For many environmental advocates, the fight for a better future starts within the community.

"Naalala ko before, may mga komiks na pinapamahagi sa mga schools about our environment at kung paano natin ito pangangalagaan," said Nico Magdayao, a 30-year-old fourth year law student who grew up in southern Palawan town of Brooke's Point.

The burden of protecting and balancing development and environmental exploitation rests in the local government, Magdayao added.

"Kapabayaan ng mga nasa tungkulin sa pamahalaan at kawalan ng pagkalinga ng mga tao sa kalikasan. Very vocal ako na ayaw ko ng pagmimina sa bayan ng Brooke's Point. We can grow kahit walang pagmimina sa Brooke's Point at malaki ang potensyal nito sa pag-unlad," Magdayao said citing that his town is the primary agricultural provider in province that made it earn its moniker as "Palawan's food basket".