AAACU Profiles: Eco-warrior Elsa Manarpaac

Small in stature but a giant in protecting the environment, Elsa Manarpaac is deserving of the title eco-warrior and the iron lady of Palawan. As the president of the Western Philippines University (WPU) in Palawan, she has taken positions in protecting the environment that have brought death threats and bribery attempts to her door.

From 2013 through 2016, President Manarpaac was out of favor with the local authorities due to her stance against the development of a coal fire plant scheduled to be built in Palawan. She knew this would not be beneficial for the people or the environment and had the support of NGOs, religious groups, university faculty and students. Even though the governor of Palawan suspended student scholarships at her university, campaigned against enrollment at WPU, and threatened its closure, the community backed her commitment to fighting against the coal fire plant.

In the midst of the fight, her husband asked her to consider stepping down as university president. He was very worried about the death threats she had received. She could not in good conscience leave in the middle of the fight, so she stayed. “We worked hard to prevent this plant from being built and we won. This is a legacy we can be proud of,” noted Manarpaac.

Under her leadership, WPU has become a knowledge center for sustainable practices and has been voted the most sustainable and eco-friendly institution in the MIMAROPA region for three consecutive awarding years, 2013, 2015 & 2017. Last year, WPU came in second place in the entire Philippines behind Don Mariano Marcos State University.

The Association of Asian Agricultural Colleges and Universities is proud to have WPU as an active member.