When Gina Lopez received the 2017 Seacology Prize in October, she announced that she would be donating the prize money to support conservation projects in her home country of the Philippines. At a second Seacology Prize event in Manila earlier this month, Lopez introduced the first recipient of the funds.

The Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp sits on the picturesque southeast coast of Luzon, the Philippines’ largest island. Here, the camp’s elderly founder and owner has built a tranquil, ecologically conscious getaway for young visitors to surf, snorkel, and enjoy their country’s natural beauty. The camp regularly conducts beach cleanups and other stewardship activities, and employs local youths. Lopez’ donation to the camp will fund snorkel equipment and a floating platform with a transparent floor to help bring guests closer to the area’s thriving coral reef.

Before the Manila award ceremony, members of our staff and board visited the camp to meet its leaders and patrons and see how Lopez’ donation was being put to use. The ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, of which Lopez is a former director, put together this fantastic video of the visit, featuring some of the camp’s inspiring young employees and showcasing the beautiful island environment that they’re working to protect for future generations.