Val took up BS Development Communication at the University of the Philippines- Los Baños and is currently finishing her Master's degree in Community Development at the University of the Philippines- Diliman. Her work with various communities focuses on environmental justice, sustainable livelihood, and community-based resource management. As a development communicator, Val has a solid background in knowledge management, content management and branding, and website development. In her free time, she enjoys mountain climbing, surfing, and playing musical instruments.