Introducing the Esteemed Panel of Advisory Board for Second Leg of Ki Ni Naru Presentations

DENR-Environmental Education and Information Division

She graduated Bachelor of Science in Biology at the Far Eastern University and earned her Master in Science in Environmental Management at the Philippine Women’s University.Ms. Francisco is currently the Chief of the Environmental Education and Information Division of the Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR Central Office. She also earned a Certificate Course on Education for Sustainable Development at Malmo University in Malmo, Sweden.

She is an advocate of environmental education and sustainable development. She believes that every person must contribute to making the environment a better place to live in.

Ms. Maria Cristina N. Cortado is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Teaching Reading program at the Philippine Normal University, which she completed in 2013. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, majoring in English, from St. Joseph’s College of Quezon City in 1994. Currently, she is working as a Junior High School Teacher at SSS National High School in Marikina City, holding the position of Teacher III. She is responsible for teaching English 8 and managing the Journalism Club and Project MAP.She has extensive teaching experience, having served as a Preschool teacher for eight years, a Grade School teacher for another eight years, a Junior High School teacher in a private school for five years, and a Senior High School administrator for six months. Additionally, she spent a year teaching Senior High School and worked as a part-time professor at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Taft, Manila, for seven years. Before joining the Department of Education, her teaching focus was primarily on language and literature classes.

Maria Cristina is frequently invited to serve as a panelist for thesis defenses and has also provided proofreading and editing assistance for undergraduate theses from institutions such as CSB, San Beda, Miriam, AMA, and UST.

She remains passionate about teaching the younger generation and views her work as a ministry, finding joy and fulfillment in her role as an educator.

Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr. is an associate professor at the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, University of the Philippines – Open University. Dr. Figueroa gained his Ph.D. in Educational Technology at the International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan. He currently serves as the director of a research program on immersive open pedagogies. He is also one of the deputy directors of the Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning. His research interests include immersive learning and ICT for Education.

Mr. Caleb Pantoja is a seasoned professional with over seven years of expertise in research,project management, and executive support, dedicated to driving impactful education initiatives.

As Programs Development Officer at the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (Go
Negosyo), he leads programs like the Boardroom Program and Youthpreneur Program,
fostering entrepreneurship among senior high school students through dynamic mentoring and
nationwide career guidance.Previously, as Executive Assistant III at the Department of Education, Caleb managed the
Curriculum and Teaching Strand, aligning programs, policies, and legislative agendas across
bureaus and external partners.His research expertise, honed as Project Officer at the Philippine National Research Center
for Teacher Quality, includes contributions to the Philippine Professional Standards for
Teachers and Supervisors and professional development studies.
Caleb’s proven ability to align strategic solutions with organizational goals and cultivate
collaborative partnerships underscores his commitment to advancing education and
empowering learners.

Engr. Ronezza “Ezza” Delos Santos is a licensed Chemical Engineer from the University of the Philippines Diliman. She previously worked in a local water utility before taking the challenge to be one of the pioneer members of Leave a Nest Philippines to help unleash the potential of the Philippines and Filipinos in science and technology for the advancement of the country. She is now one of the Directors of Leave a Nest Philippines while also taking her Masters in Environment and Natural Resources Management.