Our Team

Meet our Team

CSI is made up of a team from an extensive range of professional backgrounds, expertise and experience.

Together they uphold the values of the CSI and dedicate themselves to the vision of the mission.

The team includes our Board of Trustees, our Corporate Officers, our Scientific Advisory Board, and our Safeguarding Mission Team.

Prof. Gabriel S. Dy-Liacco, Ph.D., LPC

President and Founder, CSI

Maria Lucia G. Mondragon

President and Founder, CSI

Board of Trustees

Most Rev. Florentino G. Lavarias, DD

Archbishop of San Fernando, Philippines Chairman, Office for the Protection of Minors, Catholic Bishops Conference Philippines

Rev. Fr. Jordan Orbe, SJ, PsyD, RPsy

Society of Jesus

Sr. Maria Nerissa Bandojo, R.C.

Religious of the Cenacle

Rojean Edith Caharian-Macalalad

Ex-officio Executive Director, CSI

Corporate Officers

Rev. Fr. James Wenceslao U. Gascon, S.J., DMin

Corporate Secretary

Maria Lucia G. Mondragon

Treasurer

Scientific Advisory Board

Maria Carmen B. La Viña, Ph.D.

Rev. Fr. James Wenceslao U. Gascon, S.J., DMin

Rev. Msgr. Ramon M. Masculino, Jr., PC, MA, MS, APD

Rev. Fr. Jerome U Rosalinda, J.C.D.

Safeguarding Mission Team

Prof. Gabriel S. Dy-Liacco, Phd, LPC

President

Prof. Gabriel S. Dy-Liacco, Phd, LPC

President

Dr. Dy-Liacco holds a Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling (CES) from Loyola University Maryland, USA. He has been a practicing psychotherapist since 1999. His clinical work has been in the treatment of individuals, couples, families and groups for adult and childhood abuse and trauma, psychiatric diagnoses, personality disorders, addiction, and non-psychiatric problems in living. He has been a graduate professor of counseling since 2005. Past faculty appointments were with Regent University School of Psychology and Counseling (Virginia, USA) and Loyola University Maryland (USA). He is currently a core-faculty member of the School of Counseling of Divine Mercy University (Virginia, USA). His current research interests focus on the relationships among spiritual experiences, spiritual struggles, and psychological flourishing. Pope Francis appointed Dr. Dy-Liacco to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) as a founding member in 2014 where he served until 2022. Dr. Dy-Liacco also served on the scientific advisory board of the Pontifical Gregorian University’s (PUG) Centre for Child Protection from 2015-2021 and provides content for the programs of the PUG’s graduate Diploma in Safeguarding at the Institute of Anthropology: Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care. Finally, Dr. Dy-Liacco founded the Catholic Safeguarding Institute in 2019. In 2023, the Catholic Safeguarding Institute was retained by the PCPM to be a regional consultant for the Asia-Oceania region.

Email:g.dyliacco@catholic-safeguarding.net

Rojean Edith Caharian-Macalalad

Executive Director

Rojean Edith Caharian-Macalalad

Executive Director

Rojean has an extensive professional experience in development and management. Her involvements in the Philippines are focused on social development. She joined the Jesuit Volunteer program and was assigned as a youth organizer and formator in Cebu City. She then worked with Cartwheel Foundation, Inc. facilitating ways for the indigenous peoples of Mindanao to gain access to quality education, eventually coming to lead the foundation as its Executive Director. She continues to be involved with Cartwheel in different capacities, as member or officer of the foundation or as part of its Board of Trustees. She went on to oversee the World Executive Secretariat of the Christian Life Community (CLC) in its main headquarters in Rome, Italy. The CLC is a worldwide lay Ignatian apostolic community, present in over 70 countries. Her education and training include: a Master degree in Development Management (MDM) from the Asian Institute of Management; a Diploma in Human Resource Development with focus on Organizational Development, Strategic Training and Development, Career and Talent Management from Ateneo Center for Organization Research and Development (Ateneo CORD); and an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. Rojean is currently based in Rome, Italy.

Email:r.caharian@catholic-safeguarding.net

Rev. Fr. James Wenceslao U. Gascon, S.J., STL, DMIN

Director for Education and Formation

Rev. Fr. James Wenceslao U. Gascon, S.J., STL, DMIN

Director for Education and Formation

Father James Wenceslao U. Gascon, S.J. earned his Bachelor of Science in Fisheries from the University of the Philippines in 1984. From a fisherman to “fisher of men and women,” he entered the Jesuits in 1991 after working as a Fishery Biologist and an Entrepreneur for a number of years. He was ordained priest on April 7, 2001. Immediately after ordination, he was missioned to the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) Muntinlupa, as a Volunteer Chaplain and eventually the Executive Director of the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS) for two years. In 2003, after completing his MA in Theology from the Ateneo de Manila University, he went to Fordham University in New York, NY, where he earned his MA in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care (2005). From Fordham, he underwent an Internship program for three years at the Blanton-Peale Graduate Institute, New York City, where he got his Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy (Cert-MFT). Returning from studies, he worked as a Senior Pastoral Psychotherapist of the Ruben M. Tanseco Center for Family Ministries (RMT-CEFAM), where he was also President for 11 years and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (two terms). He also served as one of the formators at the San Jose Seminary for 12 years, in-charge of Psycho-Human formation. Currently, he is Asst. Professor of Pastoral Counseling and Family Ministry at the Loyola School of Theology (LST) where he earned his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL- May, 2020). He also holds a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care from the Theology and Ministry Program, School of Humanities, Ateneo de Manila University, graduating on October 11, 2020. Presently, he resides at the Jesuit Residence of the Ateneo de Manila where is the House Minister. He is the Diploma Course Director and Chaplain of the Catholic Safeguarding Institute.

Email:j.gascon@catholic-safeguarding.net

Maria Carmen Bonto-La Viña, Ph.D.

Senior Safeguarding Specialist

Maria Carmen Bonto-La Viña, Ph.D.

Senior Safeguarding Specialist

Dr. La Viña went to the Gregorian University and attended the Diploma in Safeguarding of Minors in 2017. Since then, her engagement with safeguarding has included being a consultant to the Philippine Jesuit Provincial on Professional Standards, 2016 – 2020; and an Associate member of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) – Episcopal Commission on Clergy (ECCler), 2017 - 2019. Prior to joining the Catholic Safeguarding Institute, she was a pastoral psychotherapist at Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation from 2007 to 2019. Dr La Viña completed her undergraduate at Ateneo de Manila University where she finished AB Communication Arts (1980). She then began her first career in social development from 1980 to 1994, involving student organizing, women’s issues, and rural development. During this time, she also belonged to the pioneering batches of the Jesuit Volunteer Philippines (JVP; Batches 1 & 2) from 1980 to 1982. Her academic background also includes a PhD (2013) and a Master of Science (2002) in Pastoral Counseling at Loyola University Maryland and a Master of Arts (1999) in Pastoral Ministry, Major in Family Ministry and Counseling, at Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University.

Email:m.lavina@catholic-safeguarding.net

Msgr. Ramon Masculino, Jr., PC, MA, MS, APD

Director for Ecclesial Relations & Safeguarding Spirituality Specialist

Msgr. Ramon Masculino, Jr., PC, MA, MS, APD

Director for Ecclesial Relations & Safeguarding Spirituality Specialist

Msgr. Masculino holds a Master of Science (MS) in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University in Maryland. He also holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Religion and Religious Education with concentration in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction from Fordham University in New York. He has been a Pastoral Counselor and Spiritual Director for lay, seminarians, religious and priests since 2003. He is a diocesan clergy of the Archdiocese of Jaro. He is also a founding member of Growth Alternative for Managing Organisational Transformation (G.A.M.O.T.) Resources, Inc. and has been an affiliate member of Spiritual Directors' International since 2005. He holds an Advanced Professional Diploma (APD) in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Fordham University in New York, USA (1999-2000) and a Diploma in Safeguarding of Minors from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (2017). He was a resident and administrative staff of John Mary Vianney-Galilee Development and Retreat Centre for Priests in Tagaytay City, Philippines from 2013-2016. He recently finished his three-year term as the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines - Episcopal Commission on Clergy. His assignment at the Catholic Safeguarding Institute is currently his primary ministry.

Email: r.masculino@catholic-safeguarding.net

Coleen Rae Ramirez-Panahon

Director for Safeguarding Research and Reflection

Coleen Rae Ramirez-Panahon

Director for Safeguarding Research and Reflection

Coleen is a development professional with over 14 years of experience in program and organization management, training, research, advocacy, and communications. Prior to joining the Catholic Safeguarding Institute, she held Director positions at Cartwheel Foundation, Inc. and Cartwheel Foundation International. Her extensive work with marginalized groups, particularly the indigenous peoples, specializes in education and health. She continues her service-driven path in the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. She also seeks to help persons build mind and body balance and strength as a barre3© fitness instructor. Coleen holds a Master of Arts degree in Media and International Development from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Management in Communications Technology at the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines.

Email:c.panahon@catholic-safeguarding.net

Sr. Ma. Lani M. Saligumba, ACI

Program Officer

Sr. Ma. Lani M. Saligumba, ACI

Program Officer

Sr. Ma. Lani M. Saligumba, ACI, belongs to the congregation of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (ACI). She holds a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministry with a major in Family Ministry and Counseling from Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University. She has also earned diplomas in Family Ministry and Counseling and in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults, both from Loyola School of Theology. For her undergraduate studies, she attended Manila Central University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. Currently, Sr. Lani serves as the Assistant to the Director for Academic Formation at the Catholic Safeguarding Institute. She also holds the position of the Congregation's Safeguarding Officer, National Coordinator of Human Migration, and National Coordinator of ACI Family in the Philippines. Her previous roles include serving as the Directress of Sta. Rafaela Maria Students' Home, Directress of Vocation Formation, and Directress of Sta. Rafaela Maria House of Spirituality.

Email:l.saligumba@catholic-safeguarding.net

Neil Benjamin D. Bulaong

Program Coordinator

Neil Benjamin D. Bulaong

Program Coordinator

Neil is a social media expert with an extensive experience in his local Church. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education major in Preschool Education from the University of Santo Tomas. Before joining the Institute, Neil served as the Digital Marketing and Project Officer at Kristong Hari Parish, Shrine for the Youth. His commitment to serving the Church started in 2008 when he began volunteering in various ministries, starting as an altar server and gradually expanding his involvement to include social communications. His experiences in different Church ministries have enriched his understanding of effective communication within a faith community. From 2019 to 2021, Neil served as the Coordinator of Social Communications and Media Ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. He has also been a volunteer for 7 years and counting at AlmuSalita, a faith-based organization focused on evangelizing and reaching Filipino communities abroad. Neil honed his social media skills and gained valuable experience in utilizing digital platforms for meaningful outreach. To further enhance his expertise in the digital landscape, he obtained a certificate in Digital Marketing.

Email:n.bulaong@catholic-safeguarding.net

Teresa J. Java

Program Officer

Teresa J. Java

Program Officer

Miss Teresa J. Java holds a Master of Arts in Education from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. She has been in the academe for more than 30 years- as a mathematics teacher and as high school principal at Saint Pedro Poveda College. Her experiences are varied. She has served in both the private and the public sector in the Philippines and abroad. In the Philippines, she has taught at the basic education, collegiate and graduate school levels. She has also worked in teacher formation- conducting seminars and workshops in various educational topics all over the country and abroad. Since 2016 she has served as a consultant to some parochial schools and continues to this day. While abroad, she taught in the basic and middle school and has been active in the youth formation programs of the Catholic Church. She also planned and implemented educational programs for the Pontifical Mission of Palestine. She has collaborated in the formation program for Filipino migrant workers. Currently, she is the program officer of the Catholic Safeguarding Institute for Asia and the Pacific.

Email:a.vera@catholic-safeguarding.net

Mary D. Domingo

Administrative Coordinator

Mary D. Domingo

Administrative Coordinator

Mary joined the Catholic Safeguarding Institute (CSI) in 2017 supporting the institute in a part-time capacity, and eventually working full-time in 2019, She brings with her a wealth of professional experience in coordination, client care, and office management. She has lent her support and administerial skills in the fields of early childhood education, psycho-spiritual formation, societal and communal development. Prior to joining CSI, she dedicated over two decades to the Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation, where she served as Programs and Admin staff from 1996 until retirement in 2019. In this capacity, Mary focused on administrative tasks, coordination, and providing essential support across various services offered by the center. Mary holds an AB in Behavioral Science from Maryknoll College, which she earned in 1982. She furthered her education by completing a summer course in Early Childhood Education at St Joseph’s College in 1989. She was involved with Parents Alternative Inc as National Training Coordinator for Earl Childhood Education and to Para-Teachers. This academic foundation and involvements have equipped her with the skills necessary to excel in both corporate environments and non-profit organizations, particularly those focused on children’s education. As a mother of two and a grandmother of one, Mary embodies the values of nurturing and guidance both in her professional life and within her family. Her commitment to fostering development in diverse advocacies – whether through education training for early childhood educators, the environment, or the care for the senior citizens – reflects her deep passion for empowering others. Mary’s journey is marked by her unwavering dedication to service.

Email:info@catholic-safeguarding.net

Dionie J. Salamat

HRD Officer

Dionie J. Salamat

HRD Officer

Dionie is an HR practitioner with over 10 years of experience in talent acquisition, people development, total rewards, employee relations, organizational development, and health and safety. He is also currently the Head of HR and Administration at Manila Observatory (MO), a Jesuit scientific research apostolate. As a delegate to the Safeguarding Minors Workshop under the Philippine Jesuit Provincial on Professional Standards, he helped MO institutionalize its protocols to safeguarding minors and vulnerable adults. His past commitments include serving as HR Assistant of Ateneo de Manila University, HR Coordinator of Ateneo School of Government, and HR Specialist of Parabukas, Inc. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Our Lady of Fatima University, where he also served as faculty. He holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Email:d.salamat@catholic-safeguarding.net

Rachel Asido

Finance Assistant

Rachel Asido

Finance Assistant

Email:finance@catholic-safeguarding.net

Guest Instructors

Atty. Maria Liza Jorda

Presenting on the topic, “Civil Law and Safeguarding of Vulnerable Persons”

Atty. Maria Liza Jorda

Presenting on the topic, “Civil Law and Safeguarding of Vulnerable Persons”

Maria Liza Jorda is a City Prosecutor for the Department of Justice based in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines. Since 2005, Fiscal Jorda has focused on cases involving violations of the Anti-Violence against Women Act, Child Abuse Law, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. She is active on the Justice Department’s Task Force against Trafficking in Region 8, an area of the Philippines that is both a source and transit point for human trafficking. Her tenacity in pursuing human trafficking cases has brought her numerous death threats. In addition to her prosecutorial work, Fiscal Jorda speaks regularly to law enforcement and social welfare officers about these three major laws affecting women and children in the Philippines to encourage better implementation. Fiscal Jorda was selected to receive the Aquino Fellowship because of her fearless and selfless work for women and children who have become victims of abuse and exploitation.

Email:info@catholic-safeguarding.net

Maria Regina A. Alfonso, Ph.D.

Presenting on the topic, “The Inner Creative Self-Compassion Compass: Finding our way to a healthy self-love"

Maria Regina A. Alfonso, Ph.D.

Presenting on the topic, “The Inner Creative Self-Compassion Compass: Finding our way to a healthy self-love"

Gina is an educator and mental health clinician with a combined experience of 30 years in educational and clinical settings. As an educator she is focused on bridging the divide between learning and mental health in classrooms. She was the former lead global trainer for the Healing and Education through the Arts Program at Save the Children USA, where she trained teachers in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean.

Email:d.salamat@catholic-safeguarding.net

Atty. Mary Rhauline Lambino-Torres

Mary Rhauline Lambino-Torres (Rory) is a lawyer with eight years of cumulative practice in corporate and commercial law, and litigation and arbitration. Rory is also a children's rights and body safety advocate for children. Her interest in the field originates from her work at the Manila Field Office of International Justice Mission, a Washington DC-based NGO that fights against online sexual exploitation of children. She was also an instructor of Children’s Rights, as well as Constitutional Law, at the De La Salle University College of Law.She is currently taking her Master of Laws at Harvard Law School focusing her studies on technology law, and is writing her research on data governance of personalized learning platforms for children. She studied at the University of the Philippines where she obtained her Juris Doctor and BS Economics degrees, graduating both with cum laude honors. She and her husband are currently trying to learn Spanish and they are proud parents to their four-year old daughter.

Email:finance@catholic-safeguarding.net

Msgr. Brendan Daly

Monsignor Brendan Daly is a priest of the Diocese of Christchurch who was ordained in 1977. He completed his JCD at Saint Paul University, Ottawa, in 1986 with a thesis concerning infant baptism. He has taught at Holy Cross College from 1987 and was rector of Holy Cross Seminary from 1995-2000. He was a lecturer in canon law at Good Shepherd College – Te Hepara Pai in 2001 where he became principal in 2002. He is lecturer in canon law at the Catholic Theological College, Auckland. He is the Judicial Vicar and a judge on the Tribunal of the Catholic Church for New Zealand.

Email:info@catholic-safeguarding.net

Rev. Fr. Jerome U. Rosalinda, J.C.D.

Email:d.salamat@catholic-safeguarding.net

Atty. Mary Rhauline Lambino-Torres

Email:finance@catholic-safeguarding.net

Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00PM (GMT+8)

info@catholic-safeguarding.net

+632 8997 0812

Our Team

Meet our Team

Prof. Gabriel S. Dy-Liacco, Ph.D., LPC

Maria Lucia G. Mondragon

Board of Trustees

Most Rev. Florentino G. Lavarias, DD

Rev. Fr. Jordan Orbe, SJ, PsyD, RPsy

Sr. Maria Nerissa Bandojo, R.C.

Rojean Edith Caharian-Macalalad

Corporate Officers

Rev. Fr. James Wenceslao U. Gascon, S.J., DMin

Maria Lucia G. Mondragon

Scientific Advisory Board

Maria Carmen B. La Viña, Ph.D.

Rev. Fr. James Wenceslao U. Gascon, S.J., DMin

Rev. Msgr. Ramon M. Masculino, Jr., PC, MA, MS, APD

Rev. Fr. Jerome U Rosalinda, J.C.D.

Safeguarding Mission Team

Guest Instructors

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