ABOUT
Jay Magracia
“ Once upon a time, a tree stood by the center of our town which served as landmark for people to convene. For more than a century, this tree became our beacon of hope, strength, resilience and perseverance. “
MISSION STATEMENT
To establish and maintain an organization that will promote the cultural, intellectual, socio-economic, political, moral and spiritual well-being of the youth and the entire community of our hometown, San Agustin, Romblon;
To promote STEAM-based learning among the youth, students and other interested constituents of the Municipality of San Agustin. STEAM stands for science, technology and trade, engineering, arts and mathematics;
To foster collaborative, harmonious and progressive relations with local government units and national agencies, such as the Municipality of San Agustin and its barangays, the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Health, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development;
To collaborate with private, non-governmental and religious organizations that share the same ideals and goals of the Organization; and
To provide learning resources and opportunities to everyone, without regard for their age, gender preference, ethnic, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds, religious and political beliefs or affiliations.
Local Leaders
Efigenio Naldin Tan
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President | Founding Member
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Mabel Ann Stanyer
LPT, Farmer, Entrepreneur
Secretary | Founding Member
After working as Secretary to the Mayor of San Agustin (September 6, 2017 - December 31, 2019), Mabel Ann has devoted her time to being a full-time farmer and the owner of Stanyer Farms in Brgy. Sugod, San Agustin, Romblon. Previously, she had worked as Sales Verifier for Citibank- West Contact Services, Inc. (Sept 29, 2008- Sept 5, 2017).
An alumna of Holy Rosary Academy, she pursued higher education at the Philippine Normal University where she graduated with a Bachelor in Secondary Education, major in Social Science. She also completed an Associate degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Romblon State University. In May, 2015, she passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers.
Personal Quotation: Nothing is difficult in this world if you are willing to conquer your fear.
Engr. Bernadette Fajilan-Villarba
ECE, AFP, Financial Literacy Advocate
Auditor | Founding Member
Bernadette was born in San Agustin, Romblon and currently residing in Calamba City, Laguna. She has a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering. She’s a Licensed Life Insurance Underwriter and Certified Associate Financial Planner. She is currently working as a Senior Marketing Director for International Marketing Group. She worked as a Telco Engineer for Pilipino Telecom Corporation (PH), Smart Communications (PH), Globe Telecom (PH), and Shabakkat Cellular Company (a Nokia Subcontractor – Middle East). In 2004, Bernadette was awarded the Employee of the Year by the Globe Telecom.
Bernadette is God loving, hardworking mom, and an entrepreneur. She’s a financial literacy advocate who loves to learn and share valuable financial concepts to Filipino families all over the world. She found that her purpose in life is to help families find better future through financial education.
Engr. Casius Manalon
ECE, Service Professional
Project Manager | Founding Member
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Jasper Solano
CE
Vice President | Founding Member
Jasper was born in San Agustin, Romblon and currently residing in Barangay Dubduban, San Agustin, Romblon. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP). Jasper is the owner of Solano Enterprise, Jas Enterprise, and Jas Construction and Supplies. He previously worked in construction and project management, and business management.
Jasper is the former President of Visayas Mindanao Student Brotherhood Main Chapter and Senior Adviser for Alumni Officers in TIP Manila.
Jasper loves travelling, the game of basketball, lawn tennis, volleyball, billiards, playing guitar, singing, and gardening.
Cresale Festada
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Treasurer | Founding Member
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Engr. Marfel Solidum
CE
Project Manager | Founding Member
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Xenia Moreno
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Property Custodian | Founding Member
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Advisory Board
Engr. Melecio Mortel
ECE, CQE, Hardware Designer, Inventor
Founding Chair
Edgar D. Montesa
DBA, RN, PHN
Founding Member
Melecio (Mel) Mortel was born and raised in San Agustin, Romblon. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) at Mapua Institute of Technology. During the early days of his career, he gained his Semiconductor, RF technology and manufacturing experience working for different multinational companies in the Philippines.
He then moved to Hong Kong and China, worked for Varitronix HK Ltd. where he learned his multidisciplinary skills while designing and developing LCD Modules for automotive, industrial and commercial applications.
In 2006, he immigrated to Canada with his family and joined Fujitsu Ten Canada Inc. as Quality Engineer supporting infotainment systems assembly at GM Manufacturing plant in Ontario.
He had also worked extensively as Research and Development (R&D) staff/engineer for BLACKBERRY Ltd., responsible for developing and implementing display technologies for various smartphone liquid crystal display (LCD) and OLED screens.
From 2013 up to present, he has resided in Michigan, USA, working for Fujitsu Ten, now Denso Ten America Ltd., as Quality Supervisor, leading a team of quality professionals who support vehicle infotainment systems launch and mass production activities at General Motors , Honda America Manufacturing (HAM), and Toyota Manufacturing North America.
Professional License: Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) - Electronics and Communications Engineer (1997) Organizations/Certifications:
1. American Society for Quality (ASQ) - Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
2. Society for Information Display (SID)
USPTO and EPO
Granted Patents:
1. 9772691- Hybrid Keyboard for Mobile Device
2. 9046946- Systems and Method of Determining Stylus Location on Touch Sensitive Display
Hobbies:
Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Fishing, Exploring the great outdoors.
Currently working as RN Care Manager at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Edgar D. Montesa has previously worked in the home health, long-term and acute care settings. He obtained his Doctorate of Business Administration in Healthcare Management and Leadership from California Intercontinental University, Master of Business Administration from California Pacific University, Master of Arts in English from the University of the Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University, Bachelor of Arts in English, cum laude, from Trinity University of Asia, and Associate of Science in Nursing from West Coast University. Prior to immigrating to the U.S.A., he was a candidate for Ph.D. in Education, major in Educational Psychology, at the University of the Philippines.
He has served as Program Director (Director of Nursing) at Marian College, Los Angeles, where he currently teaches (part-time) nursing courses. He has taught 6th grade at a Catholic elementary school in Los Angeles, CA. In the Philippines, he has taught college English, literature, writing and speech courses at the University of the Philippines, Trinity University of Asia, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and has authored college textbooks, English for College and Career and Practical Speech for Filipinos. He has also taught English as a Second Language (ESL) @ the International Catholic Migration Commission-Bataan Refugee Processing Center, Philippines, @ Saudi Aramco, K.S.A., and @ McDermott International, Dubai, U.A.E. and India.
Michael L. Montesa
MBA, RRT, Professional Photographer
Founding Member
Hector Perez
PhD, RPsy
Founding Member
Michael is a Registered Respiratory Therapist and is currently working as a CardioVascular Respiratory Therapy Supervisor at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. He works in a Level III Neonatal ICU, Pediatric ICU, and Adult ICU. Michael is an ECMO Specialist and an NRP instructor. Michael graduated from GateWay Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care and from Mesa Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Digital Imaging, Desktop Publishing, and Web Design. In 2019, Michael obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Grand Canyon University. In 2022, Michael obtained his Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.
Michael is also a professional photographer. His photographs were featured in newspapers such as Mesa Tribune and the Arizona Republic. His photography portfolios were also featured in Reflections of Engagement, a book published by The Center for Service-Learning. In 2015, Michael published his photo books, a two-part series collection of his travels in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the United States. Michael is also a filmmaker and worked on location in Lusaka and Livingstone, Zambia in Southern Africa as an associate producer for an independent film Bad Timing.
Linda Lim
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Founding Member
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Val Lim
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Founding Member
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Board Members
Johnny Jesalva
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Founding Member
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John Rey Magracia
BSIS
Founding Member
Born in San Agustin, Romblon, Jay is currently making Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada his home. Jay is currently working as an Office Administrator. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from the University of the East – Caloocan in 2013. Jay used to work as part of the Media Team of the LGU San Agustin, Freelance Tour Guide in Romblon Islands, Social Media Travel Guide Blogger in Romblon (The Trekking Jay of Romblon).
Jay’s interest and hobbies are hiking and travel photography.
Dr. Deo Muleta, MD
Founding Member
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Dr. Aubrey Solano, MD
Pediatrician
Founding Member
Aubrey was born in Parañaque, Metro Manila and is currently residing in Barangay Dubduban, San Agustin, Romblon. Aubrey is a Pediatrician and a Diplomate of Philippine Pediatric Society. She is the owner of A. Ricerra-Solano Children’s Clinic Pediatric Consultation at Tablas Island District Hospital. In 2007 -2010, she did her Pediatric Residency training at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. In 2011 – 2012, she worked as a Junior Pediatric Consultant at MCU Hospital. In 2013 – 2020, she worked as a Pediatric Consultant at Romblon Provincial Hospital, Isiah Hospital, and Rovillos Hospital. From 2020 to present, she has been working as Pediatric Consultant at Tablas Island District Hospital.
In 2007, Aubrey came in as 3rd Place award holder of Interesting Case Presentation at Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
Aubrey loves travelling, making bento boxes, crocheting, gardening, watching movies, and vlogging. She is also a “certified” dog lover.
Emylou Tan
BSN
Founding Member
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Lourdes Madrona
Licensed Agri Engr. & Entrepreneur
Founding Member
Former Municipal Mayor of San Agustin.
She is the current Chief Political Affairs Officer for the Office of Rep. Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona.
Mariel Marquez Gagarin
PhD
Founding Member
Mariel M. Gagarin works as Associate Professor-1 and Chair of the Political Science Department at Romblon State University. She is the youngest among the children of Mr. and Mrs. Florencio Marquez of San Agustin, Romblon. At present, she resides in Odiongan because of her work.
While taking her college degree in Manila, Dr. Gagarin worked for a security agency to support her studies. She took a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Lyceum University and graduated from Manuel L. Quezon University. As an employee of Romblon State University, she was granted a scholarship for graduate studies at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) where she graduated with a Master of Arts in Political Science in 2006. She was granted another scholarship for doctoral studies at the same university and in 2019, she graduated with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science. Currently, she devotes her time to teaching courses and research/thesis in Political Science at RSU.
Mercy Manato
LPT
Founding Member
Driven by the passion to nurture lifelong learning in the younger generation, Mercy A. Manato, LPT, has worked as an educator for almost thirty years now. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education, cum laude, from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. She has taught English and Journalism at Bagong Barangay Elementary School under the Division of City Schools, Manila. She has also served as an English teacher, and later, as Assistant Department Head of the English Section and as Primary Section Supervisor at Chung Ching Middle School in Brunei Darussalam. Presently, she is a Master Teacher at Cabolutan National High School, San Agustin, Romblon.
Engr. Rosalio Bancoro
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Founding Member
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Sherwin Perlas
PhD
Founding Member
Tubong San Agustin, Romblon, si DR. SHERWIN M. PERLAS ay kasalukuyang kawaksing propesor, dating tagapayong teknikal at ngayon ay konsultant ng publikasyong pangkampus at Tagapangulo – MAED- English ng gradwadong paaralan ng Romblon State University (RSU)- Odiongan. Dati rin siyang naging pinuno ng mga opisina ng RSU para sa Planning and Development (2012-2016) at External Linkages and Public Information Office (2010-2012). Sa kasalukuyan katuwang siya ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) bilang Direktor ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK) sa Romblon.
Nagtapos si Assoc. Prof. Perlas ng PhD Literature sa Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas noong 2011 kung saan naging paksa ng kaniyang disertasyon ang ugnayan ng rehiyonal at pambansang panitikan. Pinamagatang “Karagatan in The Karā'an Of Romblon: Regional Oral Tradition En Route to Philippine National Literature”, ang pananaliksik ay bunga ng kanyang iskolarsyip mula sa CHED-Higher Education Development Project - Faculty Development Program (HEDP-FDP) noong 2006-2009. Habang ang pagsasalin naman ng mga nakalap na mga awiting bayan ay nagawaran ng Translation Grant mula sa National Commission for Culture and the Arts noong 2010.
Bilang mananaliksik, nakatuon si Dr. Perlas sa pagkilates sa mga Panitikan, pag-aaral ng wika lalo na ang bernakular, pagsasalin mula bernakular tungong Filipino at Ingles at mula Ingles o Filipino tungong bernakular, pananaliksik sa kultura, paglilikom at pananaliksik ng poklor. Grantee din siya ng KWF para sa saliksik ng Lingguwistikong Etnograpiya ng Filipinas – Wikang Ini. Naging tagapagsalita at tagapanayam na siya sa mga pambansa at pandaigdiggang kumperensiya at nailathala na rin ang kanyang mga akda tungkol sa Romblon sa ilang refereed journals gaya ng Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (2016), Romblon State University Research Journal (2014) at sa aklat na Romblon: Bosom of the Philippines (2018).
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Emmanuel S. Tan
P.E., M. ASCE
Founding Member
Emmanuel is the Vice President for Technical Operations, Cole Tech Group in New York. He was born in San Agustin, Romblon and currently residing in East Meadow, New York. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology, Philippines. He obtained his Certificate in Computer Science from Hofstra University, New York.
Emmanuel is a Registered Civil Engineer (PRC, Philippines), Registered Sanitary Engineer (PRC, Philippines), 5th Placer in Sanitary Engineering Licensure Exams in August 1986, and Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in New York State.
He worked as a Project Engineer for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH – Romblon Engineering District). He also worked in Guam, USA as a Branch Manager for Asahi Synchrotech Corporation. He worked as Special Inspector, Project Manager, and Director for various companies in New York City.
Emmanuel is a Professional Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Certified Member of the American Wielding Society (AWS), Certified Member of the International Code Council, Certified Member of the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, and Member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI).
Emmanuel listed biking as one of his hobbies.
Aileen Solidum Campos
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Founding Member
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Anna Liza Medina Jenkins
RMT, AMT
Founding Member
Ana Liza is a Certified American Medical Technologist and currently working as Chemistry Lead Medical Technologist (Core Lab) at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology from the Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines. Before venturing into Johns Hopkins Hospital, Ana Liza has worked in Manila as Registered Medical Technologist and later on, worked in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
At Johns Hopkins Hospital, she oversees the daily operations of the the General Chemistry Total Lab Automation and Special Chemistry areas on overnight shifts. She trains new employees, participates in the interview process for the new applicants, conducts competencies, and provides feedbacks for staff annual performance evaluation.
Beberly M. Gonzales
MEM
Founding Member
Being an educator who instills love, passion, and commitment in young minds is among her motivations to be a devoted public servant. Her stint as an educator spans 22 years with the Department of Education, with 18 years as a Grade One Teacher and 4 years as a Kindergarten Teacher.
Born in Dubduban, San Agustin, Romblon, she belongs to Tablas Academy Batch 92 and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, cum laude, from Romblon College, Odiongan, Romblon where she was also a PESFA (Private Education Student Financial Assistance) Scholar. She finished her Master’s in Educational Management at Romblon State University in 2012.
Recently, she has been promoted to Master Teacher 2 at San Agustin Central Elementary School where she serves as School Action Cell Coordinator (SLAC), Secretary and Member of BAC (Bids and Awards Committee), School Action Research Coordinator while concurrently serving as Action Research Coordinator in the District of San Agustin-Calatrava-Sta. Maria, and Teacher-in-Charge.