By Aimee Oliveros
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January 25, 2024
You cannot be anything you want to but you can be a lot more of who you already are.”
In my years as a trainer, we always focused on “needs assessment’ and not “strengths assessment.” We often coach the “low performer” and not the “top performer.” We were used to the idea that if we try hard enough, even if at times it breaks us or we lose ourselves, then we can be who we want to be. The road is not going to be easy they say and we either fail or be successful.
The idea of focusing on our strengths, which refer to our passions, talents, and abilities, can be quite intimidating and often builds a layer of vulnerability. Often, we question if we have natural talents, how we can develop our abilities, or if we have the luxury to pursue our passions. When I started my climate journey, it was a huge step outside of my comfort zone, it was outside the knowledge and the skills that I have built for a decade. The idea of relearning and starting again was just overwhelming because I felt that I needed to be this and be that—I was too focused on my weaknesses. But I realized over time that my core, as a human resources professional and a climate advocate, will always be on helping people and building on connectedness. I believe that is one of my strengths and the focus of my intention for 2024.
Setting intentions at the start of the year is a meaningful opportunity not only to establish our connection within ourselves and with others, but also our connection with our only home, the Earth. This quarter, I asked our Climate Reality Leaders in Luzon what their climate intentions are:
“Use music and arts to advocate about the environment; Make environmental initiatives in my family and community; Write and report on the environment (journalism)”
– Mhary Orlaine L. Antonio
“Reduce carbon footprint, go towards a plant-based diet, reduce plastic waste”
– Samantha Geraldine G. De los Santos
“Grow awareness for renewable energy development, advocate for more sustainable transport options, and continue to share the knowledge on climate action”
– Jonas Marie Dumdum
“Learn more about the global updates on biodiversity and climate action, join a tree planting activity, and engage with other climate advocates”
– Rizza Estadola
“Avoid single-use plastics (SUP), support local products, and educate others about climate change”
– Hiasma Gani
“More ethical consumption, less consumerism, plant more”
– Nicole Bernice Limlengco
“Limit carbon footprint, influence students and communities into climate actions”
– McRey Sario
As we take a look at our engagements last quarter, we look back at the different engagements we had with our Climate Reality Leaders and community of climate advocates befor the year 2023 ended.
Last October, we invited advocates to further their knowledge and skills in campaigning towards active and sustainable mobility with the #MoveTogether workshop in Iloilo City. The same month we also presented the results of Bilang Siklista, the citizen-led bicycle count of Mobility Awards. The results presented not only the number and demography of cyclists across 17 participating cities in the country, but also showed the impact of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation. The result of the bicycle count can be used as baseline data in promoting active mobility in their communities.
In November, we were fortunate to take part in VegFest Pilipinas, the biggest vegan festival in Asia. This created a wonderful opportunity to create pathways of engagement and partnership with other environmental and animal welfare advocates. The same month, we also virtually launched Project Niche 3.0, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo and the Rotary Club of Tai Po, to empower and provide opportunities for aspiring climate advocates to develop and implement projects on clean and just energy transition, sustainable urban mobility, zero waste practices and solutions, and food security.
Lastly, in December, we gathered our Climate Reality Leaders nationwide for a year-end celebration of milestones and recognition of their acts of leadership and inspiration in their community.
We would love to hear from you! Do you have any climate questions but are too afraid to ask, or maybe a comment on our monthly column, just email at aimee.oliveros.ph@climatereality.com.
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Aimee is the Luzon Coordinator of The Climate Reality Project Philippines. She is a human resources professional with over 10 years of corporate work experience in different local and multinational industries. With her experience in organizational development, training and employee engagement, Aimee is deeply passionate about promoting learning and wellbeing. She is a Climate Reality Leader having joined the 2020 Global training which solidified her inner passion for community work and service. Being an advocate for the environment, she co-founded RE-Store MNL, a small shop promoting refill and reuse in Paranaque City. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences at the University of the Philippines Baguio.
ABOUT ANG KALUSUNAN
Ang Kalusunan or the “Northern Part” is a space that aims to amplify the climate stories and initiatives of the more than 1,200 Pinoy Climate Reality Leaders in Luzon.
It is one of the regular columns launched by The Climate Reality Project Philippines to elevate the climate discourse and strengthen climate action across all regions in the Philippines.
