Philippine Global Explorers (PGE) formally announces its Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term, following the organization’s regular biennial elections held during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) last month at the Vivere Hotel in Manila, Philippines.
In accordance with the PGE Bylaws, the Board of Directors were nominated and elected by PGE’s Official Members through a transparent and participatory election process. The organization expressed its gratitude to members who actively exercised their right to vote, reinforcing PGE’s commitment to democratic governance and community-led leadership.
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Leadership Continuity
PGE confirmed the re-election of two key Board of Directors, ensuring leadership continuity as the organization advances into its next phase of growth:
- Dr. Riza Rasco — Chairman of the Board
- Atty. Dominador “Jimmy” D. Buhain — Vice Chairman of the Board
Their continued service provides institutional stability and strategic guidance as PGE expands its programs in education, cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, and community development.
New Board of Directors for 2026–2028
Dr. Riza Rasco — Chairman
Dr. Riza Rasco is a scientist, author, and globally recognized leader in purposeful travel and social impact. With a Ph.D. in bioengineering and more than two decades of experience in scientific innovation and intellectual property strategy, she previously built a distinguished career in the U.S. biotech and consulting industries.
Following a personal turning point, Dr. Rasco embarked on a decade-long journey that brought her to all 203 countries and all 82 provinces of the Philippines, an experience that ultimately led to the co-founding of PGE. She is also the author of The World Is My Mirror and the founder of Explore Africa for Impact, a social enterprise supporting women’s empowerment and education.
As Chairman, she provides strategic vision and global perspective, championing travel as a platform for service, cultural understanding, and collective good.
Atty. Dominador “Jimmy” D. Buhain — Vice Chairman
Atty. Buhain is a respected leader in Philippine education and publishing and currently serves as Chairman and President of Rex Education. Over decades of service, he has held numerous national and international leadership roles across publishing, printing, and education sectors, contributing significantly to literacy and academic development in the Philippines.
Within PGE, he played a foundational role by drafting the organization’s Constitution and Bylaws and supporting its legal registration and institutional milestones. A passionate traveler, he is the first Filipino officially verified by PGE to have visited all 82 provinces of the Philippines, in addition to extensive international travel covering hundreds of destinations and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
His leadership strengthens PGE’s governance, institutional integrity, and educational advocacy.
Dr. Rambi Francisco — Board Director | President and CEO
Dr. Rambi Francisco is a co-founder of PGE and currently serves as its President and CEO, overseeing multiple committees and more than a hundred volunteers worldwide. An active U.S. Air Force airman with 19 years of service, his career brought him across several continents and shaped a leadership style rooted in service and global citizenship.
He is also the founder of Travel Hacker University, an educational platform that teaches responsible travel hacking and financial literacy. Under his leadership, PGE launched its first scholarship initiative, PGE Gabay Scholarship, and implemented flagship programs such as Project Vinzons, PGE’s adopt-an-LGU initiative focused on heritage preservation and sustainable tourism.
Dr. Francisco’s focus remains on strengthening member engagement, expanding partnerships, and ensuring long-term organizational sustainability.
Aimee Paragas — Board Director
Aimee Paragas is based in Abu Dhabi and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of PGE’s official travel magazine, Layag, as well as Middle East Chapter Coordinator. With a background in the luxury retail industry, she brings strong editorial leadership and international community-building experience to the Board.
She led the Zamboanga Sibugay Culinary Eco-Tourism Project, a collaborative initiative between PGE and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation supporting local livelihoods and sustainable tourism. In 2022, she received PGE Awards for Most Outstanding Member and Most Active Contributor.
Her work strengthens PGE’s storytelling, global chapter engagement, and project implementation.
Lowela “Lowie” Ramos — Board Director
Lowela Ramos is a Certified Public Accountant, Rotarian, and finance professional with extensive experience in auditing, taxation, and corporate finance. She previously served as PGE’s Head of Nominations, introducing process improvements in board selection and member communications.
She continues to support PGE through financial oversight, tax compliance, and communications, ensuring strong governance practices. In 2023, she represented PGE as an official delegate to the Nagorno-Karabakh Expedition in Azerbaijan, advocating for visa-free access for Filipinos on an international platform.
An accomplished traveler, she has visited more than 70 countries and completed all Seven Wonders of the World.
Djosa Mae Richards — Board Director
Djosa Mae Richards serves as Marketing Head for a multinational pharmaceutical company and currently leads PGE as Head of Membership and Metro Manila Chapter Coordinator. In this role, she oversees member interviews, screening, onboarding, and the organization of major events, including the Annual General Meeting and anniversary celebrations.
She also manages recurring content initiatives and represents Filipino travelers globally as a NomadMania Envoy to the Philippines. Her leadership strengthens PGE’s membership experience, grassroots engagement, and chapter operations.
Commitment to PGE’s Mission
The 2026–2028 Board of Directors reflects PGE’s enduring mission to use travel as a platform for education, cultural preservation, environmental responsibility, and national pride. Through collective leadership and diverse professional expertise, the Board is expected to guide the organization in advancing community-centered programs and meaningful global engagement.
PGE congratulates the newly elected Board members and thanks all Official Members who participated in the election process. Their continued involvement reinforces PGE’s identity as a community-led organization committed to exploration with purpose.
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