Green Innovators Programme Design Study Mission to the UK

Celynne is the Commercial Counsellor of the PTIC in London, representing the DTI in advancing the country’s trade and investment interests in the UK. With over two decades of experience in trade, investment, and international negotiations, she has held key roles in DTI FTSC San Francisco. She was assigned as a Trade Negotiator at the Philippine Mission to the WTO in Geneva, where she managed portfolios on trade and environment, sustainable development, and rules-based market access.

Rhea Matute has been the Executive Director of the Design Center of the Philippines since 2017. Under Rhea’s leadership, the DCP has received multiple awards and recognitions for its design initiatives, including a Future Impact Pencil from the UK-based D&AD Awards in the Environment and Sustainability category for their material research initiative on agricultural waste pulp/paper using pineapple leaves.

Lucky, former Chief of DTI’s General Services Division, led the Green Procurement Initiative with GPPB and GIZ, and championed the Domestic Preference clause in RA 9184. He now oversees Smart Materials projects at the DTI-Design Center, including Pinyapel and Bakong, and is leading its re-engineering to align with RA 10557, strengthening the Philippine design ecosystem.

Rowena is a seasoned trade and export development expert with 37+ years at CITEM. As Department Manager, she leads export promotion for food and consumer sectors. She is Project Director of Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX), promoting sustainable consumption and production, and of IFEX Philippines, the country’s premier food trade show focused on business matching.

Tatah, Chief Industrial Design Specialist at DCP, is a licensed Chemical Engineer with a Master’s in Technology Management. She leads material innovation and the Innovation & Tech Support Office. At DOST-PCIEERD, she developed R&D roadmaps for Footwear and Furniture, managed tech transfer and audits, and conducted writeshops on research and project management.trengthen the country’s design ecosystem.

Stephanie, a Design Manager from the Philippines and member of the 2023–2025 Young Designers Circle of the World Design Organization, has over 10 years of experience. An Industrial Design graduate, she has supported MSMEs and collaborated with global organizations to co-design programs that trained 1,000+ creatives. She continues to lead partnerships that strengthen the design ecosystem locally and globally.

Andrea is a development professional focused on policy innovation and international cooperation. As Industrial Design Specialist at the Design Center of the Philippines, she leads the First National Design Policy advancing Philippine Design for global competitiveness and social innovation. With a background in international development, she delivers evidence-based insights to national policies, programs, and partnerships.

Leah leads the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion authority of the Philippine government attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). CITEM has been a champion of circularity and sustainability in the Philippines through initiatives such as the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX), which promotes sustainable products, services, and knowledge-sharing.

A visionary technical education leader with 20+ years at TESDA, currently Chief TESD Specialist at the TESDA Women’s Center. With a Master’s in Public Administration and expertise in agriculture, culinary arts, and TVET, she champions sustainability, gender empowerment, and Green TVET. She leads environmental programs and promotes women’s leadership in STEM through national and international green skills initiatives.

Jacques is Chief Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist at TESDA, leading the Technology R&D and Green Technology Center and managing the eTESDA Division. With deep expertise in policy, research, and program management, she drives sustainability and innovation in education, integrating circular economy, green skills, and tech solutions into workforce development.

Abi is a regenerative designer and circular economy advocate, leading KindMind to build cross-sector partnerships for systems change. She co-founded HIFI at Benilde, designed its Social Innovation program, and is a Kaospilot-certified Experience Designer. A former Ashoka Country Director, she champions sustainability, inclusion, and design for a better future, rooted in purpose and regenerative possibilities.

Banj is a green innovator and co-founder of Creative Definitions, pioneering biodegradable fabrics from pineapple waste and cotton under the TelaNatura brand. With 30+ years in design and sustainable sourcing, she drives climate-resilient production and circular design. Her work promotes zero-waste methods, artisan traditions, and ethical systems that elevate Filipino craftsmanship and align with the SDGs.

Joevic Mondejar is a Filipino architect and environmental planner leading Mondae Studio. His work promotes sustainability, cultural identity, and community-led design using natural materials. A Placemaking Sandbox Fellow, he co-led urban interventions in Luneta Park. Formerly with Palafox Associates, he advocates for climate-responsive, inclusive Filipino architecture rooted in local context and shared values.

Tasha is the Creative Director and Co-founder of TAYO, an independent multi-disciplinary design studio & corporation where sustainability & creativity meet for positive change. She was also a Co-founder of Kids for Kids, a youth empowerment and charity organisation solely run by the youth with over 1000 members who all have a common goal of wanting to make a difference.

 Belle Tanjutco, co-founder of TAYO Creatives and Retaso, leads youth-driven sustainability initiatives that combine Filipino culture, climate action, and creativity. Through upcycling textile waste, ESG consulting, and community-based programs in areas like Siargao, she empowers young people and local communities to adopt circular practices and build climate resilience—using design and storytelling to drive meaningful, systemic change.

Ria of Rurungan sa Tubod Foundation, Inc. also serves as the Design and Innovation Director of Weaving Ecosystems - an educational and advocacy international non-profit organization supporting smallholder farmers in creating local food sovereignty and fostering a healthy environment through technical training and the establishment of community-owned and operated seed libraries.

Misha is Project Development Manager at Ayala Land Estates, overseeing Makati Estate, Circuit Makati, and CityFlats since 2014. She leads urban projects like Circuit Makati’s arts district and One Ayala Terminal. Under Makati 2050, she focuses on redevelopment, green spaces, and mobility. A champion of human-centered design, she also promotes Car-Free Sundays to foster community and shared city experiences.