Search for green heroes begins

IN celebration of the Filipinos’ heroism, civil society organizations led by Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines (CEC- Phils) is launching the Third Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (GBK) to honor individuals and groups dedicated to the defense of the environment and the rights of the people.

“The third GBK comes at a time of growing awareness on the spirit of heroism. In media, in pop culture, we praise simple and ordinary people who have become heroes through their selfless acts. The same kind of people could be found in environmental advocacy work, and it is high time for the people to know about them and recognize their great contribution to society,” said CEC- Phils Executive Director Frances Quimpo.

GBK recognizes grassroots efforts to protect the environment which can be in various forms such as advocacy, campaigns, research, community services and mass media or cultural work. Nominations for the third GBK officially opened in August and will close on the midnight of November 30.

“The true mark of an environmental hero/ heroine is the willingness to serve others and the environmental cause without expecting rewards. For a hero/ heroine, there is no big or small act. Each day is an opportunity to serve,” noted Quimpo.

The alternative awards event is open to all Filipino individuals and organizations. Three individuals and three organizations, plus a most distinguished awardee will be chosen by an independent board of judges.

Nomination forms and other information on GBK can be accessed at www.cecphils.org. The awarding ceremony will be held on April next year, in time for the international celebration of Earth Day.

“Without action, our celebration of heroism will be useless. This is the central message of the Third GBK, that the best way to honor these green heroes is by emulating their examples and joining the cause for environmental protection,” ended Quimpo.

The Third GBK is co- organized by the GBK Awards Committee, AGHAM- Advocates of Science and Technology for the People, Ecowaste Coalition, Haribon Foundation, Panalipdan Mindanao and Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc and the the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Special Concerns Office.