President: Edirose Flores Lapid (Hackensack, New Jersey)

Born in the Philippines in 1973, in San Simon Pampanga, Philippines. She grew up as the youngest in a family of 6. Raised by a resilient mother who strived to provide for her children faced the challenges of a large family. With their father working abroad in the Middle East to support the family, finances were tight, and her mother, a self-employed tailor and seamstress, managed the household through hard work. She experienced the struggles of being part of a large family with limited resources. Despite financial constraints, she was able to attend school and completed her Bachelors Degree in Nursing with the support of her brothers who migrated to Japan for work. In the 2nd year of her education, her parents immigrated to America, driven by the allure of the American dream.

She raised three children as a single-mother, she turned adversity into her faith and strength and continually moving to make ends meet and dedicating herself to helping others. 

She currently serves in the Media and Bereavement Ministry at Holy Trinity Church in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Her dedication extends to supporting the

Special Education (SPED) school as a donor, showcasing her passion for education and inclusivity. She exemplifies resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to community well-being. Her journey from the Philippines to America reflects a life dedicated to overcoming challenges and giving back to society. In her current roles, as a single-mother and community leader, she continues to be an inspiring force for positive change.

Vice President: Ethna Lapid Galura Manalac (San Simon Pampanga, Philippines)

A journey that began unexpectedly in 2001 has transformed my life into a passionate commitment to the world of education, particularly special education. My story unfolds with the arrival of my firstborn, Alaiza Nicole, diagnosed with Hearing Impairment before her first birthday.

Facing the challenges of finding suitable interventions for Alaiza, my quest led me to the Inocencio Magtoto Foundation (IMMFI), an organization dedicated to assisting children with special needs. The immersion into the world of IMMFI opened my eyes to the severe cases they catered to—children with hydrocephalus, traumatic injuries, cerebral palsy, and more.

Enrolling Alaiza in IMMFI marked the genesis of my realization that destiny had charted my course towards becoming an educator. The five students in her class, all deaf and mute, became the catalyst for my journey into the realm of special education.

Witnessing the dedication of IMMFI's staff, I found myself inspired to pursue a new path. Encouraged by their mentorship, I embarked on a challenging endeavor at the age of 32, enrolling in the Bachelor of Elementary Education major in Special Education (BEED SPED) program, graduating in 2014.

My academic pursuit was no easy feat. Balancing work at the market during dawn, supporting Alaiza in the mornings, attending classes until late evening, and catching only brief moments of sleep turned into a daily routine. This sacrifice became a testament to my unwavering commitment to understanding my daughter's world—a silent world relying on gestures, facial expressions, and sign language.

Upon graduation, I sought to utilize my newfound knowledge as a Public School SPED teacher. My primary goal was to facilitate Alaiza's education while extending a helping hand to other children with special needs. Little did I know that this decision would spark a transformative impact on the San Simon community, where many were unaware that children with special needs belonged in schools.

In the pursuit of our advocacy for special education, my family began providing free transportation for children residing near us, facilitating their journey to join Alaiza in school. Each learner under my guidance became not just a student but an extension of my own family.

Now, as the Director of Special Education at San Simon Elementary School, I continue to champion the cause of inclusive education. My journey, born out of unforeseen circumstances, has evolved into a purposeful mission—to ensure that every child, regardless of their unique challenges, is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive within the educational system.

Co-Treasurers: Rev. Edmondo Sombilon (Fort Lee, New Jersey)

Father Edmondo serves as the dedicated Pastor at Holy Trinity in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where he tirelessly tends to the spiritual needs of the community. Concurrently, he holds the vital role of FAAN Coordinator in Bergen County, showcasing his commitment to community welfare.

He was raised in humble beginnings in Davao City, Philippines, amidst financial struggles with six siblings. As the fifth child of a mechanic father and a housekeeper mother, he faced adversity early, working odd jobs in his youth. Despite financial challenges, he pursued higher education, working as a janitor while studying education in college. His educational journey was interrupted due to impoverished circumstances, leading to seminary school and then a decade of service in the priesthood in the Philippines.

After exhausting all of his finances, and fiercely driven by the necessity to support his ailing mother - afflicted with Parkinson's and kidney disease - he sought a better opportunity in the United States, requesting his bishop for a transfer in 2004. After joining the New Jersey Catholic Diocese, he faced immense personal trials as he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008, enduring treatment that prevented him from visiting his mother who passed away in the Philippines that same year. Undeterred, he persevered through all challenges, including a near-fatal battle with COVID-19. Now in 2025, you can find him immersed in service in Ft. Lee, NJ, where his schedule is packed full - as he is the sole priest operating Holy Trinity Church.

In the USA, he has not only assumed the role of Pastor but has also embraced the rich tapestry of American diversity. His service extends beyond spiritual guidance, encompassing music, faith, emotional support, and community programming at Holy Trinity. As the sole breadwinner for his family, he exemplifies resilience, compassion, and a profound dedication to uplifting those around him.

He brings a wealth of life experience, empathy, and a relentless spirit of service to the non-profit board of directors. His journey reflects a profound commitment to community welfare and a deep understanding of the transformative power of faith and service.

Co-Treasurers: Rowena T. Canlas (Glendale, California)

Born in 1975 in San Simon, Pampanga, Philippines, Canlas is the eldest daughter of six children. Her diligent parents provided for the family, with her father employed in the Middle East, later accompanied by the youngest son to help cover education costs for the other siblings.

While she was attending school, she became pregnant and got married a few months after. With perseverance she graduated with a degree Bachelor of Science in Computer Science to help her parents and provide for her first child. After two years, she moved to the USA to join her husband and had her second child. However, their relationship ended, and she separated. She then raised her children alone while supporting her parents and siblings.

She works as a paralegal and handles accounts receivable at a law firm. Additionally, she contributes to her community by donating to churches and children's foundations. Her relocation from the Philippines to America highlights her efforts to overcome challenges while contributing to society.

Her motivation for joining the foundation comes from caring for her younger brother with a learning disability. She realized that in the Philippines, there is little support for children with special needs, prompting her to join and contribute to the foundation.

She has a strong believe that “Every child deserves a voice – whether spoken, signed or expressed in their unique way. At voices of hope, we work to ensure no child is left unheard”. 

Secretary: Chase Noelle Lombardo (Brooklyn, New York)

Producer, musician, and activist who serves as Secretary of the SAUP Foundation. With extended family in the Philippines, Chase spent time there during her formative years, an experience that fostered a deep sense of kapwa—a Filipino value centered on shared identity, mutual care, and collective responsibility—which continues to guide her creative and community-focused work.

Through music and event-based organizing, Chase has raised funds and awareness for a wide range of causes, including women’s rights organizations, immigration support initiatives, Doctors Without Borders, and a strong focus on supporting homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

As Secretary, she supports the foundation through coordination, communication, and creative program development, helping ensure that its mission and programs are carried out with the passion, care, and integrity rooted in the legacy of SAUP visionary, Láwû Makuriye’nte.

Media and Public Relations Officers: Yohana Pele (Asturias,Spain)

Director of Donations Project in Bilbao she works as a co-director of the record label associated with the SAUP Foundation, focusing on public relations, community visibility, and the ethical management of the label’s digital and social communication. Her role centers on sustaining coherent, care-driven narratives that reflect the foundation’s values while strengthening its connections with artists, collaborators, and broader publics. She is directly involved in the day-to-day coordination of the label’s public presence, contributing to outreach strategies, relational networks, and the long-term sustainability of SAUP’s cultural initiatives. 

Media and Public Relations Officers: Roberto Vilela (Madrid, Spain)

Director of Música Dispersa in Madrid, he works as a co-director of the record label associated with the SAUP Foundation, focusing on public relations, strategic visibility, and narrative care across the label’s public and digital communication. His role is oriented toward building a coherent and situated presence that connects artistic production with the foundation’s feminist, social, and community-driven values, reinforcing sustained relationships with artists, collaborators, and listening communities. He participates directly in the daily coordination of the label’s public presence, contributing to dissemination strategies, relational networks, and the long-term sustainability of SAUP’s cultural initiatives.