Philippine bishop honored for environmental, human rights advocacy

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos received a national environmental award on Oct. 24 for his work in ecological protection and human rights. He was one of 3 individual recipients at the 9th Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan, held at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

The biennial award, organized by the Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines and the IBON Foundation, recognizes individuals and organizations defending the environment and community rights. Alminaza, who also leads Caritas Philippines, accepted the honor in solidarity with environmental defenders facing risks in their work. He stated that communities affected by development projects must have a voice in decisions regarding their lives and surroundings.

The other individual awardees were France Castro and Dr. Ana Marie Rilloraza-Leung.