Editor-in-chief of Kalikasan updates

Mindo N. Aquino is a self-made protector of trees and natural landscapes brought about his childhood life in a rustic environs teemed with fruit trees as well as forest trees where birds of various breeds fed, lived and nested.

Later, as he studied B.S. Forestry at Isabela State University in Echague, Isabela - - his hometown, he self embarked on a mini-forest experimental plantation with indigenous and some exotic species as well as other fruit trees and medicinal plants.

These activities inspired his penchant to write ecoliterature in tri-lingual fashion. His writing skills were boosted when he took up Professional Writing in the International Correspondence Schools. As a result, he has co-authored six book anthologies in Iluko with his co-members in the GUMIL (Gunglo dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano) Isabela, an umbrella organization of GUMIL Filipinas. He is also co-editor in 1998 of “Daton-Lagip iti Wayawaya,” another anthology commemorating the 100th year of Phil. Independence, during his incumbency as GUMIL Isabela president and Board of Director of GF.

MNA is a pioneer member and charter vice president and charter vice president in 2004 of Timpuyog dagiti Mannurat iti Iluko iti Filipinas (TMIF), another group of Iluko writers. As member, he is sometimes invited as lecturer in Iluko fiction writing in various seminars sponsored by TMIF. He has also won several writing contests (short stories and poems) in the vernacular focused on environmental and biodiversity preservation. Aside from these, he is a part-time columnist in the Valley Times and City Star – both newsweekly tabloids in Isabela.

Presently, he is editing KALIKASAN Updates where this book was conceptualized. He also edits, “Northeast Beacon,” publication of Freemasons in southern Isabela and Quirino province where he is a member and past master.

His novel, published in Bannawag---weekly Iluko magazine---in 2003 is now being translated into English for possible book publication upon the prodding of DILG Regional Director Baldovino Ab. Valdez, CESO III.

He considers as his writing mentors Juan S.P. Hidalgo Jr., former Bannawag Associate Editor and Clesencio B. Rambaud, the present Editor.

He is married to former Teodora T. Gomez of San Mariano, Isabela. Their nuptial is blessed with three children: Xerox Jeoffrey –married to Dr. Michelle Agatep with son Xervylle Dirnt, Avery Roxanne—a pharmacist married to Noriel Balisi with son Xymone Dwyane and daughter Savannah Clyde, and Starrjazz Excel, a registered nurse working in Riyadh, KSA.

MNA is presently the OIC, CENRO of the DENR in San isidro, Isabela. He has been working in the agency for more than 30 years being assigned in many places which all the more enriched his writing skills on ecoliterature. He finished his Masters degree in Public Management at ISU, Echague. A Career Service Executive eligible, he is now pursuing a doctorate degree in Public Administration at the same university.

The Managing Editor of Kalikasan Updates

Racquel M. Caldez Is a writer by heart. It is incidental that her passion to write has come to light when she was appointed in the DENR, many of her write-ups dealing with natural resources, biodiversity, environment, GAD, etc. saw print in various newspapers in Isabela and Cagayan Valley region.
For her feat, she has received commendation for intensifying advocacy campaign of the DENR and recognition for exemplary performance with partner agencies.
She is a recipient of various awards, adjudged as “Most Outstanding Information Officer” in DENR Region 02 for three consecutive years extolling her in the “Hall of Fame” of DENR awardees and Outstanding Employees.
She was involved in the parish’ Home Study Program where she was recognized as “Outstanding Volunteer Learning Facilitator” of the CSU-Archdiocesan Home Study Program (HSP) Re-Entry Education Alternative for the Poor (REAP) from Year 200-2005, helping to tutor the out-of-school youths in their desire to finish the secondary level of education.
A young employee, she was invited as Lecturer in the symposium on Environmental Threat on Children’s Health and seminar workshop on Environmental Education.
She is a new PAPI (Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc) member and an active correspondent, contributor and columnist in local newspapers and DENR publications.
She is a managing editor of the DENR Isabela publication and a mover of truth and social issues. Her editorial and writing skills have been exceptional due to her expertise on environmental concerns and issues.
RMC is a graduate of the degree of Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science at the University of St Louis in Tuguegarao City and hopes to finish her masters in public administration after she shall have enrolled the last 12 units to complete the academic requirement for the degree. She is still looking for a certified bachelor. She also plans to migrate to the United States in the near future.