On July 06, 2022, the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance Inc. (ZABIDA) facilitated the 2nd Board of Directors (BOD) meeting of Verde Zamboanga Inc. (VZI) led by Dr. Grace Rebollos, President of ZABIDA and VZI  at the ZABIDA Conference Room, Zamboanga City.

The BOD meeting was participated by the different sectoral representatives namely: (a) Mr. Nasir Ismula of ZSISBA, (b) Mrs. Ria D. Sabijon of ZAMCELCO, (c) Dr. Ardel Barre of CFES-WMSU, (d) Mr. Alvin Valerio of ZEED, (e) Mr. Muneer Hinay of Kids Who Farm, (f) Mrs. Leticia Enriquez from the Women Sectors, and (g) Mr. Alrashid Ismael from the Youth Sector.

As the new administration formally began their office in the city, the participating groups discussed the re-accreditation process of Verde to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Additionally, in preparation to the Verde Zamboanga Assembly, they talked about several plans and initiatives to conduct for the event such as the (a) presentation of Verde Zamboanga milestones and consolidated Envi Action Plans, (b) launching of the implementation of the Envi Action Plans with commitments from ZABIDA-Convenio, BLGUs, LGU-OCENR, DENR, Private Sector, Security Sector, CSOs, Academe, (c) Development of Envi Policy Statement, and (d) the Oathtaking of Barangay Envi Volunteers Group/Representatives as members of Verde Zamboanga.

Furthermore, the group also discussed the formulated envi plans and the San Roque Bog Lake Rehabilitation Project using Bokashi Technology as a partnership project of Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City, JCI Zamboanga, Inc. and Kids Who Farm, presented by Mr. Muneer Hinay.

ZABIDA-Convenio Project supports its partner-barangays in implementing their Environmental Action Plans through partner stakeholder Verde Zamboanga Inc. VZI is an independent organization focusing on environmental advocacy and pushing for ecological justice in Zamboanga City. The Convenio Project is supported by AECID and Manos Unidas.

Photos and story by: Jason Idlisan/Convenio3Intern