For Xia Vigor, environmental advocacy has never been just a role—-it’s something she has grown up with.
Xia Vigor aboard MBCA Miraya—-WWF’s official research vessel in the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape. Photo by Hyacinth Gaza for WWF-Philippines
This Earth Day, the 16-year old actress and youngest celebrity ambassador of World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) marks a new chapter in her environmental advocacy journey as she reflects on her first field visit to one of WWF-Philippines’ key conservation sites: the Municipality of Donsol, Sorsogon. Having joined the conservation organization at just nine years old, the trip marked a full-circle moment: deepening her understanding of what sustainability truly means in practice.
Xia Vigor is guided by a Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO)—-a trained local steward who ensures every interaction with whale sharks is safe, respectful, and in line with conservation guidelines. BIOs play a crucial role in protecting these gentle giants, educating visitors, and supporting sustainable livelihoods in Donsol. Photo by Hyacinth Gaza for WWF-Philippines
During the visit, Vigor joined a butanding (whale shark) interaction tour, witnessing responsible tourism in action, applying practices that protect marine biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods. Donsol is recognized as a model for community-led ecotourism, with comprehensive guidelines in place that ensure minimal disturbance to whale sharks and their habitat.
Vigor also joined a firefly cruise, which highlighted the ecological importance of mangrove forests. Mangroves serve as natural coastal defenses, helping protect communities from rising sea levels and stronger storms, while also acting as carbon sinks and providing habitats for various species. The presence of fireflies in the area is considered an indicator of a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
“On social media, we usually just see the clear waters of the ocean, the cool marine animals, and we don’t realize how sensitive our ecosystems really are and how much our oceans really need our care,” the young environmental conservation advocate shared. “Being able to really see the whale sharks and the fireflies, you really realize they are not just content or an attraction that you visit on vacation, they are real living beings that depend on us, and we should really be more mindful.”
LEFT: Xia Vigor holds whale shark plushies made in partnership with KALIPI, a women’s group in Donsol that transforms collected plastic waste into stuffing for handcrafted products—-turning pollution into purposeful livelihood. RIGHT: Xia Vigor harvests vegetables at the Santa Fe Community Food Shed, a local initiative that strengthens food security and creates livelihood opportunities through compact farming for both consumption and trade. Photos by Hyacinth Gaza for WWF-Philippines
Beyond marine conservation, the visit also showcased community-based initiatives that not only support a circular economy, but also serve as grassroots climate solutions that reduce environmental impact and help communities adapt to climate-related challenges.
Vigor met with KALIPI, a women’s group engaged in plastic waste management by repurposing collected materials into stuffing for handcrafted whale shark plush toys. She also visited a community food shed in Barangay Santa Fe, which addresses local food security and provides livelihood opportunities for the residents through compact farming which yields vegetables for consumption and trade.
Xia Vigor meets with youth leaders, sharing her advocacy journey and inspiring them to help protect the planet. Photos by Hyacinth Gaza for WWF-Philippines.
The young actress also spent time with youth leaders during her stay, where she shared her own environmental advocacy journey, reflecting how it has come full circle and how they too can do their part in advocating for the environment in shaping a more sustainable future.
“It feels so good to be in a room with passionate youth who’s serving the same purpose as me. It’s such a great opportunity.”
What ties these experiences together was a deeper understanding of how everything is connected. In Donsol, protecting mangroves support marine life. Responsible tourism sustains livelihoods. Waste can be transformed into something purposeful. And young people are empowered to carry these efforts forward. It’s a living example of how sustainability can create a circular, inclusive system that works both for people and the planet—-and offers a model for meaningful, community-driven action.
“After this experience, I personally feel more committed to speaking up and influencing others. Change isn’t just about one person; it’s about getting more people involved—-getting more people to act and protect the planet. I hope the youth here in Donsol, and every generation in Donsol continues this legacy, and the government continues to support our mission. I’m so happy I got to visit here,” Vigor concluded.
This Earth Day, the young actress’ journey is a reminder that sustainability is not just about big actions, but is found in everyday choices, shared stories, and meaningful connections. And sometimes, all it takes is to see things up close to truly understand why they matter.
