#HerStory — Ivy Yecyec’s Journey as an Advocate for Nature
“As an empowered woman, I believe that, like men, we can do something, and we have an important role as stewards of God’s creations.”
For Ivy B. Yecyec, known to many as simply “Ivy,” caring for the environment is more than a profession—it’s a calling. As an educator, leader, and volunteer, she has devoted her life to protecting nature, nurturing future advocates, and building communities that value environmental stewardship.
Rooted in Nature, Raised with Purpose
Born into a family of educators in Kidapawan City, Ivy was raised with a deep appreciation for both learning and nature. Her father taught Mathematics, while her mother specialized in Science Education. Their home was a place of planting, gardening, and farming, experiences that planted the seeds of her passion for science and environmental care.
That passion led her to Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC), where she has been a student since kindergarten and now serves as the Director of Community Extension Services (CES). She recalls, “I have been actively joining tree planting activities since I was a child, not just in college.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Environmental Advocacy
Loyal to her alma mater’s core value—Integrity of Creation—Ivy’s advocacy took root early. In 2001, she was recognized as one of the 16 Bayer Young Environmental Envoys in the Philippines, a milestone that expanded her awareness of environmental issues on a larger scale. “It doesn’t stop when you’re recognized,” she shares. “It only fuels the passion to do more because you are being challenged.”
From there, her work in environmental advocacy flourished. She became the academe representative for the Kutabato Local Initiative and MultiSectoral Action (KLIMA) for the Environment, leading environmental initiatives on climate change mitigation, save the river, solid waste management and other pressing concerns. In 2018, she joined SaLakYag (Sakay-Lakad-Layag) para sa Sangnilikha, a PMPI-led initiative that took her across different dioceses in the country, exposing her to the harsh realities of environmental destruction. That experience deepened her commitment, leading her to organize the Hiraya Youth Camp and build a movement of young Eco-Warriors, volunteers and advocates on rights of nature.
Today, she serves as the Point Person of the KIDMACO Cluster, continuing her mission to empower communities for environmental protection.
Building a Legacy: From Laudato Si’ to the Rights of Nature
Beyond her network and community engagement work, Ivy also leads the Laudato Si’ Program in their academe, a faith-driven initiative inspired by Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home. Under this program, she spearheads the Laudato Si’ Eco Park Tree Growing and Parenting Program, where native trees have been planted yearly since 2022 on a land gifted to her by her parents.
Since 2023, Ivy has championed the Rights of Nature (RoN) as the main advocacy of her office. She has successfully oriented the entire NDKC community twice, leading the students to form advocacy groups. What started as a general CES program has now evolved into the RoN Youth Advocates, drawing 50 to 100 students to actively join the movement.
Her passion for youth empowerment extends beyond school. She is also involved in lay and youth ministry at her church, where she helps in leadership formation, guiding young people to be responsible, compassionate leaders. Importantly, Ivy does all of this not because of work, but by choice—a commitment that recently earned her the National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA) from the Regional Development Council in her region.
Empowered to Inspire Change
Of course, this journey hasn’t been easy. Even now, Ivy constantly thinks about how to sustain her advocacy and influence others to share her passion.
“I believe that we are all empowered to make a good difference in this world—men and women alike. Women are expected to provide enlightenment, to be the light of the home and the world. We are expected to love, to care, and to protect—not just our families, but also [to] our environment.”
She hopes that no matter one’s status—single, married, or religious—everyone will recognize their role in protecting the planet. “We are all equal. It doesn’t matter what our gender is. What matters is how we create a positive impact on the environment.”
For Ivy, the fight for nature doesn’t require grand actions—it starts with simple steps and small acts of care. “We are not perfect, but while there is still a chance, while it’s not too late, we can do something. We can create good things in this world.”
Through education, advocacy, and unwavering dedication, Ivy Yecyec is proving that one woman’s passion can spark a movement that inspires generations. And she is not alone. Ivy is just one of the many women in PMPI who are actively advocating for the Rights of Nature—proving that women are not just caretakers of life, but also proactive protectors of the Earth.
