Chief Legal Counsel

Atty. Romeo Dax B. Calamaya

Attorney Romeo Dax Calamaya serves as Chief Legal Counsel for SSA-Philippines. Dax graduated from Eastern Visayas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He began his young professional career as a Defense Research Officer for the Department of National Defense where he worked for two years.

Dax subsequently pursued his Bachelor of Laws at Dr. Vicente Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation and received his degree in March 2015.

During the Typhoon Haiyan recovery and rehabilitation period, Dax was employed as the National Security Manager for Samaritan’s Purse-Philippines. He began studying for the Bar Examinations in 2016 and was admitted to the practice of law in May 2017.

Dax worked as a Lawyer and Notary Public and served as the Senior and Managing Partner for the Law Offices of Cabojoc, Calamaya, Rebato & Vivero. He was also a consultant for the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources where he actively prosecuted cases involving violations of environmental laws.

Currently, Dax is a Legal Officer under the Maritime Environmental Protection of the Philippine Coast Guard Legal Service with the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade.

Dax is actively involved in community and civic-oriented groups, serving as the Chairperson for the Legal and Amendments Committee of the YMCA-Leyte. He is also a Charter Member of the Tacloban Centennial Lions Club.

Finance Officer

Mary Jane M. Dadulla

Mary Jane M. Dadulla is the Finance Officer for SSA-Philippines. In this role, Jane is responsible for maintaining the financial and accounting records for the organization and manages all reporting and compliance requirements. Jane possesses both a keen awareness of budgetary matters and a strong commitment to good stewardship of every donated dollar (or peso). She seeks to use this donated money in ways that help accomplish SSA’s overall mission and bring about the most good. Jane regularly collaborates with the CFO and the Executive Director, keeping everyone on the team informed with current and accurate information.

Jane has worked in the not-for-profit sector for the past six years, previously serving as Procurement Officer and Finance Officer for two international NGOs. She is known for her accuracy and transparency, both of which are apparent in everything she does.

Jane earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Eastern Visayas State University in March of 2006.

She is married and has three lovely daughters. In her spare time, Jane enjoys gardening, scrapbooking, and graphic design.

Program Officer

Jonna S. Abrugar

Jonna Sia Abrugar serves as the Program Officer for Side by Side Alliance. In this role, she oversees all program development, ensuring that each project has as its foundation the hope found in the gospel of Jesus Christ and also helps advance SSA’s mission of alleviating extreme poverty in vulnerable communities. She plays an integral role in connecting our partner- communities with various other organizations, local churches, and resources, and serves as the initial liaison with local government officials in the areas where Side by Side Alliance is privileged to work.

Jonna comes to Side by Side Alliance with six years of experience in the not-for-profit sector. Most recently, she was responsible for overseeing the field operations function for a large relief organization based in Tacloban City. In addition to managing the operations staff (procurement, HR, IT, fleet, and warehouse), Jonna oversaw the office and warehouse spaces and all units rented for staff housing. Earlier in her career, Jonna gained valuable experience in the corporate retail arena with roles in customer relations, monitoring and reporting, and line management of staff.

In 2002, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Saint Paul’s School of Business in Tacloban. Currently, Jonna is pursuing a Master of Science in Public Resource Management at Eastern Visayas State University.

Jonna is married and is the mother of two delightful sons. When she’s not working or studying, Jonna enjoys cooking for her family and friends.