Women's Month
March 31, 2022
Empowered women empower women.
We celebrated #WomensMonth by putting a spotlight on the young women of WWF-Philippines’ National Youth Council (NYC). Throughout March, they shared on our socials how they inspire and empower other young women to lead the next generation of sustainability champions and environmental stewards to continue to protect Mother Earth.
For those who prefer to read their stories in one sitting, we compiled them here for you.
GISELLE LAPID (NYC Batch 3)
I had a lot of dreams growing up. I wanted to be a teacher, a veterinarian, and even an astronaut. My aspirations changed over time, but one thing stayed constant: I knew I wanted to make the world a better place.
My naive ambition took form over the years. The biggest challenge was deciding on the best path that I could take to effect positive change. I looked up to women from different fields: Jane Goodall was a primatologist; Maya Angelou, a writer; and Julia Child, a cook.
I realized, however, that I did not need to confine myself to a strict path to have a positive impact. The women I looked up to—my mom being the biggest positive influence—lived outside the box. I understood then that activism isn’t confined to a single discipline; on the contrary, it thrives on interdisciplinary minds coming together in action.
I can be the best example for other young women by proving that everyone’s experience is valuable in the fight for our planet. Do not let the lack of experience or expertise stop you from joining the cause.
As a member of WWF-Philippines' National Youth Council, I feel empowered as a woman to save the environment and #ChangeTheEnding for our planet.
RON CAGULIODO (NYC Batch 3)
My mama raised me to be strong and independent and I dreamed of being an astronaut when I was a kid so I could reach for the stars. My dream changed in high school and I fell in love with the joy of serving my community. I wanted to become a public servant.
I was mentored by strong and brilliant women like my fellow youth advocate from GenSan Zia Sagoso, whose leadership allowed me to recognize my skills, and Fraulein Lopez, a marine biologist whose love and passion for environmental conservation were instilled in me.
While I may not reach the stars now, I share my light by empowering young women to appreciate their gifts and contribute meaningfully to our community.
As a young woman, the WWF-Philippines National Youth Council community provides me with the freedom to give back and turn my ideas into a reality at the same time we’re helping save the environment and #ChangeTheEnding for the planet.
ROMINA LIM (NYC Batch 2 & 3)
As a child, I was sure I wanted to involve myself in nature, animals, and the outdoors. I had memories of growing up watching Discovery Channel and Animal Planet but noticed that many of the marine and wildlife experts, scientists, and conservationists were male.
I asked myself where are the women? Are they not suited for the down and dirty work of these experts in nature? Are they not capable of the physical demands of being out in the field? Can they not handle the elements of the outdoors? I know there are women who could do the job as competently as the men or even better!
I see my mama doing the exact same work. I knew she hiked mountains, explored caves, dived oceans, and handled animals. My mama was very knowledgeable and passionate about the environment. She traveled the country and the world to emphasize the importance of biodiversity. She brought me along on trips and inspired me to take a path to be involved in nature.
Here I am today in the marine sciences, diving into the seas and researching about our marine life; and climbing rocks and hiking mountains. I know that women are strong, enduring, and smart - and we are capable of all these things and more.
I feel proud to be working with other women in the WWF-National Youth Council who are ever willing to face any challenge and #ChangeTheEnding for our planet.
KIANA PORRAS (NYC Batch 1 & 2)
One of my aspirations is to live in a community where equity is valued.
I hope to see a society where every Filipino has access to quality education, health and well-being, and decent work. This dream serves as my core as I work in a non-profit organization and teach in a public academic institution.
I am inspired by my mother’s unwavering determination, grace, and wisdom who moved mountains and seas to ensure that all of her children finish school and have decent work.
I am continuously working and giving back to save the environment along with the passionate members of the WWF-Philippine National Youth Council who all believe in the need to #ChangeTheEnding for the planet.
SOPHIA CRUZ (NYC BATCH 1)
It has been my dream since I was a kid to be someone people could rely on - to be of service, in all ways I can be. But I can be anxious at times and struggle with not feeling competent enough to put myself out there.
The person who inspires me through it all is my mother. She’s gone through many challenges herself, living with lupus for over two decades.
Despite her struggles, she remains the very embodiment of the word generous. She is generous with her time, her support, and her concern for the wellbeing of others. Because of her strong instinct to care and love, she helps me convert my anxiousness into a desire to strive for better.
I am empowered because of her, and so many women like her who take pride in their capability to be nurturing, assertive, and gentle, all at the same time. I hope to inspire others the way she has inspired me through one act of service at a time.
Being part of the WWF-Philippines’ National Youth Council, made me see great things in these passionate people as they work to save the environment and #ChangeTheEnding for our planet.
