Just when we’re about to celebrate the Christmas season with declining Covid-19 cases, Typhoon Odette has devastated several parts of the Philippines, especially the islands of Visayas and Mindanao. Many areas are now under a state of calamity, as houses have been destroyed and some lives were, unfortunately, lost.
The damage left by the typhoon is indeed further proof of the urgent realities of climate change. If you want to be a part of the efforts of several environmental organizations in the Philippines, here are 7 groups, with some currently calling for donations for affected families of the typhoon, that you should check out.
Image credit: Forest Foundation Philippines
Our natural wonders are crucial to not only the larger cause of mitigating climate change, but also for ensuring our bountiful supply of resources so we can put food on the table. That’s why the Forest Foundation Philippines, which has been around since 2002, is an organization that provides several grants to other organizations and individuals that work to protect our large hectares of greenery.
They have 3 main grant programs that incentivize activities that aim to promote the conservation of forests around the Philippines, from Sierra Madre to Misamis Oriental. Those who wish to pursue further studies in plant science may also apply for scholarships.
Image credit: @forestfoundationph
Outside of these grants, you can also look up to the organization to learn more about the environment. They educate communities on topics such as the importance of mangroves, how watersheds serve as homes to plants and animals, and on small but eco-friendly activities such as creating a Christmas wreath using natural materials.
Address: 2F Valderrama Bldg., 107 Esteban St., Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229, Metro Manila
Telephone: 891 0595, 864 0287
Forest Foundation Philippines’ website
Image credit: @wavesforwaterphilippines
Access to clean water is crucial for our overall quality of life, aside from ensuring we don’t get sick with illnesses such as cholera and salmonella. Waves For Water Philippines aims to help communities across the Philippines in need of cleaner water through their various campaigns.
They provide solutions with equipment such as their MVP Filtration System, which is made up of micro-tubes that trap contaminants to allow decontaminated water to pass through.
Image credit: @wavesforwaterphilippines
They are currently involved in relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Odette, and you can join their efforts in the comforts of your home by donating online.
Waves For Water Philippines’ Instagram
Image credit: Kids for Kids
Founded on a vision that youths can make a difference, Kids for Kids is an organization that brings forward urgent discussions on climate change, culture, and children’s rights.
Established by sisters Tasha and Bella Tanjutco in 2015, the organization is driven by over 1,000 volunteers from across the Philippines.
Image credit: @forthefutureph and @kidsforkidsph
They have collaborated with several organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Jungle School Project for their environmental projects, and they have also been working on the ground to help those who have been affected by Typhoon Odette. You can also be a part of their efforts by donating to the victims of the recent typhoon online.
Volunteering for the organization is also possible – just stay in tune with the opening of their applications through their social media accounts.
Address: Muntinlupa City 1780, Metro Manila
Mobile: 0998 881 8227
Kids for Kids’ Facebook page
Image credit: Greenpeace Philippines
The woes hounding our environment today are a result of interconnected issues involving various sectors. Greenpeace Philippines demands climate justice through their comprehensive campaigns such as promoting single-use plastic, renewable energy, and local businesses. Currently, they have also been pooling donations to help the towns affected by Typhoon Odette.
You can join their movement by signing up as a volunteer. To be eligible, you have to submit a volunteer form, attend an orientation, and participate in the organization’s activities. Read more about what you can do to make a difference with Greenpeace Philippines here.
Address: Room 201 JGS Building, #30 Scout Tuason Street, Quezon City 1103, Metro Manila
Telephone: 8332 1807
Greenpeace Philippines’ website
Image credit: The Climate Reality Project Philippines
Answering the problems of climate change is a huge task, so The Climate Reality Project Philippines is an organization composed of Philippine climate leaders that work together with government and civil society groups to propose solutions on matters such as food security, sustainable energy, and ecological and environmental stability. They also conduct talks from time to time, with subjects ranging from mental health to energy conservation.
You can support the organization in many ways – sign up to be a volunteer or if you have an idea, you can submit proposals to their initiatives such as Project Niche.
Address: 706 FSS Building-II, 18 Scout Tuason Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City 1103, Metro Manila
The Climate Reality Project’s website
Image credit: WWF Philippines
The Earth is a rich planet of biodiversity, where various forms of life thrive in different ecosystems. Believing in the urgency to preserve the abundance of nature, Word Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has been committed to nature since 1997 through its programs addressing issues surrounding water, food, climate and energy, and wildlife.
Earth Hour 2017 at Mall of Asia Complex
Image credit: WWF Philippines
Among their long list of projects include the Community-based Whale Shark Ecotourism Program, AgriClima, and their well-known movement, Earth Hour, that’s a one-hour lights-out event observed in several parts of the world.
Currently, they are calling for donations online for affected families of Typhoon Odette. Apart from this, you can also be involved in their other initiatives by volunteering or fundraising.
Address: 4/F JBD Plaza 65 Mindanao Avenue, Barangay Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City 1105, Metro Manila
Telephone: 920-7923
WWF Philippines’ website
Image credit: Save Philippine Seas
As an archipelago of thousands of islands, the Philippines is surrounded by waters that are thriving natural wonders of life and resources. Save Philippine Seas understands what’s at stake in ensuring the conservation of aquatic systems, so they lead several projects, from education about coastal and marine issues to protecting thresher sharks in Cebu.
Those who are passionate about the sea can further their knowledge by attending the organization’s seminars. They roll out volunteer applications within specific time frames as well, so make sure to follow their social media accounts if you’re interested to be a part of their team.
Save Philippine Seas’ website
The challenges in combatting the issues surrounding our environment are huge. Fortunately, environmental organizations in the Philippines have been fighting left and right, and we are also welcome to join them in many ways, from donation drives to volunteer programs.
We hope that the people and places devastated by the typhoon can soon bounce back and restart normal life again.
Also check out:
Cover image adapted from: Forest Foundation Philippines and @wavesforwaterphilippines
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