Veronica T. GABALDON

As the Executive Director of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), Veronica Gabaldon leads the organization's strategic direction, programs, and administration toward achieving PDRF’s vision to build resilient businesses and communities in the country. 

Recognized as one of the active women leaders in the DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) community in the country, she led the design, launch, and operation of the country’s only private sector-led Operations Center in Clark, Pampanga. 

As a strong advocate of how the private sector engages before and during crises, she has been active in the Connecting Business initiative platform of OCHA and UNDP, where she shares her expertise and experiences. 

Before being appointed as Executive Director, she acted as PDRF’s Senior Program Manager, leading the Recovery Program and the Telecommunications Cluster. 

For 18 years, she also headed Smart Communications’ nationwide initiatives and operations to boost customer and community relations. 

She was a Finalist at the 2022 Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction Excellence Leadership Award in the Asia Pacific.