A design celebrating West Philippines Sea
- Jul 28, 2025
- 2 min read
Wonders of the Kalayaan Group of Islands, showcasing its rich biodiversity through art.
The West Philippine Sea is a vibrant marine ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity, with coral reefs and seagrass beds that support a wide array of marine and avian life including sea turtles, reef fish, giant clams, and sea birds. At its heart lies the Kalayaan Island Group, a scattered cluster of islands, reefs, and atolls that serve as vital habitats and breeding grounds for countless marine and bird species.
In this project, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) in designing a shirt that highlights the natural richness of the Kalayaan Group of Islands. The design features a map of the island group alongside illustrations of iconic and ecologically important species thriving in the area, including the vibrant Leopard Coral Grouper, graceful Green Sea Turtle, a Sooty Tern, sea grass species such as Dugong and Turtle Grass, Staghorn Coral, and the massive True Giant Clam.
Designing this shirt was a challenge, as I needed to incorporate a map that occupied a large portion of the layout. I had to thoughtfully and creatively ensure that every element worked together harmoniously to create a cohesive and visually engaging design. Balancing the scientific accuracy of the species, the placement of the map, and the overall aesthetic required careful planning, multiple revisions, and a strong attention to detail.
Many thanks to Ms. Joan Jalover of PCSDS for entrusting me with this design project. I truly enjoyed creating a piece centered on an ecosystem that often goes unnoticed in mainstream conversations. Working on this allowed me to deepen my appreciation for our country’s incredible biodiversity and the unique life it sustains.
Learn more about Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) through their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pcsd7611.
