Testimonials from Cavite State University Interns to HLAF’s advocacies during their internship

April  19, 2022

Crisostomo, Gabriel Maureen G.

Sa aking palagay, malaki ang benepisyo ng programa at adbokasiya ng HLAF para sa mga PDL at ex-PDL. Mula sa aking obserbasyon, bihira lamang ang mga NGO na gumagawa ng programa para sa ating mga PDL at nakakatuwang isipin na isa ang HLAF na may layuning kanais nais para sa ating mga PDL mula sa kanilang pangangailangan sa loob hanggang sa paglabas upang maka konekta ng mabuti at epektibo sa komunidad.

Villamora, Divine Grace H.

After watching the video, I was inspired to help in my little own way and do volunteer works for the PDLs, children conflicts with the law and other people who is in need of help and help in educating the community that not all ex-detainees are a threat to our community. The video inspires me because there are only few NGO in our country doing this kind of work.

Reyes, Antonette M.

Nakakabilib yung HLAF dahil malaki yung ginagampanan nila pagdating sa pagtataguyod ng karapatang pantao. Dahil sila yung nagiging tulay para magkaroon ng pantay na karapatan na hindi masyadong nakakamit dito sa pilipinas o bibihira lang. Tinutulungan ang mga PDL’s hindi lamang sa loob kundi magpahanggang sa labas ay nakasuporta sila nakakahanga yung dedication at persistence na HLAF

Valencia, Shane Kim R.

Layunin ng HLAF na Tapusin ang hindi makataong pag kakakulong, mag karon  ng pag kakapantay pantay ang bawat isa pag dating sa hustisya at maitaguyod ang karapatan ng bawat tao. Layunin din g HLAF na mag karoon ng pag asa ang mga ex PDL na makapag simula at harapin ang bagong buhay sa kanila pag kakalaya mula sa kulungan.

Regala, Eden Rose S.

Base sa napanuod na video, nakaka tuwa na merong mga foundation tulad ng HLAF na tumutulong sa mga bata, ex detainees, at persons behind bars. na magkaroon muli sila ng pag asa sa kanilang buhay. Malaki ang naitutulong ng HLAF sa buhay ng mga taong ito, natutulungan nila na magkaron ng pag asa at mabago pa ang kanilang buhay. At ganon din na makagawa ng mabuti sa kanilang community.

Reyes, Angelica M.

Nakatutuwang  ang adbokasiya na meron ang organisasyon ng HLAF. Sa mga PDL hanggang sa paglabas nito ay patuloy nilang tinutulungan upang magpatuloy o magkaroon ito ng bagong buhay sa labas at siguro kung aking aalalahin sila palamang ang nadidiskubre ko na ganito ang programa at ang pokus ay mga nasa bilangguan, at mula sa pagaatend ko ng mga zoom meeting ng aking orgnisasyon na kinabibilangan ay may natutunan at narerealize ako mula sa organisayon na HLAF.

Morsiquillo, Ameer L.

Ang advocacy ng hlaf ay mabigyan ng katarungan o mapalaya yung mga taong nakakulong. At pati narin mabigyan ng proteksyon ang mga bata na. layunin din ng hlaf na itrain ang mga social workers para mag karoon dagdag kaalaman pano iguide ang mga taong nangangalangan ng tulong.

Conanan, Joan C.

Nagtataguyod ang hlaf sa mga karapatang pantao. Gumagabay sila sa pananaw ng tao tungkol sa pagtrato sa dignidad bilang tao. Nakakapag bigay ng serbisyo para maitaguyod ang mga karapatan nila. Binibigyan tuon ng hlaf ang bawat taong hindi nabibigyan ng opportunity para sakanila karapatan. Sa tulong ng HLAF nakaiimpluwensya ito upang magkaroon ng isang lipunang nagtataguyod ng mga karapatang pantao.

Sinel, Alyssa Marie L.

The whole video nakaka gaan sa pakiramdam at nakaka inspire  na meron palang organization na ganito na handang tulongan yung mga nakulong  at bigyan ng bagong pag asa na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang buhay at  nakakainspire kasi kahit na ganito ka lang madami ka na pwede gawin para makatulong kahit sa maliit na bagay lang

Alob, John Paul

ang advocacy ng HLAF ay ang pagtulong  sa mga PDL, magkaroon ng organisado at maayos na karapatang pantao at sa mga kabataan dahil hindi lamang matatanda ang nasasampahan ng kaso at sa aking obserbasyon na bihira  lang at kakaonti  lang gantong orginasasyon na gumagawa ng gantong programa para sa mga kabataan at pdl at malaki ang naitutulong ng programa o ng kanilang organisasyon sa mga pdl at naiinspired ako dahil naging part at kaisa ako sa kanilang organisasyon.

Trongcoso, Almario J.

Sa aking palagay po sobrang malaking tulong po ang advocacies ng HLAF dahil marami po syang natulongang mga PDL na magbagong buhay na at hindi na bumalik pa sa dati nilang gawain. Nakakatuwang isipin na may mga ganitong organisasyon na naglalayong tulungan ang mga taong nakulong at mabigyan ng kalayaan at makabalik sa kanilang pamilya at komunidad.

Aquino, Hannah Grace U.

Para sa akin ang Advocates ng half ay napakaganda dahil sa pag tulong nila sa PDL o ex PDL, sila ang nag bibigay pag asa sa mga PDL na nawalan   ng pag asa dahil sa matagal na silng naka kulong ngunit sa tulong ng HLAF ay nag kakaroon sila  pag asa na makalaya at  sa mga para namn sa mga nklya nag bibigay sila ng programa na pangkabuhayan  para sa mga PDL na nakalaya na kaya nag kakaroon sila ng  pag kakataon para ipag patuloy uli ang buhay dito sa mundo.

Palao, Lovely L.

Para sa akin ang HLAF advocacy na ginagawa nila ay malaking tulong para sa mga PDL o ex PDL. Dahil dito nag kakaroon sila ng pag kakataon maging malaya ulit, dahil sa HLAF nagkaroon ng magandang opportunity ang mga ex-PDL na makamit ang kanilang karapatan.

Tredes, Hannah Joy P.

Ang advocacies ng HLAF ay tumulong sa mga taong nangangailangan. Ang mga programa na kabilang dito ay nagnanais na magbigay ng  kaalaman sa mga PDL at kung paano mapapabilis ang pag proseso ng kanilang mga kaso.  Ang HLAF din ay nagbibigay ng panibagong pag asa sa mga taong galing sa bilangguan upang ang kanilang buhay ay patuloy na maitama at ang kanilang mga karanasan sa loob ay maibahagi sa ibang tao.  Ang HLAF ay isang instrumento upang ang mga PDL ay matulungan pati na rin ang kanilang mga pamilya.

Villanueva, Jericho D.

Para sa akin yong advocacies ng HLAF ay napakaganda, dahil bihira ka lang makakita ng ganitong organisasyon na tumutulong sa mga taong nakakulong o galing sa loob ng kulungan. Sila yong organisasyon handang kang tulungan kahit ano man ang katayuan mo sa lipunan, tutulungan ka nilang mag bagong buhay at kong paano muling humarap sa lipunan. Kaya saludo po ako sa HLAF, sana ay madami pa kayong matulungang mga tao na minsan ay nawalan na ng pag asang mamuhay uli.

Belaro, Vince Carlo M.

HLAF as a NGO and non-profit org plays a very important role esp with their advocacy, collaborating with other CSOs, initiatives, or service providers, overseeing the rights of PDLs, providing them assistance with the law and programs for their health, jail decongestion, livelihood programs wherein they became more productive and earn even behind bars.

Sumbilla, Rocel C.

Para sakin, ang hlaf advocacies ay isa sa nagbibigay ng positibong pagluwag ng mga kulungan iba’t ibang lugar ng Pilipinas. Aside from that, napahanga ako dahil napaka genuine ng mga hlaf staff na kung saan sila tumutulong at popromote sa mga pdls sa kanilang mga karapatan at maiangat ang kanilang kamalayan para sa kanilang kapakanan.

Almerino, Marchelle T.

Isa ang HLAF sa mga tumutulong sa mga nakakaranas ng maling pagtrato at maling pagkakakulong. Bilang isa sa mga intern ng HLAF. Narealized ko na ang adbokasiya nila ay maitaguyod ang importansya ng bawat isa sa atin at kahalagahan ng pagiging makatao sa ating lipunan.

Rivas, Lovely Joy I.

Bilang isang estudyante, ang maging parte ng ganitong organisasyon ay ipinagpapasalamat ko dahil namulat ako sa mga bagay na akala ko hindi na dapat bigyang pansin. Nakakatuwang makatulong at maging inspirasyon sa mga taong nasa loob ng kulungan dahil habang may buhay ay may pag-asa. Dito sa HLAF ko narealize na hindi porket mahirap ka wala ka ng karapatan, may mga tao padin na handang tumulong kung magkakaron lang ng boses ang mga pinagkaitang magsalita. Tamang kaalaman sa batas ang sandata ng mga PDL upang lumaban at tumayo muli para sa kanilang pangarap at pamilya na naiwan sa labas. Sana ay magpatuloy pa at mas madaming tao ang mahikayat na tumulong upang mabago ang buhay ng mga PDL.

De Guzman, Christoval H.

my insights regarding the advocacies of HLAF is it is more on giving light and access towards better justice for the people who are deprived by liberty but i think it is not just about the pdl but perhaps for all the people from young ages up to limitless. They are creating plans that are highly suitable for all the people in the community hence they wanted to lessen the cases of over congested jail because of the slow system in so many area here in the Philippine which are very evident and they also have this after care program which aims to help the people who got out of jail to be more productive and feel that they are whole again and I find it really appropriate because they are helping these people to be better citizen which contributes to the community and has a huge effect as a whole.

I also find their Child protection policies and programs that were made to help the young people to know their limits, responsibilities and rights as a people living here in the Philippines. What I like about it is they

Question: Ano ng di niyo malilimutan na activity or important event na nangyari sa HLAF?

Aquino, Hannah Grace U.

Yung mga PDLs po, marami po pala sila ang natutunan. Di natin alam na marami pa lang nappi at pinagkaitan ng karapatan.

Regala, Eden Rose S.

Pinaka una naming ginawa, pag transcribe. Doon ako nagka knowledge sa mga CRA lalo  na sa mga bata na naka commit ng crime and naging biktima

Villanueva, Jericho D.

Experience sa FRED, mga interview at kamustahan session. Doon narealize ko na kapag galing ka sa loob na mahirap pala makisalamuha sa labas. May discrimination na pakikisalamuha sa labas. May ibang tao na lalayuan ka kasi galing ka sa kulungan. Isa sa mga ex-pdl na nagsabi na na setup lang siya. Totoo pala may nangyayari na ganun.

Valencia, Shane Kim R.

Kapag nag jojoin kami sa kamustahan session lalo na sa alumni kasi nag share sila kung paano nakatulong yung HLAf sa kanila hanggang sa naka hanap sila ng work, kung paano nakatulong HLAF sa kanila.

Crisostomo, Gabriel Maureen G.

Tumatak po sa akin yung Day 2 ng NCCSO program noong mapabilang ako sa breakout room 2 at narinig ko yung speech ni Ptr. Gene Alolosann kung  saan binahagi niya yung tingin ng mga PDL sa sarili nila, walang purpose, kinalimutan ng lipunan etc. Sinabi niya re na time is the best expression of love at yun yun pwede nating ma offer sa mga PDL. Sa araw na yun na hook ako at nagkaroon ng malawak na pagka intindi sa advocacy ng HLAF at nagkaroon ng interest na magpatuloy at maging bahagi ng advocacy ng HLAF.

Pangalawa na tumatak sa akin ay yung alumni session ng HLAF, doon ko nakita at narinig kung paano talaga nakatulong yung HLAf hindi lamang sa PDL maging na ren sa mga former PDL. Masaya na mapakinggan yung kwento nila na willing sila magbago, magsisi, makahanap ng trabaho at magkaroon ng maayos na relasyon sa pamilya nila.

Pangatlo po yung maging bahagi ng mga event ng FRED kung saan kami na den yung binibigyan ng opportunity magfacilitate ng breakout room session, energizer at iba pa. Mas lalo ko nararamdaman na nagiging bahagi ako ng pamilya ng HLAF.

Conanan, Joan C.

Painting contest sa mga kababaihan – nakita ko yung mga painting nila, makikita mo talaga kung ano yung gusto nilang ibahaging kwento, mailahatla yung mga storya and nabigyan sila ng opportunity ng HLAF. 

De Guzman, Christoval H.

Pinaka tumatak saken is una yung aftercare program – doon na open yung kaisipan ko sa mga PDL, kung ano pa po yung pwede nilang maoffer sa loob para po maging productive. Nakita ko na totoo kapag lumabas ng kulungan yung iba po di na nila nasusubaybayan.. Maganda po yung na offer ng HLAF. Next is CRA – sa child protection policies. Mapakinggan kung ano yung na experience ng bata, possible na magkaroon ng effect sa paglaki niya. Pangatlo po is Staff Meeting – narealize ko na nakakatulong siya sakin na o-open ako sa system, kung paano mag work ang isang organization. Gaya na lang po ng advices ni sir Iyok. I find it really helpful  dahil  may sistema po kasi na pwede mo mapply sa sarili mo kapag nag wowork ka. 

Sinel, Alyssa Marie L.

Yung mga bata , karapatan na enjoyin yung pagkabata. May mga bata na takot sila i-express sarili nila, takot sila express gusto nila gawen  dahil sa magulang nila at judgement

Reyes, Angelica M.

They feel valued, cared and loved. Ang laking part ng volunteers na bisitahin yung mga PDL. Favorite part ko po is sa tuwing magbibigay ng task is ang haba ng oras na binibigay niya (dept advicer) bago isubmit. Napapansin ko po sa CRA dept, nanghihingi po kayo ng feedback,

Villamora, Divine Grace H.

HLAF mismo, kasi sa ngayon konti na lang mga organization na may ganitong magandang advocacy. Maganda atmosphere ng HLAF, humble, pure. At the same time yung HLAf di tulad ng ibang org na yung tao may attitude. Lahat ng na involve sa organization ay mababait

Activity na tumatak sa akin is day 2 NCCSO – naintindihan ko bakit merong ganon. Gaano kalakas ang impact ng pag vo-volunteer ng mga HLAF. Hindi mo akalain na despite all odds, willing mag volunteer kahit walang kapalit.

Palao, Lovely L.

Yung po sa NCCSo na inattendan ko. Marami po ako natutunan don. Lalo na po yung mga kapwa PDL. nandito po yung HLAF para tumulong. Sa JD na pinasukan ko, maganda naman po. Magkaroon ng acknowledgement lalo na po sa pag gawa ng ER. transcribe from tagalog to english. Mga nababasa ko po doon na gusto nila magkaroon ng pagkakataon at para makasama yung pamilya nila.

Reyes, Antonette M.

Yung hindi ko po malilimutan is mga session and meeting with the formel PDLs, kwento na natulungan ng HLAF. inspiring stories kung paano sila nagbago para sa pamilya and para sa sarili nila. Nakaka amaze yung kwneto na yung iba may trabaho, business.Hanga ako sa consistency ng HLAF sa pagtulong sa bawat isa sa kanila, pati narin sa paglabas nila is andon po yung HLAF nakaalalay sa kanila. Nakakahanga den po kasi yung HLAF vinavalue yung mental health ng bawat empleyado lalo na po at WFH pati na ren pagka hospitable ng staff ng HLAF

Morsiquillo, Ameer L.

CRA dept – kapag nagdodocument po kami. Mga meeting at kamustahan. Kung paano Kamustahin ng HLAF at tumulong sa mga bata. Dun ko nalaman na maraming cases na inaabuso yung mga bata. Nakatulong yung HLAF dito.

Sumbilla, Rocel C.

JD intern – while watching po ng meeting nila. Napahanga ako na napaka genuine nila na tumulong. Nakikipag negotiate sila sa iabang organization para matulungan mabigyan ng mabilis na aksyon. Akala ko yung mga nakukulong is walang pag-asa pero nung nag HLAF ako, dun ko nalaman na may mga ganitong org na tumutulong sa kanila.

Rivas, Lovely Joy I.

Sobrang na aamaze ako sa mga tao sa likod ng HLAF. Hindi madali yung ganitong work, yung dedikasyon nila is nakaka amaze para maka tulong. Kasi sa HLAF po kahit po na hindi…basta sobrang hirap ng trabaho kasi ano mag dedeal ka sa ibang tao lalo na sa mga tao sa kulungan. Nandon yung paninindigan na kaya niyo gawen lahat para sa nga PDL

Alob, John Paul

Pag transcribe ko po ng video sa paggawa ng children’s code. Pag gumawa ka ng batas hindi siya okay na agad, may mga process, hindi porket nakagawa ka na is okay na.
Isa pa po yung painting contest ng  mga women, yung mga paintings po nila is magaling. Di porket nasa kulungan sila is wala na silang talent. 

Belaro, Vince Carlo M.

Bukod sa first day na pag share ng talent. Sa NCCSo, dun ako nalinawan sa tungkol sa HLAF. Ang galing lang po isipin na nagkaroon ng collaboration yung mga service provider  and yun ay for one cause which is para sa mga PDLS po. Nakakatuwa po isipin na HLAF po ang nasa likod ng event non. Tumatak den po saken yung mga wish ng PDLs na ang x-mas wish nila is mga basic necessities.

Trongcoso, Almario J.

Tumatak po saken is Kamustahan po. Nagbago po yung pananaw ko sa mga ex-PDL na may organization po pala na naghahandle sa kanila pagkatapos lumaya.

Almerino, Marchelle T.

Memorable po sa akin yung nag staff meeting. Yung  end na is nagtatanong kung ano nangyari nung huling 2 weeks. Dun ko po  narealize na sa ginagawa niyo po is importante pa din ang mental health

Tredes, Hannah Joy P.

Una, HLAF staff meeting kasi po hindi pinaparamdam na intern ka lang. Pinaparamdam na part ka talaga ng organization.  Kahit intern kami is part kami ng pamilya ng HLAF.

NCCSO – kasi sa breakout room, pinakita yung picture ng totoong kalagayan sa kulungan, siksikan ganon. Sabi sa event is tingin ng mga ibang tao na ang mga bilanggo is bilang lang. Hindi sila tinawag sa pangalan kundi sa number. Para sa HLAF na hindi lamang sila bilang, andon talaga naniniwala sila na hindi lamang po sila bilanggo. Andon na pinagdiinan na ang bilanggo is still a person.
Maam Khyla –  nasabi niya hindi niya ine-expect na may iba’t-ibang storya sa mga PDL na iyon and sa bilangguan may mga talento na nabubuo. Na eexplore lang ng tao yung talent niya kapag may nag pupush. Maraming mga talento na umusbong dahil may nag push which is HLAF po.

Yung HLAF, andon yung compassionate love, and affection.

Janessa Xylene Macaraig Communications and Advocacy Associate
Janessa Xylene Macaraig Communications and Advocacy Associate

Janessa Xylene Macaraig | Communications and Advocacy Associate

Janessa Xylene Macaraig is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Development Communication from Batangas State University – The National Engineering University, where she earned the distinction of Cum Laude.

Throughout her academic journey, she has been an active student leader, sharpening her skills in leadership, public speaking, and strategic communication. Her involvement in organizing and spearheading impactful initiatives reflects her strong commitment to driving positive change within communities.

Janessa currently serves as the Sangguniang Kabataan Secretary in her barangay, where she plays a key role in community engagement, youth empowerment, and stakeholder communications. This position has further strengthened her capabilities in local governance and grassroots mobilization.

She also completed her internship as a Communications and Advocacy Intern at the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation (HLAF). This experience deepened her understanding of strategic communication and social advocacy, equipping her with the tools to support human rights initiatives.

Janessa is passionate about using the power of communication to inspire, inform, and create meaningful impact—whether through community work, advocacy, or development programs.

Jonathan Bantayan | Community Development Officer

Jonathan Agustin Batayan is a Bachelor of Science in Social Work graduate at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV), where he has been a consistent Dean’s Lister and active student leader. He currently serves as the Treasurer of the PLV–Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (2023–2024) and has experience as a community organizer in Sitio Cabatuan, Valenzuela City, and as a tutor under the DSWD Tara Basa! Program.

Jonathan has attended numerous seminars and workshops on child protection, gender and development, community extension, parole and probation social work, and sustainable livelihoods, reflecting his commitment to inclusive and rights-based social services. His academic achievements include graduating with honors in both junior and senior high school and earning recognition in creative writing and essay competitions.

Passionate about leadership, community development, and advocacy, Jonathan continues to hone his skills in critical thinking, social welfare practice, and communication. He envisions himself contributing to the advancement of social work in the Philippines, with a strong focus on safeguarding vulnerable groups and empowering communities.

Carmelita Torrefiel | Senior Community Organizer

Carmelita B. Torrefiel is the Senior Community Organizer for the Center for Restorative Action of the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HLAF), where she has also served as a Community Organizer and Training Facilitator since 2011. With over two decades of experience in community work, child protection, and restorative justice, she has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and welfare of children and women.

She previously served as the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Focal Person and Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Desk Officer in Barangay Bagbag, Quezon City, as well as a Project Officer at SAKLAW Foundation, Inc., and a Finance and Documentation Officer at Pax Christi Pastoral Center in Oriental Mindoro. Her extensive experience in grassroots and program management has strengthened local governance mechanisms, including Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children, and anti-VAWC initiatives.

Ms. Torrefiel has been invited as a resource speaker and facilitator by provincial governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and community organizations across the country, particularly on child protection laws, restorative justice, community organizing, and gender-based violence prevention. Her dedication has earned her multiple awards and citations, including the Service Merit Award (Gawad Lasalyano) from De La Salle University’s Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) in 2023.

She holds a BS Psychology degree from Arellano University under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) and has pursued numerous professional trainings in leadership, social work, and community development.
Passionate about community organizing, public speaking, and advocacy, Carmelita continues to serve as a strong voice for restorative justice and the protection of vulnerable sectors in society.

Carmela Reyes | Program Officer

Carmela serves as Program Officer at the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. – Center for Restorative Action Program, where she provides technical assistance and develops policy recommendations for psychosocial programs benefiting vulnerable communities.

She has extensive experience in social work practice through her internships at the Quezon City Social Services Development Department, where she worked with children in conflict with the law, as well as with persons with disabilities in community organizing and capacity-building initiatives.

Juanito Vinluan Jr. | Program Officer

Juanito S. Vinluan Jr. is a licensed social worker and Program Officer for the Jail Decongestion Program of the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. (HLAF). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (2003) and became a registered social worker in 2005. He later pursued law studies at the Philippine College of Criminology – Manila Law College, where he attained his Juris Doctor degree in 2012.

With more than a decade of experience in social work, paralegal assistance, and program management, Juanito has contributed to HLAF’s initiatives such as the Focused Reintegration of Ex-Detainees (FRED) Program and Jail Decongestion (JD) Program, the implementation of the Detainees’ Notebook, and the development of paralegal handbooks in partnership with various institutions. He has also served as a co-facilitator and mentor for law internship and clinical legal education programs in partnership with Ateneo, San Beda, UST, and other law schools nationwide.

Before his work in HLAF, he served as a Medical Social Welfare Officer at East Avenue Medical Center for six years, and gained private sector experience with UNILAB and other pharmaceutical companies.

Married and a father of four, Juanito balances his professional role with his commitment to family life, faith, and service. His career reflects his dedication to social justice, access to legal aid, and the welfare of persons deprived of liberty.

Rubelin Rivera | Finance and Administrative Assistant

Rubelin L. Rivera is a young professional with a background in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology. With experience as a cashier, human resources assistant, and office clerk in both government and private institutions, she has developed strong skills in communication, adaptability, and time management.

She has served as a Logistics/Office Clerk at GreatHope General Services Inc., and continues to build her career in administrative and organizational support while aspiring to further expand her knowledge and professional growth.

Sharmaine Jintalan | Finance, Administrative, and Personnel Officer

Sharmaine P. Jintalan is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in finance, administration, inventory management, and IT support. She holds a degree in Information Technology from Speed Computer College, where she was a consistent Dean’s Lister, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy to further enhance her expertise in the field.

With a solid background in accounting, warehouse coordination, and office management, Sharmaine has successfully contributed to the operational and financial efficiency of various organizations, including the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation and HMR Trading Haus Philippines. She is proficient in QuickBooks, Microsoft Office Suite, and various inventory and documentation systems.

Her experience spans financial reporting, payroll processing, inventory control, and technical support, reflecting her versatility and reliability in both office and field settings. Sharmaine also holds certifications in Computer Hardware Servicing (NCII) and has completed numerous workshops in accounting, taxation, and BIR compliance. Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, Sharmaine brings a strong work ethic, accuracy, and a proactive mindset to every role she takes on.

Ma. Cristina Belardo | Legal and Policy Director

Ma. Cristina S. Belardo is a dedicated lawyer with a strong background in human rights, litigation, legal policy, and academia. She assists in the development and implementation of strategic plans, provides leadership and support to staff, and ensures alignment with the organization’s mission. In this capacity, she develops and implements comprehensive legal policies, conducts research and advocacy, and engages in participatory governance for policy development.

She actively participates in Technical Working Groups, contributing to policy development and analysis on issues concerning Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), Persons Released on Recognizance (PRLs), Children-at-Risk, and Children in Conflict with the Law. She also serves as a lecturer for paralegal training, focusing on laws affecting PDLs, women, and children.

In academia, Atty. Belardo is a part-time lecturer at Forbes College, teaching Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence. She develops and updates course syllabi and learning materials in alignment with academic standards, contributing to the formation of future criminology and law professionals.

Her corporate legal experience includes serving as Assistant Corporate Secretary for Forbes College, Inc. and Forbes Academy, Inc., where she ensures compliance with SEC requirements, manages corporate records, and prepares legal documents. She also held the position of Compliance Officer, where she developed institutional policies, investigated compliance complaints, mediated disputes, and supported accreditation reviews to uphold ethical and legal standards.

Melvin Nunez | Strategic Social Behavior Change Communications and Advocacy Officer

Melvin leads the Strategic Communications and Social Behavior Change team of HLAF.

Melvin is trained and has expertise in Social Behavioral Change Communication, Development Communication, Journalism, Community Organizing, Community Development, Storytelling, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Networking.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Development Communication from Batangas State University and is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Communication at the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (on-going thesis).

He has been involved in international and local human rights certifications from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime & Dangerous Drugs Board, Philippine Press Institute, Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, UNESCO Jakarta, the Embassy of Netherlands, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines, and the Commission on Human Rights.

He was a consultant to various local government and non-governmental organizations, including Caritas Manila, Plan International, the Local Council for the Protection of Children Consortium, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Commission on Human Rights, the Coalition Against the Death Penalty, Batangas State University, and the Philippine Press Institute, among others.

As the Social Behavioral Change Communication and Advocacy Officer, Melvin has played a crucial role in crafting impactful communication strategies that inspire positive change and amplify advocacy efforts. His work involves designing and implementing communication campaigns that promote driving social behavioral transformation.