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The Institute of Human Genetics (IHG) began in 1990 as the Medical Genetics Unit of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine which in 1999 became as one of the service and research oriented institutes of the National Institutes of Health-University of the Philippines Manila (NIH-UP). Since then all services of the Medical Genetics Unit were transferred to the Institute and is now the largest provider of genetic services in the country.

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Batch 2011

	Peter James (PJ) B. Abad received his B.S. in Nursing at the University of the Philippines Manila in 2010 and is a registered nurse. As a master's student in genetic counseling, PJ is interested in genetic counseling issues surrounding inherited cardiovascular diseases in the context of the Philippine culture and society. PJ also wishes to contribute in the integration of genetics education in the training of nurses in the Philippines.				Vanessa (Bessa) Dyan R. Aldemita graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a B.S. in Biology, majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology. For three years, Bessa worked as a researcher at the International Rice Research Institute in the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Division. Bessa is highly motivated to increase the awareness on the importance of genetic counseling in the Philippines
	Melissa (Mel) Mae P. Baluyot completed B.S. in Biology (Accelerated) and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas. Mel completed her pediatric residency at the University of the Philippines Manila – Philippine General Hospital and recently started her medical genetics fellowship. Mel’s clinical and research interest includes pediatric cancer genetics, pharmacogenetics, and personalized medicine.				Margrette Anne (Marge) Q. Patena received her degree in medical technology from Trinity University of Asia and currently works as a Church Administrator. Pursuing a genetic counseling degree is a great combination of Marge’s love of science and being with people at the time of need. Marge is interested in better understanding the impact of religion on the genetic counseling process.
	Ma. Elouisa (Lui) L. Reyes received her B.S.E in Social Studies from the University of the Philippines Diliman and is currently the Head of the Newborn Screening Center – UP National Institutes of Health. Lui’s research interest is on the psychological impact on parents and family members following the diagnosis of child through newborn screening.				Riza Concordia (Riza) N. Suarez received her B.A. in Social Science – Behavioral Studies Program at the University of the Philippines Manila. Riza is currently the Project Development Officer of the Newborn Screening Reference Center - UP National Institutes of Health. Riza plans to develop genetic counseling modules for patients and their families.
	Aster Lynn (Peging) D. Sur received her B.S. in Food and Nutrition from Central Philippine University and her B.S. in Nursing from Brokenshire College. Peging currently works as a nurse at the Institute of Human Genetics UP-Manila and is involved in newborn screening, birth defects surveillance and preconception care programs. Peging intends to integrate the field of genetic counseling as part of the healthcare delivery system and her main interest is on the psychosocial aspects given the cultural diversity in the Philippines.				Gay Luz M. Talapian (Gay) finished her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Lukes Medical Center, Quezon City. Her interest in genetic counseling was born out of patients prenatal and preconception concerns as well as breast cancer screening. She is pursuing a genetic counseling degree to fulfill her passion to provide more for Obstetric and Gynecology patients as genetic technology advances. Gay's main interest is on cancer risk assessment and ultimately work with the country's first multidisciplinary cancer prevention program clinic.
	Angela (Gela) Q. Villa earned her B.S. in Nursing degree from Southeast Asian College Incorporated and her B.S. in Commerce, major in Business Management at De La Salle University - Manila. Gela worked as a nurse at the Institute of Human Genetics UP-Manila and contributed to the implementation of the birth defects surveillance project. Gela is highly interested on genetic counseling related issues pertaining to adult onset genetic diseases.

Batch 2012

Batch 2013

		Christian Leandro (Yayo) S. Monieno completed his B.S. in Nursing from the Angeles University Foundation. Yayo served as a Project Development Officer, follow-up nurse and research assistant at the Newborn Screening Center-Central Luzon for almost 3 years. Yayo is interested in the integration of genetic counseling in the National Comprehensive Newborn Screening Program through its follow-up, referral and management processes.				Danalyn (Dana) R. Echem finished her B.S. in Nursing from Western Mindanao State University of Zamboanga City. She pursued a nursing degree as she saw the need to improve the quality of care given to patients. Dana plans to contribute to the health care delivery system especially in the improvement of management of children and their families with identified genetic disorders in Philippines’ Region IX, and hopefully in the entire Mindanao region. Dana is mainly interested in the psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling when dealing with various clients, situations and, of course, with oneself.
		Debei (Debei) C. Cargando received her B.S. in Biology from the University of the Philippines – Manila in 2013. Intending to eventually pursue a medical degree, Debei believes that training in genetic counseling will help hone her skills into a compassionate physician that sees patients beyond their disease. A genetic counseling degree is also one way through which she believes she can maximally serve her fellow Eastern Samareños. As such, Debei aims to assist in the expansion of the program throughout the country especially in far-flung provinces. She plans to relate healthcare and psychosocial issues, particularly for genetic diseases which exist as a by-product of the cultural diversity in the country.				Eva (Eva) Felipe Dimog finished her diploma in midwifery at Ifugao State University (IFSU), Lamut, Ifugao in 2006 and her BS in Public Health (BSPH) at the University of La Salette, Santiago City in 2011. She served as a midwife and a midwifery clinical instructor for four years. Eva plans to integrate the importance of genetics and genetic counseling in the midwifery curriculum while focusing on prenatal genetic counseling in the far-flung areas of the country. Eva’s main research interest is to study the factors of non-compliance of couples to newborn screening with the goal of improving its educational tools for the community.
		Graciel (Grace) Mae R. Canoy completed her B.S. in Nursing at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in March 2013. She recently took and passed the June 2013 Nurses Licensure Examination. Grace is pursuing a graduate study that focuses on the reduction of infant mortality and morbidity and desires to become a part of the management team for the Newborn Screening Long Term Follow – up Clinics. She previously attended the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology Outreach Education Program entitled, “Kanser Ating Alamin, Ating Agapan” which gave her motivation to increase awareness on the associated risk and heredity of cancer.				Isidro (Sid) P. Lauron Jr. obtained his B.S. Nursing degree from Mindanao State University-Main Campus Marawi City in 2012. In the same year, he worked as a staff nurse at a private healthcare institution for nearly 6 months until finally being accepted as a MS Genetic Counseling DOST scholar at UP Manila. Hailed from the picturesque highlands of Bukidnon, Sid is ginormously interested in integrating the novel potential of bioinformatics and genetic counseling. Pursuing a genetic counseling degree provides him an eloquent opportunity to fulfill his interests, and to foster genetic counseling as a sub-field with enormous significance in the Filipino healthcare delivery system.
		Jonathan (Than) D. Cura completed his B.S. in Nursing at Holy Angel University, Angeles City in 2008 and obtained his M.S. in Nursing, major in Adult Health nursing at UE-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc. in 2011. Than’s thesis focused on the transition from adolescence to adulthood among patients with End-Stage Renal Disease and published in the Journal of Renal Care (JoRC) in May 2012. As a registered nurse, Than works as a guest lecturer in the graduate school of Nursing at the Holy Angel University. And his main interest is on the expansion of research and genetic counseling services on Adult-onset genetic related disorders or diseases, as well as the implications of genetics and genomics in nursing practice.				Leniza (Lia) G. De Castro-Hamoy is a graduate of the 7-year integrated liberal arts and medicine (INTARMED) program of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. Lia successfully completed her pediatric residency and chief residency at UP Manila – Philippine General Hospital, and recently started her clinical genetics fellowship in the same institution. Lia is interested not only in holistic management of pediatric genetics and metabolic patients but in public health genetics as well.
		Marian Teresa (Maan) Cuenca accomplished her B.S. in Nursing from Pamantasanng Lungsod ng Maynila. She currently works as a University Research Associate I at the Institute of Human Genetics. Maan is in-charge as secretariat for Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health- Phils (NCR-South Luzon Cluster) and as nurse coordinator for the Birth Defects Surveillance Project- NCR-South Luzon Cluster. As a registered nurse, she has a heart for advocacy and for her, pursuing a masters degree in genetic counseling is the continuity of her support to patient’s well-being. Nonetheless, she aspires to contribute in the proliferation of genetic counseling as part of the Philippine healthcare delivery system and intends to be a mentor for future genetic counselors.				Mark (Mark) Lenon O. Tulisana is a graduate in midwifery and a registered nurse by profession. He completed his B.S. in Nursing from Surigao Education Center (SEC) of Surigao City. Mark previously worked at CARAGA Regional Hospital, an active tertiary hospital which strictly implemented the Newborn Screening Act. Learning has always been Mark’s passion and having a master's degree in genetic counseling will provide him a fertile ground to handle his future counseling cases. Mark's main interest is on the assessment of various coping strategies of parents whose children are diagnosed with a metabolic and genetic disorder in the country.
		Ramonito (Ramzy) B. Nuique, a registered nurse hailing from Dumaguete City, finished his B.S. in Nursing at St. Paul University Dumaguete in 2011. He also received a National Certificate-II (NC-II) in Medical Transcription and an NC-II for Training Methodology-I. Ramzy is an active member of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) – Philippines, an organization that advocates for Newborn Screening, Folic Acid Supplementation, Birth Defects Surveillance, and for the Rare and Orphan Diseases. Ramzy’s strong foundation on faith and spirituality encourages him to focus on researches involving Pediatric Neuro-oncology and the intersection of faith.				RoemelJeusep (Roemel) B. Luna is a Manila-born graduate of the University of the Philippines – Diliman with a B.S. Degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. He is a researcher at the Microarray Core Laboratory of the Institute of Human Genetics, NIH, UP-Manila and currently works on DOST-funded projects dealing with the genetic basis of lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and type-2 diabetes mellitus in Filipino population. He is interested in genetic counseling issues pertaining to multifactorial genetic disorders and personalized medicine. Roemel aspires to educate not only his future patients and their relatives but also the Filipino society in order to increase understanding of the genetic contributions to diseases and the need of genetic counseling in the country.
		Starlene Joy (Star) Z. Plaga graduated from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) in 2013 with a B.S. in Nursing. A registered nurse is a profession which embeds the art and science of caring for humanity. As a genetic counseling student, Star is enlightened to be trained and equipped in terms of counseling of patients having metabolic and chromosomal alterations in order to provide safe and quality care. Star intends to be an effective advocate to alleviate one’s suffering to prolong life in the Philippine setting. Moreover, she desires to increase awareness on the significance of genetic counseling, as well as to train and build efficient nurse leaders for the benefit and progress of the country.				Janelyn (Jan) De Vera graduated with a B.S. in Biology and Doctor of Medicine at Ateneo de Cagayan-Xavier University. Jan completed her residency training in pediatrics at Maria Reyna Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City and eventually decided to pursue a fellowship training in Genetics at UP Manila – Philippine General Hospital. Jan’s main interests are on cancer genetics and pediatric dysmorphology. She plans to contribute and be a crucial member of the expansion of genetic services in the country.
		Abegail Jane (Abe) P. Amorato, a registered nurse, obtained her B.S. degree in Nursing at the University of the Philippines Manila. In pursuit of her goal for personal growth and her hopes to aid in the development of healthcare services in the country, Abe decided to study genetic counseling. Her main interests involve genetic counseling issues associated with adult onset disorders, as well as concerns in relation to emerging fields such as those on pharmacogenetics and neurogenetics.				Maris Hazel (Maris) A. Cura completed her B.S. Biology degree majoring in Genetics from the University of the Philippines - Los Baños. Her interest in human genetics inspired her to pursue a master's degree in genetic counseling. She wants her future research to deal with brain disorders particularly late-onset neurogenetic disorders and diseases.
		Rozel (Rozel) DR. Tomaneng finished her B.S. in Nursing from New Era University, Diliman Quezon City in March 2012. She took and passed the December 2012 Nursing Licensure Examination. Aside from being a full time genetic counseling student, she is currently volunteers at the Philippine Red Cross, Quezon City Chapter (Blood service). Rozel intends to be a member of the pioneering genetic counseling team in order to provide appropriate genetics education, awareness and support for patients with genetic disorders, as well as their family members.				Rufus (Tom) Thomas Y. Adducul obtained his degree in B.S. Biology majoring in Genetics from the University of the Philippine Los Banos in 2013. As an alumnus of the UPLB Genetics Society, his interest in human genetics started when he became an active member of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health and attended several activities that involve interaction with patients diagnosed with genetic disorders. Tom is highly determined to contribute to the advancement of genetic counseling in the Philippines.

Batch 2014

		Robin (Robin) F. Albinto graduated with a degree in B.S. Biology from Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. He is a member of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health Philippines (VYLH), a proactive network of youth leaders with the advocacies of promoting public awareness on newborn screening and folic acid supplementation among women, and lobbying support for the passage of Rare Disease Bill in the country. His research interests are on oncogenetics and on genetic disorders in the Philippines that affect children. Through this course, he eventually wants to contribute in the expansion of medical genetics in the country through research.				Evangeline (Van) A. Alcabasa earned her B.S in Nursing degree from the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna in 2012. Through her experience as a registered nurse for almost two years, she saw the lack of awareness of the community when it comes to their health. This led her to enroll in a graduate program that ensures each individual is provided facts on the occurrence of a genetic disease in the family. Her topic research would focus on the occurrence of blood and bone marrow related cancers among elderly patients.
		Renzel May (Elmay) Boado earned her B.S. in Nursing degree from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in 2011. To find more than what the traditional nursing can offer, she worked as a behavioral therapist for special children which mounted her interest in congenital malformations. Because of her patient encounters, she looks forward in focusing more about preconception genetic counseling. She also wishes to focus on research about the importance of genetic counseling in the management of genetic disorders				Kristian Dior (Dior) V. Capili received his B.S. Nursing degree from Trinity University of Asia – St. Luke's College of Nursing in 2012. He is currently working as an intensive care nurse at Cardinal Santos Medical Center. As a nurse intensivist, he wants to provide the optimum health care to a critically ill patient, understand complex diseases, and help the parents of his patients understand how a certain disease can be passed on from one generation to another. In pursuit of his personal growth and his hopes to further his knowledge, he decided to take up MS Genetic Counseling. He is interested in the legal and social implications of genetic test results in the family and in the child. He is likewise interested in concerns relating to neurogenetics.
		Maria Clarissa (Clarisse/Risa) Del Moral, ORA earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Psychology from University of the Philippines Diliman. Her training as a psychologist exposed her to clients with various neuropsychological disorders, which bolstered her interest in the fields of psychiatry and neuroscience. She is a consultant psychologist and a neuroscience researcher at the Memory Center of St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC). Recently, she received a DOST-PCHRD grant to investigate mild cognitive impairment in the Filipino elderly. She is also a research collaborator in several other DOST-PCHRD and SLMC-funded projects				Ma. Theresa (Tere) Domine is a graduate of BS Biology from the University of the Philippines Baguio. She looks forward to doing research on genetic neurological disorders especially on familial Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders. As one of the future genetic counselors, she hopes to influence policy leaders to bridge the gap between genetics research and healthcare service in the country.
		Niecy Grace (Nice) M. Ganza obtained her B.S. Nursing degree from Silliman University, Dumaguete City. Nice worked as a volunteer nurse and spent her clinical rotations in the emergency room, pediatrics, and Underfive clinic. She wants to specialize in cardiovascular genetics and is also interested in pediatric genetic disorders. Furthermore, she aims to promote the awareness of genetic disorders in her own province, Negros Occidental, and in the Visayas Region.				Frances Isabelle (Tata) B. Jacalan obtained her degree in Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Saint Louis University in 2004. She is currently a Science Research Specialist I at the FNRI-DOST under the Nutrigenomics R&D Program. Right now, she is interested in conducting genetic researches that aim to test the associations of gene variants with the dietary, biochemical, and clinical component among diseased and healthy individuals. An advocate of continuing education, Tata plans to share all her learnings in genetic counseling thru the academe and actualize the conduct and implementation of a genomic-based dietary counseling program.
		John Benedict (Ben) B. Lagarde earned his B.S. in Nursing degree from West Visayas State University last March 2014 and passed the nursing licensure exam on June of the same year. He is interested in specializing in the fields of oncogenetics and pharmacogenetics. Benedict wants to explore the emerging role and impact of genetic counseling as part of the primary preventive measure for individuals at higher risk of acquiring familial cancer among Filipinos. He also wishes to contribute in the awareness of cancer genetic counseling in the country, especially to his fellow Ilonggos.				Roxanne Janica (Rox) E. Merencilla graduated from St. Paul University Manila with a degree in B.S. in Nursing. She is currently working as a nurse at the Institute of Human Genetics in UP Manila. Her involvement in the Birth Defects Surveillance Project, the clinical genetics clinic, and the management of newborn screening patients led her in taking the program to be a more effective nurse when dealing with her patients. Aside from being interested in pursuing a practice in metabolic and cancer-related genetic disorders, Roxanne aspires to contribute to establishing a firm ground of genetics nursing in the Philippines.
		Kristine Dawn (Tin) Morales obtained her B.S. degree in nursing from West Visayas State University. She graduated last March 2014 and passed the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination on the same year. Her passion for learning and personal growth motivated her to pursue MS in genetic counseling. Her research interest primarily focuses on genetic and psychosocial issues related to neurology and developmental and behavioral pediatrics. Furthermore, she envisions to help in increase the awareness of her fellow Visayans regarding genetic disorders.				Katrina May (Kat) Ojo is a graduate of BS Psychology from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Currently, she works at the Institute of Human Genetics as part of the General Administration Unit. Her active involvement in civic works through Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA), Museo Pambata Foundation Inc., & Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) made her want to pursue a career that will incorporate her advocacies, love for challenge and interests in ethics and societal issues. In the near future, Kat intends to concentrate on prenatal genetic counseling and fetal abnormalities venturing on the clinical and teaching aspect of the profession.
		Maria Lea (Lea) Pineda-Ramiro obtained her B.S. Management degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. She also pursued a career in human resources management with an expertise on the development of competency-based training programs and documentation of quality management systems. Her acceptance in the M.S. Genetic Counseling program is the fulfillment of her dream to be in the field of science and her transition to a life of service. Lea looks forward to being part of the pioneering team in Mindanao as an educator-trainer. She is interested to study pre-conception and prenatal counseling and would like to devote time to research on developing culture-sensitive approaches in genetic counseling within the Philippine context.				Dione (Di) Parreno-Sacdalan is a practicing Colorectal Surgeon and a Clinical Associate Professor in the UP College of Medicine. She finished BS Psychology in UP Diliman, pursued a medical degree in the UP College of Medicine then underwent training in General and Colorectal Surgery at the Philippine General Hospital. She has special interests in colorectal cancer and heads the UP-PGH Colorectal Polyp and Cancer Study Group, a multi-disciplinary group of health professionals involved in the care of colorectal cancer patients. She envisions genetic counselling as an integral part of individualized cancer management and hopes to incorporate it in programs for early cancer detection and prevention.

Batch 2015

Batch 2016

Kristan Jela (Jela) M. Tambio graduated from University of the Philippines Manila with a bachelor's degree in Nursing. She has been working in the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development as a project officer and has handled several research projects, some of which are in the field of genetics. This sparked her interest to pursue MS Genetic Counseling, with a special focus on the impact of genetic counseling in preventative and primary care for cancer patients.

Errick John (Rick) G. Aguilar, a registered nurse, earned his B.S. in Nursing at Bukidnon State University. He has worked as a staff nurse at Bethel Baptist Hospital, has worked with Unilab Foundation through Ideas Positive Run 5 and is an active member of the Rotary Club, Acropolis Chapter. His experiences both in clinical and community settings persuaded him to take up Genetic Counseling. He plans to contribute his expertise to the growth, expansion and delivery of genetic services in Northern Mindanao and exert efforts in community-based programs that would benefit populations in rural areas especially tribal communities.

Anne Sharmaine P. Ochoa (Anne) is a Manila-born graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman with a B.S. degree in Biology in 2015. She has worked as a University Research Associate I at the Philippine Eye Research Institute NIH for a year. She had volunteering experiences as a catechist under the KALFI LEAD program for four years and had opportunities to serve communities as a member of the UP Pre-Medical Honor Society. Having passion in both scientific learning and helping people, Anne became interested in what the program is offering, allowing her to expand her knowledge in Genetics and at the same time to be trained for counseling patients with genetic concerns. Her main interests are pediatric dysmorphology, cancer genetics, and personalized medicine. She is highly determined to contribute to the advancement and expansion of genetic services in the Philippines.

Erica Lois G. Palad (Erica) graduated with a B.S. in Biology majoring in Genetics from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Her knowledge and interest in human genetics and psychology led her to pursue MS Genetic Counseling. She is mainly interested in cancer and pediatric genetics and she is planning to conduct research on these subjects in the future. Erica intends to raise public awareness on genetic conditions and she would like to assist in the development and implementation of health and research policies concerning genetics in the Philippines.

Dr. Monette R. Faner (Monette) is a graduate of the 7-year Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine (INTARMED) program of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. Monette completed her pediatric residency and chief residency at UP Manila – Philippine General Hospital, and recently started her clinical genetics fellowship in the same institution. Monette is interested in Dysmorphology and providing holistic care for the patients and their families.

Batch 2018

Flynn Ayugat

Paulynne Angelie

Aguhob John Posadas

Batch 2019

Angelika Bondoc

Abigail Juantong

Batch 2020

Carlo Antonio de Guzman

Maria Jennifer Gregorio

Apple Valparaiso

Batch 2021

Anna Elvira Arcellana

Aretha Liel Senina

Arjelyn (RG) G. Canlas received her B.S. in Nursing from Bataan Peninsula State University. RG currently works as a follow-up nurse at the Newborn Screening Center - UP Manila National Institutes of Health. She is pursuing a genetic counseling degree because of her commitment to support patients coping with genetic diseases and their members of families. She plans to assist in the integration of the field of genetic counseling as part of the general health services in the country.

Romer (Romer) J. Guerbo earned his B.S. in Nursing from Central Mindanao University (CMU). Since 2009, he has been an active member of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health Philippines organization and advocated for the implementation of the Newborn Screening and folic acid supplementation in Mindanao. Pursuing a genetic counseling degree will provide Romer the needed training and development to best serve his fellow Mindanaoans. This provides him hope to fulfill his personal aspiration. Romer's main interest is on the assessment of life experiences of parents and patients with Down syndrome in the Philippines.

Edbert Jasper (Jasper) M. Jover finished his B.S. in Nursing from San Pedro College of Davao City and is a Registered Nurse. He served his alma mater as a community school health instructor for three years. Subsequently, he has worked at the Newborn Screening Center Mindanao in Davao City as the Birth Defects Surveillance Research Nurse for Mindanao. Jasper wishes to contribute in the expansion of genetic services in the Philippines and to the training of future genetic counselors.

Jessica(Jeck) G. Lavapie accomplished her B.S. in Nursing at San Beda College Manila in 2007, and is a registered nurse. She previously worked as an E.R. and I.C.U. nurse. As a genetic counseling student, she is motivated to pursue her passion in providing counseling to patients seen in prenatal, newborn and pediatric genetics clinics. Jeck is much interested in developing ethical principle guidelines for genetic counselors in the country.

Nievelyn (Papin) Ocampo-Bugaoan is an alumna of UP Los Baños (BS Biology major in Cell Biology). She pursued her Medical Degree at the Manila Central University - FDTMF. She obtained her specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Makati Medical Center. Papin believes that the practice of medicine is a never-ending process of learning. As such, obtaining a genetic counseling degree will futher enhance her passion and improves the quality of health care she is providing to her patients. Papin intends to specialize in Preconception and Prenatal Genetic Counseling.

Ma-Am Joy (Ma-Am) R. Tumulak earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and her Doctor of Medicine degree at UP Manila. Since 2008, she has been working at the Institute of Human Genetics-National Institutes of Health as a University Researcher. Through her work and the various advocacies as well as projects she has been involved in, she vividly saw the importance of genetic counseling in the Philippines. Ma-am intends to assist patients with genetic conditions through building the country's research capability and translate its results to relevant outcomes, such as policy formation in health.

Kyra (Kyra) Vizco received her bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science from the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila. She currently works as a University Research Associate and mainly serves as a Secretarial Staff for the UP Manila Research Ethics Board. Her research interests include genetic counseling and education, as well as ethical issues in genetic research. Specifically, Kyra intends to better understand the experiences of individuals living with a genetic risk and their decision making about genetic testing.