MSEUF honors 7 Most Distinguished Alumni
As part of the celebration of the 77th Baccalaureate Services and Commencement Exercises, the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation honored seven Most Distinguished Alumni, June 25 and 28 in the University Gymnasium, Lucena City.
During two separate ceremonies, the alumni were recognized for their contributions in their respective fields. In Cluster 1, the Most Distinguished Alumni 2024 awards were conferred upon PCol. Madeline D. Cacao, Atty. Rachel Uy-San Juan, Jasmine F. Viray, Dr. Melchor P. Avenilla Jr., and Dr. Juanito A. Merle.
In addition to the five alumni recognized in Cluster 1, Cherry Villamarzo-David from the College of Computing and Multimedia Studies and Engr. Guillermo M. Rago Jr. from the College of Engineering (CEng) was also honored at the Baccalaureate Services of Cluster 2.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to public service and public safety, we proudly honor PCOL MADELINE DESEMBRANA CACAO. A distinguished alumna of the College of Arts and Sciences, she graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, achieving the esteemed honor of Magna Cum Laude. Her academic excellence was a precursor to an illustrious career dedicated to the service of her nation.
Spanning 27 years, PCOL Cacao’s career in public service is a confirmation of her steadfast dedication and empowerment as a woman in law enforcement. Currently, she holds the significant position of Acting Chief of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management within the Philippine National Police (PNP). In this role, she assists the PNP Chief in managing the personnel records of both uniformed and non-uniformed staff, a position that demands a high degree of confidentiality and a profound recognition of employee competency.
PCOL Cacao’s responsibilities include overseeing the Placement and Promotion Division of the Commissioned Division, a task she handles with exceptional competence. Her role requires an officer of notable accomplishments, and PCOL Cacao’s extensive experience and commitment to integrity make her ideally suited for this critical position.
A graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy in 1997, PCOL Cacao furthered her education by completing a master’s in public administration at Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan. Her academic and [professional journey exemplifies the ideals of the late Founder Manuel S. Enverga, showcasing her commitment to community development and the upholding of professional integrity within the Philippine National Police.
We are honored to celebrate her as our Most Distinguished Alumna, recognizing her as an empowered woman who continues to inspire and lead with excellence.
ATTY. RACHEL UY-SAN JUAN exemplifies the pinnacle of achievement and dedication in the realms of accountancy and corporate law. As the founder and leading figure of Uy-San Juan & Associates, she has carved a niche in corporate and tax practice, demonstrating unparalleled expertise in estate planning, structuring, compliance, and litigation. Her leadership in managing tax cases before the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Court of Tax Appeals underscores her profound understanding and adeptness in the intricate world of tax law.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science and Accountancy from the College of Business and Accountancy at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF), Atty. Uy-San Juan distinguished herself early as a scholar and leader. Her academic journey continued at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2010 with a commendable GPA of 1.95 and was honored with the Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence. Passing the bar the same year, she was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2011, further solidifying her credentials as a CPA lawyer.
Atty. San Juan’s career is marked by a series of significant roles and contributions. She has extensive experience in corporate restructuring, tax litigation and settlement, and estate planning. Her legal acumen has been pivotal in conducting legal due diligence and serving as transaction counsel in high-stakes mergers and acquisitions, transactions cumulatively worth billions of pesos. Her legal career also includes distinguished service as a court attorney for Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe and as attorney-general at the Philippine Business Council-Qatar (PBSQ). Additionally, her expertise was sought by former Justice Undersecretary Jose F. Justiniano and the Supreme Court of the Philippines, where she served as a consultant.
Her dedication to education is evident in her role as a professor of taxation, where she is a sought-after speaker at seminars and symposia. Her insights and expertise have been featured in the business magazine “Business Sense,” further establishing her as a thought leader in her field.
Atty. Uy-SanJuan’s contributions extend beyond her professional achievements. She remains an active alumna of MSEUF, offering her expertise as a resource person in several learning sessions and providing valuable insights into curriculum development for the College of Business and Accountancy. Her multidisciplinary expertise is further demonstrated by her certifications as a public accountant, lawyer, registered financial planner graduate, and chartered trust estate planner. Atty. Rachel Uy-San Juan is rightfully honored as the 2024 Most Distinguished Alumna of MSEUF.
From the bustling streets of Lucena City to the educational halls of New York, Jasmine Frago-Viray embodies the spirit of excellence that defines an MSEUF graduate, a living example of an MSEUF graduate par excellence!
Jasmine F. Viray is recognized for her significant contribution to the upliftment of Hearing Impaired students in Lucena City, and now in the United States. As a Special Education teacher and specialist, she was frequently invited as a guest speaker for various training courses by the Department of Education. She has shared and taught how understanding and using sign language would make a difference in the lives of the students, of hearing-impaired victims, and less-fortunate Filipinos. Among her note-worthy jobs were as a program coordinator for the Philippine Registry of Interpreters and as a sign-language interpreter for Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko at GMA Channel 7.
With her dedication and expertise, she has played a crucial role in enhancing the curriculum and developing specialized programs for deaf students at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay City. After serving as a Special Education in New York City, she now serves as a school counselor for the New York State Education Department, where her focus is on developing and implementing individualized Education Programs to meet the learning needs of students.
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.
The recognition of these Most Distinguished Alumni at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to their profound impacts and contributions:
- SDG 4: Quality Education - Alumni such as Dr. Melchor P. Avenilla Jr. and Engr. Guillermo M. Rago Jr., through their academic and professional achievements, exemplifies a commitment to quality education. They have contributed significantly to their fields, fostering knowledge dissemination and skill development among students and peers alike.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality - Atty. Rachel Uy-San Juan and Cherry Villamarzo-David have demonstrated leadership in their respective fields, breaking barriers and promoting gender equality through their achievements. Their success serves as a testament to the importance of empowering women and promoting equal opportunities in education and beyond.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - PCol. Madeline D. Cacao and Dr. Juanito A. Merle have made notable contributions in fields related to industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Their work has advanced technological innovation, improved infrastructure resilience, and promoted sustainable industrialization, aligning with SDG 9's objectives.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Jasmine F. Viray's contributions in fostering partnerships and collaborations in her field illustrate the importance of SDG 17. Through networking and cooperation, she has enhanced the university's ability to achieve its goals, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development.
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