Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Marikina City, Philippines – March 1-3, 2025 – The halls of the National TVET Trainers Academy in Marikina City recently buzzed with an electrifying energy as the Green Party of the Philippines (GPP) convened its National Environmental Leader's Summit 2025. More than just a gathering, this pivotal event, which also served as the National General Assembly of the Green Party of the Philippines and the NCR Leg Consultation for the Red-Green Project between Akbayan and the Green Party of the Philippines, was a resounding call to action, a testament to a shared vision, and a powerful launchpad for a greener, more sustainable future for the Philippines.
The summit brought together passionate green leaders from across the archipelago, fostering a unique space for the exchange of knowledge, the forging of vital connections, and the strengthening of a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. As David D'Angelo, GPP Chairperson and 2025 Green Senatorial Candidate, aptly declared, "The current climate crisis is already accelerating, and green leaders should step up to the challenge - mobilizing people and driving collective action." This sentiment resonated deeply throughout the three-day event, underscoring the urgency and the collaborative spirit that defined the summit.
Day 1: Laying the Foundation for a Sustainable Tomorrow
The summit kicked off with a powerful orientation and a courtesy visit to the Marikina City Environment Management Office (CEMO). Delegates gained invaluable insights into Marikina's successful zero-waste management program, a shining example of effective ordinances and dedicated environmental stewardship. This immersive experience reinforced the critical role of strong political will in achieving sustainable practices.
The discussions on the first day were nothing short of thought-provoking, delving into critical issues that form the bedrock of the Green Party's platform. Engr. Richard Penaflor, National Executive Committee Member of the Green Party of the Philippines, ignited the conversation with a deep dive into Climate Change 101, unraveling the complexities of this pressing global challenge and its profound impact on the Philippines. Nic Satur Jr., Cordillera Autonomous Region Convener, then shed light on Energy 101, highlighting the urgent need for a robust and reliable transition to renewable energy sources. The consensus among participants was clear: strengthening the Green Party as a leading organization pushing for sustainable energy solutions is paramount.
International solidarity was a key theme, with representatives from the Indonesia Greens Union (Sarekat Hijau Indonesia - SHI) enriching the discourse. Ade Indriana Zuhcri and Muhammad Husni shared invaluable insights from Indonesia's campaigns and experiences, including the challenges of mining and the struggle of indigenous peoples. Their presence underscored the global nature of environmental challenges and the importance of cross-border collaboration. Ade Indriana Zuhcri specifically captivated the audience with her discussion on "Climate Justice 101," providing a compelling regional perspective.
Day 2: Empowering Action and Circularity
The second day was a dynamic blend of empowerment and practical application. Engr. Eric Raymundo, Board of Trustee and President of Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement, Inc. (the NGO-arm of the Green Party), facilitated an insightful session on Circular Economy. He passionately emphasized the importance of changing mindsets among businesses, Local Government Units (LGUs), and consumers to embrace recycling and waste management as integral parts of a circular economy. A tangible demonstration of this principle was showcased by Engr. Raymundo, who proudly presented a baton made of 100% single-use plastic, a project of the Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement.
The spirit of innovation and community engagement was further highlighted by the GPP's existing projects. "Target 1M: Plastik? Huli Ka!" an Eco-bricks Training program spearheaded by Randy Mangubat, founder and President of Kaunti Urban Farmers Association, showcased practical solutions for repurposing plastic waste into usable materials.
A significant moment of the summit was the official launch of the Green Candidates and the General Assembly of the Green Party of the Philippines. This marked a crucial step in formalizing their commitment to fielding environmentally-conscious leaders in future elections. The delegates reflected on the party's milestones and set new strategies and commitments for greener leadership. The newly elected national executive committee, which will hold office until June 30, 2027, was announced, with David D'Angelo as Chairperson and Jeph Ramos as President, among other dedicated individuals.
Wazzup Pilipinas founder, Ross Flores Del Rosario, was elected as External Vice President.
The summit culminated with a visit to the urban garden project of Kaunti Urban Farmers Association, a testament to the power of sustainable urban gardening.
A Shared Vision for a Flourishing Future
The entire event served as a powerful reminder that real change happens when people unite with a shared vision and purpose. It underscored the Green Party of the Philippines' unwavering commitment to building a future where both people and the planet can thrive. The collaborative spirit, the exchange of diverse perspectives, and the palpable dedication to environmental stewardship painted a vivid picture of a movement gaining momentum and poised to make a significant impact.
Result of the Green Party Assessment Tool: A Roadmap for Growth
An internal Green Party Assessment Tool, focusing on internal Party Structure, Policies and Programs, Governance, and Resource Mobilization, was also conducted, providing valuable insights for future development. Led by Engr. Richard Penaflor, the assessment revealed encouraging strengths and identified areas for further growth.
The numerical scale evaluation indicated positive strides, particularly in efforts to green the climate structure (average rate of 7.16) and organizing political policies (average rate of 7.16). The party's strong political support for environmentalists and its robust network of organizations were highlighted. The Green Party's commitment to community-based programs and collaborations with other green movements also received a commendable score of 6.83.
While showing significant progress, the assessment also identified areas for improvement, particularly in contributions to the national climate policies (average score of 6.5 units) and understanding spending for climate campaigns and projects (average score of 6.3 units). These findings will serve as a vital roadmap for the Green Party of the Philippines as it continues to refine its strategies and maximize its impact.
The Green Party of the Philippines is not just a political party; it is a burgeoning movement, a collective force dedicated to safeguarding the environment and building a sustainable future for all Filipinos. The National Environmental Leader's Summit 2025 was a powerful testament to their commitment, signaling a new era of environmental activism and political engagement in the Philippines. As they move forward, armed with renewed vigor and a clear vision, the Green Party of the Philippines stands ready to lead the charge towards a greener, more resilient nation.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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