Resource Persons

Dr. Gerry Duwin A. Dela Zerna is a human capital and organizational development professional, educator, clinical practitioner, and researcher whose priority interests are social and community development, special education, and the welfare of people with disabilities.

His professionalism, passion and quality workmanship sprung from his engagements in education, business, government, and cause-oriented NGOs. He is President and CEO of Guided and Unified Interaction for the Development of Children, Inc., a multi-awarded non-profit organization he founded twenty-seven years ago; the prime project of which is the psycho-social rehabilitation of children with disabilities and their inclusion in the community. He mobilizes and trains professionals, service providers and volunteers in response to programs intended for these children.

Numerous recognitions were accorded to him for outstanding and exemplary work in the academe and NGOs, particularly outstanding professor award twice given by the Far Eastern University, outstanding performance by a professor at University of Makati, national outstanding volunteer by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, a special commendation for his outstanding work for special needs children from the Diocese of Daet, award for public responsibility for his outstanding work in Team-Mindanao, a USAID funded project by the Lopez Group of Companies, recognition for outstanding leadership and commitment to the cause of special children given by GUIDE, Inc., recognitions accorded by the Department of Education and many others. He is also one of the Pitong Pinoy Modern Day Heroes bestowed by the Yahoo South East-Asia. He was also rewarded by Ugat Foundation and ABS-CBN with a Geny Lopez Bayaning Pilipino.

He has advanced and post graduate studies in clinical psychology and business administration with cognates in human resources management from the University of Santo Tomas, educational management and special education from the Philippine Normal University and executive leadership in public management from the University of Makati. His undergraduate degrees include AB major in English, BS Psychology, and BS Commerce major in Management. He also holds a diploma in education and is a holder of a professional license to teach. He also completed the Executive Project Management Course from the Center of International Education, an affiliate of the University of Cambridge and completed a professional diploma in organizational development at De La Salle University. He is a holder of the Career Executive Service Officer for government service.