DOCTOR Ruth Gamboa, a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable development and member of the Hydrology for Environment, Life, and Policy (HELP) Davao Network, has been recognized as one of the Regional Winners of the Most Outstanding Volunteer Award for Davao Region. The award, conferred by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 11, celebrates her exceptional contributions across a range of critical environmental and community development initiatives.
The award acknowledges Dr. Gamboa's impactful work, including her instrumental role in the development of Davao City's 2007 Watershed Code. As a leading volunteer of PCEEM-Davao, she consolidated technical studies on the Talomo-Lipadas Watersheds and translated these findings into accessible information campaigns, ensuring various stakeholders understood the significance of protecting Davao's primary groundwater source.
Her efforts extended to HELP Davao, where she co-founded the initiative in 2004 and played a pivotal role in promoting integrated watershed management. Dr. Gamboa co-authored a training manual that continues to serve as a blueprint for sustainable river basin management. Under her stewardship, the Davao River has been recognized as an International Hydrology Program demonstration site, highlighting its role as a model for flood resilience and sustainable practices.
Dr. Gamboa’s contributions to marine conservation also stand out. She led the national assessment of sea cucumber species for red-listing, providing science-based recommendations to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Her expertise is frequently sought to identify endangered marine species, further cementing her reputation as a champion of biodiversity.
Dr. Gamboa’s academic contributions, through research and collaboration with international organizations such as UNESCO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, underscore her commitment to knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. Her work on scorecards for assessing research contributions to sustainable development goals has been recognized across Asia.
This recognition from NEDA XI highlights not only Dr. Gamboa’s unwavering dedication but also the collaborative efforts of organizations like DOST XI, which have supported initiatives like HELP-Davao. Together, these efforts underscore the importance of science-based approaches to addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Dr. Gamboa’s legacy continues to inspire both established and aspiring volunteers, proving that expertise, when combined with compassion and purpose, can create lasting impacts for communities and the environment. PR
