Francis Gitz Cañete
Head of HR & Outdoor Facilitator
Born and raised on one of Cebu’s stunning islands in the Philippines, Francis Gitz Cañete (or Gitz, as he’s known) grew up surrounded by the sea, which sparked a lifelong love for water and adventure. Starting his career as a PADI Dive Master and BSAC Open Water Instructor, Gitz found joy in exploring the ocean and sharing its wonders with others.
Over the years, his passion for adventure extended beyond the sea, leading him to explore stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and mountain biking. These activities deepened his love for teaching and inspiring others to embrace the outdoors.
Gitz joined APA in 2015 as a facilitator, eager to expand his skills and nurture his passion for experiential education. Since then, he has taken on the role of Operations Assistant, where he thrives on the challenges of staff management and development, constantly pushing himself to grow both personally and professionally.
In addition to his outdoor expertise, Gitz is a registered nurse and a certified delivery instructor for Austere & Emergency Medicine International, an organization dedicated to providing high-quality medical, paramedical, and first aid education. His commitment to safety and education underpins his work, ensuring that every adventure is both memorable and meaningful.
Gitz looks forward to meeting new faces and sharing unforgettable moments in the outdoors—because for him, every experience is an opportunity to connect, grow, and inspire.
