Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees: Guiding the Vision and Mission of Happy Tails



At the heart of Happy Tails' transformative journey lies our dedicated Board of Trustees, a collective of visionary leaders committed to steering our organization towards a brighter future for animals in need. Comprising esteemed individuals with diverse expertise and a shared passion for animal welfare, our Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our vision, mission, goals, and direction are realized with integrity, innovation, and impact.

Hazel Aguisanda, Co-Founder and President

With three decades dedicated to corporate training and organizational development, Hazel brings a wealth of expertise to her role. A proud native of Cebu, Hazel's deep-rooted compassion for animals has been a driving force behind her commitment to animal welfare. Recognizing the pressing need in her community, she co-founded Happy Tails to champion the cause of neglected and abandoned animals.

At home, Hazel's passion for rescue shines brightly with her lively pack of 12 Aspins (local dogs), each adding their own unique charm and joy to her life. The latest addition, Edi, a resilient hit-and-run survivor rescued on Edil Fitr, has become the cherished thirteenth member of her loving family. Among her beloved companions are Princess, Skinny, Chestnut, Toska, Annie, Duke, Duchess, Queenie, Ginger, Bambi, Audrey, and Pilot, each a testament to Hazel's boundless love and dedication to providing a safe and nurturing home for animals in need.

 

Anna Aznar-Alfonso, Co-Founder and Vice-President

Hailing from Cebu and armed with a Master's degree in Animal Science from the US, Annette brings a wealth of specialized knowledge and expertise to Happy Tails. Her profound understanding of animal care is instrumental in advancing our multifaceted animal welfare objectives. An avid horse enthusiast, Annette's home is a bustling sanctuary for 10 dogs and a cadre of feline friends. While her charismatic cat, Cynthia, reigns supreme over the living quarters, Sunny, a spirited rescue dog, frequently embarks on spirited jaunts, gleefully leading the household on exhilarating pursuits across the neighboring golf course.

 

Diana Jean Gica, Secretary

Diane, a dynamic entrepreneur and astute financial planner, channels her unwavering passion for animal welfare into impactful action. For years, she has been a fervent advocate and hands-on rescuer, deeply committed to alleviating the plight of stray and hungry animals. Her innovative "Pan Project" epitomizes her compassionate approach, as she tirelessly stocks her car with bread to nourish the countless cats and dogs she encounters on her journey.

Recognizing the expansive potential for animal aid, Diane embraced the mission of Happy Tails, further amplifying her impact within the community. At home, alongside her devoted daughter, Bianca, Diane presides over a bustling sanctuary of love, where seven rescued dogs revel in their newfound joy. Amidst the canine camaraderie, the challenge remains: ensuring the irrepressible Tobi doesn't indulge in one too many treats!

 
Andrew Ceniza, Treasurer
Andrew, a seasoned Certified Public Accountant, seamlessly blends his financial acumen with a fervent passion for public speaking as an esteemed officer of Toastmasters, where he has garnered accolades in numerous speech competitions. Leveraging his oratory prowess, Andrew champions the cause of animal welfare, utilizing his platform to amplify awareness and advocate for change.

His financial expertise is invaluable to Happy Tails, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring operational excellence, crafting robust policies, and fostering financial sustainability and transparency for our members and stakeholders.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Andrew presides over a vibrant menagerie of pets, ranging from loyal dogs to enchanting hedgehogs. His recent act of compassion saw him rescue a bewildered puppy, aptly christened Stopper, who inadvertently brought traffic to a standstill as he bravely navigated a bustling thoroughfare. Today, Stopper thrives in the loving embrace of Andrew's home, a testament to the transformative power of compassion and care.

 

Adrienne Lee, Public Relations Officer

Adrienne's journey has been one of purposeful evolution, transitioning from a corporate trainer to a fervent pillar of her local church community. Alongside her husband, Ted, Adrienne's harmonious melodies resonate as they grace the church band, and their shared commitment shines through their leadership of diverse youth programs. Her voice further extends to the airwaves, where she serves as a cherished radio host on a local Christian station.

Away from the pulpit and studio, Adrienne's passion for animal advocacy takes center stage. Whether conducting enlightening house calls, collaborating with fellow advocates, or orchestrating community outreach, she remains steadfast in her mission to elevate animal welfare awareness.

In the embrace of her bustling home, Adrienne navigates the joyful chaos orchestrated by her six spirited dogs. Their shared escapades to the mountains become a symphony of exuberance, as Lady and Manny, in their playful rivalry for affection, test Adrienne's resolve to remain immersed in her law books.

 

Each member of our Board brings a unique perspective, skill set, and dedication to the table, contributing to a collaborative and forward-thinking environment that empowers Happy Tails to make meaningful strides in the realm of animal welfare. Through strategic guidance, thoughtful decision-making, and unwavering commitment to our cause, our Board of Trustees champions our initiatives, fosters partnerships, and nurtures a culture of excellence and compassion within our organization.

Together, with the guidance and leadership of our Board of Trustees, Happy Tails remains steadfast in its mission to protect, rescue, and advocate for animals, striving to create a world where every animal is valued, protected, and loved.