Protecting Palawan’s Ecosystem & Empowering Youth Environmental Leaders
In Palawan, where lush forests, ancestral lands, and fragile ecosystems remain under constant threat, young people hold the key to shaping a more just and sustainable future. Yet many out-of-school youth and students across the province rarely have opportunities to engage meaningfully with environmental issues — even though these challenges impact their daily lives and communities.
To nurture this next generation of defenders, Earth Company provided a US$3,000 grant to Impact Heroes 2024 cohort member Robert A. Chan, Executive Director of the Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI), to strengthen their Youth Program. Through immersive learning, storytelling, and hands-on exposure to real-world conservation work, the program invited young people to step into the heart of PNNI’s advocacy — and discover their own power to protect Mother Nature.
At a Glance
Atty. Robert “Bobby” Chan, a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University and a qualified environmental lawyer in the Philippines, has devoted his career to protecting Palawan’s rich natural resources. With a Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo School of Law, he began as a Legal Staff at the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, later leading the Palawan NGO Network Incorporated (PNNI) as its Executive Director since 2009.
Known as the “chainsaw man” of Palawan, Bobby safeguards over 700 confiscated chainsaws and equipment, along with several dynamite fishing boats and mining equipment fighting against illegal logging and fisheries. Beyond titles, he’s an advocate of deeds, emphasizing tangible actions over mere words. Through PNNI, a network of 39 environmental organizations, Bobby works towards sustainable development, empowering local communities through education and resisting environmental destruction, aiming to balance resource use and protection in Palawan.
Building Awareness, Curiosity, and Courage
Through Earth Company's support, PNNI implemented four youth-centered initiatives across Palawan:
1. Youth Volunteer Orientation
Young participants were introduced to the harsh realities facing local communities — from land grabbing to illegal logging — setting the stage for deeper learning. Many shared that hearing these stories firsthand sparked a desire to understand the issues more fully.
2. Youth Immersion in North Palawan
During community visits, participants met residents affected by deforestation and resource exploitation, putting a human face to the challenges they had heard about. They also witnessed PNNI’s enforcement work in action when staff confiscated an illegally operated chainsaw, giving youth a safe, up-close look at how environmental protection happens on the ground.
3. Youth Immersion in South Palawan
In the South, youth engaged in discussions with local stakeholders and observed the aftermath of illegal mining and forest clearing. During this immersion, PNNI staff spotted and pursued illegal loggers, once again allowing the youth to observe PNNI’s frontline efforts and ask questions about the process.
4. Brochure-Making Workshop
Participants contributed to PNNI’s advocacy materials, creating youth-friendly educational content that will be shared with communities across the province.
Transformative Experiences, Lasting Impact
The program ignited genuine enthusiasm and long-term commitment among the youth. One participant expressed deep pride after the immersion, writing: “I am proud because I was part of a significant immersion such as this. I learned a lot. I hope the next immersion will be in my neighborhood." Another participant felt so inspired that she began working with PNNI immediately after completing the program. Drawn to the legal side of environmental protection, she now assists with the organization’s administrative and legal affairs.
These stories — and many more like them — show how meaningful exposure, connection, and mentorship can transform young people into lifelong advocates and leaders.
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