Environmental groups and advocates gathered to celebrate the courage and resilience of this year’s honorees at the 8th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) Awards, reaffirming their collective commitment to defending the environment and its protectors.

The event, held at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City on Oct. 12, honored individuals and grassroots organizations who have taken extraordinary actions to safeguard natural resources and uphold environmental justice.

Lawyer Antonio Gabriel ‘Tony’ La Viña, a renowned environmental lawyer, climate expert, and academic, was one of two recipients of the Most Distinguished Award this year. He was recognized for his legal defense of Indigenous Lumad communities facing attacks from state forces.

“This made him a part of collective efforts to restore and preserve not only the remaining forestlands in Mindanao but also the culture of its local people,” the GBK organizers said in a statement.

La Viña’s contributions to environmental protection extend beyond the courtroom, as he has helped preserve the forests of Mindanao and the Indigenous cultures dependent on them.

In his acceptance speech, La Viña stressed the importance of celebrating both “big and small” victories for the environment and human rights.

“My mantra is not to be a grim and determined activist, but to be a happy warrior—sing, dance, and write poetry. Let’s acknowledge that the struggle is long, the struggle is protracted, and this is clearly seen in the fight for sustainable development and climate justice, which we refer to as intergenerational,” he said.

He emphasized that the ongoing efforts for change are long-term and likely to extend beyond the current generation. Therefore, the focus should be on laying the groundwork for the continued struggle.

La Viña urged the public to “go to the root of the problem, not just the superficial symptoms,” adding, “It’s important to walk the talk and make lifestyle changes to combat climate change or environmental degradation.”

“But if that diverts you from addressing development aggression and speaking truth to power, you will not make a difference,” he said.

The second recipient of the Most Distinguished Award was the Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Pagtatanggol ng Kabuhayan, Panirahan, at Kalikasan sa Manila Bay (AKAP KA – Manila Bay), an alliance known for its resistance to massive reclamation projects that threaten the Manila Bay area.

“The awarding body reiterated their long-standing fight against power giants like the notorious San Miguel Corporation and their destructive reclamation plans, as well as the enduring spirit of two of their organizers, youth activists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro, who continued to resist even after being forcibly disappeared by state forces, and now face vilification and trumped-up charges,” the organizers said.

Other notable awardees included Atty. Grizelda ‘Gerthie’ Mayo-Anda, honored in the Individual Category for her initiative, the “People’s Monitoring Team,” which holds large-scale development projects accountable for their environmental impacts.

Tatay Nestor Rotaquio, an Indigenous leader, farmer, and fisherman from Quezon, was recognized for his defense of ancestral lands against destructive projects. Dr. Charito ‘Chito’ Medina, an agricultural scientist, received an award for securing a writ of kalikasan against the introduction of genetically modified “golden rice.”

In the Group Category, the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines was honored for its work in promoting the protection of avian biodiversity. The Pangasinan People’s Strike for the Environment (PPSE), an alliance of locals campaigning against offshore mining and nuclear power projects, was recognized despite facing threats, including the abduction of its conveners earlier this year.

The Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid – Lupang Ramos (KASAMA – LR), a group of farmers advocating for land rights and agroecology, was also awarded for its decade-long struggle to defend their right to land.

Organizers include the Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC) – Philippines, IBON Foundation, Inc., EcoWaste Coalition, and the KALIKASAN People’s Network for the Environment, among others.