OUR TEAM

Tejinder Virk

Tejinder Virk is the CEO of Ostrom Climate Solutions, based in London, UK. He leads the organization by working closely with key final emitter stakeholders and the company’s in-house team of technical carbon experts. Tejinder began his career in investment banking, spending 15 years at BMO Capital Markets, where he served as Managing Director, focused on a broad range of sectors including Renewables (Wind, Hydro, Solar), Commodities (Agriculture, Critical Metals, Energy, Forestry, Precious Metals), Technology (AI, Internet, Software, Blockchain), Consumer Goods, Retail, and Biotech. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in more than 100 IPOs and follow-on capital raises and earned top rankings in the Global Equities category by the prestigious Thomson Reuters Extel survey – over multiple years.

In the past 5 years, Tejinder has founded and held executive positions at multiple fast-growing global companies. He has built a reputation for driving industry-leading innovation, successfully executing cross-border M&A, raising funds for both mature businesses and start-ups, launching products in B2B and B2C markets, regulatory advancements, e-commerce expansions, and the establishment of supply chains on every continent. He received a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Tejinder is also the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of NLX Capital, a firm focused on climate finance and sustainability-focused venture capital. He sits on the Advisory Board of ArcStone Securities & Investment Corp, which recently acquired New York-based, FINRA-registered broker-dealer Arcview Capital LLC.

Colin Haddock

Colin currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer at RC Morris Capital, an alternative asset management firm focused on private credit. He brings over 16 years of experience in financial management and operations across various industries to his role.

Paula Cabral Achilles

Rosita Morandin

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Rosita worked primarily with start-up companies in emerging markets, managing their finances, accounting, and financial reporting. She has almost 20 years of accounting experience and she continues to build on her strengths to develop the balance, accuracy, and consistency required in her accounting and financial leadership role. Her role as CFO is primarily focused on public financial statement reporting, internal controls, and continuously improving systems and processes within the company. She also holds the position of Corporate Secretary.

Rosita has a B.B.A. and (after taking some time off to become the proud mother of twins) will soon complete her CPA designation.

Kellayna Weinberger

Kellayna brings 14 years of experience in financial accounting, and preparation of IFRS compliant financial statements for both public and private multi-entity, and multi-national organizations in various industries. Kellayna has managed internal and external reporting for her previous clients at two Vancouver-based accounting firms specializing in outsourced accounting and CFO services and guiding the process of taking private companies public.

She is intimately familiar with process improvement for new public companies requiring assistance in bringing their reporting structure into compliance with IFRS and managing the annual audit process so management can focus on executing their business plans.

As Ostrom Climate’s operations scale up, Kellayna is committed to streamlining reporting processes to support strategic decision making in order to increase shareholder value.

Kellayna holds her CPA, CGA accounting designation, and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University.

Dawn Hancock

Dawn manages all aspects of our voluntary-market client relationships. Dawn ensures that our team is meeting each clients’ needs and expectations on a timely basis. She is passionate about helping clients be more effective and productive in achieving their sustainability goals.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Dawn helped to plan the GLOBE Latin America 2011 conference. She also managed the administration team at SLR Consulting, a Canadian environmental consultancy. Before that, she managed the database department for a software company for the financial industry—where she helped design software that automated previously manual processes—ensuring accuracy and consistency in individuals’ financial portfolios.

Dawn holds a B.A. Honours degree in English Language & Literature and was certified as a Sustainability Professional by the Canadian Professional Sustainability Institute in 2011.

Sarah van Waterschoot

As Marketing & Client Engagement Coordinator, Sarah is passionate about helping individuals and companies manage their carbon emissions. She is responsible for supporting the Director of Sales & Marketing by ensuring a timely turnaround of client requests. She also maintains Ostrom Climate’s online presence to drive client engagement and revenue growth.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Sarah worked as a Digital Marketing Manager for an Ontario-based startup where she cultivated a strong understanding of digital trends in the development of strategic marketing campaigns. She also worked as a pro-bono consultant with an NHL team, developing innovative plans for the team’s training center. Throughout university, Sarah had the chance to plant over 250,000 trees in Alberta and Manitoba, an experience that fueled her enthusiasm for climate action, conservation, and sustainable business.

Sarah holds an Honours Business Administration degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business and a B.A. in Kinesiology, Sports Management from Western University.

Jack Mann

Jack supports clients with GHG inventory management processes, data analysis, accounting, and reporting. In his previous role, his focus was GHG analyses, reduction strategies, and decarbonization of infrastructure projects within the built environment. He has experience consulting on sustainability strategies, implementing and developing Net Zero targets, Science Based Targets (STBi), as well as GHG reduction targets. He is proficient in research and ensuring that companies comply with governmental policy and legislation. Jack holds an MSc in Environmental Science and Management, as well as a BSc in Environmental Geography from the University of York in England.

Romilly Cavanaugh

Romilly manages corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, GHG reduction initiatives, climate change risk assessment, and adaptation plans, product life cycle studies, water footprinting, and sustainability programs. She has been an environmental engineer for more than 30 years and has managed over 100 projects, working with companies such as Ballard Power Systems, lululemon, Harbour Air, Canfor Corporation, and Colliers International.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Romilly provided a variety of consulting services to companies including environmental impact assessments, construction planning, and monitoring, government reporting, and environmental training. She has also completed environment, health and safety audits for Fortune 500 companies including Levi Strauss & Co, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, and NCR Corporation.

Romilly has an M.A. in Sustainability and Environmental Management from Harvard University, where she received the Dean’s List Academic Achievement Award. She is also the recipient of the Fellow of Engineers Canada award for exceptional contributions to the profession of engineering and was the first Canadian to obtain professional accreditation in the field of ecology through the Canada Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

Antonio Monisit

Antonio brings over a decade of expertise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions quantification, specializing in the application of the GHG Protocol and sustainability frameworks. At Ostrom Climate, he partners with clients to develop and maintain corporate GHG inventories, advancing emission reduction initiatives and sustainability programs.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Antonio consulted multinational companies on sustainability disclosures, focusing on GHG emissions, water use and wastewater generation, and waste accounting. Previously, as an environmental regulator in the Philippines, he collaborated with diverse industries and stakeholders to achieve effective pollution control and waste management.

Antonio holds a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Philippines Diliman and pursued advanced studies in Environmental Studies at the University of the Philippines Cebu. He is also an FSA Credential Holder with the IFRS Foundation.

Jack Satzewich

Jack is responsible for supporting the Domestic Land Use team from project planning stages to final verification. He works with a diverse group of clients across Canada to reach regulatory and voluntary climate goals. Jack applies a low carbon resilience lens to his work, acknowledging the necessity to address greenhouse gas emissions and reduce vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change.

Jack has experience working in silviculture (Alberta and Ontario), academia, not-for-profit and, municipal governments. He has a B.A. and a Master of Resource Management degree from Simon Fraser University. Jack understands that it is a privilege to live, work and play on the unceded traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Francois du Toit

As the Technical Carbon Manager, Francois provides technical guidance and assists in reviewing and refining assumptions and outputs related to carbon quantification. He contributes to QA/QC processes, project reports, and provides geospatial and carbon quantification support. With a PhD in remote sensing of forests, Francois has experience in leveraging LiDAR and satellite-derived data to analyze forest attributes, growth patterns, and carbon dynamics. His expertise includes applying process-based models to optimize carbon sequestration, creating reproducible workflows, and developing innovative metrics for forest management and genetic improvement applications.

Craig Moore

Craig is responsible for supporting the Domestic Land Use team in the design, risk assessment and implementation of multi-stakeholder emissions reduction land-use projects across Canada. He works with clients from diverse backgrounds to ensure that these projects meet the necessary and relevant standards, including the Verified Carbon Standard and the American Carbon Registry Standard. Craig understands the importance of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and is determined to play his part in helping reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Craig’s previous experience includes a research intern position with the International Rice Research Institute in Vietnam where he worked with a team of scientists on a project that assessed the impacts of climatic variability on the maize crop in agricultural areas of Vietnam, and most recently as an environmental technician in Vancouver, Canada. He holds a B.A. and a M.Sc. in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security from the University of Galway in Ireland.

Pramila Khatri Chhetri

Pramila supports Ostrom Climate’s project development, validation and verification through forest carbon quantification, growth and yield modelling and geospatial analysis. She holds a Ph.D. in Forestry from the University of British Columbia. She did research about forest carbon modelling and its applications.

Loni Pierce

As a Qualitative Land Use Analyst, Loni supports the development of land-use carbon projects in North America through work in project design, social and biodiversity impact assessments, feasibility studies, and the creation of informational material around the carbon marketplace.

Loni has both public and private sector experience tied to her forestry and communications background. Over many years in public service, she worked on multiple files, including forest carbon and biomass. During this time, she was on a team that created a provincial Forest Carbon Policy, with one of her responsibilities being stakeholder and Indigenous engagement. In the private sector, Loni’s tasks often included research, development, and due diligence for clients and projects linked to the voluntary carbon market. While she worked on various project types, her focus remains on nature-based solutions.

Loni holds a Diploma in Forest Resources Technology from Vancouver Island University, and a BPA in Communication Studies from Athabasca University.

Gurveen Arora

As a Forest Carbon Analyst, Gurveen is responsible for supporting her team in geospatial mapping, growth and yield modelling in carbon accounting for sustainable forest management and climate action. She holds a PhD in forestry from the Forest Research Institute in India. She has also pursued a Master of International Forestry from UBC to gain exposure to global forest issues and natural resource management.

Gurveen has experience in the development and Measurement, Reporting, and Verification of REDD+ projects. She is professionally trained in GHG emission estimates from forest and other land use-related emissions and removal sources from the GHG Management Institute and the UNFCCC-GIR Programme. In her free time, she loves to explore new places and culture.

Kris Chen

As a Forest Carbon Analyst at Ostrom Climate, Kris Chen applies his expertise in carbon accounting to support sustainable land use initiatives. His work involves detailed spatial analysis and growth modeling, essential for the development and verification of carbon projects that aim to bolster sustainable forestry and climate action.

Kris holds a B.Sc. in Natural Resources Conservation and an M.Sc. in Sustainable Forest Management from the University of British Columbia. His practical experience is highlighted by his key role in developing the Forest Carbon Management Plan for the Ulkatcho First Nation in BC, underscoring his commitment to improving carbon stocks and aiding community-focused forest management objectives.

Matt Walker

Matt supports the Domestic Land Use team in the development of land use carbon projects across Canada. He works with diverse clients to promote climate action by supporting on feasibility studies and various aspects of project development.

Matt has experience in environmental consulting, including projects related to fisheries, water quality, conservation, resource mapping, and corporate sustainability planning. He is passionate about sustainability and aligning incentive structures to reduce social and environmental impacts. Matt holds a B.Env.Sc. from the University of Manitoba and an MBA in Sustainable Innovation from the University of Victoria. Matt recognizes the privilege to live, work and play on the unceded traditional territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples (Songhees and Esquimalt Nations).

Chloe Papalazarou

Chloe is responsible for the methodology compliance, quantitative analysis and technical documentation of the UPRIIS Climate-Smart Rice project in collaboration with the Carbon Project Development team in the Philippines. Her responsibilities include supporting project management, qualitative and quantitative analysis, process documentation and technical writing, and leading the working group for project registration.

Chloe has a BSc. in Medical Physics from the University of Guelph and an MSc. in Geography from Simon Fraser University where she researched differences in carbon dioxide removal scenarios using Earth Systems Models. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Forest Carbon Management from UBC. Prior to joining Ostrom Climate, she worked for various companies gaining skills in remote sensing, climate change and nature-based solutions. Her previous work experience includes her role as a Data Scientist for Sparkgeo, where she worked on a variety of projects honing skills in geospatial data management and remote sensing. She also has experience as a Forest Carbon Analyst for the Verified Science team at Pachama, where she developed further knowledge of forest carbon projects, technical writing and quantitative analysis of forest carbon data.

Ruben Miranda

Evangeline Sibayan

Artemio Vasallo

Anita Antonio

Lea S. Caguiat

Lea is part of the research team responsible for quantifying GHG emissions in rice fields which will allow farmers in the Philippines to access carbon finance from Emission Reductions through practice and adoption of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology. She supports in monitoring, consolidation, and analysis of field data in the sample fields based on work plans, schedules, and research protocols. She works directly with the farmer cooperators of the project to ensure all crop management practices in rice cultivation are well-coordinated.

Before working with Ostrom Climate, Lea worked as a Science Research Specialist at the Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division of the Philippine Research Institute where she worked on research projects related to land and water management, irrigation and drainage design, and farm mechanization. She previously worked in the academe where she taught Meteorology and Environmental Science courses to undergraduate students. While in CLSU, she collaborated in research and extension projects related to meteorology, gender-sensitive climate change action plans, disaster risk reduction and management, and greenhouse gas inventory. She earned her master’s degree in Agrometeorology from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños and received her undergraduate degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from Central Luzon State University. Lea is a professional Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer registered and duly licensed by the Board of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and the Professional Regulation Commission of the Republic of the Philippines.

Leo Q. Diaz

Leo co-leads the measurement of GHG emissions in rice fields under the Climate-Smart Rice Project in the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems.

His responsibilities include installing research set-ups in farmers’ fields and supervising farming activities for farmer cooperators participating in the GHG measurement study. He also monitors the compliance of AWD adopters enrolled in various AWD Field Schools and contributes to the development of the AWD Field School Curriculum.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Leo gained valuable experience in the Research and Development Sector of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). As a researcher, he focused on developing sustainable rice straw management practices and technologies for food, feed, and bioenergy in the Philippines. He also worked on strengthening the capacity of Local Government Units to address rice yield gaps in Central Luzon. Leo actively participated in various rice extension and training programs aimed at improving production and increasing income for Filipino rice farmers.

This cat and dog-lover enjoys doing volunteer services for the local Indigenous communities. He holds a B.Sc. degree in Agricultural Engineering and is a licensed Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer.

Richard D. Fronda

Richard, also known as Chad, plays a key role in assisting with the implementation of the GHG measurement study under the project. He co-supervises soil sampling, sample preparation, and processing activities, and leads the weekly gas sampling and collection of field data. Additionally, he monitors farmers’ adoption and compliance with AWD practices at the Alternate Wetting and Drying Field School.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Richard worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector, ensuring the consistency of rice and palay quality and implementing programs and policies compliant with FSSC 2200, Halal, and ISO standards. His Bachelor’s degree is in Agriculture Science Major in Soil Science

Jhyt D. Dorado

Passionate about technology and creativity, Jhyt Dorado excels in both technical and artistic realms. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for problem-solving, Jhyt specializes in IT solutions at Ostrom Climate Solutions Inc. Beyond IT, Jhyt’s interests include video and photo editing, photography, and technical troubleshooting.

Jhyt brings a wealth of experience to the table, having successfully led teams in various capacities. From supervising logistics operations and monitoring databases to overseeing census projects and managing a small T-shirt designing and printing business, Jhyt’s leadership skills and diverse skill set set them apart.

With a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Jhyt Dorado continues to make significant contributions in both the IT industry and the creative sphere.

Francis C. Hizole

Francis works for the CASSAMMFVRROST Irrigators Association under NIA-UPRIIS Division VI as the Rice Specialist. With assistance from the SWRFT and AEW, his team organizes farmers, conducting Field School Trainings that teach high-yielding technologies and implement the technology of alternate wetting and drying. This straightforward technique lowers the amount of methane gas released during rice farming while also saving irrigation water.

Francis became a new member of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers in 2023 after earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and biosystems engineering. He works on computer-aided mapping, or parcel mapping, using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) during his on-the-job training in college.

Joseph C. Velasquez

Joseph (Jcov) is responsible for providing farmer advisory services related to rice production and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Field Schools. He facilitates AWD Field Schools for the covered Irrigator’s Associations (IA) under the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) UPRIIS Climate-Smart Rice project and serves as a subject matter specialist. Additionally, Joseph conducts AWD Technology Briefings for the Turn out Service Area Group (TSAG) and in all covered barangays of the Irrigators’ Association. He also assists other Training Teams/Rice Specialists in facilitating AWD farmers’ classes in various Irrigators’ Associations under the UPRIIS AWD project. Moreover, Joseph contributes to the development of a modified AWD field school curriculum aligned with Climate-Smart Rice Production. He assists in preparing schedules and implementing project activities and events in chronological order, ensuring that all farmer beneficiaries enrolled in the project have complete baseline information, including farming practices.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Joseph gained valuable experience working in the Provincial Agriculturist’s office. His journey to Ostrom Climate began when he was sent to attend a seminar, where he recognized the significant benefits of the project. This realization inspired him to apply as a rice specialist within the organization. Joseph is a graduate of Central Luzon State University, holding a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering. In his leisure time, he finds joy in petting his dogs, exploring new destinations through travel, and engaging in basketball games.

Joshua Emmanuel Castillo

Joshua (Joem) has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental responsibility by implementing sustainable practices, providing farmer advisory services related to rice production, and promoting Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving water productivity without affecting rice yield. He leads AWD field schools at LURIMADEL and PLAMABOS Irrigators Association under NIA-UPRIIS DIV 2. He facilitates farmers’ classes and assists in preparing schedules for project activities and events, submitting periodic reports and monthly accomplishment reports indicating challenges and actions taken.

Prior to joining Ostrom Climate, he served as an RSBSA Geo-referencing field assistant at the Department of Agriculture Region III. He was responsible for field area validation, where he successfully demonstrated strong socialization skills, specifically with farmers. He holds a B.S. degree in Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering from Central Luzon State University.

Isagani P. Pineda

Isagani currently works as a senior rice specialist with Ostrom Climate on the project “The Climate Smart Rice Project in the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System,” aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions (ERs) in rice production in central Luzon, Philippines. His primary responsibility is to provide rigorous training to farmers and farmer groups in the adoption of AWD technology.

His work experience and accomplishments include working as a Science Research Specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute, where he contributed to the development of cost-effective rice production technology in mechanically transplanted and direct-seeded rice systems, as well as water-saving rice production technology such as alternate wetting and drying and drip-irrigated aerobic rice systems. He also worked at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on the project Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Agriculture in the most vulnerable region in southern Luzon.

He holds a B.S. Degree in Agricultural Extension Education and is a licensed professional Agriculturist. His passions include farming and animal husbandry.

Kenneth N. John Clacio

Ken is responsible for engaging with farmers to explain, promote, and implement alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology, enabling them to understand the benefits of its implementation in their rice fields. One of the key advantages of alternate wetting and drying is the conservation of irrigation water, allowing for rice production without compromising harvest yields, thereby facilitating greater benefits for farmers through water savings. Additionally, Ken emphasizes that adopting alternate wetting and drying practices helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Ken served as a former Farmers Engagement Specialist at Farmers Atlas Marketing Corporation, where he promoted Yara fertilizer to rice, vegetable, and fruit farmers, aiming to encourage them to switch to Yara products from their traditional fertilizers used in every cropping season. He employed various marketing strategies, including caravan zoning, field demonstrations, crop clinics, farmers’ meetings, and video blogs, to effectively promote and boost the sales of Yara fertilizer.

Allen Mae N. Rodolfo

As a Rice Specialist at “The Climate-Smart Rice Project in Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems,” Allen is tasked with facilitating the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Farmer School in her designated Irrigators’ Association. This includes providing advisory services to farmers related to rice production and promoting AWD Technology aimed at reducing water usage by replacing the traditional continuous flooding of rice paddies. The goal is to lower methane production, a major contributor to global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, she worked at the Philippine Rice Research Institute as a Science Research Assistant for three years. Allen’s passion for working with farmers was evident in her actions and interactions. She is also currently a member of the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling and hiking in different places.

Daniel M. Tomas

As Rice Specialist at Ostrom Climate, Daniel is focused on implementing sustainable farming practices and leveraging modern technologies to improve rice production.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Daniel gained valuable experience as a Territory Lead Trainee at Bioseed Research Philippines Inc. for nearly 5 years, honing his sales and marketing skills while contributing to advancements in rice cultivation. Daniel also spent almost 3 years as a Quality Assurance professional at SL Agritech Corporation, ensuring top-notch quality standards for rice products.

During his time in Japan, He worked as a vegetable farmer, expanding his horizons and gaining international perspective on agricultural practices.

With a solid educational background, diverse work experiences, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Daniel is driven to make a positive impact in the agriculture industry.

Juvy Ann Villena-Castillo

Juvy currently serves as a Rice Specialist at Ostrom Climate for the “The Climate Smart Rice Project in the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System.” The project aims to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (ERs) in rice production in Central Luzon, Philippines, while also providing additional income to farmers through carbon finance. Her primary responsibility involves providing advisory services related to rice production and conducting AWD Field Schools for the MAGCABALICATPO Irrigators’ Association (IA).

Before joining Ostrom Climate, she worked at the Philippine Rice Research Institution as a Science Research Specialist. In this role, she conducted technology demonstrations using high-quality inbred seeds and mechanized farming techniques aimed at helping farmers increase their yield while reducing the cost of crop production.

Mariano R. Lager

Mariano (MAC) is a Rice Specialist with Ostrom Climate in the Philippines, working under the project “The Climate Smart-Rice Project in the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System.” His main responsibility is to educate farmers about AWD Technology by conducting AWD FIELD SCHOOLS in the Barangays under the jurisdiction of NIA DIV 5, OSTROM’s project partner. As a Rice Specialist, Mariano ensures that farmers adopt and correctly practice AWD technology, collects necessary documents for farmer participation in the project, and preserves data gathered from farmers for submission to the Ostrom office in the Philippines.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Mariano graduated from Central Luzon State University with a BS in Agriculture, Major in Crop Science, focusing on Rice Production. He gained diverse experience in the agricultural field, starting as a Technical Detailer at VAST AGRO SOL. and later becoming a Sales Representative at Baliwag Marketing. He also worked as a Lettuce Farmer in Japan before returning to the Philippines to work as a Field Technician at SL Agritech Corp. Afterward, he held positions at FARMERS ATLAS MARKETING, starting as a Demand Creation Activity Team member and progressing to Account Developer. He also worked at SYNGENTA PHILIPPINES as a Trade Campaign Associate before being promoted to Territory Sales Supervisor in Pangasinan.

With a total of 10 years of agricultural experience, particularly in rice production, Mariano brings a wealth of expertise to his role as a Rice Specialist.

Rodrigo A. Villota

Rodrigo (Rod) is a Senior Rice Specialist at Ostrom Climate, focusing on the “The Climate Smart Rice Project in the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System” in Central Luzon, Philippines. His main role is to train farmers on adopting Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rice production. As a Rice Specialist, he provides farmer advisory services, facilitates field schools, conducts farmers’ classes, develops AWD curriculum, prepares project schedules, and submits reports.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Rod worked at the Philippine Rice Research Institute, gaining experience in farm operations and machinery testing. He holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Central Luzon State University and is dedicated to continuous learning and professional development. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and watching movies.

Mariel V. Macapulay

Mariel serves as a Rice Specialist/AWD FS Facilitator, responsible for organizing a minimum of 3 field schools on Alternate Wetting and Drying technology and providing recommendations for rice production. Additionally, she ensures the submission of detailed reports, highlighting accomplishments, challenges faced, and actions taken.

During her college years, Mariel held positions as secretary and president of CLSU Green Crusaders, where she gained valuable experience in leading meetings and coordinating activities. Following graduation, she worked as a Science Aide, contributing to field inspections of seed growers and conducting germination analysis. Throughout her 4-year tenure, Mariel actively participated in seminars and training courses focused on varietal identification and rice seed production, enhancing her expertise in the field.

Herbert C. Bautista

Herbert serves as a Rice Specialist and facilitator of Alternate Wetting and Drying Field School at Ostrom Climate, collaborating with the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS), National Irrigation Association (NIA), PhilRice, and DA-LGU to support project implementation. He is responsible for liaising with NIA, SWRFT, IA President, Tsag Chairman, and official barangay representatives to conduct AWDFS for farmers. His duties include discussing project overviews, obtaining Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), implementing Farmer-Group Resource Management (FGRM), conducting Rice Key Checks, and delivering technical briefings on pest and diseases. Herbert also conducts home visitations and gathers data for project documentation, analysis, monitoring, and reporting.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Herbert worked at the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), where he conducted technical briefings on pest and diseases for rice, vegetables, and other crops. He also monitored and validated crop incidences, providing interventions to farmers as needed. Additionally, he served as a crop specialist in a private company, promoting products through farmer meetings and massive demonstrations. Herbert gained international experience as a Landscaper/Gardener in Saudi Arabia for two years, and he worked at Syntech Research as an Assistant Field Biologist, conducting field trials on various crops and supervising field aids in chemical application. He provided accurate trial data and scheduled activities based on protocols.

Benito M. Yacapin

Benito (Ben), currently serves as a senior rice specialist with Ostrom Climate, focusing on the “The Climate Smart Rice Project in the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System” in central Luzon, Philippines. His primary role involves providing rigorous training to farmers and farmer groups on the adoption of AWD technology.

Prior to his current position, Ben gained valuable experience as a Field Technician at SL Agritech Corporation, where he contributed to the development of Hybrid rice production technology, particularly in the SL-7H/SL-9H variety under the Contract Growing division in Mindoro and Nueva Ecija areas. He was also involved in projects focusing on water-saving rice production technologies such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and drip-irrigated aerobic rice systems.

Ben holds a B.S. Degree in Agriculture acquired at Central Luzon State University. His passion lies in continuous learning and striving for success in both his career and personal life.

Yumar B. Mercado

Yumar is a Rice Specialist and Facilitator of the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Field School within the Climate-Smart Rice Project in the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (UPRIIS). With 13 years of experience in the agricultural sector and a master’s degree in Environmental Management focusing on water use and efficiency, he provides farmer advisory services related to rice production and serves as a subject matter specialist during farmers’ classes in various Irrigators’ Associations involved in the UPRIIS AWD project. Additionally, he assists in preparing schedules for project activities, events, technical briefings, MOA signing, launching programs, sectoral meetings, and farmers’ field days to guide project partners.

Prior to joining Ostrom Climate, Yumar worked as a National Consultant at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, under the RCMAS-Philippines project. He also served as a Senior Science Research Specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute, where he led the Support to Training and Dissemination Component of the RCMAS project. In his role as National Data Controller and National Technical Coordinator, he played a key role in project management. Yumar has extensive experience as a rice researcher, establishing trials focused on nutrient management and varietal evaluation. He also served as a Rice Sufficiency Officer, contributing to the dissemination of the PalayCheck System and supporting the Food Staples Sufficiency Program of the Department of Agriculture-Philippines.

Fernando B. Narca Jr.

Fernando is a lead subject matter expert in AWD Field School, overseeing the Irrigator’s Associations in Llanera and parts of San Jose City under the National Irrigation Administration’s UPRIIS Climate-Smart Rice Initiative. He provides technical assistance to covered barangays and Turnout Service Area Groups, contributing ideas to enhance rice production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

With a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Central Luzon State University, Fernando previously worked as a Site Engineer and Safety Officer. He managed day-to-day construction operations and handled personnel payroll, prioritizing transparency and client satisfaction through proactive communication and addressing needs promptly.

Outside of work, Fernando enjoys a balance of leisure activities and hobbies. He unwinds by playing online games and sports, and he has a passion for dancing, which he cultivated during his college days. He also finds joy in walking his dog.

Eugene L. Dingle

Eugene is a dedicated rice specialist focused on providing farmer advisory services related to rice production, with a particular emphasis on water management techniques such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD). He serves as a subject matter specialist during AWD field school classes within his covered Irrigators’ Association as part of the UPRIIS AWD Project. Additionally, Eugene contributes to the development of AWD field school curriculum aligned with Climate-Smart Rice Production principles.

Prior to joining Ostrom Climate, Eugene worked at the Philippine Rice Research Institute as a research specialist. In this role, he was involved in developing and disseminating new rice production technologies across the Philippines. Eugene has extensive experience collaborating with both public and private stakeholders in the fields of science and agriculture, with a particular focus on supporting rice farmers.

Czarina Elemencio

Czarina, also known as Ynna, serves as a Rice Specialist at Ostrom Climate, focusing on “The Climate-Smart Rice Project in the Upper Pampanga River Integrated System” under NIA-UPRIIS Division IV. Her main responsibility involves providing farmer advice on rice production, with a specific emphasis on disseminating alternative wetting and drying technology across various Irrigators’ Associations (IAs).

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Czarina gained valuable experience at Central Luzon State University, where she worked closely with smallholder farmers, particularly those involved in black rice and farmers organizations (AECA). She holds a degree in soil science, and her thesis research was conducted at the University of Miyazaki in Miyazaki, Japan.

Marco Dela Cruz

Marco is actively engaged in working with rice farmers to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. His duties include organizing learning fields for emission reduction technology and facilitating training activities to enhance participants’ knowledge and integration of new technologies in rice farming.

Before joining Ostrom Climate, Marco served as a researcher at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), a leading research institution in the Philippines. In this role, he provided technical guidance and executed engineering designs for rice machine technologies. He managed all aspects of project management, including design generation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and technical assessment of research projects. As an engineer-researcher, Marco contributed to several locally-produced rice machines registered under intellectual property rights. He holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering from Central Luzon State University, Philippines.

Fe Lumawang