Kynth Edrel B. Rebaño

International Luminary Award in Civic Works

Aklan State University,

Philippines

Instructor I

Personal Highlights:

Master of Science in Forestry (Major in Social Forestry)
Environmental Education and Public Advocacy through “Aklanong Manggugubat”. Aklanong Manggugubat is an environmental advocacy and information platform that utilizes social media to promote awareness and appreciation of Philippine forests, native plants, biodiversity, wildlife, environmental conservation, and local natural heritage. With more than 274,000 followers on Facebook, the platform has established a significant public reach in sharing environmental information and promoting appreciation of the country’s natural resources.
Serves as a Resource Person in various programs, activities, orientations, training sessions, and learning events related to forestry, biodiversity, environmental conservation, native plants, and sustainable natural resource management.Featured as a guest/resource person and subject of television news features, sharing knowledge and insights on Philippine native plants, biodiversity, environmental conservation, and the natural heritage of Aklan and Panay Island.
Biyahe ni Drew (GTV) – Discussed various native fruits of the Philippines found in Aklan, highlighting their characteristics, ecological value, and importance as part of the province’s natural heritage.
Dami Mong Alam, Kuya Kim! (GMA) – Discussed breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) and other native fruits found in Aklan, emphasizing their traditional uses, biodiversity value, and conservation importance.
Kuno – “Atop Ibajay’s Mount Balinsasayaw” – Contributed photographic documentation and field-based information for a feature highlighting the natural landscape, biodiversity, and ecotourism potential of Mount Balinsasayaw in Ibajay, Aklan. The article features photographs by Kynth Rebaño and presents the mountain’s ecological significance and accessibility as a nature destination.
Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines (CDFP) – A comprehensive digital platform dedicated to the documentation, identification, and dissemination of information on the diverse plant species of the Philippines. It serves as an important reference for researchers, students, educators, conservation practitioners, and the general public in accessing botanical information and photographic records of Philippine flora.
As a contributor to the CDFP, he has provided 120 photographic contributions documenting Philippine plant species and supporting the dissemination of botanical knowledge. Some of these contributions supplied photographs for species with no previously available images in the database, helping enhance the visual documentation of Philippine plant diversity. These contributions have also supported the documentation of new species distribution records for Panay Island, providing valuable photographic and field-based evidence of the region’s botanical diversity.
The Aklanong Manggugubat platform received a Plaque of Recognition on March 12, 2026, at the Marzon Convention Center, for its contribution to empowering Aklan through a digital platform and promoting Aklanon heritage, tourism, and culture. The recognition highlights the platform’s role in using digital media to showcase Aklan’s natural and cultural resources and engage the public in appreciating and promoting the province.

Inspirational Success Story:

Forester Kynth Edrel B. Rebaño has dedicated his career to forestry, environmental education, and biodiversity conservation, but one achievement stands out for its profound influence on the community: the creation of Aklanong Manggugubat, a digital advocacy platform that has transformed environmental awareness in Aklan and beyond.

Launched in 2021, Forester Kynth Edrel (a.k.a. Aklanong Manggugubat) uses social media to bring forestry knowledge, native plant conservation, and biodiversity appreciation into the public sphere. With more than 274,000 followers, the platform has become a trusted source of environmental information, bridging the gap between technical forestry knowledge and everyday community understanding. Through photographs, videos, and field-based observations, he has made complex ecological concepts accessible, inspiring students, environmentalists, tourists, and ordinary citizens to value and protect their natural heritage.

The impact of this initiative is tangible. Communities have become more engaged in conservation activities, schools have used his content to supplement environmental education, and local tourism has benefited from the promotion of Aklan’s natural destinations. In March 2026, Aklanong Manggugubat received a Plaque of Recognition from the Provincial Government for empowering Aklan through digital media, highlighting its role in promoting heritage, tourism, and culture. This recognition reflects not only the platform’s reach but also its ability to mobilize people toward collective action for the environment and its adherence to at least 9 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Beyond digital advocacy, he continues to serve as a mentor, educator, and resource person in forestry and biodiversity programs. His work with students, local governments, and communities reinforces the values of stewardship and sustainability. Whether through training on bamboo production, biodiversity talks, or experiential learning projects like “Project CoCo,” he consistently demonstrates that civic work is not confined to institutions—it thrives when knowledge is shared openly and inclusively.

As a Forest Extension Officer under the DENR in 2022, he implemented reforestation projects through the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP). He worked directly with local communities and People’s Organizations, conducting orientations and training to promote environmental stewardship. He regularly serves as a speaker and trainer in environmental programs—covering topics like bamboo nursery management, biodiversity assessment, mangrove conservation, and climate action. These engagements empower communities and students with practical knowledge for sustainable resource management.

These civic contributions have also reached a national audience. He has been featured in programs such as Biyahe ni Drew (GTV) and Dami Mong Alam Kuya Kim! (GMA) where he shared insights on native fruits and biodiversity, bringing Aklan’s ecological richness into mainstream media. Regional outlets like GMA Ratsada highlighted his innovative teaching methods, such as using leaves as paper for a botany quiz—an approach that captured public imagination and showcased his commitment to creative, eco-friendly education. These features amplified his message, proving that his advocacy resonates not only within classrooms and communities but across the nation.

In truth, his achievement lies not only in creating a platform but in cultivating a movement. By harnessing the power of communication and education, he has influenced thousands to see themselves as caretakers of the environment. His civic contribution is clear: he has strengthened environmental literacy, fostered community participation, and ensured that Aklan’s forests and biodiversity remain a living legacy for future generations.

For Forester Rebaño, “We cannot protect and care for our biodiversity without first knowing it. My advocacy has always been to share knowledge—helping people recognize, understand, and value our environment and natural resources. I believe life is more bountiful when we are surrounded by thriving ecosystems, and communities flourish when we nurture the nature that sustains us.”

Evidence of works: