About Us

Community Legal Help and Public Interest Centre, Inc. (C-HELP) is a non-profit advocacy organization in the Philippines that provides legal aid, research, policy assistance, and training to empower grassroots communities and disadvantaged persons. Its work advances human rights and environmental protection by bridging communities and institutions through accessible legal support and collaborative advocacy.

 

Ang Community Legal Help and Public Interest Centre, Inc. (C-HELP) ay isang samahang pang-adbokasiya sa Pilipinas na nagbibigay ng tulong legal, pananaliksik, suporta sa paggawa ng patakaran, at pagsasanay upang mapalakas ang kakayahan ng mga pamayanang nasa batayang antas at mga taong nasa mahirap na kalagayan. Ang gawain nito ay nagsusulong ng karapatang pantao at pangangalaga sa kalikasan sa pamamagitan ng pag-uugnay ng mga pamayanan at mga institusyon sa pamamagitan ng madaling maabot na serbisyong legal at sama-samang adbokasiya.

CHELP Jacket Photo Instax

Vision

A society in which every Filipino's right to a healthy environment is not only protected but actively empowered - ensuring that disadvantaged communities flourish sustainably through the transformative force of law, progressive public policy, and collective action.

Mission

Working alongside communities to harness the power of law and inspire meaningful policy reform, safeguarding both the environment and the fundamental rights of every person.

INTEGRITY

DISCIPLINE

EXCELLENCE

ADVOCATE

TEAMWORK

INNOVATIVE

PROFESSIONALISM

Board of Trustees

ORLY MERCADO

Former Philippine Senator and Defense Secretary 

Orlando “Orly” Mercado is a former Philippine Senator and Defense Secretary recognized for his leadership in democratic governance and national security. A veteran journalist turned public servant, he championed human rights, military reforms, and transparency throughout his decades-long career in government and civic advocacy.

Orly Mercado

Former Philippine Senator & Defense Secretary

TED MENDOZA

Crop Scientist and Retired U.P. Professor 

Ted Mendoza is a Filipino crop scientist and retired professor from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, recognized for his expertise in agronomy, crop physiology, and sustainable agriculture. Throughout his career, he championed organic farming and food security, bridging academic research with grassroots advocacy to empower farmers and promote resilient agricultural systems.

Ted Mendoza

Crop Scientist & Retired U.P. Professor

BEAU BACONGUIS

Environmental Activist, Permaculturist, Natural Builder

Beau Baconguis is a Filipino environmental activist, permaculturist, and natural builder known for her leadership in zero-waste and sustainable living movements. With decades of advocacy experience, she has championed climate justice, community empowerment, and ecological design through grassroots campaigns and innovative natural building practices.

Beau Baconguis

Environmental Activist, Permaculturist, Natural Builder

CHUCK BACLAGON

Environmental & Digital Activist

Chuck Baclagon is a Filipino environmental and digital activist who has spent over two decades advancing climate justice and social change. He bridges grassroots organizing with innovative online mobilization to push for a just transition away from fossil fuels.

Chuck Baclagon

Environmental & Digital Activist

DEREK CABE

Social Justice & Grassroot Communities Empowerment

Derek Cabe is a Filipino social justice advocate and grassroots organizer, leading community efforts against coal projects and environmental injustices in Bataan. As coordinator of the Nuclear and Coal-Free Bataan Movement, she empowers local communities to defend their rights, promote clean energy, and advance climate justice.

Derek Cabe

Social Justice & Grassroot Communities Empowerment

Founder & Pro bono Executive Director

Atty Zelda Soriano-1

Atty. Zelda D.T. Soriano

The Editorial Team

Atty Zelda Soriano-vec

Zelda

Rochelle Luna

Rochelle

Marinella

Marinella

Jewel Atienza

Jewel

Silina Alvarado-1

Silina

C-Help with partners and friends!

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