Speakers

Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon is a grassroots environmental champion from Zamboanga Sibugay, whose community-led efforts in coastal regeneration sparked widespread ecological and social transformation. As chair of the fisherfolk organization Kapunungan sa Gagmay’ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC), he led the restoration of over 500 hectares of mangrove forests, reviving marine biodiversity and rebuilding livelihoods for small-scale fishermen.

Awarded the 2021 Ramon Magsaysay Award for his courageous leadership, Ka Dodoy’s work demonstrates how ordinary citizens can cultivate resilience through simple yet powerful environmental action. He pioneered community-based aquasilviculture, sea patrol initiatives, livelihood diversification, and resource co-management with local government agencies

Roberto’s story is firmly rooted in the summit theme — showing how people-powered restoration can bring regeneration not just to ecosystems, but to identities, communities, and food systems across the Philippines.

Chef Laorence Castillo is a food heritage, food bio-diveristy and food sovereignty advocate and has been doing development work for the past decades in the fields of migration, human rights, disaster response and social entrepreneurship. He specializes in Philippine heritage ingredients and cooking techniques, and spearheads collaborative, immersive and transformative food endeavors. He is the co-founder of Gulay Na!, the initiator and organizer of Gulay Pa More fiestas, a celebration of Philippine edible flora in Quezon City, Laguna, Mt. Province and soon in Sorsogon.

Chef Lao, who is more comfortable being called a kusinero, took culinary training at the Center for Culinary Arts. He believes that in order for our heritage food to flourish and survive, people should be active in biodiversity conservation and continue applying indigenous knowledge and practices in food and health.

Sharon Cortez is the founder of Forest School Philippines and a certified Forest School Leader trained under Archimedes (UK). Her work weaves together her love for nature, children, and learning—and her deep belief that resilience starts with play and belonging.

Shawi holds space for children to explore the wild without fear, to climb trees, dig soil, start fires, and figure things out on their own. Through Forest School, she helps young people grow roots—learning to listen to the land, take healthy risks, and trust their inner compass.

She sees nature not as a backdrop, but as co-teacher. And just like in permaculture, she trusts that when conditions are right, life grows beautifully.

At her core, she’s not here to teach about nature—she’s here to help children remember they’re part of it.

Dr. Jabez Flores is an environmental scientist, consultant, and licensed drone pilot specializing in landscape ecology, agroecology, and geographic information systems (GIS). He holds a doctorate in Environmental Science from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, where he has published research on permaculture, biodiversity, and sustainable land use.

As a part-time Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator at the UP Open University, Jabez integrates scientific knowledge with practical applications in agriculture, climate change, and ecosystem restoration.

A former DOST and SEARCA scholar, Jabez is an active member of the International Association of Landscape Ecology (Europe Chapter) and the National Research Council of the Philippines. He was featured in Pinoy Scientists in April 2024 for his contributions to science and sustainability.

Ben Francia is a permaculture designer, educator, and ecological entrepreneur dedicated to building regenerative futures through land-based learning. He is the founder of Habilin Farms in Tayabas, Quezon—a 2.2-hectare permaculture learning site that integrates agroecology, bamboo building, ecological tourism, and cultural preservation.

Through his flagship course, Permaculture Pathways, and community initiatives like Sambat Kulinarya and the Philippine Perma Youth Camp, Ben empowers aspiring farm owners, youth, and changemakers to design resilient systems rooted in Filipino values and ecological ethics.

Known online as “Permaculture Tito,” Ben shares practical and locally grounded insights through blogs, workshops, and videos—making permaculture more accessible to Filipinos from all walks of life. His work bridges ancestral knowledge, regenerative farming, and community resilience, with a deep commitment to Earth care, People care, and Fair share.

Ben believes that permaculture is not just a farming method, but a way of life for healing land, culture, and self.

Nenieveh “Weng” Fortun Glinoga is a permaculture educator and practitioner based in Quezon Province. Trained through the Agricultural Training Institute, she has been instrumental in bringing permaculture principles to smallholder farmers and rural communities in the Philippines.

Through her work with Glinoga Organic Farm and community outreach efforts, Weng helps learners apply permaculture design tools to build resilient, biodiverse, and culturally grounded food systems. Known for her grounded, hands-on teaching style, she translates ecological theory into practical farm planning, water harvesting, and natural farming techniques.

Weng’s approach emphasizes Earth care, community wellbeing, and food sovereignty—together seeding landscapes that regenerate ecosystems and uplift livelihoods. Her story is a compelling testament to how permaculture is actively shaping a regenerative Philippines.

Ethan Hernandez is a licensed forester, educator, and digital content creator who is passionate about making ecological knowledge accessible and engaging to everyday Filipinos. He teaches plant ecophysiology and forestry subjects as an assistant professor, while also creating educational videos that highlight native tree species, forest ecosystems, and sustainable practices rooted in Philippine biodiversity.

Blending scientific insight with approachable storytelling, Ethan uses platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to inspire audiences to care for the land, appreciate our indigenous flora, and adopt regenerative practices in their daily lives. His work bridges the gap between academic ecology and grassroots environmental action, reaching a growing community of learners across the country.

Ethan believes that education should be rooted in place, grounded in science, and amplified through creativity — because understanding nature is the first step to protecting it.

Teza Ramos is a regenerative development practitioner with over a decade of experience in ecosystem restoration, native tree conservation, and community-based climate solutions. As co-founder of Ecoversities PH and the Eastern Visayas Society of Native Tree Conservation, she has helped establish native tree arboreta in schools and championed youth-led ecological restoration efforts across communities.

Her work bridges science, policy, and grassroots action—designing nature-based solutions that integrate biodiversity conservation, food systems, and climate resilience. Teza has collaborated with organizations like GIZ Philippines to promote sustainable public food procurement and regenerative agriculture.

Grounded in ecospirituality, Teza’s approach honors both ecological integrity and cultural wisdom. She is a Wedu Women’s Leadership Awardee, recognized for catalyzing collective power for biodiversity and climate action. Through her work, she inspires a new generation to reconnect with the land, restore ecosystems, and reimagine development rooted in care and regeneration.

Marjorie Riconalla is an entrepreneur and sustainable farm owner with a diverse professional background spanning mental health, property investment, hospitality, and regenerative agriculture. She began her career as an Occupational Therapist, working at the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong before moving to the UK, where she practiced for seven years. In 2004, she transitioned into real estate, studying Property Investment and Management in the UK and founding Home Edge London Limited. Returning to the Philippines in 2008, she established Home Edge Real Estate Corporation and Home Edge Property Leasing and Management Corporation, serving international investors. In 2019, she built and operated La Casa Di Beatrice in Panglao, Bohol. Her journey into sustainability began with a Permaculture Design Course in 2022, leading to the creation of Miranalla Farm in 2024, where she now works full time promoting regenerative farming and eco-tourism.

Prince Arvin Argallon Signo is a dedicated educator, agricultural advocate, and youth leader passionate about empowering the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs. With a background in secondary education and international training in horticulture, he has honed his expertise in organic agriculture, crop production, and agroentrepreneurship. His leadership journey in the 4-H Club of the Philippines highlights his commitment to the agricultural youth sector, serving as Provincial President of Cavite and Regional President of CALABARZON. He has been recognized in agri-innovation pitching competitions, proving his ability to transform ideas into impactful solutions. As a resource speaker, trainer, and mentor, he actively guides young people in adopting sustainable farming practices and entrepreneurial ventures. Driven by his vision for resilient and future-ready youth, Prince Arvin continues to dedicate his skills and leadership to building strong agricultural communities.