Freedom Digest
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Ma. Cecilia Oebanda-Pacis
Founder
Cecilia Flores Oebanda-Pacis is an internationally recognized leader in the fight against modern slavery. As the founder of Voice of the Free (VF), she has dedicated her life to rescuing, healing, and reintegrating survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Through her leadership and strong partnerships, VF has protected and empowered more than 90,000 at-risk and exploited girls. Cecilia played a vital role in the passage of pioneering legislation in the Philippines, including the Batas Kasambahay (Domestic Workers Act), the law eliminating the worst forms of child labor, and amendments to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
She previously served as an NGO representative to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for six years and contributed to the Presidential Task Force on Illegal Recruitment under the Aquino Administration. Currently, she serves on several international and national advisory bodies, including the Advisory Board of Freedom United (UK and USA), the Advisory Council of Telos Governance Agency, the Board of Trustees of Free the Slaves – Philippines, and the Council of Elders for Social Entrepreneurs – UK.
Her work has gained global recognition, earning her the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship (2008, Oxford, UK) and numerous other honors such as the Iqbal Masih Award from the U.S. Department of Labor, the World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child (2011, Sweden), the Caritas Internationalis Award (2011, Switzerland), and the TrustLaw Connect Impact Award from the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Cecilia was also featured in CNN’s Freedom Project: The Fighters, and her life story inspired the award-winning film Liway, which received recognition both in the Philippines and abroad.
She previously served as an NGO representative to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for six years and contributed to the Presidential Task Force on Illegal Recruitment under the Aquino Administration. Currently, she serves on several international and national advisory bodies, including the Advisory Board of Freedom United (UK and USA), the Advisory Council of Telos Governance Agency, the Board of Trustees of Free the Slaves – Philippines, and the Council of Elders for Social Entrepreneurs – UK.
Her work has gained global recognition, earning her the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship (2008, Oxford, UK) and numerous other honors such as the Iqbal Masih Award from the U.S. Department of Labor, the World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child (2011, Sweden), the Caritas Internationalis Award (2011, Switzerland), and the TrustLaw Connect Impact Award from the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Cecilia was also featured in CNN’s Freedom Project: The Fighters, and her life story inspired the award-winning film Liway, which received recognition both in the Philippines and abroad.
Maria Blanca Kim
Bernardo-Lokin
Chariwoman
Maria Blanca Kim Bernardo-Lokin is the President and CEO of Philippine Procurement Inc. (PPPI), a government corporation under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), where she leads efforts to promote transparency and efficiency in public procurement. She previously served as DTI Secretary for Communications and sat on the Board of the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) in 2022, contributing to national trade policy and development.
Before public service, she was a veteran business journalist, working with major outlets like ABS-CBN, ANC, PTV4, The Philippine Star, and Manila Times. A University of Santo Tomas Literature graduate (1989), she also served as a Party-list Congresswoman, co-authoring landmark laws such as the Anti-VAWC Act and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
Before public service, she was a veteran business journalist, working with major outlets like ABS-CBN, ANC, PTV4, The Philippine Star, and Manila Times. A University of Santo Tomas Literature graduate (1989), she also served as a Party-list Congresswoman, co-authoring landmark laws such as the Anti-VAWC Act and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
Geoffrey Moneda Matias
Board Secretary
Geoffrey Moneda Matias is a dedicated development advocate and servant-leader committed to uplifting vulnerable communities. He earned his degree in Economics from the University of the East, where he developed a keen understanding of socio-economic challenges and sustainable development approaches.
He is a Board Member of the PROFIL Foundation, a German organization supporting vulnerable street children, where he has helped strengthen literacy initiatives for marginalized youth. As Chairman of the Board of Ministers of the Evangelical Free Church of the Philippines (EFCP), he bridges compassionate, transformative service and strategic leadership to bring lasting change to local communities.
He is a Board Member of the PROFIL Foundation, a German organization supporting vulnerable street children, where he has helped strengthen literacy initiatives for marginalized youth. As Chairman of the Board of Ministers of the Evangelical Free Church of the Philippines (EFCP), he bridges compassionate, transformative service and strategic leadership to bring lasting change to local communities.
Sr. Cecilia A. Espenilla, OP
Board Treasurer
Sr. Cecilia Espenilla is the Prioress General of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena and the Vice Chairperson of the Conference of Major Superiors of the Philippines. She is a graduate of BS Commerce major in Accounting. She earned her Masters in Theological Studies in Ateneo de Manila University and is a Ph.D. Candidate in Educational Leadership and Management at the De La Salle University. In July 2016, she was elected as the Main Animator of Talitha Kum Philippines, a religious organization fighting human trafficking. To date, she has reached about 10,000 individuals in her campaign to end human trafficking.
At present, she serves as an International Promoter of Justice, Peace and Care of Creation of the Congregation (JPCC) of the Dominican Sisters International (DSI) at the Vatican.
At present, she serves as an International Promoter of Justice, Peace and Care of Creation of the Congregation (JPCC) of the Dominican Sisters International (DSI) at the Vatican.
Dr. Jose Cariaga
Board Member
Dr. Jose Cariaga is a respected medical professional with decades of experience in Internal Medicine. He specializes in Geriatric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Care and is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.
He was a Clinical Professor at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. He spent many years caring for veterans at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Tampa, Florida. After his retirement, he co-led ReachGlobal Manila, engaging in medical missions, community outreach, discipleship, and leadership development—continuing his life of service through both medicine and ministry.
He was a Clinical Professor at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. He spent many years caring for veterans at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Tampa, Florida. After his retirement, he co-led ReachGlobal Manila, engaging in medical missions, community outreach, discipleship, and leadership development—continuing his life of service through both medicine and ministry.
Ms. Sonia Tiong Aquino
Board Member
Ms. Sonia Tiong Aquino retired as Deputy Director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI), where she led policy development, planning, and implementation of programs on entrepreneurship, institution building, and SME development. She is a member of the Technical Committee for Business Administration and Entrepreneurship under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Ms. Aquino has worked as an expert and consultant for national and international development agencies, including UN agencies, JICA, and the European Union. She has developed sectoral and country-specific programs, conducted trainings in the Philippines and abroad, and served as Project Director for multi-country initiatives under APEC, UNIDO, UNDP, and JICA.
Rubylyn Villaflores Acebo
Board Member
Rubylyn Villaflores Acebo is a courageous human trafficking survivor and advocate. Her case marked a historic milestone as the first human trafficking conviction supported by Voice of the Free, paving the way for survivor-centered justice in the Philippines.
Rising with strength and resilience, Rubylyn, as a Board member, helps shape Voice of the Free’s policy and strategic direction, bringing the voice of lived experience to the forefront. She also serves as Chairperson of Buklod Laya (United and Free), a survivor-led organization that empowers fellow survivors through peer support, livelihood initiatives, and active advocacy for systemic change.
