• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bishop Gerardo “Gerry” Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos and the late community journalist RJ Ledesma were among the recipients honored at the 9th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan, held in UP Diliman Oct. 24.
Ledesma, who was killed during a military clash in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19 this year, was conferred the Most Distinguished Award for his “reporting on environmental issues, land grabbing, and large-scale infrastructure projects affecting farmers and indigenous communities.”
Alminaza and Altermidya chairperson Raymund Villanueva accepted the award on Ledesma’s behalf.
The bishop cited the slain journalist’s work and community initiatives through his youth environmental organization Hakson.
Alminaza, head of Caritas Philippines, was also among the three awardees recognized in the individual category for his advocacy on ecological rights and support for displaced communities.
“I receive this honor in solidarity with all environmental defenders and communities who continue this work, often at great cost. Thank you to the Church and civil society leaders, people’s movements, and communities who have walked with me,” he stressed.
He shared how growing up in the mining town of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, exposed him early to environmental degradation and shaped his lifelong commitment to defend vulnerable populations.
The accolade is a biennial awards program and lecture series that recognizes Filipino environmental defenders and organizations for their work. | TMD
