ABOUT US
Established on World Environment Day on June 5, 2017, CEM is a registered non-profit organization that aims to promote knowledge and action on environmental and sustainability issues within the Filipino community and the broader society through advocacy, partnerships and collaboration.
OUR VISION
A thriving, resilient Manitoba where communities unite in action to protect ecosystems and shape a sustainable future.
OUR GOALS
CEM aims to empower Manitobans to care for our environment through education, leadership and community action. Collaborate and build meaningful partnerships with organizations in Manitoba and beyond to share resources and expertise to achieve common objectives.
Our Initiatives focus on building knowledge, reducing waste, strengthening climate resilience, mobilizing volunteers, fostering community collaboration, empowering youth leaderships and inspiring sustainable lifestyles.
OUR PRINCIPLES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RAMON SALES
President and Head, External Relations Committee
As the CEM Founding President, Ramon is passionate about the environment and empowering communities to advance a sustainable, equitable and climate-resilient future. His professional experience spans strategic policy, planning and programming at the intersection of environtment, climate change and sustainability. He is currently a senior policy analyst and leads projects and initiatives on climate preparedness and resilience.
CHRISTOPHER CLACIO
Head, Sponsorship Committee (ON LEAVE)
Chris Clacio was born and raised in Winnipeg in 1992. Their first family member started immigrating from the Philippines to Canada in 1974. They have been running for public office since 2014 at different levels of government over the years. They are trained as an emotional intelligence proactitioner as well as being known as a civic practitioner and policy entrepreneur within the broader Winnipeg community.
AMALIA SANTIAGO
Head, Education Committee
Amalia is a PhD candidate in Community and Global Health at the University of Manitoba, doing a study on the development and validation of a quantitative survey to measure ethnocultural food security among newcomers, refugees, and immigrants. She is also a community nutritionist and a non‑voting member of the Research and Policy Subcommittee of the Winnipeg Food Council. A wife and mother of three adult children, she advocates for an inclusive, equitable, and barrier‑free society, informed in part by her experience raising an adult child with a disability.
ELIZABETH DE LEON
Treasurer
Driven by her goal to provide her family with a cleaner, greener future, Elizabeth joined CEM to deepen her understanding of environmental issues and to share her knowledge with others. With a background in finance, she aims to help maintain the organization’s financial health while supporting its environmental mission.
RIZALINA CORTEZ
Auditor
Riza is a co-founder of CEM and has been on the board of CEM since its inception. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree of Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of the Philippines. She wants to learn more on how to take care of Mother Earth and be able to share her learnings to others.
ANN EVANGELISTA
Head, Information and Communication Committee
Ann has over 25 years of experience in the education sector and is a member of the Winnipeg School Division Board of Trustees and chairperson of its Environment Committee. She also serves on the board of four other organizations in Winnipeg and the lead advocate for the Winnipeg Consular Movement (WINCOM).
SUSAN JAVIER
Head, Membership Committee
Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and is a health and wellness advocate and motivational speaker. She is an event organizer around themes that promote a healthy work-life balance. She was formerly a school director for personality.
MARICIEL NUYDA
Board Member at Large
Mariciel is currently a kingdom builder with the Salvation Army. What better way to show the love of Jesus through creation and love for Jesus through creation care? She has been on the CEM Board of Directors since 2022 and previously served as the Dean of School for Continuing Studies at Booth University College.
KENNETH SALAZAR
Board Member at Large
Kenneth serves as the Secretary and a Member of the Governing Board for the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba, Inc. He is also among the pioneer officers of Caring for Our Environment Manitoba, Inc., where he plays a key role in promoting environmental awareness. Additionally, he moderates the 204 Filipino Forum and Marketplace, helping to facilitate discussions and connections within the community.
CAROLINA LEGASPI
Acting Secretary
Carol is a dedicated public servant working in a government office, where she contributes to programs that support community needs and strengthen public services. She is also a licensed financial professional, committed to helping individuals make informed and responsible financial decisions. Beyond her professional roles, Carol is an active member of the International Worship Center, where she continues to grow in faith and serve alongside her church community.
Caring For Our Environment Manitoba Inc. 