By Mark Saludes, Philippines
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.
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