News

[STATEMENT] Honoring Indigenous environmental heroes at the forefront of environmental protection

2026

“If we lose our natural resources, we all die.” The late Lumad leader Bai Bibiaon Ligkayan Bigkay once reminded us of this truth: the survival of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and the fate of our planet are the same.

[STATEMENT] Defend Environmental Defenders, Junk Twin Terror Laws!

2026

Six years ago, Republic Act No. 11479—the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020—was signed into law. What followed has been a systematic assault on those who dare defend our country’s natural resources. Today, we mark six years not of countering terrorism, but of weaponizing state power against environmental human rights defenders under both the ATA and its companion legislation, the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

[STATEMENT] Defend Windel Bolinget and the Cordillera Defenders! Hold Red-Taggers Accountable! Junk the Anti-Terror Law!

2026

Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) welcomes the recent decision of the La Trinidad Municipal Trial Court this June 2 holding former PROCOR chief R’win Pagkalinawan liable for red-tagging and ordering him to pay damages to Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) Chairperson Windel Bolinget. This ruling is a significant victory not only for Bolinget and the Cordillera peoples’ movement, but for all environmental defenders, indigenous peoples, and human rights advocates who continue to face vilification, harassment, and threats for their work and advocacy.

[STATEMENT] Justice for the New Bataan 5! Justice for our environmental advocate Chad Booc!

2026

Today, February 24, as we mark the 4th anniversary of the tragic deaths of volunteer teachers Chad Booc and Gelejurain Ngujo II, community health worker Elgyn Balonga, and two community volunteer drivers—otherwise known as the New Bataan 5 [1], Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) solemnly honors their memory and the deeper truths their life of service to the people reveals.

FEATURE | Long Live Our Peasant Heroes!

2025

This Peasant Month, Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan proudly honors all our peasant environmental defenders. Their lifelong dedication to protecting the land and the environment is truly commendable. Today, we not only celebrate our awardees but also recognize the invaluable contributions of peasants every single day. Let us take inspiration from them as they are the true champions—our unsung heroes of the environment.

[STATEMENT] Reverse SC’s acquittal of Nuguid! Justice for environmental hero, Wilhelm Geertman!

2025

Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) condemns the recent decision of the Supreme Court (SC), which acquitted Marvin Nuguid, the murderer of one of GBK 2013’s most distinguished Individual Awardees, Wilhelm Geertman. The SC’s reference to “glaring inconsistencies” in witness testimonies not only denies justice for Geertman but also reflects the weakness of the justice system in the Philippines.

[STATEMENT] Honoring environmental heroes, continuing their fight and legacy

2025

Today, August 25, National Heroes’ Day, the Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) honors and celebrates environmental defenders in the Philippines for their undying courage and passion in protecting the environment and the rights of the people.

ATTY. TONY LA VIÑA AND AKAP-KA MANILA BAY HONORED AS NATATANGING GAWAD AWARDEES AT THE 8TH GAWAD BAYANI NG KALIKASAN

2024

PRESS RELEASEOctober 15, 2024 QUEZON CITY – The Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines (CEC) and IBON Foundation held the 8th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan on October 12, 2024. This biennial awards ceremony honors outstanding individuals and organizations leading the fight for environmental justice and protection. This year marks the first in-person event since 2018, as the […]

Download the 6th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan Souvenir

2020

Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan is a biennial awards event honoring heroic individuals and organizations that struggle for the people and the environment.

Download the 5th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan Souvenir

2018

Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan is a biennial awards event honoring heroic individuals and organizations that struggle for the people and the environment.