Investing in the
Next Generation
of Mindanao Leaders

John Y. Gaisano, Jr. holds a BS in Pre-Med and a Master's in Business Management from the University of the Philippines. With decades of leadership experience in retail, food manufacturing, and real estate, he has also contributed to academia as a faculty member at the UP Graduate School of Business. A key figure in the Davao business community, he has served as Committee Chairman, Vice President for Trade and Commerce, and twice as President and Chairman of the Board of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce. He spearheaded major initiatives such as the Davao Business Conference and the Davao Agriculture Trade and Exhibit, and has held leadership positions in the Rotary Club, Koinonia Theological Foundation, and the Philippine Banking Corporation.

Dr. Anacleto B. Guevarra is a respected academic, researcher, and leader in agriculture with advanced training in Plant Breeding and Genetics from UP Los Baños, and specialization in Agronomy and Soil Science from the University of Hawaii. He has taught at UP Los Baños and the University of Hawaii, and worked with global agricultural companies such as Dole Asia and Sumifru. Recognized as an outstanding alumnus, he contributed to the "Masagana 99" rice program, co-authored The Philippines Recommends for Rice, and led impactful banana and pineapple research applied across Southeast Asia. He has also served as president of the Rotary Club of Central Davao.

Atty. Marie Glenn Cedeño-Sorila is a UP Diliman graduate with degrees in Communication Research and Law, specializing in labor, corporate, mining, and environmental law. She has worked with leading law firms, served as legal counsel for UP Mindanao, and is currently a partner at Lavares, Sorila & Tupas Law Office. She serves as Corporate Secretary, General Counsel, and Data Protection Officer of Philsaga Mining Corporation. An active UP community leader, she chairs the UP Alumni Association of Davao, Inc. and serves as President of UPMFI, contributing to the foundation's financial stability and growth.

Dr. Celia C. Castillo is a highly experienced internist with over 40 years of practice at Davao Doctors Hospital, where she has served as Chairman of Internal Medicine, Medical Director, and Vice President for Strategy. She has been instrumental in quality management, clinical safety, and international accreditation including ISO certification. A founding trustee of the Philippine Society of General Internal Medicine, she has also led roles in the Philippine College of Physicians and Philippine Heart Association. A distinguished Toastmaster who has represented the Philippines internationally, she played a key role in establishing UP Mindanao and remains an active board member of UPMFI.

Atty. Charmaine Valentin is a former UPMFI scholar and cum laude graduate of UP Mindanao. She has built a distinguished legal career as legal counsel for UP Mindanao and currently as senior partner at Valentin Indiola Perandos Esparcia (VIPE)–OPAMIN Law Accounting, specializing in civil, family, property, corporate, and administrative law. As Special Counsel for the Integrated Gender and Development Office under the City Mayor, she leads policy advocacy, counseling, and court monitoring to protect women and children from violence and abuse, contributing to gender sensitivity through research, seminars, and community training.

Jeffrey Agot is a former UPMFI scholar (2001–2004) who earned his BS in Applied Mathematics and Master in Management from UP Mindanao, and is currently pursuing a Master in Environmental and Natural Resources Management at UP Open University. He serves at the Philippine Ports Authority – Port Management Office of Davao as Acting Chief Safety Officer, Acting Environmental Specialist, and Terminal Operations Officer. With a strong background in analytics, management, and environmental stewardship, he contributes to safe, efficient, and sustainable port operations — reflecting his commitment to public service and nation-building.

Mary Rose Ofianga is a former UPMFI scholar (1999–2004) who now serves on its Board of Trustees, embodying a full-circle journey of giving back. She earned her BS in Economics from UP Mindanao with UPMFI's support and later completed her Master in Management. With over a decade of experience, she has been a driving force in advancing technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Mindanao. Recognized as Ecosystem Mentor of the Year in the Davao Region, she is also the Asia Representative for Women in Internet Governance, a member of the UN IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group, and a three-time ICANN Fellow.

Atty. Marie Dinah Tolentino-Fuentes is a seasoned lawyer with over three decades of experience specializing in cases involving women and children. She earned her AB Philosophy from UP Diliman and her law degree, magna cum laude, from Ateneo de Davao University. She leads Tolentino & Associates in Davao City and has served as Graft Investigation Officer for the Office of the Ombudsman for Mindanao. A strong advocate for community service and human rights, she serves as Vice-Chairperson of Luna Legal Resource Center for Women and Children and Tambayan Center for Children's Rights, and actively contributes to the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Davao.

Ma. Corazon B. Reyes is a dedicated nurse and community leader with academic training from UP Diliman, Ateneo de Davao University, and Davao Medical School Foundation. She has held key leadership roles at Tebow Cure Hospital, Davao Mental Hospital, and Ateneo de Davao University, and is actively involved in community service through the UP Alumni Association Davao and the Rotary Club of Waling-waling Davao. A former President of UPMFI, she continues to play a vital role in shaping the foundation's direction and impact as a Trustee.

Dr. Lyre Anni Espada Murao is a respected virologist and Chancellor of UP Mindanao, with a PhD in Medical Science from Nagasaki University. She specializes in infectious diseases, molecular biology, and drug discovery, with research contributions to flaviviruses, COVID-19, and African Swine Fever. She played a key role in establishing the Philippine Genome Center's Mindanao Satellite Facility. A cum laude graduate in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from UP Diliman, she has conducted research in the U.S., Japan, and Belgium. A committed mentor and leader, she advances research, public health, and community impact through her leadership at UP Mindanao.

Dr. Mohammad Khalil A. Guinomla is a skilled orthopedic surgeon and Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Orthopedics, with a medical degree from Davao Medical School Foundation and advanced training in trauma and spine surgery in Hong Kong and Turkey. He also holds a Master's in Hospital Administration from Philippine Christian University. He serves as consultant in several hospitals across Mindanao, lecturer at the University of Southern Mindanao and UP's Department of Human Kinetics, and Chief Operating Officer of Davao City's first multispecialty ambulatory surgery center. He currently leads the UP Alumni Association of Davao.