DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

Atty. Antonio “Tony” La Viña is a renowned environmental lawyer, climate policy expert, and academic. He is a leading voice in both national and international environmental discourse. Atty. La Viña’s work is characterized by his deep understanding of the intersection between environmental sustainability and social justice, with a particular focus on the protection of the ancestral domains of indigenous peoples.

Atty. La Viña’s involvement with the Lumad community began in earnest during the protests against the UP DND Accord abrogation in 2020. This initial encounter blossomed into a profound commitment to the Lumad cause, particularly in defending their right to education and protecting their ancestral lands. In August 2020, Atty. La Viña took on the role of legal counsel for indigenous people petitioners in filing the 26th petition against the Anti-Terror Law. This action demonstrated his dedication to safeguarding the rights of environmental defenders who are often unjustly targeted by oppressive legislation.

After visiting the Lumad Bakwit School in October 2020, and hearing firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by Lumad students, teachers, and elders, he made a personal commitment to become the legal counsel for the Save Our Schools (SOS) Network. This decision would prove crucial in the face of mounting pressures on the Lumad community.

Following the raid on the Lumad Bakwit School in Cebu, Atty. La Viña’s support became even more vital. He tirelessly worked to provide legal assistance, secure affidavits, arrange meetings with lawyers and the Commission on Human Rights, and even address logistical needs for those seeking sanctuary. His efforts went far beyond legal counsel; he became a father figure to the Lumad children, participating in important events such as graduations, and using his writing skills to amplify their voices through numerous articles.

Atty. La Viña’s advocacy did not waver even in the face of tragedy. After the massacre of the New Bataan 5 in February 2022, which claimed the lives of Chad Booc and Jurain Ngujo, he bravely spoke out against injustice, offering his time, wisdom, and resources despite the very real threat of red-tagging. His courage was further exemplified in his confrontations with the NTF-ELCAC, particularly in the aftermath of the passing of Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan awardee, Bai Bibyaon Ligkayen Bigkay. Atty. La Viña stood firmly against attempts to exhume Bai Bibyaon’s body and the threats of trumped-up charges against those who had cared for her in her final days. By defending the Lumad people, he is simultaneously protecting the forests of Mindanao, as the Lumad have been the traditional stewards of these lands for generations.