Apl.de.ap backs Cebu’s eco initiatives

CEBU, Philippines —  Filipino-American Grammy Award-winning artist and Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.ap arrived in Cebu on Friday to support environmental restoration and watershed protection initiatives through the HandurawPanaw Project, a multi-sectoral effort promoting sustainable and nature-based development across the province.

The music icon paid Cebu Governor PamelaBaricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival a courtesy visit alongside conveners and partners of the HandurawPanaw Project, including Living Story Landscapes, Soil and Water Conservation Foundation, University of the Philippines Cebu, Cebu Citizens Initiative, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other collaborating groups.

Named after the Visayan word “Handuraw,” which evokes memory and imagination, the project seeks to strengthen ecosystem leadership and community collaboration through hands-on learning, policy engagement, and nature-based innovations. Developed through a two-year bio-regioning process, the initiative aims to scale sustainable practices across Cebu’s critical watersheds and communities.

Apl.de.ap’s participation underscored his growing involvement in environmental sustainability and agroforestry initiatives in the Philippines through Omste Ventures, a social enterprise promoting scalable agroforestry systems and reforestation efforts.

Last May 14, Apl.de.ap also took part in a high-level side event during the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests at the United Nations headquarters, where his team promoted large-scale reforestation and agroforestry solutions.

According to project convener Sarah Queblatin, the collaboration comes at a crucial time for Cebu’s environment.

“With only two percent of Cebu’s original forest cover left following the damaging floods and landslides caused by Typhoon Tino in 2025, the HandurawPanaw Project is inspired to collaborate with Apl.de.ap and his team at Omste Ventures to champion our watersheds, which are often neglected in urban planning and development,” Queblatin said.

Apl.de.ap’s environmental advocacy forms part of a broader nationwide commitment to plant millions of trees across the Philippines, including coconut, coffee, cacao, malunggay, and native tree species aimed at establishing sustainable food forests and strengthening climate resilience.

One of the flagship programs under his team’s initiative is the “100 Million Coconut Trees” project, considered among the world’s largest reforestation and carbon credit initiatives.The program aims to plant more than 170 million coconut trees and around 400 million intercropping species nationwide over the next five years.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with rural communities and farmers while utilizing modern technologies and carbon credit systems aligned with United Nations climate guidelines.Beyond reforestation, Apl.de.ap has also supported sustainable agriculture and green technology programs, including the development of biochar industries in the Philippines and educational initiatives that train students in electric vehicle transition technologies in both the United States and the Philippines.

Born Allan Pineda Lindo in Angeles City, Pampanga, Apl.de.ap said restoration and community empowerment are not merely advocacy efforts but part of a long-term vision to help strengthen the country’s future while encouraging Filipinos to reinvest their talents and opportunities in their homeland.

Apl.de.ap also shared that his meeting with Mayor Archival centered on their common advocacy for environmental protection, sustainable farming, and reforestation.According to the artist, discussions flowed easily after discovering their shared goals and passion for helping farmers, restoring watersheds, and planting more trees in environmentally affected areas.

During the visit, the two also planted coconut trees together at the South Road Properties in Cebu City.

He likewise highlighted the mayor’s initiatives on sustainable agriculture and waste management, particularly the collection of compost from supermarkets and the use of black soldier flies to create nutrient-rich organic soil. The processed material is reportedly used to feed chickens, resulting in organic poultry production.

Apl.de.ap emphasized that their shared mission focuses on protecting the environment, supporting farmers, and promoting tree-growing initiatives, especially in areas needing ecological restoration.

The artist also underscored the important role of the youth in modernizing and promoting agriculture through technology and innovation.

He said young people today are “tech savvy” and can use their skills to support farmers by creating online content, blogging, participating in forums, and helping raise awareness about opportunities in agriculture.

According to Apl.de.ap, one of their goals is to “speed up the process” of proving that agriculture can provide incentives and sustainable opportunities, especially for younger generations.

He noted that many children of farmers often leave rural communities to seek jobs in cities, but believes this mindset can change if the youth are shown that agriculture has a promising future.

Apl.de.ap encouraged young people to apply their technological knowledge and creativity to the agricultural sector, stressing that innovation, collaboration, and increased awareness can help transform farming into a more attractive and sustainable industry for future generations. — (FREEMAN) Sofhia Grace Neri CNU Intern