Our Team

Roilan Gorospe Marlang

Founder and President

Roilan Gorospe Marlang is a Self Advocate with Autism living in Pasay City. He is the founder of Hands in Inclusion Philippines since 2017. He has been advocating the rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities through social media since 2017 due to lack of support of Filipino netizens. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 5 years old through his godmother who is also a doctor and both general medicine and pediatrics practitioner.

He was a consistent top student and a valedictorian during Elementary days, consistent in between Top 10 to 15 in the class during High School Days and a graduate of Business Administration Major in Computer Applications in De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde last March 2016.

Today, he is currently working as a Sales Reporting Associate in an Exporter of Imported Goods in Makati City via the help of Project Inclusion Network. He loves multimedia related activities and computers as well. Also, he is now one of the million Filipino Persons with Disabilities fighting for PWD Rights, Skills and Employment.

Ma. Kathrina Pauline Gonzalez Cudia

Executive Vice President / Head of Operations

Christian Jade Yap Samson

Executive Secretary

Christian is a Registered Author/Writer at the National Book Development Board - Philippines, and a LinkedIn Certified Marketing Insider. He is currently pursuing a major in Medical Office Administration at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. 

He holds an Undergraduate Certificate in Human Biology from the University of the People and a Professional Development Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care from the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington (through its Public Health & YOU initiative).

Besides being a passionate advocate for mental health since the pandemic and a dedicated supporter of literature, he is also committed to community services and health inclusivity, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and underprivileged communities. 

Frances Rain Sayson Valenzuela

Vice President for Human Resources

Frances Rain Valenzuela is a  Behavioral Therapist currently based in Hong Kong. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science major in Psychology from Miriam College. Although she is overseas, she continues to do volunteering in the Philippines through online means. 

She is an advocate for mental health, indigenous people, stray animals welfare, and PWD inclusivity.

Jessica Agustin Rivera

Vice President for Marketing

Jessica "Jaycee" A. Rivera is the Vice President of Marketing at Hands in Inclusion Philippines (HNI), where they bring a creative yet practical approach to their role. Guided by the belief that “Good leaders create more leaders, not followers,” Jaycee works to ensure the organization’s message of inclusivity reaches as many people as possible. Their responsibilities extend beyond marketing, as they also manage logistical tasks to support the team’s operations.

With a strong attention to detail and expertise in logistics, Jaycee bridges the gap between marketing and operational efficiency. They focus on improving processes, supporting internal projects, and fostering an environment where new ideas and teamwork can flourish. Jaycee’s marketing skills are complemented by a strategic mindset, ensuring that every project aligns with the mission and goals of HNI.

Billicent Bevera Macuse

Executive Coordinator to the President

Billicent, or Billi, is working as a call center agent at a BPO company near his home in Cavite. His hobbies include dancing, and occasionally, singing and playing instruments. He also likes to create content in his eponymous YouTube channel but decided to take a hiatus because he doesn’t like to waste time reading hateful comments from trolls.

Billi would like to have a job that would not be too demanding yet still something that he would be passionate about.

Having been diagnosed with autism at age 3, Billi has already distinguished the limitations that he has been working on overcoming. So far, he is proud of himself for being able to go to work at an office in close proximity from his residence. He also likes to assist his parents on working on other projects that might be part of his “fallback”.

Alexia Nicole Sager

Assistant Secretary

Alexia Nicole F. Sager is a fourth-year International Studies student specializing in International Development and Cooperation under the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies of Far Eastern University – Manila. She has finished high school in De La Salle Lipa and senior high school under the Humanities and Social Sciences course in University of Santo Tomas. Her recent professional experiences are interning as a Junior Researcher in the Department of Migrant Workers with an abundant knowledge on researching developmental programs, and as a Content and Publication Intern at the Philippine Information Agency that provided her skills centered towards professional writing and design. Her current academic paper focuses on  the implementation and outcome of the Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program, a reintegration program for returning OFWs. She pursues a degree in International Studies in hopes of further pursuing her career towards migration affairs.

Maria Jeanelle Laceste

Partnerships and Sponsorships Director

​Maria Jeanelle Laceste was born in San Juan City in 2000. Since arriving in the Philippines in 2017, she has been an enthusiastic volunteer for various charity organizations. During the pandemic, she was among the front-liners who administered the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. 

In her downtime, she likes to do research work, especially in the field of medicine. She aims to pioneer medical awareness in the Philippines. Through charity work and research, she pursues this goal one step at a time.

Amirah Nicole Nunag Manson

Events Director

Kimberly Rosal Dela Cruz

Volunteer Coordinator

Wilburt Hans Wei

Inclusivity and Diversity Officer

Xerxes Alain Hibanada

Chief Media Officer

Cassandra Alexis Lazaga Dizon

Creatives Officer

Cassandra Dizon is a 20-year-old student from the Philippines studying for a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Santo Tomas. Together with other members of HNI, she advocates for the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the country.

She aims to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma faced by the PWD sector. Her dedication to inclusion comes from her strong belief that every individual has the right to be seen and heard.

Humaira Naboni

Youth for Inclusion Director

Lady Dianne Capunpon Garcia

Business Manager

Karen Lacerna

Planning and Training Officer