Regional Director

Vic serves as the Regional Director of ICLEI Southeast Asia. He brings more than three decades of professional experience working with local governments in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand on various urban development issues. He manages a team of experts and consultants within the Southeast Asia region--dealing with urban development issues focusing on environmental sustainability.  Vic works directly with external support agencies and national governments to develop and deploy ICLEI's Pathways and advocacy in the region.  During his career as a civil servant and as Regional Director, he has been involved in more than 30 international projects. Prior to joining ICLEI, he has worked with the City Government of Baguio as Project Development Officer and Development Management Officer in the local planning department, particularly working on urban planning focusing on environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

Areas of Expertise: Sustainable Development, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Institutional and Policy Development, International Cooperation, Project Development, Urban Planning and Law

Education:

• Master of Arts in Public Administration
• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Science in Forestry

Regional Program Manager

Mae serves as the Regional Program Manager. She is an Expert Certified Development Project Management Professional (CDPM® Level II) with over a decade of experience in environment-related projects, focusing on climate action and governance at the national and local level. Prior to joining ICLEI, she worked with various international organizations, civil society organizations and national and local government agencies on initiatives that support the country’s commitment to multilateral environmental agreements, more prominently, the Paris Agreement. She also worked with key industries on efforts to curb down GHG emissions in the private sector. Her work ranges from facilitating the establishment of a sustainable community livelihood center in a coastal biodiversity hotspot to spearheading the evaluation of a country program framework of a UN agency in the Philippines.

Areas of Expertise: Program management, policy research and development, capacity building, technical cooperation, climate governance

Education:

• Master of Public Administration, University of the Philippines-Diliman
• Bachelor of Science in Tourism, University of the Philippines-Diliman

Operations Manager

Zeny joined ICLEI in 2005 as the Administrative and Finance officer. Prior to working with ICLEI, she was an Administrative Assistant in a real estate company and a Reservation Officer in a travel agency for two and a half years. She has been trained in different areas including logistics preparation, financial reporting to funders for various projects, and administrative support in the organization’s operations.

Areas of Expertise: Administration and finance

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Holy Name University, Philippines

Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) Manager

Pam is responsible for the low emission development pathway portfolio of ICLEI in the Southeast Asia region. She oversees program management and building relationships with member and network cities of ICLEI and with like-minded organizations in pursuit of joint and concerted climate action and urban sustainability. She works with local governments in establishing city-level GHG emissions inventories, formulating local climate action plans, and climate data disclosure. She completed her undergraduate degree in BS Environmental Planning and Management at Miriam College and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Environmental Management and Studies to continue to adapt to the fast-evolving nature of policies, technologies, and advocacy in the field of urban sustainability.

Areas of Expertise: climate change mitigation, GHG inventory, project management, climate advocacy

Education:

• Master of Science in Environmental Management and Studies (ongoing), Miriam College, Philippines
• Bachelor of Science Environmental Planning and Management major in Corporate Environmental Management, Miriam College, Philippines

Membership, Governance, and Circular Economy Manager

Ric oversees ICLEI SEAS’ membership and governance operation, recruitment, and services to local governments in the region. He also handles partnerships with various organizations including the implementation of projects in climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and the sustainable development agenda. He also serves as the coordinator for local and international activities. Prior to his work in ICLEI, Ric is part of the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) of the Quezon City Government as an Industrial Inspector which ensures the business sector's compliance to environmental laws of the City. He also served as a Planning and Research Assistant- evaluating project proposals from different institutions to be implemented in the City. 

Areas of Expertise: Climate change mitigation and adaptation, DRRM, GHG

Education:  

• Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering, University of San Carlos, Philippines

Senior Project Officer

• Masters in Environmental Planning, Miriam College, Philippines
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning and Management Major in Urban Planning and Green
  Architecture, Miriam College, Philippines

Project Officer

Having a diverse set of skills and interests, James specializes in remote-sensing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Urban Property Taxation. He has served in various sectors in the government, the academe, and some non-profit organizations both locally and internationally. Some of these include thee Ateneo Innovation Center; the Office of Former Philippine Senator Francis N. Pangilinan; the City Environment and Natural Resources Office of San Juan City, Philippines; the Coastal Cities at Risk in the Philippines Project; and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation in Bangkok, Thailand. Ultimately, he aims to contribute in fostering safe and equitable cities and communities, where humans and nature are in a harmonious relationship with one another.

Areas of Expertise: Remote-Sensing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Strategic Foresight, Property Taxation, Urban Heat Island (UHI) Phenomenon

Education:

• Master of Science in Urban Strategies, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
• Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor in Development Management, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

Project Officer

Angelo provides support in several of ICLEI Southeast Asia's initiatives, including projects on active mobility, GHG emissions inventories, the One Planet City Challenge (OPCC), the CDP-ICLEI Track, and more, where he assists in logistics, communications, and project management with partner cities and organizations. Along with his current responsibilities, he has previous experience on low-emission urban planning, conducting research such as carbon sequestration studies on urban forests within the Ateneo University campus. He has also previously served in non-governmental organizations specializing in disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptations, and science communications, namely the Coastal Cities at Risk in the Philippines Project (CCARPH) and the Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (KPNE). He is committed to furthering climate action advocacy.

Areas of Expertise: Environmental Science Communications, Sustainability and Low-emissions Strategies, Research, Urban Planning, Climate Action

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

Project Officer

L has been involved in the development sector for nearly a decade. Before joining ICLEI, she worked with national government agencies in implementing development programs and projects focusing on tourism development and biodiversity conservation. She also monitored and evaluated foreign-funded projects related to coastal and marine biodiversity. As a licensed Environmental Planner, she has been part of technical teams in formulating development plans and policies for both the public and private sector. With her background in tourism development planning, she tries to bridge the gap between the languages of economics, environmentalism, and social justice. As an advocate of sustainability, she believes that development should be able to grow the
economy, distribute the growth fairly, while protecting the environment.

Areas of Expertise: Local development planning, tourism planning

Education:

• Masters in Urban and Regional Planning, University of the Philippines-Diliman
  (ongoing)
• Bachelor of Science in Tourism, University of the Philippines-Diliman

Project Assistant

Renee provides assistance in maintaining project documentation, coordinating logistical operations, ensuring the quality of project deliverables, and conducting research for various ICLEI initiatives. Previously, she held the role of Environmental Specialist at a consulting firm specializing in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for energy projects. As a Registered Environmental Impact Assessment Preparer, she possesses knowledge of EIA methodologies, particularly in integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) considerations into the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS). Renee's skills extend to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), fieldwork research, and hazard risk assessments. Additionally, her proficiency with various fieldwork tools, including the EPAM 5000, Sound Level Meter, and Ph Meter, facilitates precise data collection.

Areas of Expertise: Environmental Impact Assessment, Geographic Information Systems, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation

Education:

• Master of Science in Environmental Management and Studies (ongoing), Miriam College, Philippines
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning, Miriam College, Philippines

Project Assistant

Gab pursues his passion for development work by finding his own personal way to contribute positively to society, in whatever field or role he is in. Before joining the ICLEI team, he garnered experience in supporting projects connecting and capacitating Persons with Disabilities to pursue employment or entrepreneurship opportunities. He has also been both a Project Manager and a member of a student-led environmental organization in college, tackling the issue of water security in Metro Manila and surrounding cities. Some of the other advocacies closest to his heart would be Disability Rights and Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, Indigenous Peoples and Lands, Mental Health, and Child Protection, among others.

Areas of Expertise: Project Planning and Management, Stakeholder Coordination, Sustainable Development, Capacity Building, Disability Rights and Inclusion, Disaster Risk Reduction, Digital and Film Photography

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Major in Development Studies, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

Communications Head

Chris specializes in various facets of marketing and communications, including campaign planning, creative execution, strategic rollout, and everything in between.

He started his career as a technology and business journalist, writing about consumer and green technologies for a Philippine-based tech lifestyle magazine and various Southeast Asian business magazines. His work in the development sector includes being a training assistant for a leadership training program for students around the Philippines.

Most recently, he served in the marketing and communications office of one of the top engineering schools in the Philippines. In addition to his social media management role, he also wrote speeches for the school’s executives; created feature stories for the school’s applied research projects; led production and served as quality control for internal and external communication materials; and led the development of institutional marketing strategies.

At ICLEI, Chris is at the helm of communications and advocacy and also leads the Secretariat’s partnership and networking activities.

Areas of expertise: marketing, branding, social media management, communications, creatives, writing, publication, sound recording, photography, videography, directing, audiovisual post-production

Education:

• Master of Arts in Communication (ongoing), University of the Philippines - Diliman
• Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communication, University of the Philippines - Diliman

Communications Assistant

Jameela previously worked as the editorial assistant of Silliman University's information office from 2018 to 2023, producing written and visual content to promote their programs, partnerships, community engagement activities, and environmental initiatives on print and digital platforms.

During her internship at CDN Digital (formerly Cebu Daily News), she was assigned to write news about the Cebu City local government. She was also an intern at Tripleshot Media, Inc. where she assisted in the production of Green Living, an environmental lifestyle show aired on ANC.

She was a fellow of the Impact Fellowship Programme of Devcurate, in partnership with the Asia Development Bank’s (ADB) Youth for Asia. She was part of a team of three that won the Programme’s Impact Challenge, a pitching competition on innovative solutions to address Sustainable Development Goals. As a fellow, she also organized and facilitated career development workshops for the youth.

Areas of expertise: writing, copyediting, public relations, social media management, visual content production, photography, videography

Education:

• Bachelor of Mass Communication, Major in Broadcasting, Silliman University, Philippines

Accounting Assistant

Jeng underwent systematic capacity building and mentoring on financial and administrative management organized by her previous organizations, partner NGOs, and funding partners. At ICLEI, Jeng supports the Administrative and Finance Officer in all financial matters of the organization.

Country Manager

Arif has worked on environmental and climate-related issues at the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF) since 2004, with his most recent position being a Policy Analyst on Climate Change Adaptation in 2021-2022. He conducted policy assessments and provided policy briefs on climate change and development. He also served as the Deputy Director for Climate Change Adaptation at MoEF from 2013-2021. His work experience includes the development and promotion of climate change adaptation (CCA) policy and its implementation, such as providing technical guidelines for mainstreaming CCA into development at the national and sub-national levels.

He contributed for a number of publications, including the Roadmap of NDC Adaptation 2021-2030, Climate Outlook 2030 Indonesia, SIDIK – Information system of Climate Change Vulnerability Index, and The State of Indonesia’s Forest 2020, among others.

Education:

• B.Sc in Chemical Engineering, University of Diponegoro, Indonesia
• M.Sc in Environmental Pollution Control, University of Leeds, UK

Senior Project Officer

Selamet has nearly 15 years of experience in advocating environmental conservation and climate change in urban areas, focusing on air quality issues, waste management, green open spaces, and sustainable transportation. He served as the Director of the Indonesian Forum for Environment, Jakarta Region from 2000-2009. He was heavily involved in passing the legislation for waste management in Indonesia. Due to his efforts, he was appointed as the members of the Board of Directors and Considerations of National Waste Management. The board's task is to give advise and input to the Minister of Environment and Forestry for waste management programs implemented in Indonesia.

He joined ICLEI in 2015, handling climate change adaptation and mitigation projects. He was the lead for the ACCCRN (Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network) in 10 cities and OPCC (One Planet City Challenge; was Earth Hour City Challenge) project since 2016. At the moment, he is supporting the implementation of the Ambitious City Promises program, working with DKI Jakarta (national capital), Bekasi, and Tangerang City.

Areas of Expertise: climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency, waste management, local government, community engagement, climate advocacy

Education:

• BSc in Syariah Law (UIN Syarif in Hidayatullah, Indonesia)
• Social Capacity Development and Environment Management and Policy Evaluation Training (Hiroshima University, Japan)

Project Officer – 100% Renewable Energy

Siti Koiromah has 5 years of experience in the renewable energy sector including solar PV development, policy, and technology analysis. She started her career as a Renewable Energy facilitator at Patriot Energi, a rural electrification program under the Indonesia Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Prior to ICLEI, she was a researcher at Coaction Indonesia and was involved in various projects and publications: Energy Transition, Clean Transportation - Biofuel and Electric Vehicle, skills analysis in the electricity sector, GHG calculation in sub- national level, Green Jobs, and supporting Low Emission Transportation on the MRT Jakarta, among others. She also was a part-time lecturer in the Engineering Physics department at Multimedia Nusantara University. Currently, she supports ICLEI Indonesia in the 100% Renewable Energy project. 

Areas of Expertise: Renewable Energy, Energy Policy, Energy Security, Clean Transportation, Green Economy, and Green Jobs.

Education:

• Bachelor in Engineering Physics, Gadjah Mada University
• Master in Energy Security, Indonesian Defence University

Project Assistant – Safe and Sound Cities (S²Cities) Programme

Aree has plenty of experience working with non-profits and advocacy organizations, through which he became a progressive organizer well-versed in social and environmental campaigns. He specializes in campaigns and youth movements, assisting in community development activities to recruit, coordinate, engage, and mobilize stakeholders towards action.

In ICLEI, Aree focuses on implementing and monitoring the Safe and Sound Cities (S²Cities) Programme implementation in Bandung City. S²Cities aims to improve young people’s safety and well-being in urban environments.

Areas of Expertise: Campaign Management related to the Ocean and Climate Crises, Youth Engagement, and Community Mobilization

Education:

• Bachelor in Art and Pedagogy, University of Muhammadiyah

National Coordinator – Urban Shift Project

Medhiansyah has been working as an urban regional planning specialist, urban designer, and researcher, focusing on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation issues for the last five years. Previously, he was a program officer in Disaster and Climate Resilience Cluster in Resilience Development Initiative and has worked together with various international and national institutions such as UNDP, UNICEF, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) Japan, Wahana Visi Indonesia, Global Network of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), Oxfam, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, and more. He specialized in several topics such as social protection, nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure, risk governance, and transboundary hazards. Besides his professional activities, he actively engages in academic activities and community empowerment at the Tunas Nusa Foundation.

Areas of Expertise: Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation, Community Resilience, Adaptive Social Protection, Disaster Displacement, Inclusive Humanitarian Response

Education:

• Bachelor in Urban and Regional Planning, Sepuluh November Institute of Technology
•  Master in Urban Design, Bandung Institute of Technology

Project Officer – Urban Article 6 Pilot

Femme has over five years of research and practical experience across a broad range of fields, specifically in law, economics, and environmental studies. Prior to joining the ICLEI Indonesia Office, Femme worked as a Research Consultant for the World Resources Institute Indonesia, where she conducted in-depth research on social protection schemes that benefit nature, climate, and communities in Indonesian Papua. Since 2021, Femme has published several knowledge products and presented her research at various international conferences, including the International Conference for Ecological Economics in Colombia in October 2023; the Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) Congress at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia in September 2022; and the Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA) conference on Social Justice in Pandemic Times at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, in July 2022.

Areas of Expertise: Laws, Climate Finance, Social Protection, and Sustainable Development.

Education:

• Bachelor of Laws (S.H.), Universitas Gadjah Mada
• Master of Laws (LL.M), The University of Edinburgh

Membership and Communications Officer

Juniarti Elisabeth supports the membership governance and communication aspects of current projects at the ICLEI Indonesia office. Formerly working in the private sector as a marketing communicator, she was responsible for managing communication outputs, CSR projects, and campaigns activities of the company. After participating as one of the Indonesian delegates for the Asian Student Environmental Platform (ASEP) Japan in 2016, she was inspired to work in the environmental field and contribute to society. She heartily believes in the mission and long-term vision of sustainable urban development accelerated by ICLEI.

Area of expertise: copywriting, communication, social media strategy, digital marketing,
qualitative research, SEO writing.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies, University of Indonesia

Finance and Operation Officer

Hikmatul P Pasaribu is a Finance and Operation Assistant, with a background in finance and administrative management. Prior to joining ICLEI, she has worked with various international Non-Governmental Organizations to support finance and administration in the organization. Joining ICLEI Indonesia in 2017, Hikmatul is responsible for accounting and finance records, assisting in the preparation and monitoring of ICLEI Indonesia Office budget, and drafting financial statements and reports. She also provides support to the Project Management Team.

Areas of Expertise: administration, finance, book-keeping,

Education:

• Bachelor of Agribusiness (University of North Sumatera, Indonesia)

Administrative Assistant

Marwan fell in love with the environment when he became part of an organization focusing on peat restoration.

Education:

• Bachelor of Computer Science, Telematics Cakrawala School of Technology, Indonesia