Tyler Farrow  - Project Officer : Waste Management

I must admit it was not always my intention to work in development. But a series of accidents, triumphs and less dramatic occurrences, as well as a slew of interesting, inspiring and less notable characters have led me to where I am and I grateful to be here.

I was born and raised in a quiet suburb in London Ontario, a far cry from the coastal city of San Fernando where I am headed. But I became fascinated with coastal communities while living and studying in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

During my time in Antigonish I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Aquatic Resources with a Major in Public Policy and Social Research at St. Francis Xavier University. The interdisciplinary nature of the program undoubtedly had a significant impact on the way I think and operate.

I first became involved in “development” while working as a Sustainable Livelihoods Facilitator in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It was in this role that I got my first taste of waste management as well (not literally). I led a campaign in cooperation with a local environmental group to reduce the amount of litter in the Grenadine islands.

All of this has led me to where I am now and I am eager to begin my new role as Waste Management Project Officer in San Fernando, La Union, Philippines. I am thrilled to be working with Sustainable Cities, an organization that truly values innovation and collaboration in the field of sustainable development.

Jonathan De Luca - Project Officer : Waste Management

I was born in Montréal, along the shores of the Saint Lawrence River. Having studied my undergrad Human Environment and Urban Studies at Concordia University, I then was able to work in environmental outreach and climate change awareness in Hanoi, Vietnam. That experience helped me to understand that environmental and sustainability issues are a global concern.

After continuing in Community Economic Development at Concordia, I have come to San Fernando to bring a participatory process to solid waste management. I love to work with people and I’m excited to contribute to the city of San Fernando as well as learn from what is going on in the greenest city of the Philippines.