It all started with their passion to preserve their
​island's oldest Watershed in Bihiya, Atop-Atop.

Who are we?

We are young people living in Bihiya (Sitio 37) barangay Atop-Atop, Bantayan. Bihiya, a name cherished and handed down by our ancestors, symbolizes the essence of our dwelling in the very heart of Bantayan Island. Positioned at the highest point, we play a crucial role as the essential water catchment, known as "Tuburan," for Bantayan Island. Nestled within our area lies the island's deepest well of Bantayan Island is located here, 37 ka dupa, and is the deepest well on the entire island.

We are the Bihiya Warriors

We, the young individuals residing in Bihiya (sitio 37), represent the youth of our community. As the water source for Bantayan Island and inhabitants of the only remaining forested region, we are well-informed about the environmental challenges faced by both our island and the planet as a whole. Over the past year, we have dedicated ourselves to discovering our identity as lumad of Bihiya and recognizing our potential not just to acquire knowledge but also to educate fellow youths about the significance of comprehending and safeguarding our natural surroundings.

We recognize that the future of our island and the well-being of our communities are intricately connected to the health of our environment. By imparting knowledge and fostering a sense of environmental consciousness among our peers, we aim to cultivate a generation that is equipped with the tools and understanding to preserve our natural resources for generations to come. Through our association with Goodland, we are empowered to amplify our voices and collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to creating a positive impact. Together, we strive to raise awareness about the pressing environmental issues we face, not only within our immediate community but also
on a larger scale.

bihiya warriors pdf

our book on flora and fauna

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Bihiya Warriors x Mambacayao Youth Group 
​Exchanging Knowledge From the Bukids to Dagat:

The Bihiya Warriors have performed learning exchanges & activity sessions with the GOODLand youth group from the island of Mambacayao Dako.

The Mambacayao youth teach coral planting / rehabilitation and the importance of our sea.  The Bihiya Warriors, in return, teach the islanders about tree planting and the importance of maintaining watershed areas.

Filmmaking Workshop:
Another cross-group collaboration was our 2-day filmmaking workshop hosted by Cloyd Ribo from the GOODLand team.  This resulted in a short film made in 1 day called  “Sugdan Ko” (It Starts With Me).  This was a collaboration between a local filmmaker, the GOODLand team and the youth from Mambacayao and, of course, the Bihiya Warriors.

sugdan ko

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Our short film entails to awaken the people that seas should be taken care of and support in implementation the Marine Protected Area. We, the youth, are looking on the future in continuing the beauty and abundance of the fish in the seas. "Sugdan Ko" (It Starts with Me) is the title of our first short film. As youth, we will start to take care of our sea and support the ongoing legalization of MPA. By supporting the ongoing legalization of MPAs, we pledge to take action and protect the blessings of nature, particularly here on our island.

Through our collective commitment to protecting the blessings of nature, particularly within our island community, we strive to ignite a sense of stewardship and environmental consciousness among individuals of all ages. 'Sugdan Ko' serves as a testament to the power of youth-driven initiatives and the potential for positive impact when communities come together in pursuit of a common goal. 

(Bantaynanon)
Ang amo first short film is usa ka paghimata sa mga katawhan na angay ampingan ang kadagatan ug suportahan ang Marine Protected Area. Isip kaming mga kabatan-onan naglantaw sa amo umaabot na para mapadayon ang kanindot ug kaabunda sa mga isda. “Sugdan Ko” ang title sa among una na short film. Isip mga batan-on sugdan namo ang pag-atiman sa amo kadagatan o kadaplinan, pagsuporta sa gipatigayon ug ma-legal na unta na MPA. Sugdan Ko ang pagtawag atensyon sa katawhan labi diri sa among isla na suportahan ug ampingan ang giya sa kinaiyahan. 
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way pag-utro

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Our film is about our water and our water well which is titled "Nothing has Changed". Despite the times changing, our situation is still the same. We are portraying the reality of where we are from. We aim to depict the stark reality of our local environment and the unchanged conditions we continue to face. It serves as a mirror reflecting the resilience and perseverance of our community amidst adversity, while also urging for greater attention and action towards addressing our pressing needs.

Through 'Nothing has Changed,' we strive to ignite conversations and inspire collective efforts towards finding sustainable solutions for our water scarcity issues. We aim to amplify the voices of those affected by similar challenges, fostering empathy and solidarity in the pursuit of equitable access to clean water for all.

(Bantayanon)
Ang amun film mahitungod saamun atabay na ge himuan namun sang title nga “Way Pag Utro”. Ang amung kahimtang diri saamun lugar bisay sa pag bago.o sang henerasyon kami nag pabilin saamun sitwasyon. Kami nagpakita kung nanu ang realidad diri saamun lugar.

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