DAKILA, the Philippine collective for modern heroism, is an organization of artists that recently hosted the first public screening of the environment protection documentary, “Delikado,” in Palawan.The event, held at Robinsons Palawan Cinema 3, was a bold and important step in raising awareness and inspiring action for environmental protection amid the risks faced by environmental defenders in the Philippines.

Directed by Karl Malakunas, “Delikado” tells the compelling story of environmental defenders in Palawan who took the para-enforcing path of environmental protection, risking their lives to protect the island’s natural resources.

The film follows the plight of three land defenders in a David-versus-Goliath battle to preserve the country’s forests in Palawan, sometimes referred to as our “last ecological frontier.”

Originally screened at Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in 2022, Delikado has not been given the green light to be screened in cinemas nationwide since the festival and has instead made the rounds of school, community and private screenings.

Delikado provides a gripping look at their battle against illegal logging in a picturesque mountain of confiscated chainsaws, dynamite fishing in stern yet empathetic confrontations with local fishers, and corruption in keen documentation of elections.

Highlighting these real-life heroes’ bravery and challenges in their home territory made the screening particularly significant.

The event was part of Dakila’s Project Makiling, an initiative under the We-Defend project that focuses on empowering young women environmental defenders (YWEDs).

The project has successfully conducted training sessions in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, equipping participants with essential communication, organization and self-protection skills to advocate for their environmental causes.

The Palawan screening and the accompanying forum marked the final phase of this project.

Highlighting the screening is a forum led by female environmental defenders in Palawan who shared their insights and experiences.

In a statement, Sealah Arzaga, daughter of slain para-enforcer Kap Ruben Arzaga, tearfully narrates how her father inspired her to become a para-enforcer herself.

“Nakasama ko rin yung ibang mga para-enforcers sa pelikula, nanghuli ng mga iligalista. Nakapahirap dahil babae ako pero pina-experience (ni tatay) sa akin kung gaano kahirap ipaglaban, hindi lang ‘yung pansarili kundi, ‘yung kapakanan ng lahat.”

The discussion fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes in protecting natural resources. It served as a call to action for the youth and the broader community to join the fight for Palawan’s environment.

Though Delikado has garnered an Emmy nomination for its powerful storytelling, the focus remains on the urgent environmental issues and the real-life struggles of Palawan’s defenders.

The public screening was a significant moment in raising awareness about environmental issues and inspiring new advocates through public engagement.

The event successfully brought together the community to support the environmental defenders who tirelessly and fearlessly work to safeguard Palawan’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Through the Makiling Project and public screenings of Delikado, Dakila invites everyone to continue supporting the cause and join in the efforts to protect the ecological health of the paradise-island of Palawan and its people.

To host a screening of Delikado, please send a message to [email protected].

Delikado was produced by Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala. The film reveals the harsh realities of illegal logging in Palawan, largely instituted by big developers and politicians in the region.

Dakila is an organization of cultural and development activists, students, young professionals and individuals creatively building a movement of heroism toward social transformation.

Meanwhile, Active Vista is a learning center established by Dakila to support its mission of empowering citizens to become agents of social change.

It organizes activities geared towards the development of the innate value of arts, media and popular culture as an educational medium to shape critical thought, influence culture, and foster social consciousness and action.