We envision self-reliant women, young people and families leading healthy reproductive lives in the Philippines.

Margo Encarnacion has always been driven by a profound sense of social responsibility and a commitment to contributing to the communities around her but more so, in making a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by poverty in the Philippines.

A lawyer by background, she has over 20 years’ experience working in New York, Singapore and Manila. Margo helps build robust governance structures, appreciating the pivotal role it plays in fostering transparency and accountability that strengthen the foundation of the organization. This promotes trust among stakeholders and facilitates long-term success.

For the last ten years, Margo has worked at a top tier bank in the General Counsel Division, covering legal data management, sourcing contracts, derivatives agreements and board support and governance. She was also an active member of the bank’s charity committee, supporting numerous CSR initiatives by forging collaborative partnerships towards skills-based volunteering and after Super Typhoon Haiyan, led eight volunteer house building trips with colleagues, all over the Philippines.

In Singapore, she joined the boards of a Philippine non-profit, that built holistic communities in the Philippines as well as an international school board where she was a member of the board’s Audit Committee. Margo is admitted to the New York Bar, graduated from the University of the Philippines and obtained her law degree from Ateneo de Manila University.

She and her husband have been advocates of the work of UNK/ROH for years and are ready to support scaling it up across the Philippines for even greater social impact.

Sara Reysio-Cruz is currently a full-time mother and homemaker and is very actively involved with her church, Greenhills Christian Fellowship North. She taught Sunday School to various age groups over several years and now carries out writing and editing of church materials and is a co-leader of a women’s growth group. From 1989-1993, Sara worked for the Philippine Campus Crusade for Christ with their campus ministry.

Sara earned her MA in Educational Administration from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2001 and graduated cum laude with a degree in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She lives in Quezon City, Philippines, with her husband, Mark, and their three sons, Matthew, Andrew and Joshua.

Michelle Ongpin Callaghan is currently the President of Tabacalera Incorporada, the oldest cigar manufacturer in Asia.  She is also the Head of the JVO foundation, a private foundation that finances the high school education of 200 scholars in 7 Ateneo High Schools.

In addition, she is the co-owner of an organic restaurant that supports local farmers and farming initiatives.

Michelle has previously worked as Project Director for the Kerry group foundation in Beijing.  She has served as Owner Representative of the Hotel des Bergues (Four Seasons) in Geneva, the Richmond Hotel (Dorchester) in Geneva, and as Director of the Board of the Grand Chalet in Gstaat.  During the same period, she was also a Project Associate of the St John’s Wood Barracks project, the second largest super prime real estate project in London.

In the Philippines, she has served as Director of the Board of Alphaland Corporation (real estate) and Atok-Big Wedge (mining) and has held the position of SVP, Corporate Communications for Alphaland Corporation, Philweb Corporation, ISM Communications and Atok Big Wedge. For UnionBank of the Philippines, Michelle was Head of Branded Customer Experience.

Michelle holds a M.A in Communication Sciences from the University of Vienna and a Postgraduate degree in International Studies from the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna.

Dr. Susan Evangelista is the Founder of Roots of Health and previously served as the organization’s Director of Youth. She is the Chairperson of the Ugat ng Kalusugan Board. Prior to the founding of Roots of Health, Susan worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines and went on to teach at the Ateneo de Manila University for 30 years. While a faculty member at Ateneo, she also worked in Nigeria’s University of Maiduguri, in a Burmese Refugee Camp in Thailand, in Cambodia’s Royal University of Phnom Penh, and in Osaka Gaidai, Japan. She has published academic books and articles as well as creative pieces – both fiction and nonfiction – and handled various administrational jobs in the university, notably Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies. She also worked with ACELT, an outreach organization that conducts teacher training all over the Philippines.

In 2000 Susan retired from Ateneo and moved to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, where she is currently a consultant at Palawan State University. Susan is also adjunct faculty with the SAIDI foundation in Manila and Secretary of the Board of Bahatala, a local orthopedic rehabilitation NGO, funded by the British Palawan Trust in England and the international Christian Blind Mission.

Susan received her Bachelors degree from Swarthmore College, her Master of Applied Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, her Master of Asian Studies from the University of the Philippines, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Philippine Studies from the University of the Philippines.

Dave Fernandez is an economist with over three decades of experience at the intersection of public policy, private capital, and academia. His career began in public service with formative roles at the U.S. Federal Reserve and in the Office of the President. In 1998, Dave transitioned to the private sector, relocating to Southeast Asia, where he embarked on a 20+ year career in investment banking.

Dave has remained deeply committed to academia throughout his career. After obtaining a BA at the University of Pennsylvania (where Robert S Mariano was his mentor) and a PhD from Princeton University (where Ben S Bernanke was his dissertation advisor), he held full-time faculty positions at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and Singapore’s Sim Kee Boon Institute (SKBI). Currently, he serves as a Senior Fellow at the Center for Financial and Monetary Economics at the University of the Philippines School of Economics.

In 2014, during a visit to Palawan, Dave was profoundly inspired by the work of Ugat ng Kalusugan and the impact it has on improving the health and well-being of the Philippines’ youth and women. A decade later, Dave is honored to join the team and contribute his expertise to help the organization reach new heights.

Gadfre Movillon (Gad) is a Graphic Designer at Roots of Health. Working closely with the Media Team and Roots of Health staff, he is responsible for creating original visual assets such as infographics, illustrations, logos, and other artworks consistent with the organization’s brand identity. 

As a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, and still very young in his early 20s, Gadfre already built a profitable design portfolio with over thirty graphic design and illustration projects with more than 100 artworks. 

Gadfre studied Graphic Design, Illustration, Business Management, Marketing, and Accountancy. He also took the One Town, One Product training course funded by the Department of Trade in Industry, and the Bookkeeping NCIII course funded by TESDA. 

He co-founded three successful start-ups: Senaya, a youth-centric streetwear brand that creates forward-thinking designs; Pabili Express, a local delivery service founded amidst the surge of the pandemic; and KReative, a well-known videography and photography service based in Marinduque.

Gadfre is also a mental health advocate.

Jemina Laya Bugayong (Jem) is a Communications Officer at Roots of Health. She works closely with the Media Team and ROH staff in producing online content across multiple platforms to make sex ed more accessible to women and young people in digital spaces, and to increase the organization’s profile in and out of Palawan. 

Before joining ROH, Jem previously worked with local government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Agriculture. 

Jem obtained a Bachelor of Science in Development Communication from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños.

Justine Nicole Quing Quing (Nicole) is a Communications Officer at Roots of Health. Working closely with the Media Team, Nicole is responsible for creating content relevant to sexual and reproductive health for both adults and adolescents. She also serves as liaison to external project partners in government. 

Before joining ROH full-time, she worked as a freelance writer for the organization from 2020-2022. She was also previously employed in a university and in an indoor air quality solutions company as a digital marketing officer. 

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication-Broadcast, which she obtained from the Centro Escolar University. 

John Danver Tambiao Paalan (Danver) is a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager at Roots of Health. Danver provides support for the implementation of the organization’s M&E strategy and the development of proposals for M&E indicators and targets. He also outlines M&E systems for data collection, targeting and tracking indicators, knowledge management, impact assessments, learning activities, and donor reports. He also plays a vital role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Puerto Princesa City, as he oversees the implementation of the Vaccine Information Management System (VIMS).

Prior to his promotion to M&E Manager, Danver worked as an M&E Officer for Roots of Health. He was responsible for collecting data from Roots of Health’s programs and services, compiling information into a logical order, and assisting with the overall analysis.

He also worked as a Youth Advocate for Roots of Health. During his tenure as a Youth Advocate, Danver worked to increase awareness about teen pregnancy, pregnancy prevention, and general reproductive health. Danver worked in barangays across the island of Palawan to spread awareness and provide information about reproductive health. 

Danver holds a Management Accounting degree from Palawan State University, and he has found the skills and knowledge from his degree to be very applicable to his current role.

Amina Evangelista Swanepoel (Ami) is the Executive Director of Roots of Health and the local administrative arm of the organization, Ugat ng Kalusugan. Ami provides leadership in the day-to-day running of Roots of Health and trains staff in implementing all Roots of Health programming. She is the liaison with the Roots of Health Board of Directors in the United States, and with the Philippine-based Ugat ng Kalusugan Advisory Committee. She oversees fundraising for the organization. She is currently working with the Board of Directors in a Strategic Planning process to ensure the continued success of the organization.

Prior to this post, Ami spent two years at Human Rights Watch where she researched and documented human rights abuses in Asia. She also held a position with the Guttmacher Institute researching health and HIV issues among youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. She worked in the Program Division of UNHCR in India, where she created an HIV information curriculum currently being implemented among refugee populations in New Delhi. She also served as the Coordinating Manager at Anthony Knerr & Associates, a consulting firm specialized in strategic planning and counsel for nonprofits.

Amina received her bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College and her Master of International Affairs and Master of Public Health from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and the Mailman School of Public Health. She sits on the Board of the Forum for Family Planning and Development. She is an Atlantic Fellow, an Equity Initiative alumna, a Philippines Ashoka Fellow, and an Asia Society Young Leader.

Marcus Swanepoel is the Deputy Director of Roots of Health, a Palawan-based NGO that provides reproductive health education and services. He oversees the development and execution of the organization’s strategy. Marcus often spearheads new initiatives and works with the organization’s departments to problem-solve pressing issues.

Before joining the organization, Marcus gained experience in teaching, media and management across Africa, Asia, and North America. He now draws on the skills that he developed in these fields to enhance the overall performance of the organization.

Marcus received his Bachelor’s degree from Rhodes University, where he majored in English and Journalism. After graduating, he earned his Post Graduate Diploma in Enterprise Management, also from Rhodes University. He earned his Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of South Africa.

Paola Chiu (Paola) is the Finance Director of Roots of Health. She is responsible for the organization’s financial and regulatory compliance functions, including accounting, audit, budgeting, treasury, and taxation. 

Prior to joining the organization, Paola spent 8 years in the banking sector as a product controller, where she gained experience in financial analysis and reporting.

Earlier in her career, Paola was an audit associate for 2 years at a professional services firm, where she audited clients in the IT, logistics, manufacturing, power, and service industries.

Paola holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from De La Salle University in Manila, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

When she is not busy crunching numbers, Paola likes to volunteer as a salesperson at a local shop to meet new people, and loves going for long drives with her family, or exploring food and nature with her husband.

Jan Michael Servando is the Youth Programs Director at Roots of Health. With the Youth Team, Jan delivers Comprehensive Sexuality Education, in particular, Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS, and Puberty Modules to in-school and out-of-school young people in the City of Puerto Princesa and the province of Palawan. He supervises the team teaching in grade schools, high schools, colleges, Youth Advocate training, teachers’ training, and parent seminar. He also collaborates with different government agency representatives, including from the Department of Education, the Palawan Provincial Health Office, the City Health Office and Local Government Units. He helps train teachers and principals on basic sex education and how they can best support their students. He also actively supports the team in conducting Youth Advocate (YA) training.

Before joining ROH, Jan taught at Palawan State University teaching English and Literature to college students. Prior to this, Jan worked at an International school teaching Korean and Japanese  students English as a second language in Manila. 

Jan obtained a Bachelor degree in Secondary Education majoring in English from Palawan State University. 

Piety Grace Cordora (Piety) is a Nurse at Roots of Health. She is part of the clinical team that provides clinic-based prenatal services, reproductive health services and counseling, and community-based screening for HIV. She also conducts community visits to the organization’s three community sites. 

Before coming to ROH, Piety worked as a school nurse for three years at Palawan Hope Christian School. Prior to that she worked as a private nurse on-call at Palawan Adventist Hospital, as a nurse Phlebotomist at Laguna Diagnostic Laboratory, and a Quality control Officer in a Cosmetics manufacturing company.

Piety earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Palawan State University.

Joan Karla Laja (Joan) is a Nurse at Roots of Health. She reports to both our clinics in San Pedro (Main Clinic) and Rizal Avenue (Youth Clinic). Her duties include family planning and contraceptive counseling and services, pre- and post-natal support, providing reproductive health check-ups and exams, and conducting health and FP information in the community.  

Before joining Roots of Health, Joan worked with different NGOs in the Visayas region. She has been doing family planning-related work for more than 10 years. 

Joan is a registered nurse who earned her degree from Medina College in Ozamiz City.

Ma. Theresa Igne (Tess) is a Reproductive Health Associate / Midwife at Roots of Health. She helps provide reproductive health counseling and contraceptive services to women and girls during community outreach visits. 

She was previously employed as a Rural Health Midwife in the Municipality of San Vicente, Palawan. She also worked in Abu Dhabi, UAE as a technical staff for the Medical Evacuation Unit of Royal Jet and as a medical representative at React Pharma Medical Supplies.

Tess earned her Diploma in Midwifery at the Palawan State University and passed the licensure examination in November 2011. She also took a vocational course in Caregiving (NCII) at Palawan Adventist Hospital in 2010.

Rufizah Hayre is an Administrative Assistant at Roots of Health. She provides day-to-day logistical and administrative assistance to the Clinical Team.

Part of her duty is to coordinate with Youth Advocates, Community Health Advocates, and other volunteers regarding their needs and to provide support so they can carry out their outreach and missions in Palawan communities smoothly and effectively. :

Before joining ROH, Rufizah was a volunteer Youth Advocate working with the Youth Team for almost 5 years. She also worked part-time with the Clinical Team before officially becoming a regular staff.

Rufizah is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in fisheries.

Annabelle Alazar (Belle) is a Clinic Assistant at Roots of Health. She has worked with ROH as a Community Health Advocate since 2011. Belle is currently a full-time mother and a member of our Philippine Board of Directors. She also serves as a secretary to Parents Effectiveness Service (PES) in her community of Little Tondo.

Belle finished high school at Isaub National High School in the municipality of Aborlan. She lives in Purok Matiyaga, Barangay San Jose with her husband, Rolly, and their two children, Mark John and Anna Rose.

Geralden Gabay (Den) is a Clinic Assistant at Roots of Health. She has worked with ROH as a Community Health Advocate since 2013 and is now part of our Philippine Board of Directors. Den is currently a full-time mother and a part-time treasurer at Lamayo Center in Aplaya, Tagburos. She also serves as a parent leader with the 4Ps program in their community, and at the same time she is a community volunteer for child monitoring at World Vision.

Den finished High School at Digos National High School in Davao del Sur. She lives in Aplaya Tagburos with her husband, Christopher, and their two daughters, Chrisza Jane and Christine.

Sabrina Hermosilla, PhD, MIA, MPH, MS, is a Research Investigator at the University of Michigan (U-M). A published author and investigator, she focuses her research on improving investigative methodologies in complex emergency situations, specifically around adolescent mental health and social determinants of health.

A dedicated educator, through her work with U-M, Columbia University, and Roots of Health, she has overseen over fifty student internship placements in the Philippines, and around the world. Sabrina received her undergraduate degree in International Affairs from Colgate University (2001), her MS in Education from City College of New York (2003), and her MIA, MPH, MPHIL, and PhD from Columbia University (2008-2015).

Susan Evangelista is the Founder of Roots of Health and previously served as the organization’s Director of Youth. Prior to the founding of Roots of Health, Susan worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines and went on to teach at the Ateneo de Manila University for 30 years. While a faculty member at Ateneo, she also worked in Nigeria’s University of Maiduguri, in a Burmese Refugee Camp in Thailand, in Cambodia’s Royal University of Phnom Penh, and in Osaka Gaidai, Japan. She has published academic books and articles, as well as creative pieces – both fiction and nonfiction – and handled various administrational jobs in the university, notably Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies. She also worked with ACELT, an outreach organization that conducts teacher training all over the Philippines.

In 2000 Susan retired from Ateneo and moved to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, where she is currently a consultant at Palawan State University. Susan is also adjunct faculty with the SAIDI foundation in Manila and Secretary of the Board of Bahatala, a local orthopedic rehabilitation NGO, funded by the British Palawan Trust in England and the international Christian Blind Mission.

Susan received her Bachelors degree from Swarthmore College, her Master of Applied Linguistics from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, her Master of Asian Studies from the University of the Philippines, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Philippine Studies from the University of the Philippines.

David Callan (Treasurer) has worked in financial services for over ten years, for both large financial institutions and as a consultant. His primary focus has been on risk management, financial regulation and public policy, and regulatory relations. He also worked in International Development for a number of years leading projects and teams focused on youth employment and the role of the private section in growth and stability in Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia. He has undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering and Law.

David has served on the Board of the Shine Foundation, a non-profit that provides financial literacy training for survivors of domestic abuse, and on the youth Board of FC Harlem, a non-profit focused on soccer in under-served neighborhoods in New York. He is currently the Treasurer of the Roots of Health Board. 

Keefe Murren is a filmmaker and digital media professional specializing in messaging, content creation, and online product development. As a filmmaker, Keefe has produced and directed two feature documentaries televised nationally in the United States. iThemba|Hope (2005) is a film about the incredible work of young activists in Durban, South Africa fighting to gain access to HIV/AIDS treatment for all South Africans. August in the Empire State (2006) is a film about economic human rights and economic inequality in the United States. Both films had their premiere on Sundance Channel, a cable channel founded by the actor and activist Robert Redford.

Keefe’s relationship with Sundance Channel continued with his work as director of the Digital Media Department, where he developed online video delivery products, publications, and led their digital marketing and social media content strategies. Keefe subsequently left Sundance Channel to join UNICEF’s communication department to manage their online content strategy and production.

Keefe has also worked as the Coordinator of the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival in New York and London and acted as a mentor to young filmmakers in underserved communities in New York City through Reel Works Teen Filmmaking program. Keefe currently works as an independent consultant in digital product development, content creation, and strategic communication.

Annabelle Agustin Alazar (Belle) has worked with Roots of Health as a Community Health Advocate since 2011. Belle is currently a full-time mother, and a part-time clinical assistant at ROH’s office. She also serves as a secretary to Parents Effectiveness Service (PES) in her community of Little Tondo.

Belle finished high school at Isaub National High School in the municipality of Aborlan. She lives in Purok Matiyaga, Barangay San Jose with her husband, Rolly, and their two children, Mark John and Anna Rose.

Geralden Gabay (Den) has worked with Roots of Health as a Community Health Advocate since 2013. Den is currently a full-time mother and a part-time treasurer at Lamayo Center in Aplaya, Tagburos. She also serves as a parent leader with the 4Ps program in their community and at the same time she is a community volunteer for child monitoring at World Vision.

Den finished High School at Digos National High School in Davao del Sur. She lives in Aplaya Tagburos with her husband, Christopher, and their two daughters, Chrisza Jane and Christine.

Lorie Jeane Latube (LJ) is a second year student studying Civil Engineering at Palawan State University. LJ is an Agutaynen and was born and raised in San Vicente, Palawan. She is currently the Advocacy Chairman of the Youth Advocates PSU group. She is also a member of the University Student Leaders. She is a trained PEER educator and also Community Based screener for HIV. She has been an active Youth Advocate since 2018 and loves music and the arts.

Lizel Barriga Nagales (Zel) is an Administrative Assistant at Roots of Health. Her duties include inventory management, purchasing, banking, and petty cash disbursement.

Zel has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from the University of Mindanao.

Jay Arguelles was born and raised in Narra, Palawan. He graduated from Panacan National High School in Narra in 2002. Prior to joining the ROH team, Jay was a personal driver for three years. Though primarily responsible for driving, Jay also carries out multiple activities in the field, including helping staff with setting up materials and assisting with entertaining kids and crying babies.

Before joining Roots of Health Jay had an illustrious career as a stuntman and dancer.

Rizy Tabang is a Finance Manager at Roots of Health. Reporting to the Deputy Director, she is responsible for leading and managing all finance-related activities in line with Philippine law and the organization’s policies and procedures. Her duties include tracking cash flow, creating and monitoring project budgets, and financial planning. She is also an integral part of designing grant proposals, as well as financial expenditures tracking to generate grant reports for funders. 

Before joining Roots of Health, Rizy has already worked with several multi-industry organizations in both the National Capital Region and Palawan and has an extensive background in auditing, accounting management, as well as organizational budgeting and forecasting.

Rizy graduated from Palawan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Leian Lubrico is a Finance Officer at Roots of Health. Her duties include handling the organization’s registration and renewal with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as well as managing the monthly and annual submission of expanded withholding tax and its alphalist to the said government office. Additionally, she keeps track of receipts for expenses and updates the organization’s finance databases. She is also responsible for handling program staff’s liquidation of funds.

Before joining Roots of Health, Leian was employed as a General Accountant for private companies specializing in trading and printing.

She graduated from Palawan State University with a degree in financial management.

Riza Mae Griño (Riza) is a Human Resources Officer at Roots of Health. Riza is responsible for HR and administrative functions. She collaborates closely with the finance team and all other teams to provide support and assistance and ensure smooth implementation of the organization’s day-to-day operations. 

Prior to joining Roots of Health, Riza honed her skills in the hospitality industry where she spent six years excelling in various roles. Her experience as a front office associate and sales account executive equipped her with strong customer service orientation, good communication skills, and a keen eye for detail.

She holds a degree in tourism management from the University of Southern Mindanao.

Ariel Joseph Amatorio (Joseph) is a Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer at Roots of Health. He works closely with the M&E Manager and Data Encoders and is responsible for the organization’s high quality data collection, entry, and analysis.

Prior to joining ROH, Joseph previously worked at the City Government, and then detailed to the Department of Interior and Local Government of Puerto Princesa City as a Local Government Unit Counterpart. His work included receiving, recording, monitoring, and evaluating the number of submitted Barangay Compliance Reports.

Joseph graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Palawan State University – Main Campus in 2016. 

Lea Sumandi is a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer at Roots of Health. Working closely with the M&E Team, Lea is responsible for administrative tasks, accurate data collection, entry, protection, and storage.

Before joining Roots of Health, Lea worked in various private companies and was also connected with national agencies such as the Department of Education and the Social Security System.

She graduated from Fullbright College in Puerto Princesa with a degree in Information Technology.

Richard Heredero is a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer at Roots of Health. He works closely with the MEL Director, Manager, and Project Assistants, and is tasked with the organization’s high-quality data collection, entry, and analysis.

Before joining Roots of Health, Chad worked in various private companies and was affiliated with different government agencies such as the City of Environment and Natural Resources Office – Puerto Princesa.

He earned his degree in Computer Science from Palawan State University.

Geralen Terado Zuela (Alen) is a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer at Roots of Health where she plays a vital role in data collection and entry.

Alen’s responsibilities include monitoring and evaluating the progress of different projects as well as analyzing data collected through intervention pre- and post-tests, field surveys, and other measures. She also helps create MEL tools such as data forms, dashboards, and learning modules and helps in our systems strengthening work by conducting seminars and orientations to partners.

Alen’s prior experience as a marketing assistant in a private company helped her develop survey design and analysis skills which she applies to her work at ROH.

She obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in marketing management from the University of Southern Mindanao.

Alejandro Jose Lontok (Drew) is a MEL Information System Training Officer at Roots of Health. He trains local government units (LGUs) in using the Comprehensive Household Information System (CHIS), a tool that helps LGUs collect, organize, and analyze data about households.

Drew’s role is to conduct training sessions, provide support, and ensure LGUs can effectively use the CHIS to make informed decisions and provide targeted services to communities.

Before joining ROH, Drew was a Customer Service Representative assisting clients with billing, programming, general inquiries and other technical concerns.

Robaika Pagusara (Aika) is our Youth Advocacy Manager. Aika works on reproductive health advocacy with our local government counterparts. Together with the Youth Team, she also conducts adolescent reproductive health workshops in high schools and in communities.

Prior to this post, she spent over three years teaching within our Youth Team at ROH. She came back to work with us right after earning her master’s units in Development Studies at Ateneo de Davao University.

Connie Samsona has been a member of our Youth Team for two years. She’s an amazing teacher with incredible energy and presence in the classroom. Connie has a heart for teaching, and her passion for educating and love for her students always shines through.

Jayson Gerona (Bobby) is an Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Educator at Roots of Health. He works primarily with the Youth Advocates program. He helps in conducting comprehensive sexuality education sessions in schools and training for teachers. He is also a trained HIV Community-Based Screening Motivator.

Before joining Roots of Health, he was involved with the Legal Network for Truthful Elections as a main contact person in province of Palawan. Prior to this, he worked as a Team Leader for Business Process Outsourcing at Convergys in Manila.

Bobby obtained a Bachelor of Theology and Discipleship Training School from the University of the Nation.

John April A. Limco (Jap) is a Petroleum Engineering student at Palawan State University. He is 25 years old, born and raised in Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City. He has been part of the Youth Advocates Program since the beginning of 2017.

Aside from being a Youth Advocate, he serves as peer educator and HIV counselor for the HIV program run by Save the Children Philippines and the City Health Office of Puerto Princesa.

From 2009 to 2015, Jap was an active student leader. He held several positions in different university student organizations.

Maria Sophia Sumandal Ariola (Sophia) is Partnerships Coordinator for Roots of Health. She is responsible for championing the organization’s advocacies at the local level. She does this by strengthening existing and forging new partnerships with government agencies and offices, civil society organizations and actors, academic institutions, and community leaders in Palawan. 

Before deciding to pursue development work, she was with Nestle Philippines Inc. as a Supply Chain Corporate Management Trainee and as a Process Analyst at University of Asia and the Pacific. 

Sophia earned her Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Asia and the Pacific where she graduated cum laude. She was also a scholar at Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria earning European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) units through the Festival University program. 

In high school, Sophia volunteered in various civic organizations that focus on youth development and education. 

Marcus Swanepoel is the Deputy Director of Roots of Health, an Palawan-based NGO that provides reproductive health education and services. He oversees the development and execution of the organization’s strategy. Marcus often spearheads new initiatives and works with the organization’s departments to problem-solve pressing issues.

Before joining the organization Marcus gained experience in teaching, media and management across Africa, Asia and North America. He now draws on the skills that he developed in these fields to enhance the overall performance of the organization.

Marcus received his Bachelor’s degree from Rhodes University where he majored in English and Journalism. After graduating he earned his Post Graduate Diploma in Enterprise Management, also from Rhodes University. He earned his Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of South Africa.

Laudemer Mejia (Omer) is the Monitoring and Evaluation Director of Roots of Health. He leads the development and implementation of the organization’s M&E strategy. He is also responsible for the coordination of M&E systems for data collection, targeting and tracking indicators, knowledge management, impact assessments, learning activities and reporting to donors.

Omer has been an M&E professional for 8 years. Prior to joining Roots of Health, he practiced M&E in nonprofit organizations that focused on disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and social enterprise financing and development.

Omer holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He enjoys using the R statistical programming language. He is interested in applying data science and machine learning tools in the work of Roots of Health.

Diana joined Roots of Health in May 2022. As Media Director, she leads the media team in strategizing media programs and activities for behavior change communications. She is also in charge of amplifying the organization’s profile to its publics. 

Diana has over 15 years experience in development communications. Prior to Roots of Health, she worked as senior program manager for communications, youth, and women at an international peacebuilding organization. She also worked as communications officer, social science researcher, and program lead for academic research institutions, regional NGO networks, and grassroots organizations that work on social justice, health governance, and child rights. Diana also worked freelance as a writer and photographer for online media outfits and clients in government and the private sector. 

Diana has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Ateneo de Manila University. She received a fellowship on multimedia journalism from the Konrad Adenauer Asian Center for Journalism in 2012.