About Us

Preventing extinctions for 30 years

PhilBio was established for the specific purpose of furthering the biodiversity conservation activities of the ‘Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Programme (PBCP)’ initiated in the 1990’s. PhilBio endeavors to provide increased technical assistance to local partners (whether governmental or non-governmental) and enable the conservation of the Philippines’ unique and threatened environment, biodiversity and natural resources into perpetuity. It is envisioned that the only realistic means of achieving such a goal is via the establishment of integrated, long-term and locally-based biodiversity conservation and development programs, that includes improved dissemination of knowledge, enhanced management practices and the active participation and collaboration of relevant stakeholders, particularly those most dependent upon the natural resources of each region.

Mission

To enhance and enable the conservation of the Philippines unique and threatened environment, biodiversity and natural resources into perpetuity, through the establishment of integrated biodiversity conservation and development programs that include conservation breeding, dissemination of knowledge, management practices and the active participation and collaboration of relevant stakeholders, particularly those who are dependent upon the natural resources of the region.

Vision

The long-term conservation of the Philippines’ native and endemic wildlife and natural habitats for the benefit of future generations of all peoples who may inhabit and share the natural resources of the country.

Goals

Generated and provided updated ecological information on globally threatened species receiving less conservation attention and to mobilize support and skills for long-term conservation initiatives

Secured important habitats as conservation sites to promote and advance the long-term biodiversity conservation

Established and sustained model sites for learning various conservation strategies and approaches in landscapes and wetlands

Produced and raised standards of communication reflecting accurate science and engender conservation actions

Practiced good governance and mobilized resources in sustaining biodiversity conservation with enduring partnerships with concerned individuals, government and non-government entities and private corporations.

History of PhilBio

Biodiversity In Action

November 10, 1990

Started in 1990 as the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Programme (PBCP) to assist the implementation of key priority recommendations arising from surveys, and much wider-ranging, threatened endemic species and habitat studies conducted.

From Humble Beginnings
1990

November 10, 1994

PhilBio is in the quest to conserve globally threatened species receiving less conservation attention in key conservation sites Philippines biodiversity through partnerships with different stakeholders and communities, local government and line agencies, academe, private corporations and individuals.

Global Conquest
1994

November 10, 2000

PhilBio provides integrated multi- disciplinary programmes that is based on sound science i.e. field research, developing local conservation site models, biodiversity awareness and appreciation, biodiversity friendly enterprises, on-site conservation and capacity building.

Integrated Programs
2000

November 10, 2006

Officially registered as Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. or PhilBio for short.

Officially Registered
2006

November 10, 2019

PhilBio continues to network with mandated agencies, local environmental groups and local government units in key sites with globally threatened species receiving less conservation attention.

The Future of Biodiversity
Present

Board Of Trustees

Errol A. Gatumbato: President
Ignacio Santillana: Secretary
Guadalupe Garcia: Treasurer
Robbie Sandoval: Member
Joseph Felix Mari Durano: Member

Management

Lisa J. Paguntalan: Executive Director

Philip Godfrey C. Jakosalem: Field Operations Director

Andrew Ross T. Reintar: Field Projects Officer

Christian R. Casio: Communications Education Officer

Girlie Mangilimutan: Finance and Administrative Officer

Javica Faye Canag: Field Projects Coordinator (Negros Occidental)

Hannah Torres-Sarao: Field Projects Coordinator (Negros Oriental)

Erika Lobaton: Admin Assistant

Adjunct Researchers

Manolito Sandoval: Herpetologist

Arkady Tahil: Botanist

Yñigo del Prado: Herpetologist

Val B. Salares: Botanist

Jeanette Mara P. Tan: Botanist

Andrie Bon Flores: Herpetologist

Gerrie Mae Flores: Herpetologist

Field Technician

Pedro Villarta

Lory Alcala

James Villalon

Scientific Advisers

Dr. Pieter Pelser: Botany, plant taxonomy and Conservation

Dr. Julie Barcelona: Botany, plant taxonomy and Conservation

Dr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez: Ornithology

Rafael Coscolluela: Governance

Desmond Allen: Ornithology