The Save Philippine Seas Foundation is known for its ‘advoca-sea’: “...We believe the Philippines is worth diving for.”

Anna Oposa co-founded the organisation when she was only 23. She directed her creativity and enthusiasm to protect marine biodiversity and resources in the Philippines, establishing the group in hopes of mobilising a generation of Filipinos that care about the future of their country.

They aim to empower Filipinos towards collective action and behaviour change.

Far from just a travel destination, the Masungi Georeserve is also an award-winning conservation project by Ann and Billie Dumaliang protecting threatened landscapes, particularly limestone formations and biodiversity, through education and geo-tourism. The rainforest, trails, and fresh air surrounding its lands make for a unique discovery experience.

One of their latest programmes, Teachers’ Training on watershed education, focused on instilling in the youth a sense of ownership as stakeholders of the Upper Marikina Watershed by training 100 teachers.

The list wouldn’t be complete without organisations protecting animal rights as well, and what better group to mention that the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)?

Founded in 1954 by Muriel Jay, PAWS is a volunteer-based, non-government organisation whose goal is to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering, and advocacy.

It is responsible for drafting Republic Act 8485 or the Philippine Animal Welfare Bill, which promotes adopting instead of buying pets in the country.

The Philippines is an archipelago, and one of its many treasures is its aquatic-influenced environments. Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) thrives on protecting and conserving clean water and wetlands.

Like any other organisation, it aims to create solutions through partnerships, programs, and projects to reach more communities and teach them about wetlands conservation.

Its current chairperson and president is Filiberto A Pollisco Jr.

Another organisation working on the frontlines since 1997 is World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines. Locally registered as Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas Foundation, they aim to implement various conservation projects to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia.

Currently, they hope to improve Filipino lives by crafting solutions to climate change, providing sustainable livelihood programs, and conserving the country's richest marine and land habitats.

The Philippine eagle is one of the national treasures of the country and is, unfortunately, critically endangered. Conserving it is of utmost priority—which the Philippine Eagle Foundation is dead set on doing. 

According to the foundation, the fate of the Philippine Eagle, the health of the environment, and the quality of Philippine life are inextricably linked. Therefore, they are firmly committed to ensuring the survival of the Philippine Eagle and the biodiversity it represents.

Greenpeace Philippines, as its name suggests, is for a greener and more peaceful environment. Co-founded by Bob Hunter, Greenpeace aims to campaign for issues concerning climate, oceans, plastic, food, energy, liveable cities, and social justice.

One of its latest projects, #KuhaSaTingi, hopes to make sustainability more accessible and affordable. Together with the city government of San Juan and Impact Hub Manila, they installed refilling stations in sari-sari stores across different barangays, eliminating the need for single-use plastics when buying everyday needs.

Aside from animals seen on land, it is important to care for marine wildlife.

According to their website, the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines (MWWP) is a non-profit, non-stock conservation organisation that aims to develop a better appreciation of the marine environment, its ecological processes, and how it affects all of us through activities that focus on long-lived marine animals.

Through their various programs and activities, they raise awareness by tracking the conditions of marine animals as well as calling for action on marine conservation.

Its current executive director is Dr AA Yaptinchay.

Another organisation that cares for the welfare of animals is People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

One of the largest animal rights organisations in the world, PETA is dedicated to helping the plight of animals through public education, investigative news gathering and reporting, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns.

These eight are just some of the known organisations out there that campaign for animal welfare, marine conversation, and environmental protection. There are others out there who also help in calling for action—and together these organisations make the world a better place, one step at a time.

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