Content Creators & Online Sellers Called Out for Spreading Dangerous Lies About Mercury in Skin Lightening Products!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a recent call to action, environmental watchdog BAN Toxics has urged content creators and online sellers to cease promoting and selling skin-lightening products containing hazardous mercury. Despite existing bans, these products continue to proliferate on platforms like TikTok, Facebook Reels, Lazada, and Shopee, posing significant health risks to consumers.

A study by BAN Toxics revealed alarming findings: out of 50 skin-whitening products purchased online, 44 tested positive for mercury levels ranging from 7 parts per million (ppm) to a staggering 67,400 ppm, far exceeding the 1 ppm limit set by the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive. Notably, 33 of these products had been previously flagged by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 2013 and 2024 due to their mercury content. 

Mercury is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern. Even minimal exposure can lead to severe health issues, including damage to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, as well as the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. It also poses significant risks to fetal development and early childhood. 

Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics, expressed dismay over the continued promotion of these hazardous products:

"We are dismayed that some content creators and online sellers continue to use social media platforms to advertise and sell prohibited beauty products despite existing chemical regulations in the country. The sale and promotion of mercury-laden beauty products must stop."

The issue is further exacerbated by the spread of misinformation on social media. Despite being illegal due to their mercury content, these products are often marketed with misleading claims, endangering consumers. The recent removal of fact-checking labels from Facebook and Instagram has allowed such misinformation to spread unchecked, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement to protect public health.

BAN Toxics is calling on social media platforms, online sellers, and content creators to take responsibility for consumer safety by halting the spread of misinformation. The organization also urges regulatory agencies, including the FDA and the Department of Trade and Industry, to investigate and take immediate enforcement action against platforms and sellers violating health and safety regulations.

This call to action aligns with global efforts to eliminate mercury-containing skin lightening products. The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which the Philippines ratified on June 2, 2020, mandates the phase-out of such products by 2020. However, investigations have found that these products remain widely available online, underscoring the need for robust enforcement and public education to protect consumers. 

Consumers are advised to exercise caution and avoid purchasing skin-lightening products from unverified sources. It's crucial to be aware of the potential health risks associated with mercury-containing cosmetics and to support initiatives aimed at promoting safe and healthy beauty practices.

Bali Goes Silent for a Day—Here’s Why You’ll Want to Be There!

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As the Balinese New Year approaches, AYANA Bali extends an invitation to guests worldwide to partake in the sacred Nyepi celebrations from March 28 to 30, 2025. This unique three-day event offers an immersive experience into Balinese culture, emphasizing introspection, spiritual renewal, and a profound connection to the island's traditions.

Embracing the Day of Silence: Nyepi

Nyepi, observed on March 29, 2025, is a day when Bali comes to a complete standstill. For 24 hours, the island observes silence—no travel, no work, and no entertainment—creating a serene environment for personal reflection and spiritual contemplation. This tradition offers visitors a rare opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and engage deeply with their inner selves.

AYANA Bali's Nyepi Experience

AYANA Bali has curated a special itinerary to enrich guests' Nyepi experience:

March 28, 2025: Pengerupukan Day

Ogoh-Ogoh Parade: Witness the vibrant procession of large effigies symbolizing the battle between good and evil. This year's parade features two notable figures: Angkeran Durmata, representing greed and arrogance, and Basuki Amogasidi, embodying wisdom and balance.

Children's Activities: Families can engage in decorating mini-effigies, culminating in a delightful kids' parade.

March 29, 2025: Nyepi Day

Healing Meditation: Participate in sessions designed to center the mind and spirit.

Stargazing: Enjoy the unobstructed night sky, free from light pollution, offering a mesmerizing celestial display.

Film Screening: View "Tirta," a short animated film emphasizing Bali's environmental consciousness and the spiritual significance of water.

Guided Walks: Explore AYANA Farm through guided tours, connecting with Bali's lush landscapes.

March 30, 2025: Ngembak Geni

Lamak Wish Ceremony: Guests can inscribe their hopes for the year on decorative Lamak mats, which will be ceremoniously offered during a group event.

Balinese Dress-Up and Dance: Experience traditional Balinese attire and participate in dance lessons, embracing the festive spirit of the day.

Cultural Enrichment at The SAKA Museum

The SAKA Museum, AYANA Bali's cultural centerpiece, offers special events to deepen guests' understanding of Balinese spirituality:

Guided Tour on Akasa: Led by Museum Director Dr. Judith E. Bosnak, this tour delves into the concept of Akasa, reflecting the contemplative essence of Nyepi.

Post-Nyepi Discussions: Engage in conversations about Bali's history and present with museum advisor Marlowe Bandem, followed by the Lamak Wish Ceremony.

In March 2025, the SAKA Museum will also unveil new exhibitions, including "Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition," "Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali," and "Heritage Gallery: The Five Elements (Panca Maha Bhuta)," further showcasing Bali's rich heritage.

Extend Your Journey to Komodo National Park

For those seeking further exploration, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach offers a breathtaking escape. Guests can enjoy a complimentary picnic on the resort's private island, dine at RINCA Restaurant, and receive discounts on selected boat trips, including full-day island hopping to Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Komodo Island.

Important Update on Komodo National Park

Travelers should be aware that plans are underway for a temporary or partial closure of Komodo National Park in mid-2025 to allow for ecosystem restoration and conservation efforts. This initiative aims to preserve the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon and ensure the park's long-term sustainability. 

Booking Information

AYANA Bali offers special packages for the Nyepi celebration, with room rates starting from:

RIMBA by AYANA: IDR 4,630,000++/night

AYANA Segara Bali: IDR 6,070,000++/night

AYANA Resort Bali: IDR 6,306,000++/night

AYANA Villas Bali: IDR 17,179,000++/night

Inclusions comprise daily breakfast for two, selected meals, and complimentary Nyepi activities. Bookings are open from January 1 to March 28, 2025, with a minimum stay of two nights.

For reservations and more details, visit ayana.com.

Experience the Sacred Silence of Bali with AYANA and embark on a journey of cultural immersion, spiritual reflection, and natural beauty.

DepEd’s Bold Move: Major Overhaul of Anti-Bullying Rules Coming This School Year!

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In a decisive move to combat the persistent issue of bullying in Philippine schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) to revise the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to establish schools as "no-bully zones," ensuring safe and conducive learning environments for all students. 

A Renewed Commitment to Student Welfare

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the need for meticulous monitoring of bullying incidents, noting that despite the law's enactment over a decade ago, not all schools have implemented comprehensive anti-bullying policies. He stated, "We need to be more thorough and diligent in monitoring bullying incidents." 

EDCOM II highlighted the detrimental impact of bullying on students' academic performance, citing studies from De La Salle University and the Philippine Institute of Development Studies. These studies reveal that bullying leads to disengagement and a long-term disinterest in studies, underscoring the urgency of effective intervention. 

Strategic Initiatives and Legislative Support

In 2022, DepEd established the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) to provide a platform for victims of bullying and other forms of violence to report incidents. The department has also prioritized hiring guidance counselors and offering mental health support to students and teachers, in line with the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (RA 11036). 

The collaboration between DepEd and EDCOM II aims to strengthen intervention programs and ensure the availability of guidance counselors and discipline officers in schools. The revised IRR is scheduled for completion before the start of the 2025-2026 school year, following a series of high-level consultations to incorporate findings from EDCOM II's Year 2 Report into the decision-making process. 

Addressing a Persistent Challenge

Bullying remains a significant concern in Philippine schools. The 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reported that 65% of Filipino students experienced bullying at least a few times a month, the highest rate among participating countries. Although this percentage decreased during the pandemic, recent studies indicate that bullying continues to be a pervasive issue. 

A study by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies revealed that approximately 11,000 15-year-old students were regularly bullied in various forms during the 2021-2022 school year. This highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address the issue. 

A Unified Effort for Safer Schools

The partnership between DepEd and EDCOM II represents a unified effort to create safer educational environments. By revising the IRR of the Anti-Bullying Act and implementing supportive measures, the government aims to protect students' well-being and foster a culture of respect and inclusivity in schools.

As the revised regulations are set to be implemented in the upcoming school year, stakeholders remain hopeful that these initiatives will lead to a significant reduction in bullying incidents, ensuring that every learner can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.