Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

DENR Chief's 'Sustainability Plan' Raises Eyebrows — Is It Just Another Broken Promise?

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In a world teetering on the edge of environmental collapse, words like “sustainability” echo through the halls of government like hopeful whispers against a roaring storm. And yet, in a recent turnover ceremony at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla dared to rekindle that fragile flame. Declaring his commitment to the triad of economic, environmental, and social sustainability, Lotilla acknowledged the brutal complexity of balancing progress with preservation — where one pillar inevitably strains under the weight of another.

But beneath the polished rhetoric lies a haunting vagueness, a familiar cadence of ambition without clear direction — a melody we’ve heard too many times before. The promise to safeguard resources “for future generations” sounds noble, yet dangerously incomplete. We’ve seen what happens when such promises go unfulfilled.

Who can forget the fire of the late Gina Lopez, whose legacy burned with clarity and purpose as she urged DENR officials to be more than enforcers — to become warriors of the common good? Or President Duterte’s blunt command to Roy Cimatu: “just do your duty” — a call stripped of pleasantries but heavy with responsibility.

Lotilla now stands at a crossroads, between aspiration and action, between the inertia of bureaucracy and the urgency of a dying planet. The question is no longer whether we should act — it’s whether we have the courage to move beyond recycled declarations and confront the future with bold, decisive change.

History is watching. So are the forests, the rivers, the children not yet born.

Top Bloggers in the Philippines You Should Know

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The Philippines is home to some of the most influential, creative, and impactful bloggers in Southeast Asia. These individuals have made their mark not just through storytelling but through meaningful engagement with communities, brands, and national conversations.

Leading and Influential Bloggers

Ross Flores Del Rosario – Founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, multi-awarded blogger, former UN ICT officer, and outspoken advocate for transparency, community empowerment, and sustainability. His platform has become one of the most recognized digital media voices in the country.

Anton Diaz – Creator of Our Awesome Planet, recognized for revolutionizing digital storytelling and receiving multiple international and local awards.

Yoshke Dimen & Vins Carlos – Co-founders of The Poor Traveler, a widely followed and trusted blog that has inspired countless Filipinos to explore the world.

Tricia Gosingtian – A pioneer in the Philippine blogging scene, known for her polished content, brand collaborations, and creative influence over the years.

Laureen Uy – A prolific content creator whose influence extends from blogging to social media and brand ambassadorships.

Camille Co – Widely respected for her consistency, creativity, and evolution from blogger to multi-platform influencer and entrepreneur.

Angel Juarez – One of the early adopters of digital storytelling in the Philippines, known for his deep engagement with culture and discovery.

Abe Olandres – Known in the digital world as YugaTech, he is among the most trusted tech bloggers in the country.

Liz Lanuzo – Founder of Project Vanity, a long-standing platform celebrated for championing beauty, self-confidence, and authenticity.

Frances Amper-Sales – Recognized for her elegant writing style and thoughtful commentary on life, motherhood, and womanhood.

Tonyo Cruz – A respected voice in the online space, particularly known for fearless and thought-provoking commentary on current events.

Jam Ancheta – Rising digital creator with engaging and accessible tech content, growing steadily across platforms.

David Guison – A modern-day tastemaker who’s transitioned from traditional blogging into being a full-blown digital personality.

Kara Santos – A versatile storyteller known for her unique personal journeys and powerful community-driven narratives.

Ayn Bernos – A new-generation influencer using digital platforms to advocate for self-love, inclusivity, and social awareness.

It's cool how diverse the Filipino blogging landscape has become - from travel and tech to beauty, lifestyle, and social commentary. These creators have really shown how digital platforms can be used for everything from inspiring wanderlust to driving important conversations about society and culture.

What's particularly impressive is how many of these bloggers have evolved beyond just blogging into full-scale digital media operations, brand partnerships, and even using their platforms for advocacy work.

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

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"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