RVJ “Arbijei” Gatchalian

A student leader pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Arts at the University of the Philippines Mindanao actively involved in various organizations. He’s currently the President of UP Mindanao Dance Ensemble, the university’s dance varsity. The Sponsorships and Income Generation Projects Director at UP Mindanao AMPLI, the university’s musicians and events organizing group. A Peer Facilitator and a 2-term USC Councilor for
Student Development and Organizations.

As a community youth leader, he has contributed to several community-based projects focusing on advocating for underserved and marginalized communities and subgroups. He is the Co-founder and Chairperson of Kalasag Cotabato, a youth-led, primarily youth-serving NGO. Co-founder of Tabang Kidapawan, a disaster response volunteer group. Partnerships Committee, OIC at SigLaum Youth Coalition, a group of organizations in South Central Mindanao working on Technical Cooperation. His most recent work engagement is with Save the Children Philippines as a Project Consultant.

He’s also a volunteer for various causes and his current volunteer affiliations include; the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Mindanao, Art Relief Mobile Kitchen, UP Mindanao Office of Extension and Community Services, Angat Buhay Inc. and a member of Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network. He was also the former President of Kidapawan City Emergency Response Unit, a 911 Auxilliary, and a student volunteer at Red Cross Philippines.

His engagements are not just isolated in the Philippines but have also expanded internationally. He’s a 2022 alumnus of Youth Energy Academy, Thailand, an intensive programme focusing on decentralized renewable energy (DRE) approaches to address some of the climate, energy access, and developmental challenges faced by communities. A Global Change Ambassador for Echo Change, advocating for positive youth-driven change worldwide.