Diving for a difference
Pillars of our advocacy
We collaborate with NGO's and local government to enact real change, based on real data. Our aim is to make Siquijor a global leader in regenerative practices of tourism and waste management. Freediving plays a central role in that plan.
Local Skill Building
Training locals in valuable skills that protect the environment, ensuring that the resources they protect provide for their own lives.
Safety
Physical, professional, and emotional safety for all. Quality equipment, skill building, and education.
Waste reduction
Enacting governance to prevent waste from reaching our shores, rather than simply cleaning up afterwards
Conservation
Protecting and promoting biodiversity and sustainability through partnerships with NGO's and LGU's.
CHAMPIONING REGENERATIVE TOURISM
On March 21, 2026, we helped launch the Siquijor Ecotourism Circuit in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, and with the support and sponsorship from Molchanovs International. Through this initiative we trained and certified 35+ local marine sanctuary guides in freediving, safety and marine life interaction. Turning extractive ocean careers into ones rooted in protection. This was the project that lead to Ankora being awarded in the Good Stories Movement ceremony by The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Global Guardians of the SEA.
the ocean heals us, its our
job to return the favor.
beauty as a tool for conservation
Last May 2, 2026 Ankora co-founder Karissa regaliza won the crown for Aqua Queen of the Universe. The Aqua Queen Underwater Pageant (or AQULI Ltd) is also a DENR award-winning organization who spearheaded blending freediving and beauty pageants as a way to platform the preservation and protection of the Philippines' natural waters.
Since her win Karissa has been organizing initiatives in Siquijor such as a beach cleanup with Miss Cosmo Philippines, Bella Ysmael and Councilor Rads Tompong. Her latest focus is on a pilot program that aligns with Oceana's campaign on Reuse and Refill to help combat the growing plastic waste on the island (keep scrolling to learn more on this project).
OUR AQUA QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE AWARD-WINNING SHORT FILM 'PROTECT WHAT HEALS US' DIRECTED BY JEDO GAIRANAN
fighting for plastic free oceans
On September 9, 2026, Ankora founders attended a forum in Siquijor organized by OCEANA in partnership with the Mother Earth Foundation and BFFP, with the support of the Department of Tourism and GAIA, and covered by Philippine Information Agency (PIA). It brought all sectors of the island together to learn and brainstorm on the growing plastic waste problem.
Following this forum Karissa started hosting gatherings through the Ankora freedivers network to continue the conversation and from there the group grew into a collective of Siquijor Citizens who are hungry for change. With Oceana's guidance she is collaborating with locals to pilot a program on Reuse and Refill that supports a circular economy and reduces the flow of plastic use particularly in the tourism businesses sector.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
VOLUNTEER WITH ANKORA
Have a skill to contribute to the cause? Ankora is always open to those who want to join the cause. From help with social media, to assisting in coordination with our various advocacy projects, to helping build our community on the ground. Reach out for internship, work exchange, and volunteer opportunities.