SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro. Emilio S. Gonzales Jr. was honored as the Most Outstanding Alumni for Entrepreneurship and Civic Leadership during the grand alumni homecoming of Divine Word College of San Jose (DWCSJ) on February 8-9, 2025, as part of the institution’s 80th foundation anniversary celebration.
Gonzales, a longtime leader in both business and community service, has an extensive background in civic engagement. He currently serves as president of The Dr. Librado I. Ureta Foundation (2015-2025) and has been involved in Alpha Phi Omega (APO) for decades, holding leadership roles in both the Philippines and the U.S. Among his notable contributions is the development of the APO Philippines Peace Museum, launched in Fresno, California, in 2017.
An active supporter of education and philanthropy, Gonzales played a key role in the APO-Philippines international service project, which collected and shipped over 120,000 books and 200 computers from the U.S. to the Philippines. His dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including the APO-USA National Alumni Distinguished Service Key and the APO-Philippines Grand Leadership-Friendship-Service Award.
After retiring from the U.S. Postal Service in 2014, Gonzales returned to the Philippines in 2020 and remains active in local alumni organizations. He currently serves as president of the San Jose Pilot Elementary School Alumni Association and internal vice president of the DWCSJ Alumni Association.
Gonzales was one of 28 awardees recognized at the event, which honored distinguished alumni in various fields. Other notable recipients included Mayor Rey Ladaga, Vice Governor Diane Apigo Tayag, and Court of Appeals Judge Atty. Mas, entrepreneur Edna Balmes, Dr. Alfredo Valera, Chief of Police Aristotle A. Calayag, entrepreneur Panaguiton, and educator Dr. Arnulfo Villanueva (DWCSJAA ad interim president).
The grand alumni homecoming celebrated the achievements of DWCSJ graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields, reinforcing the institution’s legacy of excellence and service.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
