On November 8, 2024, the YMCA of the Philippines conducted a significant activity titled “Reorganization of Green Team Philippines and Contingency and Continuity Planning.” This initiative aimed to enhance the organization’s capacity for disaster risk reduction and management, ensuring effective mobilization of resources during critical situations.
The event marked the official reestablishment of the Green Team Philippines, which is dedicated to advancing environmental stewardship, implementing mitigation actions, and enhancing risk management strategies. The gathering was attended by general secretaries from local YMCAs and related staff involved in green programs, emphasizing a collective commitment to sustainability. The proposed structure initially included a Chairperson, Technical Support Team, Resource and Communication Team, and Regional Coordinators. However, based on member recommendations, changes were made. The revised structure includes a Vice Chairperson for the Chairperson, a Chairperson and Co-Chairperson for the Technical Support Team, and Assistant Coordinators for the Regional Coordinators.
Ms. Ianne Christine Aquino and Mr. Jimmy Bacani, former members of the Green Team established in 2019, facilitated the orientation and discussions. Special guests Narupacha and Patcharin joined virtually to show their support as long-time partners in green initiatives. They delivered an encouraging message and expressed their willingness to collaborate. Following this, the nomination and appointment of the YMCA Green Team Philippines members took place.
YMCA Green Team Philippines Composition
Chairperson: Ianne Christine Aquino
Vice Chairperson: Ivory Manio
Resource & Communication
Chair: Venus Mae Alinsud
Co-Chair: Sheena Awatin
Member: Elizabeth Balingan
Technical Support
Chair: Ma. Magda Gana
Co-Chair: Jayson Noga
TS Regional Rep: Jimmy Bacani
Christopher Cudera
Rogelyn Razon
Regional Coordinators: North Luzon Region
South Luzon Region
Manila Bay Region
Visayas Region
Mindanao Region
* Each Coordinator will have an Assistant Coordinator and will assign related staff to ensure continuity if the Coordinator is unavailable.
Following the reorganization of the Green Team, templates for emergency response were presented, including appeal, agreement, and report forms, making the Green Team’s actions more structured and documented. Additionally, the Resource and Communication Team suggested collecting a green fee from attendees at each National Gathering. It was also discussed to propose to the National Board that allocations for an emergency fund be included in the monthly collections of the YMCA of the Philippines, ensuring a dedicated budget for times of crisis. These suggestions will be presented to the Board for further discussion. Another key recommendation was for a collective action on Earth Day, specifically a tree planting initiative where each local YMCA will plant at least 100 trees annually.
Thereafter, the participants engaged in a comprehensive sustainability and resilience workshop with Ms. Rachelle Miranda, DOST Project Development Officer as Resource Person. This workshop provided essential guidelines and strategies to activate their programs effectively, equipping attendees with the tools necessary to implement impactful environmental and risk reduction and management initiatives.
The event concluded with each attendee pledging their commitment to the reorganized national team, reinforcing their dedication to fostering a sustainable and resilient future for the YMCA community and the environment.
