Kristel C. Quierrez, a Dumagat-Remontado youth from Maksa, General Nakar, Quezon, Philippines, is an indigenous leader dedicated to defending her ancestral domain. A recent graduate in Secondary Education majoring in English, she hopes to give back to her community through education. Passionate about environmental and cultural preservation, she co-founded Katutubong Kabataang Umuugat sa Kabundukan ng Sierra Madre (UGBON), the first indigenous youth organization in her landscape. Rooted in the Southern Sierra Madre, UGBON empowers indigenous youth to protect one of the Philippines’ most vital ecosystems and advocate for their rights.