A New Milestone in Environmental Leadership: UCP Sheryll Ann Mesina Elected President of ACSMCI

In line with her deep passion for protecting the environment and ensuring that future generations continue to experience the wonders of God’s creation, UCP Sheryll Ann Mesina has taken on another significant responsibility. She has been elected as the President of the ASEAN Carbon Market Sustainability Council, Inc. (ACSMCI)—the first and only council in the Philippines dedicated to guiding and supporting the development and governance of carbon markets within the country and across the ASEAN region.

The ACSMCI is a groundbreaking initiative that unites policy leaders, technical experts, civil society, the private sector, and community organizations, including Rotary Clubs, in leading sustainability efforts in carbon trading and climate finance. This collaboration strengthens the mission of advancing climate solutions through transparency, innovation, and inclusivity.

Leadership and Governance

Alongside UCP Sheryll Ann Mesina as President, the newly elected officers of ACSMCI include:

Chairman: Dr. William D. Dar, Former Secretary of Agriculture, Republic of the Philippines
Secretary: PN Alicia M. Santos, Chairperson, Committee on Science and Technology
Treasurer: UCP Raoul Creencia, Chairperson, Committee on Energy, Transport, and Communication
Public Relations Officer: PE Angelo Vargas, Rotary Club of Aseana Manila, Chairperson, Committee on Livelihood and Industries
Council Members and Committee Chairs include DGN Mache Torres (Cultural Heritage), UCP Allen Rios (RC Bagumbayan, Livelihood and Industries), and UCP Cristina Allada (RC Manila Villamor, Livelihood and Industries).

In close collaboration with the Climate Change Commission, ACSMCI works with Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz, ensuring that its initiatives remain aligned with national climate strategies and global environmental commitments.

Mission and Core Functions

As President, UCP Sheryll Ann Mesina will lead ACSMCI in its mission to:

Govern and guide carbon market implementation in the Philippines and ASEAN.
Support policy development, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement.
Educate communities, businesses, and local governments on the carbon market.
Advocate for climate justice, environmental integrity, and green livelihoods.

Its core functions include:

Supporting policy and governance in alignment with ASEAN and global climate goals.
Promoting voluntary and compliance carbon markets while providing technical guidance.
Building capacity through training for LGUs, NGOs, and private sectors.
Collaborating with Rotary Clubs, indigenous groups, farmers, and industries.
Advocating for sustainability focused on land use, human settlements, and climate resilience.

Why This Matters

Carbon markets are powerful tools in combating climate change, and under UCP Sheryll Ann Mesina’s leadership, ACSMCI will ensure that such efforts bring tangible benefits—not only to corporations but also to local communities and vulnerable sectors.

As a Rotarian who lives by Service Above Self, UCP Sheryll believes that caring for our planet is both a duty and a legacy. Her new role is more than just a position—it is a commitment to safeguard creation, so that the generations after us may continue to enjoy clean air, safe environments, and the beauty of nature as God intended.

Through ACSMCI, she hopes to inspire others to see environmental stewardship not only as climate action but also as an act of faith, justice, and love for humanity.

Written and submitted by: AG Joselito “Deo” Pamilar and Sheryll Ann Mesina