Pictures of the Year International

Marshall Magas is an Agta indigenous man originally from Gab-Gab village, situated within the boundaries of the northern Sierra Madre Natural Park. He has always lived by hunting, fishing, and agriculture, exercising great care to ensure that his family's needs were met without exceeding sustainable limits. In recent years, he has observed a decline in the population of deer, wild boar, and fish. In particular, the scarcity of animals to hunt prompted him to relocate to Dunoy, situated on the opposite bank of the river. In this more accessible location, he is able to secure a workforce in exchange for rice, and engages in trade involving the banana and cassava crops cultivated on his fields. Since the crocodile conservation program and awareness campaigns have commenced, he has observed a notable increase in the population of these reptiles. He states, "There should be more respect for the environment that surrounds us. By educating people about the importance of animals in the ecosystem, we can begin to protect them and restore the natural equilibrium of the ecosystem. This will undoubtedly improve not only the environment but also our livelihood."