Gloria “Golly” Estenzo Ramos is an environmental lawyer and leading advocate for marine conservation, environmental governance, and public accountability in the Philippines. With over two decades of experience, she has championed science-based fisheries management, environmental justice, transparent and accountable governance, and public participation in decision-making, helping strengthen policies that protect marine ecosystems, uphold the rule of law, and promote sustainable resource management.
As the founding Vice President of Oceana Philippines (2014–2025), Ramos led campaigns to advance transparency in fisheries governance, combat illegal fishing, and uphold environmental rule of law. Her work has combined legal action, policy reform, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement to address critical environmental issues, including offshore drilling in protected seascapes, illegal coastal reclamation and dumping, coal ash disposal, and violations of environmental laws.
Beyond environmental advocacy, she is actively engaged in the broader fight against corruption in the Philippines as a member of the Cebu Anti-Corruption Coalition and the newly formed Lawyers Against Corruption, reinforcing her longstanding commitment to integrity, accountability, and good governance.
A graduate of the University of the Philippines, Ramos holds a Juris Doctor, a Master of Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She has also served as a law professor, environmental governance columnist, and board member of several national and international organizations dedicated to environmental law, sustainable development, public interest advocacy, and good governance.
Her contributions have been widely recognized, including being named the 2025 ASEAN Environmental Lawyer by the ASEAN Research Institute for Environmental Law, receiving the 2024 Women of Power recognition from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the 2018 Mariang Maya Achievement Award, and recognition from the United Nations for her outstanding contributions to the environment.
Golly brings extensive expertise at the intersection of environmental law, marine conservation, governance, anti-corruption advocacy, and citizen engagement, advancing evidence-informed policies that support healthy oceans, accountable institutions, and resilient communities.