WWF-Philippines marks 25 years as a ‘Force For Nature’

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WWF-Philippines awarded Filipinos who have demonstrated a passion for conserving the environment and for playing a significant role in being forces for nature over the past years. 

From left: Dr. Deo Onda, Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan, Janice Paglinawan, Mikee Cojuanco-Jaworski, Chef Reggie Aspiras, and the members of the WWF-Philippines National Youth Council. Photo: WWF-Philippines/Matikas Santos

WWF-Philippines celebrated its 25th year this month by looking back at its journey, milestones and challenges in the past quarter of a century.

A Partners’ Night with the theme “Force For Nature” held at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City on November 29, honored long-time employees, community partners and private donors, as well as leaders in conservation.

WWF-Philippines recognized conservation champions outside of the organization whose contributions made a significant impact in promoting and scaling WWF’s advocacy of protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainability.

The Force of Nature Award recipients were marine biology professor and Br. Alfred Shields Ocean Research Center founding director Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan, Zamboanga del Sur-based social enterprise AgriBata founder Janice Paglinawan and microbial oceanographer and associate professor Dr. Deo Onda.

Special awards were given to WWF-Philippines National Youth Council (NYC), long-time ambassador Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and Chef Reggie Aspiras for their dedication to the organization.

The NYC is WWF’s youth arm that has led successful campaigns such as the Earth Hour Camp and the Youth Environment Summit for Oceans. Cojuangco-Jaworski was the first female Earth Hour Ambassador in the Philippines, while Chef Reggie helped secure additional livelihood for partner tuna fishing communities in Lagonoy Gulf and Mindoro Strait.

WWF-Philippines also acknowledged partners in the private sector for supporting its projects throughout the years. The corporate awardees included GCash, BPI and BPI Foundation, Globe, Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Foundation, HSBC and NEO.

Former DOE Secretary, WWF-Chairman Vince Perez, one of the founders of WWF-Philippines in 1996, was honored for his leadership and significant contributions to WWF’s advocacy on biodiversity protection and climate change. By leading Asia’s first debt-for-nature swap in 1996, Mr. Perez helped create the El Nido Marine Sanctuary, the St. Paul Underground River National Park, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Management Office, and other protected areas in the country. A special commemorative marker was dedicated to Mr. Perez in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Ranger Station. Atty. Ana Melissa Lichaytoo was also awarded for her contribution, and dedicated service as the organization’s Corporate Secretary since it was founded in 1996.

Leading up to Partners’ Night, WWF-Philippines also prepared a commemorative Impact Report which chronicles its 25-year journey from the perspectives of WWF members, leaders, and conservation workers who have witnessed the impact of the organization throughout the years. It outlines the various narratives and change stories as told by advocates and individuals who are all part of the work and advocacy on conservation. It talks about the collective accomplishments of conservation work in the Philippines and the key lessons learned which may serve to inspire other organizations and other countries, in pursuit of a future where nature and humans thrive.

The night closed with the reciting of a pledge to nature or the Panata sa Kalikasan and Kinabukasan to seal WWF-Philippines’ commitment to conservation in the years to come.



About WWF-Philippines:

The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines is an environmental non-government organization committed to create an impact on biodiversity protection and responding to the climate crisis -towards a safe and just recovery. WWF-Philippines works with a host of partners including national and local governments, to co-create inclusive, innovative, and interdisciplinary solutions that emphasize the role of science in the service of life.

WWF-Philippines' focus is on scaled solutions with our partners to match the enormity of the tasks required to address the urgent environmental challenges facing the present and next generations of Filipinos. Its mission is "to stop, and eventually reverse the accelerating degradation of the Philippine environment – to build a future where Filipinos live in harmony with nature."



Photos:

Dr. Deo Onda (right) of the UP Marine Science Institute receives his Force of Nature Award from WWF-Philippines’ Board of Trustees Chairperson Maribel Garcia (left) and National Advisory Council member Vincent Perez (center). Photo: WWF-Philippines/Matikas Santos

Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan receives his Force of Nature Award from WWF-Philippines for his more than 25 years of work in studying and monitoring coral reefs in the Philippines. Photo: WWF-Philippines/Matikas Santos

Janice Paglinawan, founder of AgriBata social enterprise from Zamboanga del Sur, received WWF-Philippines’ Force of Nature Award for dedicating her work to the advocacy of food security and production. Photo: WWF-Philippines/Matikas Santos

WWF-Philippines Executive Director Katherine Custodio (first from left) gave special recognition to the National Youth Council for their dedication in spreading awareness about environmental conservation among the youth since their founding in 2016. Photo: WWF-Philippines/Matikas Santos

THC-O: Discover What This Synthetic Cannabinoid Is About

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The legalization of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill has given rise to several cannabis-based substances and their derivatives, which flood the market daily. Often referred to as cannabinoids, these compounds extracted from the legal plants offer various options and alternatives to smoking the dried hemp plant and still achieve a high.

The most common group of these compounds is the THC, which has variants like the delta 8 THC, delta 9 THC, and delta 10 THC. While most of these compounds occur naturally in cannabis, some newer variants have been synthesized from hemp through chemical processes.

One of such synthetic compounds is the THC-O, manufactured via a chemical process called esterification. Like its counterparts, THC-O has found its footing in the legal and semi-legal drug market, with growing demand as more people discover its uniqueness and numerous benefits.

This article looks into everything considered unique about THC-O, its benefits, and what makes it stand out from other forms of cannabinoids. Read further to discover what this synthetic cannabinoid is about.

 
What Is THC-O?

THC-O is a compound derived from the esterification of THC. As the acetate ester form of the cannabinoid, it sometimes goes by the name THC acetate ester or THCO-acetate. The abbreviation THC-O is a more common alternative to ATHC, and THC-Oa, which is often used scientifically. Some utilize the common name without the hyphen, further shortening it to THCO.

So what exactly is THC-O? Going by the chemical nomenclature O-acetyl-delta 9-THC is a stronger and more traditional weed variant somewhat identical to delta 9 in terms of its intoxicating effect. However, it has more bioavailability than delta 9 and its counterparts, making it easier for the body to absorb.

One should note that this cannabinoid is a prodrug and only becomes active after being metabolized by the body. Once effective, it hits harder and gives a more psychoactive effect than delta 9 and most other weed variants.

Some users have also reported experiencing immobilization upon usage, but its potency and speculated health benefits have somehow outweighed this questionable side effect.

 
Ways of Consuming THC-O

Although the THC O cartridge is the most common form of consumption available in the online market, THC-O comes in various other forms. Some other common products of THC-O include:

 
THC-O Vape Cartridge

THC-O cartridges also known as THC-O vape carts exist as vaping carts filled with THCO vape juice in various flavors and sizes. It is the most dangerous form of consuming THC-O as it involves heating the highly flammable chemicals in them to facilitate smoking from some kind of vape pen.

Aside from the risk of explosion, smoking THC-O poses health risks like cardiac arrests, lung diseases, and other diseases affecting the respiratory tract.

 
THC-O Gummies

THC-O gummies are also popular, like most other cannabinoids that exist as gummies. These gummies are essentially fruity candies infused with the right amount of THC-O to achieve the desired high.

 
THC-O Distillate

THC-O distillate or dabs is a rare variant of the cannabinoid. It is a black, resin-like substance with an oily appearance, which is sticky to touch.

 
THCO Tinctures

Arguably the most desired type of this synthetic cannabinoid, THC-O tinctures are about the safest means of enjoying the cannabis experience without potential health risks. It is a fat-soluble substance derived from a mixture of distillate and carrier oil and is easily absorbed by the body.

 
What Are the Effects Of THC-O? THCO Cartridges And Health

THC-O’s potency and ability to produce an amazing psychoactive effect are indisputable. This isn’t to say it has no downside. In fact, as many have reported positive reviews about this drug, many more have experienced undesirable side effects, some of which can be life-threatening.

Generally though, when consumed, THC-O produces an effect three times more potent than delta 9 and up to five times more potent than delta 8. This makes its effect commendable. Furthermore, users can experience any of the following effects:

● Euphoria

● Sedative effects

● Mild hallucinations and visuals

● Psychedelic experiences

● Increased Appetite

● Body High

● Buzz

● Consciousness Expansion

● Joy

● Relaxations

While users enjoy and even crave some of these effects, THC-O sometimes produces non-beneficial and potentially harmful effects. Vaping THC-O cartridges, for instance, may result in dire health conditions, as previously mentioned. Others include:

● Lethargy

● Immobilization

● Dizziness

● Grogginess

● Nausea

● Vomiting

● Seizures

THC-O Vs Other Common THC Compounds


THC-O

Delta 9

Delta 10


Source

Synthetic

Natural cannabinoid

Natural Cannabinoid


Availability

Available online, some vape shops, gas stations and convenience stores.

Difficult to obtain legally.

Offered by select brands


Psychoactive effect

Strong psychoactive effect

Very Psychoactive

Mild psychoactive effect


Benefits

● Euphoria

● Sedative effects

● Psychedelic experiences

● Increased Appetite

● Consciousness Expansion

● Joy

● Relaxation



●Sedative

● Relaxing

● Boosts creativity

●
Relaxation

● Reduces Anxiety

● Relieves stress

● Happiness


Side Effects

● Lethargy

● Immobilization

● Dizziness

● Grogginess

● Nausea

● Vomiting

● Seizures

● Mild Hallucinations

● Paranoia delusions

● Mental fog

● Increased anxiety

● Impaired motor skills

● Headache

● Grogginess

● Mouth Dryness

● Dry Eyes

● Undesirable Interactions with other drugs


Legality

Debated

Federally illegal

Federally legal, legal in 38 states of the U.S

 

Frequently Asked Questions About THC-O

Having discovered the pros and cons of this synthetic cannabinoid, let’s look into some frequently asked questions about THC-O that are yet unaddressed in this piece.

 
Is THC-O Safe?

The production process of THC-O is dangerous due to its Acetic anhydride content, a highly flammable substance. This factor alone makes THC-O a risky substance both while producing it and during usage. Hence, one must never attempt producing it at home or in substandard labs to avoid explosion.

Regarding its consumption, the lack of sufficient research on the drug and its effect on the body calls for concern. Like other unregulated substances without scientific or medical backing, many deem THC-O unsafe. This is especially true for variants like the THC-O vape cartridge.

 
Is THC-O Legal?

While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized cannabis and its derivatives, the legality of THC-based substances remains questionable. The Farm Bill only covers hemp products containing less than 0.3% delta 9. Hence, drugs like the delta 9 THC and hundreds of other THC-derived substances remain federally illegal Schedule 1 drug under the Federal Analogue Act.

The act also classifies all substances similar to a Schedule 1 drug as illegal, leading to a ban of delta 8, Delta 9, and many chemically-altered CBDs in most states. Furthermore, the DEA rules all synthetic THC products illegal, thereby making the synthetic cannabinoid, THC-O an illegal substance.

 
Does THC-O Show Up In Drug Tests

Yes, THC-O would likely be detectable in a drug test for cannabis usage, as with most cannabinoids and THC-based substances.

 
Does THC-O Have Healing Properties?

Hemp, in any form, has not been approved by the FDA for medical use. However, many users have credited cannabinoids with treating a variety of ailments, including epilepsy, chronic pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and multiple sclerosis.

However, research on the subject is still in its early stages. With little evidence linking THC-O use to these health benefits, it’s best to not bank on the healing properties of this synthetic cannabinoid.

 
To Conclude

THCO, or THC-O, is made by a chemical process called esterification. It is sometimes known as THC acetate ester or THCO-acetate because it is the acetate ester form of the cannabinoid. THCO for sale and its potency and ability to produce a psychoactive effect is undeniable. It is advised that you do your own research if you're interested in purchasing THCO.

CleverTap Unveils RenderMax

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A Proprietary Technology to Boost Push Notification Render Rates Up To 90%



CleverTap, the World's #1 Retention Cloud today unveiled RenderMax - a proprietary technology that can increase mobile push notification render rates up to 90% on low-end Android devices.

Push notifications have the power to increase customer retention rates anywhere from 3 - 10 times. Most marketers just focus on their push notification delivery rates, but a "delivered" notification that doesn't render on the user's device is a wasted effort. For those who equate delivery and rendering as equal, render rate is the percentage of the number of push notifications the end user received (and were rendered) on the user's device compared to the total number of push notifications that were sent.

All Chinese OEM devices use a custom variant of the stock Android OS. To optimize battery consumption, these OS variants are configured to bypass the Google/Firebase push delivery service, resulting in low delivery rates and even lower render rates.

RenderMax gives CleverTap customers a significant competitive advantage as they can now engage users they could not before and elevate the ROI from their push campaigns. This is especially true for devices that are in battery saver mode or cannot be reached due to inactivity.

"RenderMax is a testament to our continued commitment towards product development and innovation. Low render rates stifle the true potential of mobile push notifications. We are confident that with RenderMax, brands will be able to harness the full power of push notifications. What's interesting is that we are offering RenderMax to all customers at no additional cost to any brand that wants to try it out," said Anand Jain, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, CleverTap.

Betterhalf, India's first and only marriage super app was provided an early access to RenderMax and their push notification render rates more than doubled! Shankar Krishnamurthy, Group Product Manager, Betterhalf said, "At Betterhalf, mobile push notifications are critical for our business. With CleverTap's innovative RenderMax solution our push notification render rates have skyrocketed to 85%."

RenderMax powers up the render rates of customers' push notifications, amplifies the push notification reach, and maximizes user engagement. Enhancing the reach of push notifications can help CleverTap customers lower costs, increase engagement and conversion rates, and reduce churn.

"The CleverTap platform has a great breadth of capabilities, and this innovative mobile push solution will certainly help them stay much ahead of the competition," Shankar added.

CleverTap RenderMax works with Android OEMs such as Oppo, Xiaomi, Vivo, One Plus, POCO, Realme, and Samsung.

About CleverTap

CleverTap is the World's #1 Retention Cloud that helps app-first brands personalize and optimize all consumer touch points to improve user engagement, retention, and lifetime value. It's the only solution built to address the needs of retention and growth teams, with audience analytics, deep-segmentation, multi-channel engagement, product recommendations, and automation in one unified product.

The platform is powered by TesseractDB(TM) - the world's first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale.

CleverTap is trusted by 1500 customers, including Gojek, ShopX, Electronic Arts, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa John's, and Tesco.

Backed by leading investors such as Sequoia India, Tiger Global, Accel, and CDPQ the company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with presence in San Francisco, New York, Sao Paulo, Bogota, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, and Jakarta. For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap's belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.

Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements.

CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or any related damages.