About us
Mission
To deliver life-saving relief, accelerate recovery, and empower communities to withstand the growing threats of disasters and climate change.
Vision
A world where every community can weather the storm and rebuild with dignity.
Core Values
Speed with Integrity
Dignity-Centered Aid
Local Leadership
Data-Driven Decisions
Climate Justice
Board & Team
Jean Heracleo Suarez (Yoyong)
Chairman of the Board
New York Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund (NYDRRF)
Jean Heracleo “Yoyong” Suarez holds a BA in Anthropology (Development Track) and an MS in Software Development, and currently serves as a Software Engineer at Voya Financial.
Before transitioning into tech, Yoyong spent over 15 years in grassroots community development, human rights advocacy, and social justice work in the Philippines. Deeply committed to the marginalized and oppressed—including workers, peasants, urban poor, and indigenous communities—his work is rooted in solidarity, empowerment, and people-centered development.
He served as Program Coordinator at Community Empowerment Resource Network, CERNET, Inc., Deputy Secretary General of Karapatan Central Visayas and Secretary General of the League of Filipino Students – University of San Carlos. In 2008, Yoyong was Deputy Secretary General of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers – Cebu Chapter, serving as a paralegal and law student supporting legal aid, documentation, and access to justice for communities facing political repression and displacement. He also worked as Advocacy Officer at the Antonia de Oviedo Center, Inc., a shelter for women and children survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse.
A staunch fighter against development aggression and imperialist plunder, Yoyong has long opposed exploitative policies that displace indigenous peoples and destroy local livelihoods. His advocacy defends human dignity, social justice, and ecological balance as foundations of genuine progress.
From 2017 to 2020, he served as Vice Chair of the Saints Joseph and John Education Foundation in Pennsylvania and worked at Threshold Rehabilitation Services, Inc. as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Worker, supporting young adults with mental health and developmental challenges.
As Chairman of NYDRRF, Yoyong continues to bridge his expertise in technology, anthropology, and community organizing to advance global disaster relief, resilience, and rehabilitation for vulnerable communities.
Fr. Aladdin Peroz Luzon, OSA
Vice Chairman of the Board / Executive Director
New York Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund (NYDRRF)
Fr. Aladdin Peroz Luzon, OSA, is a member of the Order of St. Augustine – Province of Santo Niño de Cebu, Philippines, and has served as a missionary priest for over 17 years. Deeply rooted in the Augustinian charism of service and compassion, he has dedicated his vocation to community development and socio-pastoral ministry, working closely with marginalized and vulnerable communities across the Philippines.
A steadfast advocate for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation, Fr. Luzon has collaborated with numerous Philippine-based NGOs in implementing grassroots organizing and sustainable livelihood programs for farmers, fisherfolk, and urban poor communities. His leadership has been instrumental in bridging faith-based service with social transformation, empowering communities toward self-reliance and dignity.
Following the devastating impacts of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) and the 2013 Visayas earthquake, Fr. Luzon spearheaded his order’s NGO efforts to integrate Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) principles into community development initiatives. These experiences profoundly shaped his commitment to building resilience and preparedness among disaster-prone populations.
Today, as Vice Chairman and Executive Director of the New York Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund (NYDRRF), Fr. Luzon continues to champion the intersection of faith, compassion, and action—leading programs that promote disaster preparedness, recovery, and long-term community resilience both in the Philippines and abroad.
Ignacio Urgel Cabauatan (Nacio)
Auditor, Board of Trustees
New York Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund (NYDRRF)
Ignacio Urgel Cabauatan is a licensed Electronics and Communications Engineer and a graduate of the University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus. During his university years, he was an active member of the Inter-Fraternity and Sorority Council, where he helped advance student engagement, social responsibility, and campus unity. Deeply involved in both school and social issues, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public service and community welfare.
Currently, Ignacio serves as Financial Management Officer and Branch Head of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) – Southern Leyte Branch, under the Visayas Department (BOS). In this role, he oversees branch operations, financial management, and community outreach programs, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in service delivery. His leadership has strengthened local partnerships with LGUs, hospitals, and beneficiaries, streamlining medical assistance, charity programs, and Lotto operations.
Previously, he served as Branch Manager and Administrative Officer III of the PCSO Siquijor Branch (2021–2024), where he supervised daily operations, facilitated medical assistance and humanitarian aid, and spearheaded innovations such as outlet mapping, early reporting systems, and personnel development initiatives.
A firm believer in the power of public service to uplift lives, Ignacio continues to embody the values of integrity, accountability, and compassion—principles that guide his work both in government and as Auditor of the Board of Trustees of the New York Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund (NYDRRF).
Zipphora Parks Suarez
Secretary / Treasurer
New York Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund (NYDRRF)
Zipphora Parks Suarez is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the City University of New York (CUNY). Alongside her studies, she has worked as a Behavioral Technician at Quartet Behavioral Spectrum Services in New York City, where she supported children with developmental and behavioral challenges through evidence-based interventions.
A passionate LGBTQ+ rights advocate and a firm believer in empowerment through compassion and education, Zipphora’s humanitarian commitment was shaped by her firsthand experience volunteering in disaster-stricken communities during Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)in the Philippines. The devastation she witnessed became her turning point—fueling her lifelong resolve to help vulnerable and displaced populations.
Motivated by this defining experience, she began organizing grassroots fundraising initiatives, including dedicating proceeds from her own birthday celebrations to support disaster relief efforts. These early efforts would later evolve into the New York Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund (NYDRRF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that embodies her vision of building a sustainable platform to assist disaster-vulnerable and climate-affected communities, particularly in her homeland, the Philippines.
As Secretary and Treasurer of NYDRRF, Zipphora continues to promote youth-led advocacy, inclusivity, and community resilience, harmonizing her academic pursuit of psychology with her growing mission of social impact and compassionate leadership.