Sweden Blocks Mercury-Laden Goree Cream from Pakistan: EcoWaste Coalition Calls for Crackdown in the Philippines

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As Europe shuts its doors on toxic skin whiteners, EcoWaste Coalition demands urgent, united action to stop the illegal trade and protect Filipino consumers.

3 May 2025, Quezon City – A storm is brewing across borders as Sweden steps up to protect its citizens from the toxic threat lurking in a beauty product widely sold online and in underground markets: Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene. The cream, hailing from Pakistan and often touted as a miracle whitening solution, has again found itself under the harsh glare of international scrutiny—this time, flagged by Sweden and blocked at its borders.

The Swedish government's decisive action, issued under Alert Number SR/01727/25 and published on the European Union’s Safety Gate on May 2, 2025, reveals a disturbing reality: the cosmetic contains mercury, a banned substance in cosmetics under international and regional health regulations. “The product contains mercury. Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain, and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child,” the alert stated in chilling detail.

Sweden's regulatory move mirrors longstanding warnings from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which, as early as 2017, detected mercury in Goree Beauty Cream and its variants. Since then, a flurry of advisories—Nos. 2023-2344, 2023-2391, and 2023-2392—have underscored the product’s unauthorized and hazardous nature. Despite this, the products continue to flood local markets and digital shelves, endangering unsuspecting consumers seeking lighter skin at the cost of their health.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a vigilant environmental health advocacy group, is once again sounding the alarm. Armed with scientific proof from their X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) chemical screenings, they’ve uncovered mercury concentrations exceeding 20,000 parts per million (ppm) in samples of Goree products—an astonishing figure far beyond the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive’s limit of 1 ppm for mercury as a contaminant.

“This is not just a cosmetic concern—it’s a public health emergency,” declared the EcoWaste Coalition. “These mercury-laced products are a direct violation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which bans the manufacture, import, and export of such toxic cosmetics. Yet, unscrupulous traders continue to defy the law.”

The group is pushing for a multi-stakeholder summit, spearheaded by the FDA, to tackle the problem head-on. They’re calling for stricter border control measures, akin to Sweden’s swift rejection of the tainted import. The coalition also urges local government units to roll out random inspections in marketplaces, especially those catering to beauty products, in tandem with FDA field teams.

But the problem is not just offline.

“In today’s digital age, dangerous skin-whitening products like Goree are only a click away,” the Coalition warned, pointing a firm finger at e-commerce giants and social media platforms. “They must act decisively to prevent their platforms from becoming conduits for poison.”

Globally, Goree products have been banned or flagged by health authorities in Brunei, China (Hong Kong), New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reflecting a growing consensus that these products are too dangerous to remain in circulation.

Still, they persist—enabled by weak enforcement, social media marketing, and the toxic allure of colorism.

“We must break the chain,” the EcoWaste Coalition insisted. “We will not only keep exposing these hazardous products—we will challenge the toxic beauty standards that fuel their demand. We must celebrate the beauty of all skin tones and build a culture that values health over harmful illusions.”

The Coalition’s message is clear: protecting Filipino lives is non-negotiable, and the time for half-measures is over. It’s time for a bold, united front to flush these deadly cosmetics out of the country—before more lives are silently poisoned in pursuit of a dangerously marketed ideal.

Consumers who encounter unauthorized or suspicious beauty products are encouraged to report them to the FDA and to avoid purchasing from unverified sellers.

Forging a Future-Ready Southeast Asia: Angara Champions Regional Collaboration in Education Reform

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In a bold affirmation of the Philippines' commitment to transformative education and inclusive development, Education Secretary and SEAMEO Council President Sonny Angara has concluded a series of landmark visits to Vietnam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), calling for stronger regional collaboration to ensure Southeast Asia’s learners are prepared for an ever-evolving global landscape.

Angara’s diplomatic mission was not a mere ceremonial gesture. It was a compelling declaration that the time for shared action in education has come—rooted in a collective desire to build systems that are inclusive, equitable, and future-ready.

Vietnam: A Model of Visionary Investment

In Hanoi, Angara was warmly welcomed by Vietnamese Minister of Education and Training, His Excellency Nguyen Kim Son, and top officials who showcased the country’s significant strides in early childhood education and innovation-driven reforms.

“Vietnam’s strong focus on early childhood education is an investment in resilience,” Angara remarked during his dialogue with officials. “Your policies reflect a vision that many nations, including mine, aspire to emulate.”

The admiration was mutual, but Angara was particularly impressed by Vietnam’s harmonized approach—pairing inclusivity with quality. He praised the country’s efforts in universalizing access while maintaining robust standards, highlighting this as a benchmark for regional emulation.

Vietnam’s strategic thrust towards building a future-ready workforce, with emphases on artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and career-readiness, struck a familiar chord with Angara. He cited the Philippines’ own initiative—the Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR)—as a testament to the country’s parallel commitment to modernizing its educational frameworks. “Our nations are aligned in our aspiration to prepare learners for a world that demands more than knowledge—it demands agility, creativity, and critical thinking.”

Angara’s engagements extended to the SEAMEO Centers in Hanoi, where he formalized new leadership appointments: Assistant Secretary Carmela Oracion to the SEAMEO Regional Training Center (RETRAC) and Assistant Secretary Jerome Buenviaje to the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Lifelong Learning (CELL). These appointments, he emphasized, symbolize the Philippines’ proactive stance in shaping regional education discourse, especially in literacy, adult learning, and leadership development.

Laos: Fostering Resilience Amidst Constraints

In the landlocked yet determined nation of Lao PDR, Angara’s dialogue with Education Minister Phout Simmalavong was a heartfelt exchange rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations. The Lao delegation expressed particular interest in the Philippines’ teacher education programs—acknowledging the excellence and adaptability of Filipino educators and proposing a bilateral learning exchange.

Angara did not hesitate to spotlight the Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), an initiative proven to curb student dropouts and boost academic engagement. He also laid out the revised K–12 curriculum, designed to embed stronger industry linkages and elevate the employability of senior high school graduates.

Visiting the SEAMEO Center for Community Education Development (CED), Angara recognized Laos’ resilience in driving educational reforms despite financial limitations. He lauded their innovation in alternative learning systems (ALS), noting how such efforts extend learning opportunities to the most marginalized sectors of society.

Building a Region Through Data and Dialogue

At the core of Angara’s message was the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM), a regional initiative he described as essential in mapping progress and informing policy. More than just a tool, Angara sees SEA-PLM as a living framework that demands ongoing feedback and refinement. “Let us ensure SEA-PLM continues to reflect the dynamism and diversity of our region,” he urged.

Throughout his journey, Angara wove a powerful narrative—one that places Southeast Asia not as a collection of individual efforts, but as a unified bloc working together to reimagine education for the 21st century.

A Vision Beyond Borders

“As we move forward, the path is clear: Southeast Asia must work together to ensure our education systems are not only inclusive and equitable, but also resilient and future-ready,” Angara declared with conviction.

In an era where global disruptions—from AI to climate change—demand responsive and adaptive education systems, Angara’s call to action could not be more timely. His mission in Vietnam and Laos was not merely a series of visits—it was a movement in the making, rallying Southeast Asia toward an educational renaissance rooted in collaboration, innovation, and compassion.

The message is unmistakable: when Southeast Asia rises together, it learns together—and when it learns together, it leads.

The Rise of the Asian Woman Traveler: How She’s Redefining Hospitality in 2025

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In a dramatic shift that is echoing across Asia’s travel industry, women are no longer just participants in planning holidays—they are the undisputed architects of modern travel. According to Agoda’s latest insights, women now influence a staggering 82% of global travel decisions, making them the single most powerful force shaping hospitality trends in 2025. And this influence goes far beyond choosing destinations—it’s rewriting the very definition of what travel looks and feels like.

Charting New Territories: The Call of the Unfamiliar

Forget the crowded tourist traps and familiar city skylines. Today’s Asian woman is hungry for something deeper, something real. Agoda reports that 60% of women across the region now prioritize culturally immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences. In India and Indonesia, the numbers soar even higher—with 80% and 69% of women respectively expressing a strong desire to discover hidden gems that reflect authentic local life.

These journeys are not simply about seeing new places—they are about connection, curiosity, and expanding worldviews. From weaving villages in Vietnam to sacred temples tucked into the hills of Bhutan, women are demanding travel experiences that nourish the soul, not just the selfie reel.

The Power of the Pack: Family and Friendship First

Another compelling insight reveals that 40% of women prefer traveling with family—significantly more than the 28% of men who say the same. In cultures where multigenerational bonding is prized, such as in Indonesia where 68% of women cite family travel as a top priority, this trend speaks volumes.

Beyond the family unit, women are also choosing to journey with friends more frequently than men. For instance, 29% of Japanese women and 25% of Indian women said they prefer friend-group travel. This shared sense of adventure creates lasting bonds and reinforces the idea that for women, travel is often as much about companionship as it is about exploration.

Solo but Not Alone: The Quiet Surge of Independent Women Travelers

While men still dominate solo travel stats (24% vs. 15%), the Agoda report unveils a growing shift among young women travelers, especially in cosmopolitan hubs like Hong Kong and Thailand. Among women aged 18 to 25, 62% report a growing interest in traveling alone—not just to escape, but to evolve.

Governments and hospitality providers are starting to notice. Countries like Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the Nordic region, Singapore, and Spain are becoming sanctuaries for solo female travelers, thanks to their reputations for safety and support.

Short, Sweet, and Spontaneous: The Rise of the Weekend Getaway

Women aren’t just reshaping where and how we travel—they’re also redefining when. Instead of saving up for that once-a-year long haul trip, more women are opting for frequent, shorter getaways. Agoda notes that in Q1 of 2025, the number of women taking at least two trips nearly doubled—from 18% in 2020 to 35% now.

This is a clear response to fast-paced lifestyles, burnout culture, and the growing need for micro-retreats to recharge, reset, and return stronger.

Agoda’s Challenge to Hoteliers: Adapt or Get Left Behind

“Armed with data on women’s booking behaviors and preferences, hospitality leaders have a timely opportunity to reassess their approach to guest management,” says Andrew Smith, Agoda’s Senior VP for Supply. “Tailoring offerings to women travelers’ preferences isn’t just smart—it’s essential for staying relevant.”

Agoda urges hoteliers to rethink everything—from amenities to security protocols. Here’s how:

Empower the Explorers: Offer local, boutique experiences that tap into the cultural curiosities of women. Think pottery classes in Baguio, tribal cooking in Chiang Mai, or indigenous textile tours in Mindanao.

Celebrate Sisterhood: Create premium women-only tours that build camaraderie while ensuring comfort and safety. Unique itineraries like visiting Quechua weavers in Peru or baking bread with Moroccan cooperatives are already gaining traction.

Invest in Safety Infrastructure: From 24/7 security to women-only dormitories, safety is a non-negotiable. Hostels and hotels that offer secure spaces, well-lit facilities, and trusted transfer options will naturally earn the trust—and loyalty—of female solo travelers.

Curate Comfort: Stock personal care essentials like high-powered hair dryers, flat irons, and luxury skincare products. Women notice—and remember—these thoughtful touches.

Celebrating Two Decades of Travel Innovation

As Agoda marks its 20th anniversary, it isn’t just looking back on two decades of travel innovation—it’s looking forward, with bold steps to align its offerings with women’s evolving needs. With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 unique activities, Agoda continues to be a launchpad for unforgettable experiences. Its upcoming birthday campaign from May 7–20, offering up to 60% off (and 70% off on May 21), invites the world to join the celebration.

The Future is Female—and Fierce

Travel is no longer a luxury for women—it is a declaration of identity, independence, and intention. Whether she’s setting off with her family, her friends, or just a backpack and a dream, the Asian woman traveler is not only moving through the world—she’s moving the world forward.

In 2025 and beyond, hoteliers, tour operators, and travel platforms will be wise to remember this: the future of travel isn’t just female—it’s visionary, vibrant, and vastly transformative.