Ms PH Earth San Francisco, USA: Rizza Diaz

Photo courtesy of Carousel Productions

NAME: Rizza Belen B. Diaz
MUNICIPALITY OR CITY: San Francisco, USA
AGE: 25

How she describes her childhood: I grew up understanding the importance of discipline. My grandmother was a schoolteacher so she was strict with my siblings, my cousins, and myself. She taught me how to be thankful for the many blessings we receive and appreciative of what we have even if it isn’t much.

My father wasn’t strict all the time, but I later understood why he was when needed to be. I grew up thinking that my father did not want me to get my way, but he had his reasons. I know that everything he did for my siblings and I, whether we disliked it or not, was all out of love. He wanted to make sure we all grew up as good kids who knew their values and responsibilities. I am thankful for his ways, even more so now, because growing up wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.

After my parents’ divorce, I was shocked and devastated. I’m just glad that my father has a positive attitude and lives life optimistically. With that, I was able to learn to pick myself up and carry on without remorse or any negativity.

Environmental advocacy: There are definitely a number of pressing concerns that our environment faces today. These environmental issues range from climate change, energy, ozone protection, deforestation, pollution & waste, water, and even endangered species.

The lack of environmental awareness is not helping the preservation of our Mother Earth. People have to understand that the issues not only pose a threat to our environment, but also our health. With this said, my environmental advocacy is to be able to bring justice and positive change to environmental issues by influencing public policy. Environmental Advocacy involves both protecting the people and animals from environmental threats, and protecting the natural world.

Career/Occupation: : Graduated from University of California, Davis in 2011. Degree:Bachelors in Science in Animal Science. Specializations with Companion and Captive Animals.

Hobbies: Hiking, Enjoying the Outdoors, Badminton, Volleyball, Running, Fitness, walking my Dogs, Trying New Food, Shopping, Dancing, Singing, Traveling, watching movies, spending time with my family and friends – Rappler.com