Rotary Champions Sustainability: Key Members Join ASEAN Carbon Market Sustainability Council
- Rotary Club of Aseana Manila
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
The ASEAN Carbon Market Sustainability Council, Inc. (ACSMCI) has emerged as the first and only council in the Philippines dedicated to the development, governance, and sustainability of carbon markets both within the country and across the ASEAN region.
Bringing together policy leaders, technical experts, civil society, the private sector, and community organizations including Rotary Clubs, ACSMCI serves as a vital platform for advancing sustainability efforts in carbon trading and climate finance.
Leadership and Governance
The Council recently elected its new set of executive officers:
Chairman: Dr. William D. Dar, Former Secretary of Agriculture, Republic of the Philippines
President: UCP Sheryll Ann Mesina, President of ACSMCI, Chairperson, Committee on Land Use and Human Settlement
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
The Council also includes members who head key committees:
DGN Mache Torres – Chairperson, Cultural Heritage
UCP Allen Rios, Rotary Club of Bagumbayan – Council Member, Committee on Livelihood and Industries
UCP Cristina Allada, Rotary Club of Manila Villamor – Council Member, Committee on Livelihood and Industries
In close collaboration with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), ACSMCI works with Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz to align its initiatives with national climate strategies and global environmental commitments.
Mission
The Council’s mission is 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 carbon markets.
Advocate for climate justice, environmental integrity, and green livelihoods.
Core Functions
Policy Support & Governance – Assisting in the crafting of carbon market policies aligned with ASEAN frameworks and international climate goals.
Carbon Market Development – Promoting both voluntary and compliance markets, while providing technical guidance for carbon credit projects.
Capacity Building – Training local governments, NGOs, and private enterprises in carbon market systems.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration – Partnering with Rotary Clubs, academic institutions, indigenous peoples, farmers, and industries.
Sustainability Advocacy – Advancing efforts in land use, human settlements, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Why ACSMCI Matters
Carbon markets are increasingly seen as crucial mechanisms in the global fight against climate change. Through transparent governance and inclusive stakeholder engagement, ACSMCI ensures that carbon trading delivers benefits not only to corporations but also to local communities, driving equitable and sustainable development across the ASEAN region.
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