Hope shines in 2024’s stories of people and the environment
MANILA, Philippines – Science may often seem out of reach, especially with concepts and equations that are hard to grasp. But behind the complex ideas are people — scientists, artists, and even those who simply appreciate the nature around them.
Their stories bring science closer to the everyday lives of people.
In 2024, Rappler showcased their work, challenges, and aspirations. We profiled as many scientists as possible, but there’s still more to explore when it comes to the state of the environment and science in the Philippines.
In 2025, we will give more attention to people-centered stories, beginning with those involved in disaster management in local governments. This is critical during the election season — it’s the country’s leaders who will make decisions that could shape the Philippines’ response to disasters and the climate crisis.
As we enter a new year, we look back at stories of people who made a difference in the fields of science and the environment.
SCIENTISTS
The waters are calmer for oceanographer Cesar Villanoy
Villanoy, one of the few oceanographers in the Philippines, recalls his life and work the past four decades.
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle to young scientists: Don’t stay quiet about what concerns you
At a conference in Athens, Earle says countries must abide by the precautionary principle to conserve and protect the world’s oceans.
Filipino scientist ushers in new era of coral restoration in the Philippines
Scientists are hopeful that mass larval reseeding would pave the way for large-scale restoration of coral reefs.
Filipino space engineer Julie Ann Banatao shoots for the stars
Engineer for the Philippine Space Agency Julie Ann Banatao dreams of a sustainable space industry in the Philippines.
Dr. Romulo Davide: ‘There is no barren soil, only barren minds’
The Philippines’ 44th National Scientist has dedicated his life to his work on nematology and the education of farmers.
SCIENCE COMMUNICATORS
Science is boring? Not for this creative team working on disaster resilience
A small creative team makes climate change and disaster preparedness more lively and imaginative for younger audiences.
Deaf community builds sign language corpus for climate change vocabulary
Project SIGND aims to collect signs for climate change terms to make the issue understandable for the Filipino deaf community.
Celine Murillo finds herself in the natural world
The decade-long journey has taken Celine Murillo across the Philippines, to TikTok (of all places), and towards a deepened understanding of the environment.
NATURE ENTHUSIASTS
Meet bird-watchers Bob and Cynthia, whose love story took flight in their 50s
Love came the second time around when Bob and Cynthia were in their 50s. The couple spent the next 20 years finding birds and going through the latter half of life together.
– Rappler.com