A group of people from different backgrounds were brought together in 2000 to first explore a previously undocumented cetacean species in the country, the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). This modest research expedition spurred further interest in other species found within Philippines waters.

Every year since the establishment of the Humpback Whale Research and Conservation Project (which began under the auspices of WWF-Philippines or Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas), more and more people became interested not only in the work on humpback whales, but also in efforts to study other cetacean species. Beginning with just seven volunteers, there are now over 100 volunteers from different parts of the country and the world who have taken part in the twenty-three years of this worthwhile endeavor.