Who We Are
Driven by a shared passion to empower underprivileged children, Empowering Brilliant Minds Foundation, Inc. was established with a vision to transform lives through education and development.
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We are committed to creating impactful community and school programs that provide opportunities for growth and a brighter future.
ANTON C. VERA
FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN
Anton Vera was just 16 years old when he founded the Empowering Brilliant Minds Foundation, Inc. (EBM). Today, he serves as Chairman of the Board, leading impactful programs aimed at uplifting underprivileged schools and students.
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Under Anton’s leadership, EBM has spearheaded several key initiatives, including:
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Building pre-school classrooms in various provinces, such as Cavite, Quezon, and Lanao del Norte.
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Providing uniform and rice subsidies to support students and their families.
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Enhancing curricula through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs.
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Developing sports programs and facilities to encourage physical education and teamwork.
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Launching health, sanitation, and nutrition projects to promote student well-being.
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Currently based in San Francisco, USA, Anton is the founder of MetaMaple, a cross-border distribution business that helps US technology companies expand into Southeast Asia, and Big Deal Enterprises, a multi-stage investment firm. He is a graduate of Stanford University, where he earned a BA with honors in Economics and an MBA.
RUFIA DOROTHY C. VERA
PRESIDENT
Ruthy Vera is a seasoned investment banking professional with more than 35 years of experience in the Philippine financial markets. Throughout her career, she has originated and executed a wide range of transactions, including debt and equity financings, mergers and acquisitions, and capital market deals. She is widely recognized for her leadership in business development, regulatory coordination, and corporate restructuring.
In parallel with her corporate career, Ruthy remains actively involved in philanthropic and church-related initiatives, with a strong focus on education and community service.
Professional Experience
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Managing Director, Exchange Equity Partners Group Corporation
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Former Managing Director, CLSA Exchange Capital Inc.
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Led mergers and acquisitions and capital markets business development
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Served as principal liaison with regulatory agencies, including the SEC and PSE
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Former Director, Jardine Fleming Exchange Capital Group, Inc.
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Acquired and revitalized inactive publicly listed companies
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Worked closely with the SEC and PSE to activate companies for backdoor listings
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Former Banker, Union Bank of Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland Education
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Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Economics, University of the Philippines
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Accounting Degree and Master’s Degree, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Affiliations & Advocacy
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Actively involved in Empowering Brilliant Minds Foundation, Inc., supporting education in indigent communities
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Member, Pastoral Council, San Antonio Parish, Forbes Park, Makati City
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Dame, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
ROSALINDA Y. BASAS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rosalinda Y. Basas is a dedicated education expert with extensive experience in fostering growth and excellence among students and teachers. Since 2012, she has served as the Executive Director of the Empowering Brilliant Minds Foundation, Inc. (EBM) and is a member of its Board of Trustees. In her role, Rosalinda oversees EBM’s projects and ensures the successful execution of its activities.
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Career Accomplishments
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Education:
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Master of Arts in Education Administration, Philippine Normal University
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Completed Units and Comprehensive Exams in Doctoral Programs in Educational Administration (dissertation pending)
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Professional Experience:
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Faculty Member, Institución Teresiana School (1970–1971)
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Assistant High School Principal, Institución Teresiana School (1971–1981)
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Administrative Officer, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) (1993–1999)
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President, Teresian Association - Philippines (1999–2005)
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President, Saint Pedro Poveda College (2005–2007, 2021-present)
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General Council Member, Institución Teresiana, Rome (2006–2012)
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Current Leadership Roles:
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Board Secretary, Council of the Laity of the Philippines (2016–present)
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Board Secretary, Institución Teresiana de Educación y Cultura, Inc.
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Vice President, Institución Teresiana de Educación y Cultura, Inc. (2019–present)
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Rosalinda’s lifelong commitment to education and leadership continues to shape EBM’s mission of empowering communities and inspiring change.
Board of Trustees
H.E. CARDINAL LUIS ANTONIO TAGLE D.D.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle is a prominent Filipino Roman Catholic leader known for his humility, theological depth, and commitment to social justice. Born on June 21, 1957, he has served in key roles, including Archbishop of Manila (2011–2020) and Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization in the Vatican since 2020. Beyond his pastoral duties, Cardinal Tagle is actively involved in several foundations and initiatives. He was the President of Caritas Internationalis (2015-2022), a global confederation of Catholic charities dedicated to serving the poor and promoting human dignity. Cardinal Tagle’s advocacy for the marginalized and his emphasis on mercy and inclusivity have made him a leading voice in the Catholic Church worldwide.
VICTORIA ELISA A. DEE
Victoria Elisa Aquino-Dee is a Filipino business executive and social development worker involved in initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. She has recently taken the role of chairperson of the Assisi Development Foundation with three core programs: feeding malnourished children, educational assistance and indigenous people's concerns. She is also a trustee of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, which aims to preserve the legacy of Ninoy, Cory and Noynoy as well as promote democracy and good governance.
ATTY. AISSA V. ENCARNACION
Atty. Encarnacion has been the Corporate Secretary of the PSE and SCCP since February 2024. She is a Partner at Zamora and Poblador Law Offices. She is also a professional lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Law and the Cesar Virata School of Business.
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Before assuming her current post at the PSE, she served as Assistant Corporate Secretary from 2000 to 2003 and as Acting Corporate Secretary from 2003 to February 2004. She is a member of the Board of Directors of various private companies, a Trustee of Empowering Brilliant Minds Foundation, Inc., and serves as Corporate Secretary for several companies.
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Prior to joining her present law firm, she was a Senior Associate at Bengzon Narciso Cudala Jimenez & Liwanag Law Offices. She earned her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degrees from the University of the Philippines.
Fundraising Committee
PAOLO C. VERA
CHAIRPERSON
Paolo Vera brings a dynamic blend of experience in real estate development, community building, and venture capital to the Empowering Brilliant Minds Foundation. His passion for innovation extends to his role as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Kaya Founders, where he supports early-stage startups and ideates his own ventures aimed at meaningful impact in the Philippines.
Having returned to the Philippines after nearly a decade abroad, earning a bachelor's degree in economics and a master’s in public policy at Stanford University, Paolo is deeply invested in the country’s growth story.
As Head of the Fundraising Committee, Paolo leverages his extensive network and expertise in building meaningful connections to amplify the Foundation’s mission. With a proven track record of rallying support for causes that matter, he is driven to empower the next generation of brilliant minds and create opportunities that transform lives.
Volunteers
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Tuazon, Ayrish
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Corpuz, Allan
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Guevarra, Catalina
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Montesa, Ma. Teresa
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Casalan, Rowena
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Namuca, Jose
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Valencia, Arnel
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Listed are the current active volunteers.
