Green Party of the Philippines (GPP) – Kalikasan Muna & Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Inc.: United for a Sustainable Future

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

With an urgent call for environmental justice and sustainable governance, the newly elected officers of The Green Party of the Philippines (GPP) – Kalikasan Muna and the Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement Inc. are set to reshape Philippine politics and champion a greener, more sustainable nation. This election marks a new era of leadership—one that will push for stronger climate policies, ecological protection, and a government that prioritizes people and the planet over profit.

Meet the Visionaries Leading the Green Revolution

Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement Inc. Officers:

Chairperson - David D’Angelo

Vice Chairperson - Nic Satur Jr.

President - Eric Raymundo

Vice President - Jeph S. Ramos

Treasurer - Joseph Ezekiel Pasturan Gayatin

Secretary - Mariella Amagan

Auditor - Josephine Cabatuando

Board Members:

Johnny M. Estuya

Ross Flores Del Rosario 

Randy Andales Mangubat

Reach Peñaflor

Rachel Baldonado

Paul Monteccino

These leaders bring their passion, experience, and expertise in various fields—ranging from governance, environmental advocacy, media, finance, and community development—to drive the movement forward.

Green Party of the Philippines (GPP) – Kalikasan Muna Officers:

Chairperson: David D’Angelo

President: Jeph Ramos

Vice President for International Affairs: Gilbert Gamas

Vice President for Internal Affairs: Emelita L. Cordero

Vice President for External Affairs: Ross Flores Del Rosario

Party Secretary: Geraldine Kocherry

Deputy Secretary: Rachel Baldonado

Treasurer: Joseph Gayatin

Deputy Treasurer: Niel Cauyao

Auditor: Engr. Reach Peñaflor

Deputy Auditor: Jericho Encarnacion

What’s Next for the Green Movement?

With the 2025 elections fast approaching, these newly elected leaders are preparing for an unprecedented political battle—one that could determine the future of environmental policies in the Philippines.

Their priorities include but are not limited to:

1. Declaring a Climate Emergency to fast-track environmental legislation

2. Expanding green governance and sustainability programs

3. Building a powerful coalition of eco-conscious voters

4. Strengthening international partnerships for climate action

This leadership shift is not just about politics; it’s about survival. The Green Party of the Philippines and the Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement Inc. are ready to take action, and with these passionate leaders at the helm, the future of Philippine environmental policy looks brighter than ever.

The fight for a greener, more sustainable Philippines has begun. Will you stand with the Green Party of the Philippines and the Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement Inc.?

World Wildlife Day 2025: A Call to Mainstream Biodiversity Solutions

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippines, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with over 50,000 plant and animal species, is celebrating World Wildlife Day 2025 with a renewed commitment to conservation. This year’s theme, "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and the Planet," underscores the crucial role of sustainable funding in preserving nature.

Philippine Wildlife on Polymer Banknotes

To highlight the nation’s rich biodiversity, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is rolling out a new series of polymer banknotes featuring the Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Visayan Leopard Cat, Visayan Spotted Deer, and native flora like the Sampaguita and Lanutan. These lesser-known species represent the country’s unique wildlife, emphasizing the need to protect them.

The move to polymer bills also aligns with sustainability efforts, as these notes are more durable and environmentally friendly than paper-based currency.

A Digital Approach to Wildlife Awareness: Animal Town App

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), are leveraging digital technology to educate the public. The mobile game "Animal Town" lets players manage a virtual town filled with iconic Philippine animals.

Since its launch in March 2024, the app has garnered over 20,000 downloads and generated more than USD 400 for conservation efforts. This gamified approach ensures that wildlife protection remains engaging and accessible to a broader audience.

Biodiversity solutions for public sector efforts. A recently-held workshop in Bacolod City discussed the best ways to integrate biodiversity conservation and sustainable funding into LGU plans and projects. Numerous SGLG biodiversity workshops were conducted for local governments in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. (Local Government of Negros Occidental) 

Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Local Governance

Efforts to integrate biodiversity into government policies are gaining momentum. The Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), the gold standard for public service in the Philippines, has expanded its scope to include wetlands management, green spaces, and public parks. Soon, it may require local government units (LGUs) to hire permanent Environment and Natural Resources Officers, further strengthening biodiversity conservation at the grassroots level.

In Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, BIOFIN has supported the development of local biodiversity finance plans, helping LGUs assess their financial needs and secure funding for conservation projects. These plans have steadily increased local government budgets for biodiversity protection.

Private Sector Engagement in Biodiversity Finance

Recognizing the financial sector's role in conservation, BIOFIN is working with private institutions to enhance nature-related financial disclosures. By incorporating environmental considerations into financial decision-making, businesses can improve transparency and accountability while supporting conservation.

Additionally, BIOFIN is exploring biodiversity credits—certificates representing measurable, long-term biodiversity gains. These credits could be a game-changer, offering businesses an opportunity to invest in conservation while meeting sustainability goals.

Time for all types wildlife. Snakes and lizards get scant attention but are just as important to the ecosystem as larger animals like Tamaraw, wild pigs and deer. The Yellow-striped Slender Tree Skink (Lipinia pulchella) is a denizen of many of the country’s misty mountain forests. It is endemic and can only be found in the Philippines. This juvenile was photographed wild in the upland forests of Luzon. (Gregg Yan)

Is it a vine? As stoic and unmoving as the branches around it, this Temple Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus subannulatus) can easily be mistaken for a coiled vine. A venomous bite is offset by relatively calm disposition. This adult was photographed wild in the lowland forests of Palawan. (Gregg Yan)

Global Biodiversity Finance Efforts

BIOFIN operates in 41 countries, supported by major international entities like the Global Environment Facility, European Commission, and the governments of Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, and France. In the Philippines, BIOFIN is collaborating with the DENR to bridge the biodiversity financing gap by improving expenditure reports, increasing investments in protected areas, and integrating biodiversity considerations into national policies.

Over the past year, these efforts have led to:

A. Increased LGU budgets for conservation

B. Stronger synergy between local and national government initiatives

C. Advocacy for smarter environmental policies, such as improved protected area management and carbon emission reductions

The Road Ahead for Biodiversity Conservation

Despite these achievements, much work remains. BIOFIN’s Philippine operations are set to conclude in 2027, making it crucial to secure long-term funding solutions for conservation initiatives.

"There are so many ways to integrate biodiversity solutions into governance and private sector efforts," says Anabelle Plantilla, DENR-UNDP BIOFIN Philippines National Project Manager. "We must continue investing in people and the planet."

As the world celebrates World Wildlife Day 2025, the Philippines stands as a model for how nations can mainstream biodiversity solutions—ensuring that wildlife conservation is not just an environmental priority, but an economic and social one as well.

Cover photo: Lesser-known Philippine species. With its beautiful, Dimetrodon-like sail, the Philippine Sailfin Dragon (Hydrosaurus pustulatus) is among the country’s most beautiful and colorful lizards. World Wildlife Day is observed every 3 March to celebrate all types of wildlife – whether beautiful or ugly, cuddly or scaly. This sub-adult Sailfin was photographed wild in the marshes of Mindanao. (Gregg Yan)

Unlock Your Future with UM ISS 2025: Study at Universitas Negeri Malang with a Scholarship!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Are you dreaming of studying in a top-tier university while receiving financial support? Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) invites you to be part of its prestigious International Student Scholarship (UM ISS) 2025 program! This scholarship offers partial funding to exceptional international students who wish to pursue their academic journey in one of Indonesia’s most respected universities.

Whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, this scholarship could be your golden ticket to a world-class education in Southeast Asia!

Why Choose Universitas Negeri Malang?

UM is a leading university in Indonesia, known for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. Located in the beautiful city of Malang, it provides an enriching academic environment with modern facilities, internationally recognized programs, and a vibrant student community.

As a UM ISS scholar, you’ll gain access to:

✅ A diverse and inclusive academic community

✅ Cutting-edge research opportunities

✅ A strong international network of scholars and professionals

✅ A culturally rich learning experience in one of Indonesia’s top university cities

Scholarship Coverage & Schemes

The UM ISS 2025 program offers different financial aid schemes designed to support international students:

1. ASEAN Research Scheme

Specially designed for students from ASEAN countries

Provides funding for research collaboration with UM

2. Schema 1 (Comprehensive Support)

Covers tuition fees

Monthly living allowance

Other academic-related expenses

3. Schema 2 (Tuition Fee Coverage)

Covers tuition fees only

Ideal for students who have additional external financial support

4. BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia for Foreigners) Teaching Program

A unique program for international students interested in learning Bahasa Indonesia

Offers language courses and cultural immersion programs

Who Can Apply?

UM ISS 2025 is open to international students who meet the following criteria:

📌 Bachelor’s Degree Applicants

✅ Completed high school or an equivalent qualification

✅ Strong academic performance

✅ Proficiency in English or Bahasa Indonesia

📌 Master’s Degree Applicants

✅ Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

✅ Excellent academic record

✅ Research proposal (if required by the program)

✅ Proficiency in English or Bahasa Indonesia

📌 Doctorate (PhD) Applicants

✅ Hold a master’s degree in a relevant field

✅ Outstanding academic and research background

✅ Research proposal aligned with UM’s expertise

✅ Proficiency in English or Bahasa Indonesia

Application Timeline

📅 Application Opens: March 1, 2025

📅 Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

How to Apply?

Interested in becoming a UM ISS 2025 scholar? The application process is simple and fully online!

👉 Apply now at: https://oia.um.ac.id/umiss

For more details, scan the QR code on the official poster or reach out to UM’s international office.

Start Your Academic Journey at UM!

This is your chance to study at one of Indonesia’s top universities with financial support. Take the first step toward academic excellence and a brighter future.

🎓 Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity—apply now for UM ISS 2025!