Shellemai Roa Honored as Sustainability Practitioner of the Year at Alpha Excellence Awards 2025

Lipa, Batangas — In a moment filled with pride and gratitude, Shellemai A. Roa, Co-Founder and Project Director of Eco Kolek – Project Zacchaeus, was recognized as one of the awardees for Sustainability Practitioner of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Alpha Excellence Awards.

The award, presented during LIKHAW | 4th Philippine Lifelong Learning Conference at National University in Lipa, Batangas, honors leaders who go beyond advocacy—those who build systems that protect the planet, empower people, and ensure progress that lasts. For Roa, the recognition was not just about personal achievement, but about the collective journey of Eco Kolek and the communities it serves.

Champions of Sustainability

This year’s honorees included:
• Grand Winner: Camille E. Madriñal, Founder & Head of Operations, Katutubo’t Lokal
• Awardees: Shar Mae P. Gayangos, Founder, Ecoshoppe PH;
and Shellemai A. Roa, Co-Founder & Project Director, Eco Kolek – Project Zacchaeus

Together, they represent a new generation of sustainability champions who are driving transformation and inspiring collective progress across the Philippines.

A Journey Rooted in Community

Roa’s leadership has been shaped by her deep commitment to community-centered solutions. Through Eco Kolek, she has worked to empower Eco Warriors in Puerto Princesa City, turning informal waste collection into a dignified livelihood while reducing plastic pollution. Her vision has always been clear: sustainability must be inclusive, data-driven, and rooted in the everyday lives of people.

Her initiatives have included:

• Empowering Waste Collectors: Providing training, livelihood pathways, and social protection for Eco Warriors.
• Behavioral Change Programs: Rolling out education campaigns in schools, households, and businesses to embed sustainable practices.
• Systems Development: Strengthening waste consolidation and recovery systems to support a circular economy.
• Innovation in Learning: Establishing the Circular Economy Learning Hub as a model for education, incubation, and innovation.

Shellemai’s Reflection

Roa spoke with heartfelt emotion as she accepted the award:

"Honored to be recognized as the Alpha Excellence Awards 2025 – Sustainability Practitioner of the Year.

This award reflects not only personal achievement, but the collective work of our Eco Warriors, partner communities, government agencies, and development institutions who believe in Eco Kolek’s vision.

With the support of partners like USAID, UNDP, the EU–Green Economy Partnership Project, City ENRO-Puerto Princesa City, Barangay Sicsican and othern BLGUs, and private sector allies, we are building a community-centered circular economy in Puerto Princesa—empowering waste collectors, strengthening household practices, and rolling out behavioral change initiatives.

This recognition reinforces my commitment to advancing inclusive, data-driven, and community-led climate solutions. Local innovation, when supported by strong partnerships, can create meaningful and lasting impact.”

Her words reflected not only gratitude but also a renewed determination to continue the mission of Eco Kolek: to prove that sustainability is not just an idea, but a way of life that transforms communities.

Moving Forward

Eco Kolek emphasized that Roa’s achievement is a collective victory for the Eco Warriors and communities she represents. By honoring her, the Alpha Excellence Awards spotlight the importance of local leadership in building systems that protect both people and the planet.

Her recognition serves as a beacon of hope, reminding Palawan and the nation that ordinary citizens can become extraordinary leaders when guided by purpose, resilience, and love for community.