Our Team

Aldrin is a biodiversity conservation specialist with more than 20 years of experience on wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, climate change mitigation and adaptation, strategic planning, environmental program design and evaluation, knowledge management, and capacity building. He is the current president of Center for Conservation Innovations.

He was the Country Director (Philippines) for Fauna and Flora International responsible for leading team of 35, managing ca.$1m annual budget, and providing strategic direction of organizations to adopt HCVAs and science-based and evidence-based ecological approach for conservation. He designed and developed Landscapes and Wildlife Indicators (LAWIN) monitoring and management system for USAID’s B+WISER.

He is a prolific researcher and scientific collaborator, publishing more than 30 articles in the past 20; has written seminal and multi-awarded publications that have become the templates for the conservation agenda of the Philippines in the past 15 years such as the Key Conservation Sites of the Philippines, which provides the template for identifying Key Biodiversity Areas in the Philippines (KBA).

Aldrin is also an educator teaching part-time as an Associate Professorial Lecturer at De La Salle University, Manila and a Full Professor at De La Salle University -Dasmarinas.

Mr. Roderick “Ricky” De Castro was the previous Executive Director of TeaM Energy Foundation Inc. (TEFI). In 2004, he joined Team Energy Foundation as the rural electrification program’s Program Manager. He helped implement the Barangay Electrification Assistance for Countryside Development (BEACON) Program in partnership with the Philippine government’s Department of Energy (DoE) and successfully electrified over 300,000 homes in off-grid areas, including the country’s most remote and poorest communities, using power from existing grid lines and solar energy in many cases. This was one of the largest social development projects conducted by a corporate foundation at the time.

He has since gone on to other projects and activities, the most notable of which was the Bridging Leadership Program, a collaboration between Team Energy and the Asian Institute of Management that taught rising leaders in the Bridging Leadership paradigm. As a subject matter expert on community development through sustainable energy and the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility, he has given talks both here and abroad. From 2017 to 2018, Mr. De Castro served as the Chair of the League of Corporate Foundations.

Elma is a certified public accountant, and an active member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) wherein she was awarded the Outstanding CPA in Public Practice for 2010. She is currently Finance Manager of the Center for Conservation Innovations. She helps ensure that the organization achieve its ideals through sound financial reporting and compliance with laws and regulations. She is also an advocate for cooperative movement, a book writer, module developer, and lecturer for Cooperative Accounting and Audit.

Adryon is CCIPH’s operations manager and is a conservation biologist. Her projects are focused on human and wildlife conflicts resolution and habitat loss and degradation in the Philippines. She is also part of the technical team responsible for creating mobile and web-based applications used to establish, measure and monitor forest and wildlife conditions. She graduated with a degree in Biology from St. Scholastica’s College and is currently taking her graduate studies at De La Salle University, Manila.

Adryon loves that her work with CCIPH is very dynamic. She is grateful to have the privilege to work with and meet some “great people of science.” To achieve a reformed environment in the near future, she believes that nations should intensify efforts to safeguard what has left of natural habitats

Known to his colleagues as Dr. O, he devotes his conservation work to geospatial science and technology in finding a range of solutions for geospatial issues; specifically, through geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and digital mapping. He has over 30 years of experience in the application and teaching of cartographic modeling and GIS for: natural resources planning and management; remote sensing applications; biodiversity conservation and monitoring; land use and protected area planning; real estate management; and facilities/utilities management for urban applications. He is involved in geospatial technology applications relevant to climate change policy, forest carbon, site and habitat suitability analysis, terrestrial and marine resources, and ecosystem services.  He leads CCIPH in building a team of specialists focusing on solutions (such as innovative geospatial methods) to challenges to conservation. These innovations, as Dr. O believes, will help catalyze humanity’s positive behavioral change towards conservation.

Jam obtained her bachelor’s degree in Geology at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Marine Science with specialization in marine geology at the marine science institute, University of the Philippines Diliman.

She has worked on different research projects at UP Diliman that involved hazard mapping, geochemical analysis of water and sediment samples, marine geophysical survey and benthic habitat mapping. Her scientific interests concern the study of natural environment using satellite data.

Tin’s Degree in Geography has proven to be of great help in her geospatial work, e.g., previous engagement in disaster risk assessment and mitigation. Her participation in such work helped her gain knowledge and experience in the remote sensing method of using a LiDAR system. Working with CCIPH and believing the organization’s thrust, she is inspired to further hone her knowledge and skills in GIS and remote sensing techniques and profoundly contribute to the environment conservation and protection advocacy. She hopes that in the near future, environment conservation initiatives will be effectively implemented through enhanced support from the government sector.

Dan is a licensed forester working in the industry for almost 3 years. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Forestry, from the Nueva Vizcaya State University Bayombong Campus and he is also pursuing his Master’s degree in Forestry with a cognate in Forest Resource Management from the same university.

He has a solid background in Mapping, Surveying, and Planning. He is committed to ensuring that forest lands are used safely and purposefully. He is a team player who can effectively collaborate with coworkers to devise and implement creative solutions.

Reign’s work focuses mainly on geographic information systems-based applications in forestry and biodiversity. She received her graduate degree in Forestry at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, where she realized the potential and use of geographic data in forest conservation, utilization, management and many other potential utilization She was previously involved in a disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation project in which experienced new spatial data acquisition systems such as LiDAR, which provides a rich information source benefiting different agencies and organizations. Regina loves hiking and enjoys fresh air and beautiful scenery, which she considers great perks that comes with her role in the organization.

JC is the team’s guy when it comes to various GIS-based applications used to identify High Conservation Value Areas (HCVAs) for the conceptualization of species and landscape level interventions. He is adept in ecological niche modelling, species geographic distribution patterns, and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) analysis. He also fulfills the role of the facilitator on GIS trainings conducted with partners to develop local capacity that responds to both local and national needs.

He is also involved in various ecological studies and work with partners in developing monitoring systems using open-source citizen science innovations for biodiversity conservation. He is currently pursuing his post baccalaureate degree in MS Conservation Biology at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas. He earned his degree in BS Biology at the PamantasanngLungsodngMaynila.

According to CJ, his motivation is to work towards a future “where forest loss in the Philippines will decline slowly.”

Audrey is a project manager currently conducting carbon stock assessments in various sites in the Philippines with a team of multidisciplinary specialists. She holds a graduate degree in MSc. Environmental Science and Ecosystem Management and BSc. Legal Management. She worked on the Update of the Philippine National REDD+ Strategy and co-produced a High Conservation Values Assessment in Southwestern Mindanao. Audrey is also an Assistant Professorial Lecturer at De La Salle University-Manila and a part-time faculty at The ONE School and at the SoFA Design Institute. Her research interests include Sustainability, Environmental Science and Policy, Natural Resource Management and Ecosystem Valuation, and Science Education and Communication. A realist, Audrey sees a bleak future for the conservation advocacy movement if we don’t make conservation work today. She believes that it is imperative that we continue to work towards ensuring that we still have a habitable earth for us and the next generation to thrive in, not just survive.

As a research assistant for Center for Conservation Innovations PhInc, James currently conducts carbon stock assessments in various urban forest sites in the Philippines. He recently earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the Ateneo de Manila University. He served as in intern for Environmental Science for Social Change, where has partaken in the creation of a monitoring plan that promotes sustainable practices among its members. He plans to take up his masters in the related field and enrich his research interest in areas such as sustainability, Science Communication, environmental management, System Dynamics Modelling, and climate change.

One thing that James love about his line of work is that he can experience both desk work and fieldwork. He is hopeful that more organizations will have the initiative to incorporate conservation in their structure and practice in the immediate future; and more individuals will sincerely care and do something for the environment.

Jingky is a forester who is part of the CCIPH team conducting carbon stocks assessment in Mindoro and is also involved in the ground validation at Sicogon Island for the ALI Project. In addition, she does ground validation and carbon stock assessment in the various sites of the SIBOL and VAMR.  Her experience in bat survey and identification as well as in fern assessment come in handy in the various tasks assigned to her in the field. Jingky is a Forestry graduate of the Cebu Technological University-Argao Campus.

Julie Ann  is currently part of CCIPH’s Carbon Field Team. She has also taken part in birds and plants assessment in the field. A self-confessed nature lover, she loves adventures and taking pictures of plants and the natural world. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry at the Cebu Technological University Argao Campus.

Ramil is skilled and experienced in cave bats survey, bat identification and even flora identification, which he puts to good use as part of  of CCIPH’s Carbon Field Team. He has another indispensable skill that his team mates should be thankful for: he is also a trained first-responder who has successfully completed Basic Life Support trainings. A graduate of the Cebu Technological University, this avowed nature lover enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping and free diving.

Jen works as a Project Officer specializing in the integrated use of biodiversity assessment techniques for imperfect detection of animals and spatial distribution modeling. Her research interests include conservation management of wildlife populations and landscape ecology to identify remaining suitable habitats of threatened Philippine species. Jen received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology major in Wildlife Biology at University of the Philippines Los Baňos. She is currently taking her Master’s Degree in Biology major in Conservation Biology at De La Salle University, Dasmariňas. She has never been an outdoor kind of gal and saw a very different career track. Fortunately, her curiosity towards toward natural processes, interaction between plants and animals, and their environment led her to working with CCIPH. Jen is a staunch advocate of Citizen Science.

As an aspiring conservation biologist, DeAnne is grateful for the opportunity to enter the real conservation world through CCIPH, alongside a bright and creative team. DeAnne graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and joined CCIPH to pursue a career in conservation. She believes conservation is one of the greatest responsibilities and honors bestowed upon mankind.

DeAnne works with our biodiversity team in developing conservation schemes that involve the High Conservation Value (HCV) Framework, identification of management indicator species, niche modeling, and other relevant ecological concepts in the Philippine setting. 

Her research interests include nocturnal birds of prey and bats of the Philippines. She is also a (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) CMAS and (Philippine Association on Underwater Activities) PAUA-certified scuba diver, recreational powerlifter, nutrition enthusiast, traveler and plantita.

Ruby is one of the team’s Foresters and a research associate. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Southeastern Philippines- Bislig Campus. Her field of expertise is in social forestry – raising forests with the involvement of society. Currently, she is part of the team working on REDD+ projects in Oriental, Mindoro, and Palawan. She is also part of the Philippines Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (SIBOL) Project, assigned explicitly to the Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation studies in its various projects sites conducting Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and Ground Validations.

John Lister is the team’s research associate. He attained his Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology in Tarlac State University.

A true-blue nature lover, he enjoys bird watching, rock climbing, biking, and hiking. In fact, the one thing he really loves about his job is the opportunity to be outdoor almost all the time.

He is optimistic that through the biodiversity conservation movement, the responsible and sustainable use of lands and waters on which all life depend will be put on centerstage. John Lister believes that the future will finally bring a delicate balance of an ecosystem that would ensure population numbers of threatened or endangered species.

Wyne is a Project Officer specializing on the use of High Conservation Value Approach in projects involving the business sectors. He helps identify appropriate strategies and practices that would help businesses mitigate their industrial operation impact to the biodiversity. Specifically, these projects are intended to avoid risks from biodiversity loss and to create opportunities for biodiversity conservation. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Ecology at the University of Southern Mindanao, and is currently taking his Master of Science in Biology at the De La Salle University Dasmariñas.

He values the stories he learns from locals in the field and their perception on the environment. For Wyne, “conservation works in the Philippines is a battle that needs to be fought but few have chosen to fight.” He hopes that this battle will be fought arm in arm not only by conservationists but together with various government institutions and the community.

Lawrence is knowledgeable and experienced in the development of watershed management plan and local stakeholders’ engagement thru community organizing, few years before she joined the Biodiversity Team as a Research Associate.  Her research work and interests are mainly on watershed management, natural resource valuation and environmental impact assessment. Currently, she is part of the team working on REDD+ project in Occidental and Oriental, Mindoro. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management at the Visayas State University-Alangalang in 2009 and is now taking her Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Ecosystem Management at De La Salle University-Manila.

Lawrence loves the opportunity to travel to remote locations and learn on-hand from the fieldwork. She envisions that the “conservation advocacy movement will have an immense transformation as efforts to promote environmental awareness are increasing in all parts of the world.” 

As a research associate for CCIPH, Bea helps explore and develop innovative solutions for the technological advancement of conservation science. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the Ateneo de Manila University and served as an intern for Conservation International Philippines, where she co-wrote a report on Citizen Science assessment and monitoring methodologies for reef, seagrass, and mangrove areas. In her free time, Bea enjoys DIY projects like building birdbaths and mini greenhouses from recycled household materials. And she translates this skill into the testing of possible applications of conservation tools.

In a world where technology is fast progressing, Bea believes that through their work in CCIPH, it is possible to create a future where technology and nature can coexist and even thrive together.

Mary Angela, also known as Mai, is a licensed Forester who graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Her area of expertise is Forest Resource Management primarily in the field of forest biometry. She is currently part of the research team working on REDD+ projects in Palawan, particularly focusing on the study of agents and drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. She is also assisting on the social forestry aspect of the Philippines Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (SIBOL) Activity.

Dennis is a Project Officer focusing on avifaunal, carbon stock and High Conservation Value Area assessments projects. With more than eight years of experience in setting up campsites, establishing transects, identifying species, and monitoring landscapes, Dennis is the organization’s designated Camp Manager and Drone Pilot.