3rd Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan – award for environmental causes

Bureau of Soil and Water Management , Visayas Avenue corner Elliptical Circle, Quezon City-Philippines

Most Reverend  Deogracias S. IÑIGUEZ, JR., D.D  ( Bishop of Caloocan ) and Commissioner Romeo Hidalgo 

 Bishop Deogracias S. IÑIGUEZ is an active partner of the Eco-waste Coalition and member of the defunct Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya.

The Center for Environmental Concerns–Philippines (CEC-Phils) is a non-government organization founded through the initiatives of organizations representing fisher folk, farmers, indigenous peoples, women, urban poor, and professional sectors.

Sinag Bayan performer

This year’s awarding ceremony was in cooperation and partnership with AGHAM party-list, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ECO Waste Coalition , Panalipdan Mindanao , Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center ( FIDEC) .

Mr. John Arcilla

Mr. John Arcilla is a stage actor, celebrity and environmentalist hosted the biennial awarding ceremonies .

small photo exhibit pays tribute to awardees

Currently, the Center is a service institution based in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Its area of operation and networking covers the entire Philippines and different ecological contexts.

distinguished vips, guests and organizers

The 2013 Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan awards committee was led by Most Reverend Bishop Deogracias IÑIGUEZ, Bienvenido Lumbera , Atty. Howard M. Calleja , Carol P. Araullo , MD, Dr. Teresita R. Perez and Sr. Ma. Carmen Dianne Cabasagan , RGS

Mr. Jovan Marquez – UNTV channel 37 director received the award in behalf of Mr. Daniel Razon ( individual category)

The Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) is an awards event and lecture series honoring Filipino heroes and heroines who have defended the environment and people’s rights. The 1st Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan ( GBK ) award was given in 2009, then 2011.

The Philippines is endowed with rich natural resources that can support the country’s national development and ensure that the Filipino people can live in peace and prosperity. For the past century, however, our environment has gone through severe destruction and depletion. The degradation of our ecosystems has proceeded alongside poverty and the dislocation of communities from their lands and livelihoods.

There are 3 main categories Natatanging Gawad ( Most Distinguished Award)  – This is awarded to either individual or organization that has his/her /their being an inspiration and example to the Filipino people for offering time and talents for the defense of the environment and advancement of the people’s welfare.

Mr. Rodne R. Galicha from Sibuyan island , Romblon province

Mr. Rodne R. Galicha is a dedicated and vigilant guardian of the environment . He hails from the island of Sibuyan . Mr. Rodne studied Philosophy and Classical Arts before teaching philosophy  , environmental ethics, sociology, history , and literature at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Seminary and Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros.

Governor Eduardo ” Lolong ”  Firmalo of Romblon and Mr. Rodne R. Galicha

group picture

Gawad sa Indibidwal ( Awards for Individuals)- This is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability and effort to uphold the environment and people’s welfare in form of advocacy, campaigns, education, research , technology, development, community services , mass media or cultural works.

Ms. Bianca Dava and Mr. Jovan Marquez  of UNTV channel 37 received the award in behalf of Mr. Daniel Razon

Gawad sa Organisasyon ( Award for the Organizations) This is awarded to people’s and community organizations and institutions that have demonstrated organizational strength or unity in upholding the welfare of the people and of the environment by exemplary actions  and advocacy , campaigns, education, research, technology,  development , community services , mass media  or cultural works.

After the presentation and a short ceremony , a sumptuous snacks and evening meal  were served to all the guests and invited awardees  .

List of 2013 Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan Nominees

Mr. Noli Abinales

Mr. Conrado Esemple

Mr. Nilo ” Sonny” Estrella

Bro. Martin Francisco

Mr. Rodne Galicha

Mr. Romeo Hidalgo

Atty. Antonio Manangan

Mr. Armin Marin

Mr. Angel Padron

Fr. Joel Taora, SJ

Mr. Edgar Taladhay

Mr. Perfecto ” Ka Pecs” Ruiz Vicente

Organizational Category

Cebu Institute of Technology- University Industrial Engineering Council

Kababaihang Nagtataglay ng Bihirang Lakas

Kalumbay Regional Lumad Organization

Magsasaka at Siyemtipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura

Solid Waste Management Office- San Carlos City

Note : I would like to ” Thank” Ms. Frances Quimpo – Executive Director ( Center for Environmental Concerns -Philippines for the invitation . Maraming salamat !

Websites :

Center for Environmental Concerns : http://cecphils.org/

Department of Natural and Natural Resources: http://www.denr.gov.ph/

Department of Agriculture: http://www.da.gov.ph/

UNTV channel 37: http://www.untvweb.com/