promises to transform local inheritance and tradition into a legacy of scientific advancement and community empowerment.

Read more here

As I mentioned to the CBC reporter during my recent interview, the market for marine collagen is already more than $1 billion and it’s going boom.

Over the past decade or so, there has been a remarkable rise in market demand for marine-based cosmetics especially, driven by growing consumer interest in natural and sustainable ingredients. A recent publication (https://lnkd.in/gesAU9gP) by my team explains the amazing functions of antiaging of marine collagen. Innovative research results in our lab clearly show the differences between land-based collagen and the benefits of marine-based collagen. We also use fish waste that can mitigate climate change. 

#sustainableinnovation #antiaging #collagen#marineresources #climateaction

https://lnkd.in/g6H-DB27

See (Figure 1 in the article below) how marine Collagen Proteins can delay skin aging. Congratulations to my team for a shifting perspective, and another groundbreaking publication! https://lnkd.in/ggV_4xyu 

🌱Did you know? 🪸 Extracting collagen and chitin from marine resources like coral offers benefits for anti-aging and various industries. Collagen found abundantly in coral, is a key ingredient in skincare products, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Meanwhile, chitin is used in wound dressings and eco-friendly packaging.

Collagen, among many of its benefits, has the potential to be applied effectively in anti-aging treatments. While other processes exist, the use of marine collagen in anti-aging is newly groundbreaking.

Traditionally, these valuable biomaterials have been sourced through methods that can harm fragile marine ecosystems. However, sustainable extraction practices, such as collecting fragments from naturally deceased corals or using non-invasive techniques, offer a more sustainable alternative.

By prioritizing these methods, we can minimize environmental impacts while harnessing the potential of marine resources for a healthier planet!

#marineresources #marinecollagen #antiaging #marinechitin#skinantiaging

After completing as one of the final winners of the Sustainable Innovation Challenge, we are proud to receive the first-place prize. This past week, the ARES team had the honor of visiting the Sobeys headquarters in Mississauga, marking a significant milestone for us.

Our collaboration with Sobeys extends beyond award; together, we’re committed to the goal of eliminating food waste by 50% by 2025. At ARES, we’re dedicated to combating climate change and creating job opportunities as we continue to grow.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Sobeys and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates on our journey towards a brighter tomorrow!

#foodwaste #zerowaste #climateaction #greenhousegasemissions