Ecocriticism in Philippine Literature: Environmental Themes

Environmental concerns such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation continue to impact communities around the world, including the Philippines. Literature, as a powerful form of expression, has become a tool for raising awareness and advocating for the protection of the natural world. This study titled “Ecocriticism in Philippine Literature: Environmental Themes” aimed to examine how the three selected Philippine poems: “It’s Changing, It’s Soaring: Climate Rhyme,” “From the Top of the Bridge,” and “As He Pleases” – present environmental themes and portray the relationship between humans and nature. Also, it explored how ecocriticism helps understand the role of literature in promoting environmental awareness. Utilizing qualitative content analysis, the study gathered data by closely reading and analyzing the poems based on language, imagery, and ecological content. Qualitative findings identified the key environmental themes such as pollution, climate change, human impact on nature, and the call for ecological preservation. The results show that the poems reflect strong environmental messages and clearly portray the close yet often damaging relationship between humans and the environment. They encourage readers to be more knowledgeable of their actions and role in protecting nature. Through the lens of ecocriticism, it became clear that these poems serve not just as creative expressions, but also as meaningful tools to promote environmental responsibility. The study implies that literature can play a very salient role in shaping public awareness and inspiring environmental action. The findings can be applied in classrooms, environmental advocacy campaigns, and future literary studies to support ecological education and develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and the planet.