Innovation Summit 2023 Experts

United States Agency for International Development Economic Growth Specialist

Jay de Quiros is currently an Economic Growth Specialist at the Philippine office of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the lead U.S. government agency for international development and humanitarian assistance. He manages projects on economic policy reforms, agriculture cooperative capacity building and livelihood development, inclusive economic development for secondary cities and growth corridors, and enhancing the non-government/ civil society organization sector.

 Jay also spent five years at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S.A where he specialized in urban and local government development, particularly housing and informal settlements. In the early 2000s, Jay  worked for the Philippine National Government, particularly the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), helping develop, coordinate, and monitor anti-poverty strategies and programs in the Philippines.

Department of Budget and Management Undersecretary

Maria Francesa M. Del Rosario is the Undersecretary, Head of Information and Communications Technology Group and Chief Information Officer of the Department of Budget and Management. She has previously held key positions in renowned organizations in the Philippines and abroad giving her an extensive background in data policy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. She is a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and Institute of Corporate Directors, and also serves as an Advisory Board Member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (Women in Privacy). Usec. Del Rosario was recognized as one of the Top 10 Women in Security by Women Security Alliance Philippines (WISAP), and was honored for her leadership and governance.

Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines Undersecretary and Executive Director

Cynthia Hernandez was a Principal for Deal Advisory at KPMG R.G Manabat & Co., where she was also the Sector Head for Infrastructure, Energy and Natural Resources. She has accumulated 22 years of experience in corporate finance, valuation, business advisory, and strategy and corporate planning in both the private and public sectors.

She has also worked for large corporations such as Aboitiz Power Corp., and Manila Electric Company (MERALCO). She also worked for Government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) such as Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp (PSALM), and the PNOC-Petrochemical Development Corp.

Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of the Philippines (UP) and a master’s degree in Development Economics, which she also completed in the same university

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Private Sector Advisory Council on Digital Infrastructure, City Savings Bank Head of Legal and Data Protection Officer

Atty. Ernesto C. Herrera III is the General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Data Protection Officer of City Savings Bank. He is also the Secretariat of the Private Sector Advisory Council for Digital Infrastructure. Prior to joining City Savings Bank, Atty. Herrera was the Anti-Financial Crimes Governance Head of Unionbank of the Philippines.

Atty. Herrera graduated with a degree in Computer Information Systems from Chapman University, USA, and complete his Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Philippines.

Microsoft Philippines National Technology and Security Officer

Dale Jose is the National Technology and Security Officer (NTSO) of Microsoft Philippines. As NTSO, he focuses on bridging connections between business, technology, policy, and society to shape the National Digital Agenda of the country. He has an impressive career that spans 29 years, including 18 years at Microsoft, with this, Dale brings a wealth of experience in business development, technology consulting, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, he has helped numerous public and private sector institutions in their digital transformation journeys, helping them craft their digital architecture, roadmaps, and technology adoption.

Aboitiz Chief Operating Officer for Smart Cities

Alvin Ng is the Chief Operating Officer for Smart Cities of Aboitiz Data Innovation (ADI) where he drives the adoption of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence solutions in smart city initiatives. With over 25 years of experience in global sales and product management, Alvin has held senior leadership roles at multinational companies like Wincor Nixdorf AG, Cisco Systems, Rosenbluth International, General Electric and Johnson Controls. With his expertise, he also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University, where he teaches various programs on digital transformation, AI, Internet of Things, and sustainability leadership.

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Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary

Carlos Primo David is the Undersecretary of the Department of Natural Resources. Before serving DENR, Usec. David was the Chairperson of the Climate Change Commission's National Panel of Technical Experts , Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Philippine Council for Industry, Engineering and Emerging Technology and Development, and Officer-in-Charge of the DOST's Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. He has a doctorate degree in Environmental Science and Geology from Stanford University and was also recognized for his scholarly works on climate change, hydrology, and environmental geology.

Asian Institute Management Graduate School of Business Head and Center for Sustainable Finance Executive Director

Dr. Calderon returned to the Philippines after working for more than 22 years at the Business Development Bank of Canada in Vancouver where he held a variety of field and leadership positions. His extensive banking experience also includes syndicated lending and trade financing in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

He holds a BS in Agribusiness Management from the University of the Philippines at Los Baños and an MS in International Banking and Financial Studies from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland. He obtained his PhD in Management from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. He is also a Canadian CPA, CMA.

Dr. Calderon is currently Associate Professor and Head of the Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business. He is also the Executive Director of the Gov. Jose B. Fernandez Jr. Center for Sustainable Finance.

Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer

Yoly is Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer and joined Globe in 2009. She is a corporate Communications and Sustainability executive with over 34 years of solid experience in Sustainability and Integrated Marketing Communications, with specialization in Strategic Communications for Corporate, Brand, and Crisis Communications Ms. Crisanto is currently a Board Member of AdSpark, Inc. and the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA). She has served as a president of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

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International Container Terminal Services Head of Sustainability and Development

He has been in the field of Social Work both in practice and academe for 35 years. At present, he is the Sustainability Development Lead at the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI),  Social Work Faculty of Centro Escolar University, President of Philippine Association of Social Workers (PASWI) National and Manila Chapter, and member of PRC Council for Continuing Professional Development for Social Workers.

He earned his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Social Work and Psychology, respectively, from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and academic units in PhD in Development Policy in De La Salle University.  He used to teach Social Work at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Asian Social Institute and  Centro Escolar University. He also obtained a Certificate in Corporate Community Relations from the Wallace Carroll School of Management at Boston College, Boston Massachusetts, USA.

He is a recipient of The Asia Foundation Fellowship on Clean Technology on Environmental Management with USAEP (1997-1999) and the Carls Duisberg Gesellschaft – Inwent Fellowship in Germany - Hanover (2002), Berlin (2005)  Virginia, USA (2007),  Berlin (2011). 

MSCI Inc. Vice President for ESG Data Management

Adrian Pacia is currently the Vice President for ESG Ratings (MSCI Inc.). Their group is in charge of researching and rating companies based on their exposure to material industry, specific ESG risks, and ability to manage those risks relative to their competitors. He oversees ESG Ratings’ process management and regulatory preparation efforts. Prior to MSCI, he spent more than a decade in operations, risk management and regulatory compliance with Deutsche Bank and HSBC.

Adrian holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Asian Institute of Management (EMBA 2014). He also majored in Economics and in Chinese Language for his undergraduate studies in Rutgers University (2008). When not plugged into his PC, he moonlights as a chauffeur for his wife & two children and as an aspiring semi-amateur golfer.

KPMG India Director for Digital Strategy and ESG Technology

Unaise Urfi is a Director of KPMG India and has a strong success track record in creating and implementing strategy across various industries. He supports organizations in their transformative journey, driving growth through the effective utilization of people and technology. By leveraging his expertise in Consulting, Project Management, Digital/IT Transformation, Strategy, and Design, he has helped businesses achieve sustainable success, and prioritizes the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to ensure long-term viability and positive impact.

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Analytics Association of the Philippines President

Michelle Alarcon is the President of the Analytics Association of the Philippines (AAP). In 2013, She founded the consulting firm Z-Lift Solutions to help organizations on analytics. As an advocate of “analytics for the masses”, she organized the R Users Group of the Philippines, a tech community for analytics practitioners that promotes awareness and use of open-source programming language. She is a co-founder of the For The Women Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides free data science training to underprivileged women. She is also currently teaching at the Professional Master in Data Science and Analytics program of the University of the Philippines.

Asian Development Bank, Director of Digital Innovation and Architecture Division

Ozzeir Khan is the Director of the Office of Digital Innovation and Architecture Division within Asian Development Bank. Before joining ADB, Ozzeir was the Chief of Innovation and Business Relationships at United Nations HQ in New York where he was responsible in facilitating partnerships between the public and private sectors, developing relationships with member countries, and leading the establishment and growth of innovation labs globally. He has also worked for the global financial banking services sector in Europe, Asia, and the USA. His expertise includes Innovation, Digital Transformation and the adoption of Emerging Technologies by International Agencies and the Public Sector.

Globe Telecom CIO

Raul Macatangay is the Chief Information Officer of Globe Philippines and has led Globe's Postpaid Business and Devices, Portfolio Management, Business Intelligence, Revenue Assurance, and Internal Audit for Wireline and Carrier Business, Business Centers, and Stores. Prior to joining Globe, Mr. Macatangay held key positions at One Food Group Management Services, Inc., as well as leadership roles at Samsung Electronics Philippines and SGV & Co. With his extensive background and proven leadership, he brings immense value to the telecommunications and technology industry.

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KPMG India Partner and Lead for Digital Advisory

Sushant Rabra has 17 years of experience at various levels of both corporate and government, across the globe to drive transformation strategies. Sushant’s specialisation is on Digital Transformation, covering usage of emerging technologies including Blockchain, 3-D printing, Drones, IoT and related fields. Sushant has worked with KPMG in the U.K. as well in India, and has served clients in Europe, Africa, South East Asia as well as Middle East.Sushant has worked in diverse sectors including Oil & Gas, Metals and Mining, Manufacturing, FMCG, Social and Health, Infrastructure, Services etc.

Concepcion Business Services President and COO

Michael Eric Sarmiento is the Division President and COO of Concepcion Business Services, Inc. He specializes in Finance & IT and has over 20 years of hybrid experience in Business & Systems Analysis, Business Intelligence, Data Analytics, IT Project Management & Consulting, and Management Accounting. He also leads efforts in digital transformation in terms of program design, organizational change management, and overall project management. At present, Michael runs the Shared Services Company of Concepcion Industrial Corporation delivering comprehensive services in Finance & Accounting, HR, IT, Admin, Change Management, and Quality Assurance.

RPA Philippines Founder and President

Allan Tan leads the Robotic Process Automation Philippines as President. As a technopreneur by heart, he is a pioneer in process automation in the country and has founded several startups like RAX Suite (an RPA tool) and Ideyatech (acquired by MonstarLab). He is also a board director of the Philippines Software Industry Association and is also a co-director of Founder Institute Manila. In the last 20 years, Allan has devoted his career to information technology and has honed his expertise in software development – encompassing the technical and management aspects of it.

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Alliance of Tech Innovators for the Nation Lead Convenor, DICT Former Undersecretary

Monchito Ibrahim serves as the Lead Convenor of the Alliance of Tech Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), actively creating digital opportunities through transformative initiatives and capacity building. His knowledge, expertise, and commitment drive his passion about empowering the youth and developing them into future digital leaders. Monchito is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Analytics Association of the Philippines (AAP) and was a former Undersecretary for Industry and Countryside Development at the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Fuse Lending President and CEO

Tony Isidro is CEO of FUSE Lending Inc, the lending business of GCash. He oversees product development and operations, and helps enable GCash to provide unbanked and underserved Filipinos credit that is both fair and accessible. He holds a Management Engineering degree from Ateneo de Manila University, where he was also a part-time faculty member of its Marketing and Law Department.

Digital Pilipinas Convenor, GeiserMaclang Co-Founder

She is known as a movement maker, Amor Maclang is the convenor of Digital Pilipinas, World Fintech Festival-Philippines, and the Philippine Fintech Festival. She’s the leading advocate of nascent technology adoption in the country from blockchain, web 3, e commerce and fintech advising some of the leading companies, organizations and governments in ASEAN. She is the advisor of the Department of Finance, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Health. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Reputation Architect of GeiserMaclang, the leading company in special situations, risk, issues and crisis.

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Inypay Founder and CEO

Founding team member of Philippines’ first Digital Bank (Technical Brain), TONIK and Ex Group CTO of Tonik Digital Bank Inc, Philippines, built from the ground up, now valued close to USD $1 Billion. A relentless visionary leader in the banking sector, a go-getter with 20+ years of banking experience across various geographies.

Angkas Co-founder and CEO

George is a staunch advocate of inclusive mobility and sustainable transport, a champion of local brands, and an award-winning visual storyteller. He is the CEO and Transport Advocate of Angkas, the leading app-based ride-hailing service in the Philippines with over four (4) million downloads and 30,000 biker-partners.

George also co-lead the highly regarded private sector consumer campaign in collaboration with the Inter Agency Task Force against Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) called Ingat Angat Tayong Lahat. This campaign brought together the largest brands and corporations in the country in an overwhelming display of unity to boost consumer confidence for economic recovery.

A TOYM Awardee of the 2020 "Pandemic batch", a passionate advocate and an innovative entrepreneur, George has always been at the forefront of movements that fight for the rights of millions of motorcycle riders and commuters in the Philippines.

Mayani Co-founder and CEO

JT Solis is the Co-Founder and CEO of MAYANI, a fast growing farm-to-table platform in the Philippines that prioritizes social impact. Through MAYANI, JT has successfully empowered over 72,000 smallholder farmers by facilitating their access to broader markets and ensuring stable livelihoods. He was honored as the champion of the ADB Hard Hit Economic Sectors Challenge in 2020, and the prestigious ADB Innovation in Focus Award in 2021. JT Solis's visionary leadership and commitment to uplifting local farmers have made him a respected influencer in the agricultural industry.

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KPMG in the Philippines Chairman and CEO

Sharon G. Dayoan is currently the Chairman and CEO of KPMG in the Philippines, one of the largest professional services firms in the country, and holds a key seat on the KPMG Asia Pacific Board, actively contributing to the network's collective strategy. She also leads her firm's People, Performance, and Culture Department, where she oversees talent management and implements initiatives to ensure her people's well-being. As a testament to her leadership, the firm was recently named one of the Philippines' Best Employers by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista.

Sharon is a member of several professional organizations, including the Audit and Assurance Standards Council of the Philippines where she is currently the President, the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, and the Management Association of the Philippines.  She is seen as a thought leader, actively engaging with the public and private sectors to advance her profession and cultivate a robust business environment in the country.

Digital Pilipinas Convenor, GeiserMaclang Co-founder

She is known as a movement maker, Amor Maclang is the convenor of Digital Pilipinas, World Fintech Festival-Philippines, and the Philippine Fintech Festival. She’s the leading advocate of nascent technology adoption in the country from blockchain, web 3, e commerce and fintech advising some of the leading companies, organizations and governments in ASEAN. She is the advisor of the Department of Finance, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Health. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Reputation Architect of GeiserMaclang, the leading company in special situations, risk, issues and crisis.

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PCIEERD Chief Technology Transfer Officer, DOST Patent Agent

Dr. Russell Pili is the Chief Science Research Specialist of the Technology Transfer Development Division at DOST PCIEERD. She is an ecosystem leader who helps drive a stronger startup ecosystem in the Philippines with her network of 30 Technology Business Incubators, 20 University Technology Transfer Offices, university partners and a network of partner companies and startup support organizations.

Opal Portfolio Investments (SPV-AMC) Inc. President

Imelda Tiongson is a Governance, Women and Fintech Advocate. She is the President of a multi-billion SPV company Opal Portfolio Investments (SPV-AMC) Inc, in charge of turning around distressed assets. She is a Trustee of WomenbizPh, Institute of Corporate Directors, Fintech Alliance Ph, Blockchain Council of the Philippines. She is known as a Turn-around expert who started as a traditional banker spanning over 22 years in senior management positions in National Australia Bank (Senior Lending Officer) and Philippine National Bank (Senior Vice President) Further she is also part of Philippines Central Bank’s (BSP) Open Finance Oversight Committee Transition Group representing the fintech industry. Ms. Ida is an Awardee of various recognitions.

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