Iligan Diocese Integral Ecology Ministry

10/08/2026

Sounds like another overhyped Facebook health claim, except this time it checks out.

A 2026 peer reviewed study published in ACS Omega found that malunggay seed extracts removed up to 98.5% of aged PVC microplastics from water under laboratory conditions. Researchers believe compounds in the seeds bind to microplastic particles, causing them to clump together and settle out of the water. It is a promising sign for a plant many Filipinos already have growing in their backyard.

Full fact check via the link in the comments.

01/08/2026

A NATURAL SOLUTION🌿

Researchers are examining whether malunggay seeds could help remove microplastics from water.

In a 2026 peer-reviewed study, researchers prepared a saline extract from Moringa oleifera seeds and tested it on laboratory water containing aged PVC microplastics. Under the best treatment conditions, the extract removed 98.5% of the plastic particles.

Its performance was nearly identical to aluminium sulfate, or alum, a conventional coagulant used in water treatment, which removed 98.7% under the same optimal pH condition.

The malunggay extract did not break down or destroy the plastic. Positively charged proteins released from the seeds attached to the negatively charged microplastics, causing the particles to gather into larger clusters that could be captured by granular filtration.

Researchers also found that a simpler process, in which the extract was added before the water passed directly through the filter, performed comparably to a system with a separate flocculation stage.

This suggests that malunggay-based treatment may eventually work without some of the additional steps required by conventional systems.

The published experiment used aged PVC particles added to prepared, low-turbidity water. Other types of microplastics and real water sources still need further testing, while the organic matter left by the seed extract must also be reduced before the method can be considered for wider use.

The findings show that proteins naturally present in malunggay seeds could become a plant-based alternative for trapping microplastics during water treatment.

17/07/2026

06/06/2026

FROM PLASTIC TO FUEL! 🇵🇭♻️

Filipino inventor Jayme Navarro developed a technology that converts plastic waste into usable fuel through a process known as pyrolysis, transforming discarded plastics into products such as diesel, gasoline, and kerosene.

His innovation gained national attention for offering a possible way to reduce plastic waste while producing alternative fuel, helping address two major challenges at once: waste management and energy demand.

The Department of Science and Technology recognized Navarro’s research, “Method of converting landfill plastic waste into fuel,” as among the outstanding Filipino inventions in 2008, highlighting how Filipino-made innovations can contribute to environmental and technological solutions.

Through his work, Navarro showed how science, creativity, and persistence can turn everyday waste into something useful, proving that local innovation has the power to respond to real problems faced by communities.

His story serves as an inspiration to young Filipino inventors, students, and innovators to keep exploring solutions that can help build a cleaner, more sustainable future for the country.

02/06/2026

28/05/2026

✨Are you looking for some ideas for activities to do during the Season of Creation 2026 the theme of which, referring to Ezekiel 47:9;12 is Living Water?

👉 https://laudatosimovement.org/news/the-laudato-si-itinerant-retreat-immersion-in-living-water-in-preparation-for-season-of-creation-2026/

19/05/2026

Church-LGU Dialogue on Solid Waste Management Strengthens Call for Ecological Conversion

As part of the upcoming celebration of Laudato Si’ Week, the Catholic Church of the Diocese of Iligan, through the IDIEM-BEC, spearheaded the Church-LGU Dialogue on Solid Waste Management held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on May 16.

The dialogue gathered representatives from Lay and Mandated Organizations, Diocesan Schools, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Iligan City Barangay Councils, people’s organizations, and concerned individuals in a shared effort to address the city’s growing waste management concerns following the impacts of Tropical Storm Basyang.
The activity also featured the participation of JRS Philippines, ECOWEB, PMCJ, and Oro Integrated Cooperative.

In his message, Jose R. Rapadas III encouraged participants to continue transforming hope into concrete environmental action, emphasizing the importance of ecological conversion in communities and households.

The forum highlighted discussions from invited speakers (Cario “Rak” Antequisa from ECOWEB & Enp. Sam “KP” Maquiling from ICENRO) who emphasized the shared responsibility of the Church, government, and communities in promoting sustainable waste management practices and fostering a culture of care for creation.

The gathering served as a meaningful step toward stronger collaboration between the Church and local stakeholders in protecting the environment and promoting integral ecology in Iligan City. “Be the Change for a Clean and Green Community!”