WWF-PH partners with Mental Health Matters by Kylie Verzosa for a new environmental fundraising series
August 2020
Anchored on the importance of nature and natural elements in helping maintain and improve one’s mental well-being, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines launched a new online mini-series in partnership with Mental Health Matters by Kylie Verzosa last August 6, 2020 entitled A Moment of Calm: Nature for Mental Health.
Hosted by MHM founder and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, the series aims to educate people about the role of nature and nature-based activities and elements in improving our quality of life - physically, mentally, and emotionally - especially in these trying times. It also aims to provide a relaxing space amidst the chaos and clutter on social media, and encourage viewers to donate to support WWF-PH’s partner communities and environmental front liners.
“Aside from helping each other to cope with the mental and emotional stress that these uncertain times bring, we would also like to seek your generosity so we can help the people who physically work tirelessly to ensure that we are well-fed and that wildlife and their habitats are protected,” Verzosa shared.
With nature-based activities like home gardening becoming popular over the quarantine period, the first episode featured Monci Hinay, WWF-PH Project Manager for Sustainable Food Systems, and Maye Padilla, WWF-PH Environmental Education Officer, who shared additional tips and other environmental conservation practices that can be safely done at home with the family.
“Building sustainable practices is good for our health and our planet,” Padilla shared as she highlights the importance of observing sustainable habits at home, which can start by simply ensuring that we practice responsible water, energy, and food consumption.
On the other hand, Hinay, who was introduced as WWF-PH’ official plantito promoting sustainable food systems, shared his expertise in urban gardening and emphasized how food insecurity and stress can be combated by practicing plant to plate gardening.
“If you look closer, home gardening is also a farming system which combines different physical, social, and economic functions on the area or land surrounding the family home. Kasama sa physical (aspect) yung mental health, at ang kanyang naidudulot na kagandahan dito.”
Verzosa further encouraged the viewers to practice living sustainably by highlighting its effects on physical health.
“It’s amazing how nature can work wonders for our mental health; just goes to show how caring for the environment ultimately relates to our physical well-being. The great part is we can do the activities you mentioned at home and with our loved ones!”
WWF-Philippines and Mental Health Matters by Kylie Verzosa are set to produce more online wellness webinars to raise funds for those in the forefront of environmental conservation. Stay tuned to WWF-Philippines’ official social media pages for further announcements.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Stephy Navarrete
Individual Donor Program Manager
snavarrete@wwf.org.ph
Ms. Krianne Pineda
Individual Partnerships and Digital Events Officer
kpineda@wwf.org.ph
For media arrangements, please contact:
Ms. Pam Luber
Integrated Communications Manager
pluber@wwf.org.ph
Ms. Chezka Guevarra
Public Relations, Media, and Events Assistant Manager
cguevarra@wwf.org.ph
