A Green Revolution Takes Root: GPP Visayas Island Elects Dynamic New Leadership

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

"Dahil Kalikasan Muna, Ngayon Na!" - The rallying cry that echoes across the archipelago as environmental champions rise to lead

In a momentous electoral victory that signals a new dawn for environmental activism in the Philippines, the Green Party of the Philippines (GPP) Visayas Island has announced its newly elected officers, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's fight for ecological preservation. The dual-sector leadership structure, encompassing both seasoned environmental advocates and passionate young activists, represents a powerful fusion of wisdom and innovation that promises to reshape the region's environmental landscape.

The Elder Sector: Wisdom Meets Action

Leading the charge in the Elder Sector, Baltazar Tribunalo from Cebu emerges as the new President, bringing decades of environmental advocacy to the forefront of the party's mission. His election signals a commitment to experienced leadership that understands the intricate challenges facing the Visayas region's diverse ecosystems.

The executive team reads like a who's who of environmental champions:

Ricardo Peteros of Ormoc steps into the role of VP Internal, bringing his deep understanding of regional dynamics to internal party operations. Meanwhile, Amon Rey Loquere from Bohol takes on the VP External position, positioning himself as the party's key liaison with external stakeholders and environmental organizations.

The organizational backbone of the party finds its strength in Gemma Rosalina from Cebu as Party Secretary, supported by Cirilo Magallano from Negros as Deputy Secretary. This dynamic duo ensures that the party's environmental message resonates across island boundaries.

Financial stewardship falls to Paula Fernandez from Cebu as Treasurer, with Zocelyn Maningo, also from Cebu, serving as Deputy Treasurer. Their combined expertise ensures that resources are channeled effectively toward environmental initiatives that will create lasting impact.

The party's commitment to transparency and accountability shines through with Engr. Josephine Manigos from Cebu as Auditor, supported by Jose Cala III from Leyte as Deputy Auditor. This engineering expertise brings technical precision to the party's environmental programs.

Regional Champions: The Point Persons

The regional representation showcases the party's commitment to localized environmental action:

Region 6: Lyn Sespane Bartolo leads Western Visayas initiatives

Region 7: Baltazar Tribunalo doubles as regional champion for Central Visayas

Region 8: Ricardo Peteros spearheads Eastern Visayas programs

Negros Island Region: Cirilo Magallano drives island-specific environmental campaigns

Provincial Powerhouses: The Convenors

The provincial convenors represent the party's grassroots strength:

Cebu: Maria Cristina Miel leads the largest province's environmental initiatives

Bohol: Amon Rey Loquere champions the chocolate hills and beyond

Leyte: Jose Cala III drives post-Yolanda environmental recovery

Aklan: Lyn Ilinon protects paradise through sustainable practices

Sectoral Excellence: Specialized Environmental Leadership

The sectoral convenors bring specialized expertise to targeted environmental challenges:

Academia: Rose Ann Villamor bridges research and action

NGO/PO: Jay-Ahr Pendel coordinates with civil society organizations

Youth for Environment in Schools: Zocelyn Maningo nurtures the next generation of environmental leaders

The Youth Revolution: Kalikas - Green Youth Philippines Takes Center Stage

In a display of intergenerational environmental leadership, the Youth Sector elections have produced a dynamic team ready to tackle climate change with the urgency it demands.

Forest Tribunalo assumes the presidency, carrying a name that symbolically represents the very ecosystems the party seeks to protect. His leadership promises to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

The youth executive team demonstrates remarkable diversity and expertise:

Arjun Gabito as VP Internal ensures seamless coordination among young environmental activists, while John Paul Estela as VP External builds bridges with youth organizations across the archipelago.

Jendivz Cabarrubias serves as Party Secretary, documenting the youth movement's environmental initiatives, supported by Erneil Copas as Deputy Secretary.

Financial management falls to Carlos Rizaga as Treasurer, with Mark Kevin Lana as Deputy Treasurer, ensuring resources flow effectively to youth-led environmental programs.

Roquesa Sabellano takes on the crucial role of Auditor, with Isabella Corpuz as Deputy Auditor, bringing accountability and transparency to youth environmental initiatives.

The Advisory Council: Guiding Wisdom

The GPP Advisory Group for Visayas brings together seasoned environmental advocates whose collective wisdom will guide the party's strategic direction:

Roberto Bajenteng: Environmental policy expertise

Bimbo Fernandez: Community organizing experience

Jose Bebelonio Pepito: Academic and research leadership

Amos Edwin Cabahug: Technical environmental knowledge

Bonifacio Javier: Legal and regulatory expertise

A Vision for Tomorrow

This unprecedented electoral victory represents more than just organizational change—it embodies a fundamental shift toward urgent environmental action. The combination of experienced leadership in the Elder Sector and passionate innovation in the Youth Sector creates a powerful synergy that promises to accelerate environmental protection across the Visayas region.

The newly elected officers face immediate challenges: rising sea levels threatening island communities, deforestation pressures on remaining forests, marine ecosystem degradation, and the urgent need for sustainable economic development. Yet their diverse backgrounds, regional representation, and sectoral expertise position them uniquely to address these interconnected environmental crises.

The Call to Action

As these leaders take their oath of office, their message resonates clearly across the islands: "Dahil Kalikasan Muna, Ngayon Na!" This isn't just a slogan—it's a declaration of environmental emergency and a commitment to immediate action.

The GPP Visayas Island leadership understands that environmental protection cannot wait for tomorrow. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation demand urgent response. With their diverse expertise, regional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to environmental justice, these newly elected officers are positioned to lead the Philippines toward a sustainable future.

The green revolution has begun in the Visayas, and these environmental champions are ready to lead the charge. The question now is not whether change will come, but how quickly it can be implemented to protect the natural treasures that define the Filipino archipelago.

Together, they stand ready to make a difference for the environment. The future of the Visayas—and the Philippines—depends on their success.

Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the Elders and Youth sector of GPP Visayas Greens. Together, let's make a difference for the environment. Dahil Kalikasan Muna, Ngayon Na!

GPP Visayas Island 

 

Elder Sector

• President: Baltazar Tribunalo (Cebu)

• VP Internal: Ricardo Peteros (Ormoc)

• VP External: Amon Rey Loquere (Bohol)

• Party Secretary: Gemma Rosalina (Cebu)

• Deputy Secretary: Cirilo Magallano (Negros)

• Treasurer: Paula Fernandez (Cebu)

• Deputy Treasurer: Zocelyn Maningo (Cebu)

• Auditor: Engr Josephine Manigos (Cebu)

• Deputy Auditor: Jose Cala III (Leyte) 

Point Person

• Region 6 - Lyn Sespane Bartolo

• Region 7 - Baltazar Tribunalo

• Region 8 - Ricardo Peteros

• Negros Island Region - Cirilo Magallano

Provincial Convenors

• Cebu - Maria Cristina Miel

• Bohol - Amon Rey Loquere

• Leyte - Jose Cala III

• Aklan - Lyn Ilinon

Sectoral Convenors

• Academe - Rose Ann Villamor

• NGO/PO/ - Jay-Ahr Pendel

• Youth for Environment in Schools - Zocelyn Maningo

Youth Sector

Kalikas - Green Youth Philippines (Visayas)

 

• President: Forest Tribunalo

• VP Internal: Arjun Gabito

• VP External: John Paul Estela

• Party Secretary: Jendivz Cabarrubias

• Deputy Secretary: Erneil Copas

• Treasurer: Carlos Rizaga

• Deputy Treasurer: Mark Kevin Lana

• Auditor: Roquesa Sabellano

• Deputy Auditor: Isabella Corpuz 

 

GPP Advisory Group for VISAYAS

• Roberto Bajenteng

• Bimbo Fernandez

• Jose Bebelonio Pepito

• Amos Edwin Cabahug

• Bonifacio Javier

Please check the official Facebook page of the Green Party of the Philippines for more details and photos/videos of the forums and consultations 

The Green Party of the Philippines 

#GreenPartyPH #KalikasanMuna #GPPVisayas

Visayas Rising: Empowering Local Leaders in the Fight for Climate Justice

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A Powerful Call for Unity at the GPP Red-Green Consultation in Cebu

On July 6, 2025, atop the tranquil hills of Mt. Manunggal in Barangay Sunog, Balamban, Cebu, a movement ignited with the fire of purpose and the urgency of our times. Under the theme "Visayas Rising: Empowering Local Leaders for Environmental Action," the Red-Green Multi-Party Partnership took a bold step forward in uniting forces for climate justice, inclusive development, and political cooperation.

Organized by the Green Party of the Philippines (GPP), the Visayas Local Consultation was more than just a gathering—it was a manifestation of the Filipino people's growing resolve to reclaim the future from the forces of environmental destruction and political apathy.

A Coalition Forged in Crisis

The Red-Green Multi-Party Partnership, a groundbreaking alliance among political parties and civic organizations, seeks to chart a new course: one of inclusive green transition and ecological integrity grounded in social justice. As climate disasters become more frequent and inequality more severe, the need for a shared political agenda has never been more critical.

This series of local consultations—Visayas being a key front—will serve as the foundation for a historic National Red-Green Consultation Workshop, where grassroots insights will shape a unified environmental platform.

The Mountain that Spoke

The event's location was symbolic. Mt. Manunggal, sacred and serene, became the stage for passionate calls for environmental responsibility and community empowerment. It was here that a diverse ensemble of participants—local political party chapters, youth groups, community organizers, and regional convenors—assembled not just to talk, but to act.

From the very beginning, the energy was palpable.

The day began with “Earth Caring” activities, a ritualistic nod to the sacred bond between people and nature. Registration and a hearty breakfast followed, setting the tone for a day of learning, dialogue, and collaboration.

GPP Chairperson David D’Angelo opened the floor with remarks that reminded attendees of the urgent, moral imperative to act. Cebu Provincial Convenor Baltz Tribunalo grounded the discussions in local reality, painting a vivid picture of the environmental and social challenges facing Visayan communities.

The youth were not merely present—they were at the forefront. Tesha Arcamo of Kabataan Para sa Kalikasan – Cebu led a creative introduction of participants that resonated with enthusiasm and fresh hope.

Deep Dive into Issues, Data, and Dreams

Joseph Ramos, GPP National President, outlined the broader “green situation,” reminding the audience that climate justice is not just an environmental issue—it is a socio-political revolution.

Engr. Richard Peñaflor, GPP’s National Auditor, unveiled key findings from the Green Survey and Project Study, providing data-driven insights into community needs and climate vulnerabilities.

After a robust open forum, the afternoon was devoted to focus group discussions modeled after the “World Café” approach—interactive, rotating dialogues designed to foster creative solutions from the grassroots.

Local voices highlighted a wide range of pressing issues:

The creeping encroachment of unsustainable development in rural areas

The lack of climate-resilient infrastructure

Marginalization of indigenous practices and wisdom

Youth disenfranchisement in environmental policymaking

From these intense discussions emerged concrete recommendations that will serve as the pillars of the national red-green agenda.

Building for the Future

The final segment of the day marked a significant milestone: the establishment of the Interim Visayas Officers of the Green Party of the Philippines. This strategic move ensured that the momentum built during the consultation would not dissipate—it would be institutionalized, organized, and sustained.

With snacks in hand and spirits renewed, the participants capped the day with heartfelt closing remarks and a symbolic photo opportunity that captured not just smiling faces, but a shared commitment to action.

Beyond the Summit: A National Reckoning

The Visayas consultation is only the beginning. As Akbayan and GPP move toward national consolidation, these localized experiences will become the heartbeat of a movement that demands climate justice, government accountability, and political courage.

The consultation also made strategic use of its Php198,000 budget—a reflection of fiscal transparency and grassroots prioritization. From transport subsidies for participants from Ormoc and Talisay, to modest allocations for food, lodging, and honoraria, the event modeled a community-first approach.

A Call to Action

In a world battered by typhoons, droughts, and political inertia, the GPP Visayas Local Consultation proved that change does not trickle from the top—it erupts from the ground. As a participant and proud representative of Wazzup Pilipinas, I witnessed firsthand the birth of something extraordinary.

We are no longer waiting for leaders to act. We are becoming those leaders.

The Green Party of the Philippines, Akbayan Partylist, and countless grassroots allies have drawn a line in the sand. With unity, vision, and relentless dedication, we march toward a future where nature thrives, justice prevails, and the Filipino people rise—undaunted and unstoppable.

Visayas has spoken. The nation is listening.

By Ross Flores Del Rosario, Wazzup Pilipinas Founder & GPP National Vice President - External Affairs

Please check the official Facebook page of the Green Party of the Philippines for more details and photos/videos of the forums and consultations 

The Green Party of the Philippines 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AwwFpZBca/

Voices from the Heartland: Visayans Speak Up in Groundbreaking GPP Environmental Focus Group Discussion

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a country of more than 7,000 islands, it is easy for the voices in the middle—the Visayans—to be drowned out by the political noise of Manila or the emerging influence of Mindanao. But last week, in the heart of the Visayas, those voices broke through with clarity, conviction, and courage during the much-anticipated Focus Group Discussion (FGD) of the Greening the Philippine Plan (GPP) Environmental Consultation.

The event was not just another roundtable; it was a charged arena of ideas, a community catharsis, and a declaration of both struggle and solution. Here, environmental warriors, local leaders, grassroots organizations, and impassioned advocates gathered not only to raise concerns but to build a collaborative map toward sustainable transformation.

A Circle of Truths and Testimonies

In a carefully arranged circle—designed to spark openness and equality—groups of 10 to 15 participants each sat with colored meta-cards in hand, ready to peel back the layers of their everyday realities. The seating, intentionally symbolic, dissolved hierarchies and blurred lines between farmers and professionals, youth leaders and fisherfolk.

Guided by skilled moderators, each circle was a microcosm of the region’s social and environmental ecosystem. They tackled the day’s burning questions head-on—no filters, no hesitation.

The Three Crucial Questions That Lit the Fire

What are the environmental and social issues affecting you and your organization in the Visayas Region?

What solutions do you think are needed—by you and by your organization?

What intervention or assistance do you need from the GPP to solve these problems?

These questions were more than academic prompts—they were sparks that ignited deep, honest reflection. Participants first scribbled their answers on colored meta-cards—a visual tapestry of diverse experiences—and then voiced them in front of peers, sparking not just agreement but healthy, passionate debates.

From rampant deforestation in upland areas to plastic-choked coastlines, from mining-related displacement to lack of access to green technologies, the spectrum of challenges raised was as vast as the archipelago itself. Social issues interwove seamlessly—poverty, lack of government support, youth disengagement, and corruption—reminding everyone in the room that environmental issues do not exist in a vacuum.

Solutions Born from Shared Struggle

The magic of the FGD wasn’t just in identifying the problems—it was in the collective emergence of grassroots solutions. Participants proposed actionable ideas: community-led reforestation efforts, mandatory environmental education, localized climate adaptation programs, and even livelihoods rooted in sustainability, such as bamboo farming and eco-tourism.

Some called for stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration, while others emphasized the need for transparency and accountability mechanisms to ensure government and NGO interventions hit their marks. What made these discussions different? They came from those who live the consequences of inaction every single day.

GPP: Listening, Learning, and Leading Forward

The GPP’s presence at the event wasn’t ceremonial—it was strategic and sincere. By collecting the outputs of each group discussion, the GPP commits to integrating these lived insights into its environmental action plans, creating programs that reflect the pulse of the people, not just the paperwork of bureaucracy.

This is more than just consultation—it is co-creation.

The FGD didn’t just fulfill an agenda—it rewrote the rules on how national plans should be formed: by and for the people.

Why This Matters

In an era of climate urgency and environmental degradation, initiatives like the Visayas Leg of the GPP FGD are not just important—they are essential. They prove that participatory governance is alive, that solutions don't have to come from the top, and that the true experts are those living on the frontlines of change.

In the words of one participant, a young community organizer from Leyte:

“For so long, we’ve been told what’s good for us. Today, we told them what we know, what we feel, what we need. This isn’t just an FGD—it’s our fight.”

And fight they will—with voices loud, hearts open, and hands ready to build a greener tomorrow.

Wazzup Pilipinas will continue to monitor the outcomes of this dialogue and hold institutions accountable to the voices raised. Because here in the Visayas—and across the Philippines—the people are not just participants. They are the pulse of the planet.