Kythe Board of Trustees
Ms. Maria Fatima "Girlie" Garcia-Lorenzo, MA CCLS
President and Co-founder
About Ms. Lorenzo
The co-founder of Kythe Foundation Inc., Ms. Lorenzo finished her graduate studies in Child and Family Psychology at the Ateneo De Manila University and completed her Child Life internships at the University of California San Francisco Hospital, allowing her to become a professional Child and Family Psychologist and a Certified Child Life Specialist through the Child Life Council.
In addition, she holds experience in Human Resources, Organizational Diagnosis, and Counseling, and conducts training seminars and research studies on Team Building, Leadership Training, and Strategic Planning.
Ms. Lorenzo is the First Filipino Fellow chosen by Ashoka, a global network that recognizes the achievements of social innovators who create systemic change.
Atty. Arnel Jose S. Bañas
Vice President
About Atty. Bañas
Atty. Bañas is currently the Deputy Secretary for Administrative and Financial Services of the Senate of the Philippines. He attended the University of Warwick for his Master of Laws degree as a British Chevening Scholar in 1996. He went to the University of Washington (Seattle) as a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow in 2007, an award given by the US State Department. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism at the University of the Philippines Diliman and completed law studies at the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law. He received the 2009 Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela.
Mr. William Bayot
Treasurer
About Mr. Bayot
Mr. William Bayot is a graduate of Business Administration at the De La Salle University. An entrepreneur by heart, Mr. Bayot started his own events management company called Fun Factory Philippines in 2004. He is also the co-owner, Systems Analyst and compliance officer at the Uniwin Multi Printing Corporation and is a Financial Advisor of Sunlife of Canada.
Ms. Maria Carmen “Icar” S. Castro, MA, RPsy
Trustee and Co-founder
About Ms. Castro
Icar is the co-Founder of Kythe. She began her career as an educator and child play therapist, having graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Counseling. She is now a seasoned Human Resources and Organizational Develepment Executive with over 2 decades of extensive corporate experience in the financial, telecom and insurance industries.
She previously held Senior Regional HR positions in Citibank (Singapore), AIA Group Office (Hong Kong), and Manulife Financial Asia Ltd. (Hong Kong). She is currently an independent OD Consultant and Mental Well-Being practitioner and works with various multinationals and local conglomerates and organizations. Icar is also a Registered Psychologist with the Professional Regulation Commission.
Currently, Icar serves as a consultant of Kythe for training, human resource, and volunteer mobilization.
Ms. Malu Dy-Buncio
Consultant
About Ms. Dy-Buncio
Ms. Malu Dy-Buncio is currently Mansmith and Fielders Inc.’s Chief Business Development Strategist, having previously served in Avon worldwide in a span of twenty years as Executive Director for Regional and Business Development in the Asia Pacific Regional Office, opening Avon Vietnam; General Manager of Avon Cosmetics, Inc. in the Philippines; President Director in Indonesia; and Business Development Manager at Avon Pacific (Regional Office) and Avon Products Manufacturing in the Philippines. She is an active management and business consultant for some of the country’s most prominent corporations. Ms. Malu completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts at Assumption College and the Business Management program at the Asian Institute of Management. She has been the recipient of a number of business and management awards throughout her career.
Ms. Carmela Sison
Trustee
About Ms. Sison
Ms. Carmela Sison graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in Liberal Arts, majoring in Broadcasting. She further pursued her education by obtaining a Masters in Entrepreneurship at the Asian Institute of Management.
Throughout her career, Ms. Carmela has held valuable positions at esteemed corporations and organizations such as the Philippine Plaza Hotel, IBM Philippines, UNISYS Phils, and Business Computer Australia. Additionally, she is the owner of the Nutshack Franchise (Australia) and Chocomella Cafe (Australia).
Currently, she serves as the General Manager of Stone House Hotel Quezon City.
Ms. Carmela’s media presence is notable, having served as a TV Host on PTV4, a radio broadcaster at 3ZZZ Multicultural Broadcasting Melbourne, and a newstringer at TFC Australia.
Mr. Teodoro del Mundo
Trustee
About Mr. del Mundo
EON Chair and Chief Executive Teodoro del Mundo believes that communication is the most valuable gateway to building trust–a belief he holds with such fervor that it became the cornerstone of a venture he founded with two of his closest friends almost two decades ago. From its pioneering roots as a stakeholder relations firm, The EON Group has expanded into an integrated communications company committed to the vision of truth-telling as an instrument for meaningful and lasting change, blazing trails in public relations (EON PR), reputation management and public affairs (ENGAGE), creative technology (DiG), and experiential marketing (TANGERINE). Recognized as one of the world’s most influential people in public relations by PRWeek in its annual Global Power Book since 2014, Junie continues to participate in industry associations and foreign chambers where he drives conversations that help shape national policy and public opinion, particularly on country branding and ASEAN Integration.
Mr. Joselito Ortega
Trustee
About Mr. Ortega
Jos Ortega is the Chairman and CEO of Havas Ortega.
He is a Board Member of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines and an Advisor of the Bike Scouts Philippines. He was also the Golden Year President of the Philippine Marketing Association.
Jos is the Strategic Advisor of the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde MMA Program. He is also the Co-founder and Senior Advisor of the Philippine Junior Marketing Association MadWorld Conference.
Atty. Virginia Viray
Trustee
About Atty. Viray
Atty. Virginia Viray is a Partner at Puyat Jacinto & Santos Law Offices (“PJS Law”). Shespecializes in the fields of Taxation, Corporate & Commercial Law, Mergers andAcquisitions, and Finance & Capital Markets.
She received her Bachelor of Laws (LI.B.) degree from the University of thePhilippines.
She is a member of the Philippine Bar, a Certified Public Accountant, and a CertifiedAnti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS). She is a senior lecturer of Taxation Lawand Corporation Law at the University of the Philippines College of Law.
Atty. Kaera Conanan
Corporate Secretary
About Atty. Conanan
Kaera received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Law in 2023 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in the same year. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a Minor in Management from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2017. Kaera is an Associate of PJS Law and is heavily involved in Corporate and Commercial Law, Labor, Data Privacy, and Energy transactions.
Kythe Core Team
Operations
Magdalena M. Lopez
Executive Director
About Mags
Mags holds a BS in Psychology from the University of the Philippines and an MBA from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
With over three decades of experience championing women’s and children’s rights, she has served in both technical and leadership roles in local and international civil society organizations.
Mags has worked extensively with government agencies, the private sector, and diverse institutional donors. Her expertise includes project and partnership management, organizational development, monitoring and evaluation, and research.
Child Life Department
Carolyn T. Tongco, REACE, MA, RPsy
Child Life Manager
About Carol
Carol is an expressive arts practitioner who integrates creativity, mindfulness, storytelling, and coaching to support healing and personal growth. Her journey with Kythe Foundation began as a volunteer in 2005, and through years of dedicated service, she became the Volunteer Program Coordinator in 2018 and now serves as Child Life Services Manager, leading programs that support children with chronic illness and their families.
For over a decade, she has facilitated workshops, retreats, coaching sessions, and wellness webinars for NGOs, schools, and corporate clients in Metro Manila. Carol is a registered psychologist and holds multiple certifications in expressive arts, coaching, and focusing practices from international organizations. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Arts and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Santo Tomas. Through various creative modalities, she continues to guide others toward healing and growth.
Amalia De Jesus
Child Life Officer for Luzon Hospitals
Philippine Children's Medical Center
About Mye
Mye has extensive years of experience in sales, advertising, public relations, and marketing gained from positions held in diverse industries including transportation, media agency, and publishing among others. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Prior to joining Kythe, she held a senior post in Philippine Daily Inquirer. Her passion for children led her to Kythe.
Shalom Rea V. Bernales
Child Life Officer for Visayas and Mindanao Hospitals
Perpetual Succour Hospital – Cebu Cancer Institute
About Shao
Prior to her involvement in the Cebu Cancer Institute, Shao worked in Telecare Global Solutions, Inc. as Customer Representative, and the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center in the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center Compound as Registry Assistant and Program Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Biology units from the University of San Carlos.
An Krizia A. Anino, RN, LPT
Child Life Coordinator
Philippine Children's Medical Center
About Isha
Isha’s path to the playroom was never a straight line, with chapters in hospital wards and special education classrooms before arriving at the right page. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from De La Salle Health Sciences Institute and spent four years as a Registered Nurse, learning the rhythms of healing.
Over time, a different calling took shape, leading her to pursue Certification in Professional Education at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she qualified for and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. She has also begun graduate studies in special education from the same university, further deepening her understanding of how to support children with diverse needs.
Today, as a Child Life Coordinator at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Isha weaves together her clinical eye and her educator’s heart to help children and families navigate the hospital experience with a little less fear and a little more courage. For her, child life isn’t just a career — it is where all her passions finally found their chorus.
Charm Mercado
Child Life Coordinator
Philippine Orthopedic Center
About Charm
Charm has shown that despite his disability, he is able to motivate pediatric patients and provide hope. After surviving cancer, Kuya Charm studied a short course at ALS (Alternative Learning System) – a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides a practical option to the existing formal instruction.
Camille Calda, RSW
Child Life Coordinator
National Children's Hospital
About Cams
Cams is a Registered Social Worker and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work.
She formerly served as a social work intern at Quezon City Bahay Kalinga for Children, which further cultivated her commitment to children’s rights advocacy and family-centered practice. She is also dedicated to advancing the rights of women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the LGBTQIA++ community.
Jirah Mae D. Gealon, RPm
Child Life Coordinator
Perpetual Succour Hospital – Cebu Cancer Institute
About Jai
Jai has extensive experience in academia and clinical settings, being a registered Psychometrician and having a background in Guidance and Counseling.
At Kythe, she ensures that chronically ill children receive appropriate therapeutic play, educational preparation for medical procedures, and emotional support. Jai also facilitates family support through interventions that are both developmentally appropriate and centered around the family unit.
Presently, she is pursuing her Masters in Clinical Psychology at the University of San Carlos and shares her knowledge with others by giving talks on mental health in various settings.
Eileen Silvestre, LPT
Child Life Coordinator
Tarlac Provincial Hospital
About Len
Len is a compassionate nursing aide who obtained her certification from the Philippine Women’s University. In 2007, she served as a volunteer in the OB/GYN, Medicine and Pediatric wards of the Tarlac Provincial Hospital, where she provided care to patients of all ages.
Len holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the Tarlac State University and passed the licensure examination for teachers.
Anna Beatrice M. Ong, RPm
Family Support Coordinator
About Anna
Anna is a Registered Psychometrician and a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
At Kythe, she manages the Adopt-a-Patient program, making sure it runs smoothly for both beneficiaries and stakeholders. Beyond this role, Anna is known for the warm and caring relationships she builds with the families of our Kythe kids.
Trisha Yasmin P. Mirallo, RPm
Family Support & Events Coordinator
About Trish
Trish facilitates and implements the Family Support program, specifically the RAFI grants, disbursement, liquidation, and monitoring of funds, and provision of Child Life services to beneficiaries, as well as assistance to the Child Life program in Cebu.
Trish earned her degree in BS Psychology from the University of San Carlos and is also a licensed psychometrician.
Margie Narciso
Child Life Assistant
About Margie
Margie is a Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT), Certified Caregiver, and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.
She has experience as a former ALS Mobile Teacher, supporting learners from diverse communities, and as a caregiver to a family member with cancer, providing compassionate care. A dedicated stay-at-home mom and active in their family business, she brings strong organization, adaptability, and a heart for supporting children and families.
Resource Mobilization Department
Rhenzel Aivy A. Fausto
Resource Mobilization Manager
About Aivy
Aivy graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, majoring in Laboratory Technology, from the Technological University of the Philippines, Manila.
Surviving her illness with the help of Kythe inspired her to give back and serve the foundation in the best way she could.
For almost a decade, she has been an integral part of Kythe’s Communications team, managing the organization’s social media and website. She also oversees the implementation of Kythe’s Data Privacy and Protection policies, ensuring the confidentiality of beneficiaries’ profiles.
Now serving as the Resource Mobilization Manager, Aivy leads Kythe’s operations and programs to ensure continuous support for our beneficiaries. She also builds and nurtures lasting relationships with donors, partners, and other stakeholders. Through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement, she helps secure the resources needed to sustain Kythe’s work and grow its network, both locally and internationally—while staying true to the foundation’s values.
In 2023, Aivy completed a Digital Marketing course at CIIT College of Arts and Technology.
Jasel Ann Marie M. Silva, RPm
Partner Relations and Events Officer
About Jam
Jam is a compassionate advocate with a heart full of love for children.
She earned her BS Psychology degree from Far Eastern University and is a Licensed Psychometrician. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at the University of Santo Tomas.
Before joining Kythe, she spent five years in the corporate world focusing on educational assessment and also served as a guidance associate in a private school.
As Kythe’s Partner Relations and Events Officer, Jam focuses on strengthening partnerships, leading events, and actively promoting the organization’s advocacy. Through her efforts, she helps Kythe generate vital grants and resources that support the psychosocial care of pediatric patients facing cancer and chronic illnesses, a mission close to her heart.
Jam’s goal is simple yet powerful: to touch more hearts and turn compassion into action, just as her own heart was once moved to serve.
Mark Kyelle T. Concepcion
Resource Mobilization Officer
About Kyelle
Kyelle is a graduate of AB Development Studies in Ateneo de Manila University. As a Resource Mobilization Officer of Kythe, he facilitates donor relationships and ensures the proper stream of support for Kythe’s child patients.
Prior to his engagement with Kythe, Kyelle has worked for more than 4 years in a social behavior change communication focused organization.
Outside work, Kyelle loves sports, music, and being a collector of things. But what stays consistent is his passion for lasting positive change in his community.
Jem Marie M. Benzon
Communications Technology Officer
About Jem
Jem began her journey with Kythe in 2007 as a volunteer leader, doing hospital visits and art murals. Before formally joining the organization as a staff member, she was Kythe’s communications consultant. She currently leads the design and management of Kythe’s digital platforms and print media while overseeing the organization’s overall branding. She also ensures the stability and efficiency of Kythe’s digital operations and processes.
Jem holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, major in Advertising Arts, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila.
Beyond her professional role, she serves as a liturgical choir minister in her parish and enjoys engaging in creative pursuits such as painting and crocheting.
Andrea Luz V. Gagelonia, RSW
Volunteer Program Coordinator and Social Worker
About Andi
Andi is a Cum Laude graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
She was a former social work intern at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, which fueled her passion for serving children and advocating for patients’ and children’s rights.
Andi passed the Social Work Licensure Examination in September 2024. She also holds Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units in Trauma-Informed Care and the 4Rs of Women and Children Protection (Recognizing, Recording, Reporting, and Referring).
Finance and Administration Department
Ma. Victoria Balbido-Aguilar
Finance and Administration Officer
About Bec
Bec holds 18 years of experience in treasury and accounting for the pharmaceutical, trading, and land development industries. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
Mary Rose Mendoza
Finance and Administration Assistant
About Mary Rose
Mary Rose is a Cum Laude graduate from Batangas State University – The National Engineering University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Major in Financial Management.
She assists in managing Kythe’s financial records while performing administrative duties, ensuring that all funds are properly tracked and utilized according to their intended purposes.
Ranzel C. Posillo
Facilities and Administration Assistant
About Ranzel
Ranzel has had 10 years working experience at Greenwich Corporation as part of the service crew and at Careworx Services, as part of their pool of employees. Ranzel assists the Kythe Finance Officer and is responsible for maintaining order and cleanliness at the Kythe office.