CARE Philippines Team

Meet the team traveling with you!

Aaron Kotler headshot

Aaron Kotler

Deputy Executive Director, Transformational Giving

Aaron Kotler serves as Deputy Executive Director for Transformational Giving at CARE, where he empowers philanthropists to combat global poverty and drive humanitarian relief efforts worldwide. With over 15 years of experience in fundraising, advocacy, and partnership development, Aaron brings a proven track record of success in advancing global causes.

Prior to CARE, Aaron led impactful fundraising campaigns at The University of Texas at Austin and the global health non-profit Population Services International (PSI). At PSI, he played a key role in launching the Maverick Collective, a pioneering initiative dedicated to increasing investment in the health and rights of girls and women. Earlier in his career, Aaron provided strategic consulting to major multi-national healthcare companies, guiding the development of public-private partnerships and shared value initiatives aimed at tackling global health challenges. He holds a master’s degree in international development from Oxford University and is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP).

Reiza Dejito headshot

Reiza S. Dejito

Country Director, CARE Philippines

Reiza S. Dejito is the Country Director of CARE Philippines, where she leads strategic direction and operations for a fast-expanding portfolio in humanitarian response, disaster preparedness, anticipatory action, peacebuilding, and development. She oversees the largest ECHO-funded humanitarian consortium in the country and represents CARE in national and global coordination platforms.

With over two decades of senior leadership experience across Asia and Africa, Reiza has held key roles with Humanity & Inclusion and Children International, driving organizational transformation, resource mobilization, and inclusive partnerships. Her expertise spans multi-country operations, governance, and inclusion.

Reiza holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Silliman University and is completing a Master in Public Administration. She has pursued executive leadership training with the London School of Economics and is fluent in English and Filipino, with working knowledge of multiple languages.

Jessan Catre headshot

Jessan Sanchez Catre

Humanitarian, Disaster Resilience, and Peacebuilding Coordinator

Jessan Sanchez Catre is the Humanitarian, Disaster Resilience, and Peacebuilding Coordinator at CARE Philippines, where he leads strategic oversight and technical guidance across multiple programs and partnerships. He ensures CARE’s humanitarian action and resilience programming remain locally led and aligned with global standards.

He has extensive experience in disaster resilience, peacebuilding, emergency response, and inclusive development programming, having previously served in leadership roles with Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, UNDP, and Oxfam GB. Earlier in his career, Jessan worked on market systems development and community organizing initiatives across Mindanao.

Jessan holds a B.S. in Commerce major in Management from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan and has completed certificate courses in project management, entrepreneurial leadership, and organizational development. He is fluent in English and Filipino and conversant in Cebuano and other local languages.

Mark Brayn Yaung headshot

Mark Brayn Yaung

ACCESS Consortium Coordinator

Mark Brayn Yaung is the Humanitarian and Disaster Preparedness Consortium Coordinator at CARE Philippines, where he provides strategic and operational leadership to a multi-partner consortium delivering humanitarian and disaster preparedness programs nationwide. He oversees compliance, accountability, and impactful delivery of a €16.8M portfolio.

Mark has extensive experience in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and anticipatory action, having previously served as Country Program Manager for the American Red Cross and Chief of Staff at the Philippine Red Cross. His career spans roles in program management, youth leadership, and education, with a strong focus on community resilience and capacity building.

He holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in General Science from Philippine Normal University Visayas and has completed advanced training in organizational development and humanitarian leadership. Mark is fluent in English and Filipino and actively engages in global humanitarian forums and networks.

Erica Bucog headshot

Erica Bucog

Disaster Risk Reduction Manager

Erica Bucog is the Disaster Risk Reduction Manager at CARE Philippines, where she leads Integrated Risk Management programs, providing technical oversight and strategic leadership in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem management. She ensures program quality, financial compliance, and alignment with CARE’s strategic goals.

She has over a decade of experience in humanitarian and development work, having managed multimillion-dollar projects funded by international donors. Erica has previously served as Project Manager for Disaster Preparedness and Programme Director for Luzon at ACCORD, Inc., where she advanced gender-responsive DRR and climate adaptation strategies.

Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies from the University of the Philippines Manila. She is proficient in English and brings strong skills in advocacy, partnership building, and technical training for resilience and risk reduction.