Angelique Songco: the first beautiful Filipina International Woman of Courage. Known to the industry as Mama Ranger, because she inspires so many of us. Graduated with a degree in Literature from the University of the Philippines. Although her academic training was for the written word, her journey into marine conservation was driven by her deep connection to nature and the ocean, which she developed through personal experiences rather than formal training in environmental science.
Her background in literature may seem disconnected from her current role as the Protected Area Superintendent of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, but it played a crucial role in shaping her ability to communicate, tell stories, and engage with communities—a vital skill in the world of conservation.
Angelique Songco, affectionately known as “Mama Ranger,” stands as a beacon of marine conservation in the Philippines. As the Protected Area Superintendent of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), her unwavering dedication over the past two decades has transformed this remote marine sanctuary into a global exemplar of effective marine protected area management.
Early Life and Path to Conservation
Born in Mindanao, Angelique’s formative years were steeped in nature, with weekends spent exploring forest camps. Her family’s subsequent move to Palawan introduced her to the ocean’s wonders, igniting a passion that would shape her future. After a five-year tenure with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, she pursued scuba diving, eventually working as a diving professional on liveaboard boats in Tubbataha. These experiences deepened her appreciation for marine ecosystems and highlighted the urgent need for their protection.
Witnessing Environmental Decline
Angelique’s early dives in Tubbataha during the 1980s revealed vibrant marine life and pristine coral reefs. However, she soon observed the detrimental impacts of destructive fishing practices, such as cyanide fishing and turtle poaching. Despite Tubbataha’s designation as the Philippines’ first national marine park in 1988, enforcement remained challenging due to its isolation. By 1989, research indicated a 52% loss in coral cover, underscoring the need for robust management and protection measures.
Leadership and Establishment of TMO
In 2001, with support from WWF-Philippines, Angelique was appointed as the park manager, leading to the establishment of the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO). Despite her academic background in literature, she immersed herself in learning about marine conservation, seeking guidance from experts and coordinating with various agencies. Under her leadership, TMO developed comprehensive strategies encompassing law enforcement, education, research, and sustainable tourism.
Achievements and Global Recognition
Angelique’s holistic approach to conservation has garnered international acclaim. Under her stewardship, TRNP received the Platinum Global Ocean Refuge Award and was recognized as one of the best-managed marine protected areas globally. In 2019, she was honored with the KfW-Bernhard-Grzimek Prize for her contributions to biodiversity conservation. More recently, in 2025, she received the U.S. Department of State’s International Women of Courage Award, acknowledging her relentless efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems.
Challenges and Community Engagement
One of Angelique’s significant challenges has been fostering appreciation for Tubbataha among those unable to visit due to its remoteness. She addressed this by initiating awareness campaigns, bringing the reef’s beauty to schools, cities, and media outlets. Notably, incidents like the 2002 poaching by Chinese vessels, while detrimental, served to galvanize public support and highlight the park’s importance.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Angelique’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the dedicated team she has nurtured. She emphasizes the importance of succession planning and is committed to ensuring that Tubbataha’s protection continues beyond her tenure. Looking ahead, she envisions applying her experience to broader causes, including women’s and children’s welfare, health, education, and conservation.
Angelique Songco’s journey from a nature-loving child to a globally recognized conservation leader exemplifies the profound impact of passion, resilience, and collaborative effort. Her work with Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park not only preserves a vital marine ecosystem but also serves as an inspiring model for conservation initiatives worldwide.
From her facebook post
A Day I’ll Never Forget
I still can’t believe it actually happened—me, standing on stage in Washington D.C., receiving the International Women of Courage Award from First Lady Melania Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio ! I felt like I was watching myself talk to these dignitaries. Wild, right?
But what really hit me hard was the applause👋. It was loud, long, and full of warmth. That’s when my chest started to tighten, and I had to bow my head for fear that I’d start crying in front of the whole world. And when I cry, I cry ugly🤣.
I wasn’t just proud for myself. I was proud for Tubbataha. To be recognized like that
on a global stage—it felt like a win for the reef, for our rangers, and for all the people who protect nature quietly (or not so quietly) every day.
Thank you for being an inspiration.