Yehlen Benedicto

Yehlen has worked in different international development NGO since 2009 in providing assistance on procurement and logistics. She’s a hardworking and versatile team member with reliable organizational skills and thorough knowledge of corporate policies and procedures.

Archie started his environmental activism in 2005 as a direct dialogue campaigner in an environmental and protest organization. He has a background in history and occupational therapy. Prior to going GAIA, he worked as community organizer in an inclusive community-based disaster risk reduction and management project of a faith-based organization in the Philippines. 

Arpita is the Plastic Policy Officer for the Asia Pacific region. Her work focuses on strengthening the capacity and engagement of members in Global and national advocacy work towards plastic production caps, advancing Zero Waste policies, just transition for waste pickers and workers, and phasing out false solutions. Since 2012, she has worked across international and Indian organizations leading public mobilization, advocacy, and movement-building campaigns and programs across diverse issues including clean energy, sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient cities, gender justice, and plastics.

Belmiro graduated from Udayana University in Bali with a degree in Archaeology. Belmiro put his interest in environmental issues in 2019 when there was a subject named environmental archeology. In the middle of his study, he worked as a host for one of the popular TV programs in Indonesia called Insert, which produced infotainment about the celebrity world. Before joining GAIA, Belmiro worked at Nexus3 Foundation as a Communication Officer. He wants to use digital platforms to increase public awareness about environmental issues.

Leo has more than three years of work experience in quantitative and qualitative research, project management, and stakeholder coordination. They have published journal articles, book chapters, and policy notes on a wide range of topics including political dynasties, Philippine politics, inclusive growth, environmental cooperation, and fertility. They completed their undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman and are currently completing their master’s degree in Demography at the same university. They are part of several youth-led environmental organizations in the Philippines.

Raimiel is GAIA Asia Pacific’s Organizational Development and Human Resources Officer. His academic background is in Psychology, and has been working in Human Resources for the past five years. He has previously been involved in the Philippine Government’s Higher Education sector and has helped in delivering a few of its key programs for ensuring access to education. He strongly believes in community involvement in inspiring social change, and the role of Civil Society Organizations in this endeavor. 

Ambily is a sustainability practitioner with deep interest in solving local environmental issues. She actively works towards improving her city’s waste management practices through behavioural change and community engagement model. She is experienced in program strategy & delivery, research and program led advocacy across development and waste management sector.

Dan carries almost 30 years of experience in communications work, from media publishing to marketing to web content writing, and as the Campaigns Coordinator of other non-government organisations. His traditional and modern approach to comms work is a solid support to GAIA AP campaigns.

He has been active in movements and campaigns related to the environment and toxics since 1991. He entered the realm of environmental activism by organizing environmental education programs for schools in Kerala. He is one of the pioneers of the zero waste movement in India and led the zero waste campaigns and programs for Thanal — one of the oldest environmental organizations in South India. His expertise is in organics management, designing and developing zero-waste systems at the community level, and strategizing zero waste programs and campaigns.