Young Filipina Advocates to Look Out For
IMy name is Marielle Racoma, I’m the founder of Our Endangered PH, a conservation photographer, plus-size model, and singer-songwriter.
I stopped eating meat in 2019 as a pescetarian, then transitioned to vegetarianism 4 years ago in 2020. As I started Our Endangered, I needed to commit to advocating for the rights of all animals and believed I couldn’t do this effectively without first becoming plant-based.
Why do you think it’s important to advocate for farmed animals?
Farmed animals are amongst the most neglected sectors in the animal community; being seen only as money-making machines and not for the individuals that they are. Chickens, pigs, and ducks are some of my favorite animals and it’s heartbreaking to witness how little their worth is to society. Millions, if not billions, are killed everyday so I want to be a catalyst for changing the narrative of farm animal advocacy in our country. Speaking up for these animals is so important to combat climate change, conserve wildlife, and to spare so many other species from being killed for only a few minutes on a plate.
What farmed animal advocacy or plant-based initiatives are you currently doing or planning to do?
I just reached a personal milestone of 4 years of being plant-based, and I’m planning on deepening my passion for farmed animal and endangered species advocacy by pursuing this work professionally with Our Endangered and similar organizations.
If you could share with us, like one story in your farmed animal advocacy journey that has touched you so well and you still remember, please share here. Feel free to add links, photos, a video, etc.
I used to have a pet duck named Harmony when I was growing up, and I considered her my best friend (along with my dogs). We were very fond of each other and she’s the reason why I stopped eating duck as a child. I remember coming home from school and she would always waddle up to greet me everyday. I remember that being a pivotal point for me in terms of animal advocacy as I wanted to take care of so many other farmed animals after Harmony and dedicate my life to showing others how intelligent and loving all species are once you see them as the individuals they are
What is your message to other farmed animal advocates, especially the women and young girls?
Women’s and animal rights don’t differ from each other so much; we are both fighting for equality and compassion. To young girls, keep fighting the fight. Your voice and every individual action makes a difference. In order to live in a world rid of injustice and fear, we need to work and stick together. Big or small, every animal matters and every little win-whether it be informing others of the realities behind the farmed animal industry, educating yourself on animal advocacy in the country, or simply keeping chicken off your plate, as long as you strive to be a better person for yourself and for the animals, it all counts for something. And that makes all the difference.
Marielle