Philippines

Virgilio Roi, or VR as he is fondly called, earned his degree in Food Technology from the University of the Philippines Mindanao. As a young food scientist, his research interests include probiotics, valorization of local produces and agricultural by-products, and nutrition, all anchored on inclusivity and sustainability.

VR is currently a corporate management associate for research and development, under the Future Leaders Program of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC). He leads and provides support in product development, commercialization initiatives, product and process innovation, and supervision of end-to-end quality and standards for Red Ribbon Bakeshop, one of the many brands under the JFC Group.

Before pursuing a career in the food industry, his collegiate years were highly decorated with his experience as a competitive debater and adjudicator, leadership as one of the founders of an organization of science and technology scholars, and his enthusiasm to empower the youth through various community-focused projects.

VR is an alumnus of the Global UGRAD Program, where he studied food science and nutrition at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. During his exchange program, he engaged with the local community through nonprofit organizations, and enjoyed the colorful and vibrant Cajun and Creole cultures of “the Pelican State.”

Mcaine Andrei Carlos, a dynamic and versatile multimedia artist, is recognized as a leader and mentor in the expansive realm of multimedia and marketing. He holds a deep appreciation for the importance of volunteerism and service, exemplified through his pivotal role within Student Trainers, the volunteer arm of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Student Involvement Unit.

Mcaine's multifaceted engagement enables him to spearhead a myriad of initiatives, including leadership development programs, educational workshops, orientation activities, and community-building projects. One of his distinguished projects, #WeCan2022, stands as a testament to his innovative approach to social change. Awarded the title of Most Outstanding Student Development Project in 2023, #WeCan2022 aims to enlighten Filipino citizens and communities about their pivotal role in nation-building, transcending the confines of suffrage.

Passionate about the transformative power of art, Mcaine fervently believes that artists possess a unique ability to inspire change and represent their nations on a global stage. He embodies this belief through his creative endeavors and leadership roles, advocating for the recognition of artists as influential voices in society. With unwavering dedication, Mcaine seeks to challenge stereotypes and empower fellow artists to embrace their potential as agents of positive change. 

Precious is an art educator with over six years of experience, and currently serves as the Department Head for Special Subjects (Art, Physical Education, Music, and Consumer Science) at Southville International School and Colleges. She is also a published children’s book illustrator of three titles, one of which is available in the USA (“Daddy, What’s That Sound?” by Christopher Spence, published in 2023). In her spare time, she is a content creator for her page, "Lines, Here and There" on Facebook.

After graduating from Philippine Normal University Manila with a degree in English Education, she started out as a content writer for Edukasyon.ph before eventually applying as a full-time Art teacher. She is currently the Vice President of the Global UGRAD Scholars of the Philippines Alumni Association (GUSPAA) and has facilitated several initiatives concerning education and the environment.

Precious studied English Language and Literature (with units in Visual Arts) at Fairleigh Dickinson University (New Jersey) in 2017 through the Global UGRAD program and has since remained passionate about writing as a form of expression. She recently gained recognition as a finalist in the Global Peter Drucker Essay Writing competition (Vienna, Austria), and was awarded 7th place in November 2023. 

Ralph Rae Glindo has an esteemed experience in environmental management from both the public and private sector in the Philippines. He is currently the Environment, Safety and Health Department Head of one subsidiary of Wellex Mining Corporation where he takes charge in controlling the effects of their operations to the environment and ensuring that the area will be rehabilitated accordingly at the end of mine life. Part of their commitment is the implementation of a Community Development Program (CDP) for the local government units and direct impact communities.

Prior to joining his current organization, he was an Environmental Management Specialist at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau for four years. During his time with the agency, his role mainly focused on environmental monitoring and law enforcement, water quality management, integrated management system implementation, and environmental education.

Ralph is an alumnus of the Global UGRAD program where he was exposed to the advanced technology on Waste Recovery and Sustainability in Engineering at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. Ralph obtained his bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering from the Technological Institute of the Philippines, a program accredited by the U.S.-based ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission.

Nina is a dedicated and resourceful media practitioner with experience in all aspects of production. She is currently a research associate at TVUP, the University of the Philippines’ Internet Television Network, where she produces free content for information and educational purposes aimed towards generating more accessible open educational resources.

Prior to joining TVUP, Nina was a multimedia producer for Rappler, the Philippines’ leading digital media company. She produced Rappler newscasts, explainers, video features, short documentaries, and live shows. She also went around the Philippines to cover the country’s various local festivals and sights.

Nina is an alumna of the Global UGRAD program and studied radio and television at the University of Southern Indiana, where she finished the term as a dean’s lister. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in broadcast communication with a distinction of magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

A passionate educator and administrator with a robust work ethic, Marlon D. Pura brings a wealth of academic expertise, global perspective, and leadership acumen. Starting his teaching career at Enderun Colleges - Extension, he is now the academic manager, providing academic leadership and overseeing various aspects of academic programs, faculty management, and student support, while also contributing to strategic planning and quality assurance initiatives. 

As a certified TESOL trainer, he provides coaching to prospective teachers and professionals who wish to pursue a career in teaching English. He is a graduate of sociology at the University of the Philippines Diliman as a U.S. Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development (PCAFPD) scholar. He received prestigious exchange scholarships at Nazareth University (formerly Nazareth College) in Rochester, NY, and at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School in Orange, MA, through the Global Undergraduate (Global UGRAD) and the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programs, respectively - both funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). 

During his exchange programs, he rendered countless hours doing community service in various capacities and locations across the United States - a testament to his commitment to volunteerism, civic engagement, and social responsibility which continues to the present. Outside of his professional pursuits, Marlon finds joy in cooking and in serving culinary delights - a passion that he has cultivated through formal training at École Ducasse (formerly Ducasse Education) at Enderun Colleges - completing his culinary internship in Amanpulo, the Philippines' top luxury resort.