7 Inspiring Filipino Environmental Heroes
Forests cover a third of the Earth’s landmass and are home to more than half of the world’s land-based species of plants and animals. It is also important in preventing extreme climate change and mitigates the impact of storms and floods in our community, so it is our job to take care of the forests and help preserve them for future generations. Here are some Filipino Environmental Heroes we and our kids can take inspiration from in caring for our environment.
1. Reina Bontuyan - On Leaving no Trace
Reina started her environmental journey when she discovered mountaineering and eventually transitioned into becoming a full-time mountaineer. For a several years, she operated the “Viajero Outdoor Center” where she not only sells outdoor recreational equipment, but also offer mountaineer training, forest conservation programs and initiated the “Leave No Trace Campaign,” where she educates on minimizing the environmental impact of outdoor recreational activities and proper outdoor ethics and sustainability. Watch Reina’s journey as she shows you how to conserve the forest while enjoying the beauty of it!
2. Archie Tulin - On Forest Sustainability
After the Philippines was struck by Typhoon Yolanda, Archie dedicated himself in addressing the climate crisis by joining the Non-Timber Forest Products - Exchange Programme Philippines or NTFP-EP. Archie is involved in forest conservation initiatives through forest restoration programs and promotion of non-timber forest products as well as working with indigenous communities in conserving the areas they live in and their culture. In this episode, Archie and the NTFP-EP will show several ways to help conserve the forest and those who call it their home.
3. Anilaw Mansumangka - On Reconnecting with Nature
Anilaw is part of the Talaandig-Higaonon Tribe which is an indigenous community that lives in the remote region of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. Withthe decreasing interest in the indigenous culture among the native youth, Anilaw founded the “Anak ng Tribu” to lead in preserving their culture and nature through activities and programs that help the community reconnect with nature as well as show them the importance of the forest totheir culture and livelihood but to their identity. Watch Anilaw and other Lumad youth as they strive to reconnect with nature and own their Lumad identity in this episode!
4. Thieza Verdijo - On Forest Conservation
After many years of volunteering for community work, Thieza found her passion in helping her community and joined the Xavier Science Foundation where they support and work with local indigenous communities in reforestation efforts and help combat deforestation in the local area. She chose the road less traveled as a woman and dedicated her life to protecting and conserving forests and supporting the local indigenous communities around the Kalatungan range. Watch Thieza’s journey in this episode!
5. Andres Ignacio - On Environment Management
At a young age, Andres found a fascination with science and strived to use it to help manage resources in Bukidnon. Andres is part of the Institute of Environmental Science for Social Change where they map the forest landscape and provide crucial research data for conservation and preservation initiatives. The maps they create provide visual aids and tell stories that narrate what happened and plot projects that could happen in the forest. Find out more about their efforts in this episode!
6. Zoilo Montebon Jr. - On Forest Protection
Zoilo is a Forest Ranger tasked with protecting Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and making sure that the mountain remains in its original condition, untouched and preserved. His fieldwork involves patrolling and monitoring the forest's condition and providing records for future environmental projects and programs. Forest Ranger’s patrols prevent illegal logging and animal poaching. Their job ensures that the forest is not trespassed on and is always protected. Watch how Zoilo and his team patrol the ranges of Mt. Kitanglad in this episode!
7. Shania Yulo - On Environmental Advocacy
Whether it’s climbing mountains or crossing rivers, Shania has found that experiencing nature firsthand is the key to understanding its importance and the need to protectit. At an early age, Shania was exposed to the outdoors where she learned to appreciate the beauty of nature. She is a photojournalist who captures the beauty of the landscape in her photos and helps raise awareness and advocate a sense of responsibility to safeguard the forest for us and the generations to come. Join Shania on her journey to explore the beauty of the forest!
These Eco-Heroes have shown us various ways one can help preserve the forests. May their stories continue to be an inspiration to the next generation of eco-heroes. For more educational content like this one, be sure to follow Knowledge Channel on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!