MSEUF honors 7 Most Distinguished Alumni

Born in Burdeos, Quezon, Dr. Melchor Avenilla graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2011 from the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City.

Currently, he serves as the head of the Provincial DISASTER Risk Management Team of Quezon Province. Dr. Avenilla’s achievements reflect his dedication to enhancing the welfare of the university community. He has significantly contributed to preparing future healthcare professionals by conducting various seminars and training sessions, such as Basic Life Support training for nursing and medical technology students, as well as non-teaching and teaching personnel. His training programs, which cover topics from natural disasters to health emergencies, have instilled a sense of security and confidence among students, faculty, and staff.

Beyond institutional measures, Dr. Avenilla has actively engaged with the university community to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience. As a part-time instructor at the College of Nursing, his teachings empower students to take proactive steps in safeguarding themselves and their peers during emergencies. By nurturing a community-wide commitment to disaster preparedness, Dr. Avenilla has strengthened our collective capacity to mitigate risks and minimize harm. His dedication and expertise not only exemplify the spirit of service and excellence that defines our university but also ensure that the community is well-equipped to handle emergencies.

DR. JUANITO AS. MERLE, a distinguished figure in the field of educational management, epitomizes the virtues of dedication and service. Earning his master’s in education in 1997 and later a doctorate in Education Management in 2004 from the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Dr. Merle’s academic prowess laid a solid foundation for his remarkable career.

Awards and recognitions are not trivial to Dr. Merle. In 2015, he was honored with the prestigious Metrobank Outstanding Award and the Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan Award, highlighting his exceptional contributions to education and community service. Now, as he receives the MSEUF Most Distinguished Alumni Award, Dr. Merle continues to exemplify the ideals of serving God and country, deeply embedded in the MSEUF ethos.

Beyond his professional accolades, Dr. Merle is cherished as a well-loved teacher and a man dedicated to the service of others. His compassion and commitment are perhaps best illustrated through his establishment of the Handog Aral Community Learning Center in Pagbilao, Quezon. This center, his apostolate, provides vital tutorial and feeding support to underprivileged students, ensuring that education is accessible to those in need. Understanding that the well-being of his students extends beyond the classroom, Dr. Merle also initiated livelihood projects for the mothers of his students, promoting an environment where families can thrive.

Dr. Merle’s work is living proof of Vincentian ideals, where respect and dignity for others are paramount. He builds relationships on a foundation of trust and unconditional love, inspiring his community to uphold these values. His commitment and dedication to his advocacies have garnered widespread support, making him a light of inspiration for both teachers and parents.

In his role AS Education Program supervisor in the Department of Education, Dr. Merle leads by example, embodying the principles he advocates. His actions speak volumes, consistently aligning with his words, and serving as a guiding light, a model educator, and a true agent of change.

MS. CHERRY VILLAMARZO-DAVID stands as a paragon of achievement in the realm of information technology, earning the distinguished accolade of Cum Lause upon completing her Bachelor Science in Information Technology in 2021 from the College of Computing and Multimedia Studies. This recognition marks only the beginning of her illustrious career.

With an impressive tenure of 23 years in IT, Ms. David is a certified Six Sigma and ITIL professional, embodying a blend of technical expertise and operational excellence. Currently, she serves as the IT Head at Zumtobel Group Philippines, a subsidiary of a European company renowned globally for its innovative, high-quality lighting solutions and components. Her leadership in this role underscores her profound impact and dedication to the industry.

Ma. David’s career is a confirmation of her resilience and proficiency. She has ascended the professional ladder through roles in several major companies, each time proving her exceptional capabilities and earning respect and admiration from colleagues and peers. Her early promise was evident as a scholar sponsored by La Tondena Distillery Inc., now known as San Miguel Corporation, and she consistently demonstrated academic excellence while at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF).

Her commitment to education and mentorship extends beyond her achievements. As an alumna, she actively contributes to the College of Computing and Multimedia Studies, engaging as a resource person and participating in curriculum development programs. This dedication to giving back highlights her passion for nurturing future generations of IT professionals.

Beyond her professional life, Ms. David is a multifaceted individual – a businesswoman, a community leader, a devoted mother, a loving wife, a supportive sister, and a dutiful daughter. Her strength, power, and compassion permeate every role she undertakes, making her a revered figure not just in her professional sphere but also within her family and community.

DR. GUILLERMO M. RAGO, JR., a distinguished figure in the realm of educational management within engineering, has devoted 38 years to the MSEUF College of Engineering as its Dean. His tenure has not only been lengthy but profoundly impactful, transforming the college into a symbol of academic excellence and innovation. Dr. Rago’s journey is marked by a series of impressive accomplishments and an unchanging commitment to advancing engineering education.

Graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1981, Dr. Rago’s academic prowess was evident from the outset. He furthered his education with a master’s in business administration in 1987 and a master’s in management major in Engineering equipping him with a robust foundation in both technical and managerial disciplines. This unique combination has been pivotal in his approach to educational management.

Dr. Rago’s leadership at the College of Engineering has been nothing short of transformative. Under his guidance, the college has evolved into a beacon of excellence, producing graduates who are globally competitive and highly sought after in the engineering field. His vision for the college centered on promoting innovation, ensuring rigorous academic standards, and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement. His strategies have consistently aligned with the dynamic demands of the global engineering landscape, ensuring that the college remains at the forefront of educational excellence.

His influence extends beyond the college as he has prestigious positions such as Chairman and President of the Philippine Association of Graduate Education (PAGE), the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Quezon Chapter, the Provincial Technical Education and Skills Development Council for Quezon Province, and the Council of Deans of Engineering, Architecture, Fine Arts, and Technology Programs. These roles underscore his esteemed reputation and the high regard in which he is held by his peers and professional organizations alike.

Dr. Rago’s expertise in educational management has been widely recognized and frequently sought after. He has served as an accreditor and member of the pool of experts for the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation, as well as the CHED Technical Panel for the Ladderized Education Program. His contributions in these capacities have significantly influenced educational standards and policies, benefiting institutions across the Philippines.

Throughout his illustrious career in the academe, Dr. Rago has been a prolific resource person and lecturer. His insights on topics such as Outcomes-Based Education, mentorship, and Construction Management have been highly valued, further cementing his status as a thought leader in engineering education. His ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible manner has inspired countless educators and students alike.

Dr. Guillermo M. Rago, Jr.’s dedication to the field of engineering is unparalleled. His integrity, commitment, and visionary leadership have not only earned him the respect of his colleagues but also left a lasting mark on the academic community. His legacy is reflected in the success of his students and the continued prominence of the MSEUF College of Engineering.