Meet Our Board
(L-R: David Matthews, Emmylou Hallig, Jemari Dine Gimena, Magnolia Cano, Miguel Cano)
Emmylou Hallig
Director
Emmylou graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in BS Economics. Upon college graduation, she joined the staff of Philippine Campus Crusade for Christ and worked among the college students in Mindanao. In 2007 she sensed a deep burden to help the poor in a direct way, particularly in promoting literacy and quality education. She pursued educational courses in UP Open University and successfully passed the licensure exam for teachers in 2009. That same year she volunteered with Tiwala, teaching alternative learning system classes for out of school youth. Emmylou is presently serving as the Executive Director of Tiwala Kids & Communities.
Magnolia Vida Cano
Corporate Secretary
Magnolia or “Maggie” is the head of the Regional Center for Science and Math Education Development. She is also a Chemistry professor in Bicol University. She received her MA in Teaching Chemistry from the De La Salle University. Maggie serves as the Corporate Secretary of Tiwala Kids & Communities. She is married to Miguel Cano. They have two children, Quark and Kzr.
Jemari Dine Gimena
Treasurer
Jemari, also known as JD, is the Accounting Head of Philippine Resource Savings Bank. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Business Administration and Accountancy. Aside from being the treasurer of the Tiwala Board of Trustees, she also serves as a volunteer church worker in Christ Commission Fellowship.
Miguel Cano
Trustee
Miguel Cano is a licensed geologist and an Earth Science educator. He studied MSc Scientific Communication at Australian National University. Because he is passionate about helping defend the poor, he is currently pursuing a law degree at UST – Legazpi. He also serves as a facilitator of fathers fellowship in Tehillah Christian Fellowship.
David Charles Matthews
Trustee
David Matthews presently serves as the Director of Faith in Action Mission Outreach, Inc., a community development and church planting Philippine mission. Though born in the United States, David has served the Lord in the Philippines for over 25 years in both rural and city settings and considers the Philippines his second country. David firmly believes that Christ is the key to bringing wholeness into people’s lives whatever their social status or nationality may be.
Ying Ying Tai-Sayo
Board Member
Ying Ying Tai-Sayo is a management graduate of Ateneo de Manila University and currently manages her family business. She attended Alliance Graduate School where she took up subjects in Theology, New Testament studies, and completed a diploma in Christian Counseling. She is a member and a ministry servant in Bread from Heaven Community Church.
Tim Beer
Board Member
Tim is an IT professional and is based in London, UK. He got involved with Tiwala right after it started and has made numerous visits to the Philippines, volunteering in the different programs and also providing administrative oversight.
Caroline Shepherd
Board Member
Caroline is based in Cornwall, United Kingdom and has visited Tiwala Kids & Communities several times. Her involvement in Tiwala has grown from assisting in the various street education programs among the underprivileged and street children in Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines, to helping with the development of Tiwala’s scholarship program. She is currently connected to Stroke Association in the UK.