Matthew is an early-career marine biologist and a science communicator from Negros Occidental, Philippines focusing on marine conservation, mainly mangrove forests. He took his Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences of Silliman University where he graduated with Latin Honors – Magna Cum Laude. He is the founder of Mangrove Matters PH, a youth organization aiming to mainstream mangrove conservation in the country, and he has presented studies in conferences about mangrove blue carbon for climate change mitigation. Moreover, he advocates for climate justice and he has been involved with coastal communities on mangrove planting initiatives and mangrove nursery management workshops in his island. Currently, he is the Advocacy and Networking Staff under the Oceans and Climate Program of CEED (Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development). Matthew enjoys wildlife and drone photography and he is a licensed open water diver.