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The Philippines is one of the most beautiful and environmentally diverse countries in the world, with countless plants and animals inhabiting its many islands. But the country is also sadly marred by violence, as the Philippines has consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous places to be in for environmentalists, with studies showing that the country is the deadliest place in Asia for people defending their land and the environment. Still, in the face of the constant harassment, persecution, and even deaths, the push to protect the country’s biodiversity as well as climate action and justice persists.
Among those helping lead the charge are brave, passionate, and headstrong women who, despite the dangers, remain steadfast in their principles. While addressing pressing issues like the climate crisis requires a collective effort, these Filipinas are fighting the good fight in protecting the land and ecosystems, protesting against climate change and injustice, educating the next generation on the importance of the environment, and championing sustainable practices geared towards people and the planet over the abuse of natural resources.
Below, get to know some of the Filipina environmentalists who are using their platforms for the betterment of the Philippines and the world.
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Ann and Billie Dumaliang – Masungi Georeserve’s Protectors
Sisters Ann and Billie Dumaliang represent what it’s like to be an environmentalist in the Philippines. The award-winning trustees and co-founders of Masungi Georeserve have faced countless instances of harassment, land-grabbing, illegal logging, and threats to their lives for the work that they do. Yet, they remain dedicated to protecting one of the few untouched conservation reserves in the Philippines while inspiring others to foster a deeper appreciation for nature thanks to their promotion of sustainable geotourism at Masungi. Their work has earned them praise overseas, such as a United Nations SDG Inspire Award, while they continue to advocate for Masungi and greater environmental protection in the country.
Issa Barte – Advocating for a Climate-Resistant Philippines
There are many ways you can describe Issa Barte. She’s an artist, storyteller, photographer, environmentalist, author, and a National Geographic Explorer since 2021. She also co-founded For the Future, a youth-led organization that works with indigenous communities around the country in reforestation and restoration efforts of their ancestral lands, as well as organizing community initiatives to aid typhoon victims. It’s these endeavors and more that fuel the changemaker’s unyielding work in advocating for climate justice and action amongst the Filipino youth, especially since the country is one of the most vulnerable to climate change.
Tasha and Bella Tanjutco – Creativity Meets Conservation
In 2015, sisters Tasha and Bella Tanjutco founded the youth organization Kids for Kids, which works with communities and especially the youth around the country to foster creativity, connection, and a deeper understanding of the local environment, when they were just teenagers. In the decade since, these young leaders have spent their lives advocating for how creativity and design can lead to change, particularly when it comes to environmental issues like the climate crisis. Their work through their multiple projects, such as TAYO Philippines, is helping inspire the next generation to see their surroundings and sustainability as integral and interconnected parts of their lives.
Celine Murillo – Environmentalism in the Age of Social Media
Using the power of social media, Celine Murillo turned a hobby into an advocacy. With over 700,000 followers on TikTok alone, Murillo has used her massive platform to document and spotlight the local flora and fauna of the Philippines. Her engaging, entertaining, and educational videos are helping Filipinos, especially the youth, gain a greater interest in the many species that populate the Philippines. They also serve as a reminder of the country’s rich biodiversity and many indigenous species that deserve to be conserved and protected.
Mitzi Jonelle Tan – Outspoken Climate Justice Advocate
Whether on the podium at international conventions such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP 28 or on the streets, activist Mitzi Jonelle Tan is an outspoken champion of climate action and justice, and in raising awareness of how climate change is tied to other macro issues, such as the high cost of living and overseas wars.
She collaborates with both local and international climate activists, and is a co-founder and former spokesperson of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), a nationwide alliance of youth organizations and individuals fighting climate change. YACAP is the local branch of Fridays for Future, a global, youth-led international climate movement organized by Greta Thunberg.
Javea Estavillo – The Next Generation of Climate Advocates
You’re never too young to champion the environment. Just look at Javea Estavillo. At just 17 years old, Estavillo served as the Philippines’ youth delegate to the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, where she spoke in front of world leaders about pressing issues related to climate change, the harm it has caused to vulnerable communities, and the need for climate financing. Currently, the climate advocate and student is enrolled at Stanford University, where she’s studying Management Science and Engineering, Data Science, and Climate at the Ivy League university.
Carmela Ellaga – Studying and Protecting Local Marine Life
Growing up in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, Carmela Ellaga understood the importance of the seas, oceans, and other bodies of water in the livelihoods of Filipinos. It’s an upbringing that shaped her into the scientist and environmentalist that she is today. Ellaga is a fisheries technologist, oceanographic researcher, and environmental conservationist who documents local marine life and partners with coastal communities on conservation efforts and sustainable livelihood practices.
For a country made up of over 7,000 islands, but that’s also heavily affected by climate change, Ellaga is doing good work, and her efforts have been praised internationally by the likes of Michelle Obama.
Featured Image: MEGA ARCHIVES photgraphed by LUIS RUIZ
Frequently Asked Questions
The sisters are co-founders of the Masungi Georeserve, where they protect crucial conservation land despite facing threats, land-grabbing, and illegal logging to advocate for sustainable geotourism.
Barte co-founded this youth-led organization to support indigenous communities through reforestation, ancestral land restoration, and community initiatives designed to provide aid to victims of typhoons.
Murillo uses her massive platform to create engaging, educational content that spotlights Philippine flora and fauna, encouraging youth to appreciate and protect the country’s rich biodiversity.
As a co-founder of YACAP, she is an outspoken activist who highlights how climate change is intrinsically tied to economic issues, global wars, and social justice.
Ellaga is a fisheries technologist and oceanographic researcher who partners with coastal communities to study marine life and promote sustainable livelihood practices, earning international praise.
