Championing biodiversity: ­9th National Wildlife Festival bolsters youth engagement and conservation action in Negros Oriental

The 9th National Wildlife Festival, held from 27 to 29 November in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, concluded as one of the most spirited gatherings of the youth and biodiversity and environmental conservation advocates in the Philippines. Guided by the theme “Know Nature, Know Future: Empowering Wildlife Champions,” the three-day celebration brought together students, educators, scientists, conservationists, and local officials in a united call to safeguard the country’s natural heritage. Activities unfolded at the Lamberto L. Macias Sports and Cultural Complex and Silliman University, combining competition, education, and immersive environmental fieldwork.

The festival was spearheaded by First Gen–owned Energy Development Corporation (First Gen-EDC) and the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PhilBio), together with other key stakeholders — the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Biodiversity Management Bureau, Department of Education Province of Negros Oriental, and the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the provincial government of Negros Oriental.

Rooted in the objectives of the National Wildlife Quiz (NWQ) — a flagship environmental education initiative since 2016 — the festival underscored the urgency of raising biodiversity awareness among Filipino youth. This advocacy aligned with national frameworks such as Republic Act (RA) 9512 or the Environmental Education and Awareness Act, RA 9147 on wildlife protection, the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and the country’s commitments to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This year saw robust participation, with 90 schools from 30 provinces and more than 300 students, coaches, and partners joining the festival. The participants were welcomed by local officials, led by Negros Oriental governor Manuel L. Sagarbarria, and representatives from different agencies during an opening program on 27 November.

Deepening knowledge, inspiring actions through biodiversity talks

On 28 November, the festival’s Biodiversity Talk series welcomed students and attendees to a morning of scientific learning and environmental insights.

Matt Ward from the Talarak Foundation explained ex-situ conservation and shared ongoing efforts in breeding and species conservation.

Dr. Robert Ginoo of Silliman University shared his studies on two rivers of the province and his findings on the native and invasive aquatic species. He also discussed the impacts of invasive species on the biodiversity of the Philippines’ aquatic ecosystems, as well as the need for research, improved management, and active community participation to protect native species and preserve ecological balance.

Soleil Acu, First Gen-EDC Corporate Relations Partnerships officer, explained the critical link between renewable energy and biodiversity conservation, pointing out the distinction between renewable and non-renewable energy, the Philippine energy mix, and key national regulations such as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, Renewable Energy Act of 2008, National Renewable Energy Program, Retail Competition and Open Access, and Green Energy Option Program. She also discussed Negros Oriental’s progressive clean-energy policies that declared the province a “clean-energy province” and the institutionalization of 5 March as Renewable Energy Day. Acu also presented Binhi, First Gen-EDC’s flagship program focused on forest restoration, native tree conservation, and biodiversity enhancement.

“Clean energy is not just about electricity—it’s about safeguarding our wildlife, our forests, our communities, and our future,” she emphasized.

Vinz Pascua, chief design officer of Birds in Focus, Inc. and author of the book Birds of Subic Bay, gave an informative talk on Philippine birdlife, while Arby Paulyn Rae Duero of Forest Foundation Philippines presented her talk, “Youth and Nature-based Solutions: Capacitating Youth in Mainstreaming High-Integrity and Gender-Responsive NbS,” highlighting youth engagement as well as the important role of women in high-integrity, gender-responsive nature-based solutions.

The discussions aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of biodiversity, ecological systems, and the role of clean energy in sustaining natural landscapes.

A showcase of ecological mastery

The heart of the festival beat strongest on the afternoon of 28 November during the National Wildlife Quiz Bowl (NWQ), which gathered 31 schools from across the country.

After a rigorous series of rounds that tested students’ mastery of wildlife biology, environmental legislation, ecosystem science, and renewable energy, the Himamaylan National High School team, composed of Erica Grace D. Tuante and Janella B. Vera, with their coach Silvestre M. Solomon Ill, from Negros Occidental emerged as champion. Coming in at second place was the team of Nabuslot National High School from Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, composed of Keith Ashley M. Castillo and Jace Daniel A. Mirasol with coach Mark Anthony C. Mistal.

The Santa Catalina Science High School team, composed of Edward Anthony Gargar and Tricha Eunice Maghari with coach Rosewin P. Rocero-Panaguiton, from Negros Oriental, placed third.

Rounding up the top 10 teams were Antique National School, Philippine Science High School Northern Mindanao, Negros Occidental High School, Sagay City National High School, Philippine Science High School Caraga Region, Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial Dumaguete Science High School, and St. Anthony’s High School of Barbaza.

Spearheaded by PhilBio, the NWQ started out as the Regional Wildlife Quiz Bowl in November 2012, held in Bacolod City. In November 2015, the first NWQ was held in Argao, Cebu. During this year’s NWQ, Oriental Mindoro was announced to be next year’s host of the National Wildlife Festival.

Spotlighting the Visayan hornbill and Negros Island biodiversity

On 29 November, First-Gen EDC and the Knowledge Channel Foundation (KCFI) launched a new episode of the documentary series WOW, spotlighting Negros Island and its biodiversity, at Silliman University. The episode journeyed across the island, highlighting heritage towns, the sugarcane industry, local dishes, natural landmarks and critical wildlife habitats. It features the endemic and endangered Visayan hornbill (Penelopides panini), locally known as tarictic, underscoring the urgency of protecting this vulnerable bird species through community engagement and conservation science.

Produced by First-Gen EDC and KCFI, the episode is part of First-Gen EDC’s Binhi project, and will be made available through Knowledge Channel and other platforms.

Immersion in nature: the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park

The festival culminated in an immersive ecosystem tour of the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (BTLNP) — a site newly elevated to international prominence.

A few days before the festival, the park received its ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP) certificate on 21 November during a milestone ceremony that coincided with the 25th anniversary of its declaration as a protected area under Presidential Proclamation No. 414. The occasion also included the unveiling of the AHP marker. BTLNP was formally recognized as an AHP after its inclusion was approved by the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment on 19 September 2024.

Amid this renewed recognition, students and participants explored the park’s natural wonders: Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao, twin volcanic crater lakes surrounded by forests; Kabalin-an Pond, a serene wetland marked by Indian willow trees rooted directly in the water; forest trails leading to viewpoints and wildlife observation areas; scenic boat rides offering vistas of deep-blue waters framed by forested ridges; and the vibrant wildlife.

Guides emphasized responsible ecotourism. For many participants, the experience transformed ecological concepts into lived encounters with biodiversity.

A legacy of awareness and hope

As the 9th National Wildlife Festival concluded, it left behind a renewed sense of purpose among its participants. Students carried home broader scientific literacy, deeper appreciation of Philippine wildlife, and a strengthened resolve to contribute to environmental stewardship. The festival stood as a living classroom —celebrating the richness of Philippine biodiversity, empowering the next generation of conservation champions, and envisioning a future where nature and communities thrive together.