15/01/2026
🌍🐋 Honoring a True Guardian of Our Seas 🐋🌱
Meet Ralfh Pagas, Founder of Task Force Pawikan from Digos City—a young environmental advocate whose relentless efforts continue to protect and preserve the city’s vulnerable shorelines and marine ecosystems.
Ralfh founded Task Force Pawikan on March 20, 2025, after learning about plans to cement parts of the shoreline—areas that serve as critical nesting grounds for sea turtles (pawikan) and natural pathways where dugongs (sea cows) and whale sharks are regularly observed by local communities.
In his own words:
“Task Force Pawikan was established on March 20, 2025. I started this initiative because there were plans to cement our shorelines. I chose to protect them because sea turtles hatch there, and dugongs and whale sharks are seen by our local community.”
What began as a personal stand for nature has grown into a community-driven movement, highlighting the importance of coastal and marine ecosystem protection, responsible tourism, and youth leadership in environmental action.
Because of his pioneering role in organizing aquatic sports, strengthening community empowerment, and advocating for environmental conservation, Ralfh Pagas was recognized by the City Government of Digos during Gabi ng Parangal Para sa Turismo, receiving the Youth Sports Advocacy and Community Empowerment Award.
🐢 This February 2026, Ralfh will take the stage as one of the speakers of the “Small Actions, Big Change Program: Clean. Protect. Dive.”, reminding us that protecting our seas starts with simple, consistent actions—from cleaning our coasts to defending marine habitats.🌊
🌊 Clean the coast.
🐢 Protect marine life.
🤿 Dive with purpose.
🌱 Act now for future generations.