By Arthur Guerzon
The Xavier University High School Class 72 celebrated their 50th Anniversary during their Grand Jubilee Celebration held at the Chali Resort and Convention Center, Bgy. Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City on December 3, 2022 and at the RB Banaag Beach Resort in Opol, Misamis Oriental on December 4, 2022.
Among the highlights of the two-day celebration was the recognition of their outstanding and exemplary batch mates for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the community which best personify the Ignatian Ideals of Cura Personalis, Discernment, Finding God in all things, Magis, Reflection, Service rooted in justice and love, and not the least, solidarity and kinship.
Following are the Outstanding and Exemplary Graduates of XUHS Class 72 recognized during their 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee.
CRESCENCIO JONG/WAMEN” CO UNTIAN. JR (Lawyer-CPA & author of bestselling reference books in Taxation & Mercantile Law)
A dedicated mentor to future lawyers and accountants by unselfishly and tirelessly sharing his knowledge and expertise to young minds of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and Liceo de Cagayan University. His legacy as a distinguished educator undoubtedly contributed to the success of hundreds of his students.
He was also tapped by Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City as a consultant for local taxes and to revenue generation, which resulted in income used to improve services and quality of life of its constituents.
DR. GUILLERMO ‘GLEN’ TABIOS III (A leading authority in Civil Engineering in the Philippines and Asia for significant and outstanding contributions in hydraulics engineering and water resource management which led to restoration of rivers, large scale complex surface water and groundwater optimal utilization, flood prevention, reservoir operations and sedimentation management. Glen’s expertise was also tapped by China, Japan, South Korea and other countries.)
Academician of National Academy of Science and Technology (2010); Professor Emeritus, the first in Civil Engineering and one of only 5 recognized by the College of Engineering UP Diliman since 1910. Michael Purvis Awardee, Philippine Association for Advancement of Science and Technology (2021).
NELSON CHANG (Made GAMA Foods one of the biggest poultry integrators in the entire Philippines. Employs 3,000 workers, providing a much needed source of livelihood to local communities. To date he already donated three school buildings for 3 schools in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
DR. RAMON NERY (Dedicated public servant in Public Hospital Administration advocated for easy accessibility, affordability and impartial services in public hospitals)
Ten Outstanding Filipinos (TOFIL) in 2011, and Pathologist of the Year in 2012. The Gawad Bayani ng Kalusugan in 2020 in recognition of his passion for public service, his managerial acumen in hospital administration, his active involvement in the blood program and disasters (Sendong/Pablo, Marawi Siege, etc.) and his crucial role in CDO’s Covid 19 pandemic response activities.
REY “RYANZ GOLD” QUISUMBING (Pioneering aquaculture, agri-forestry businessman and innovator, restaurateur, and TESDA trainer who raised farmers’ incomes and reduced poverty in local communities and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
BRIG. GEN. FELIZARDO ‘ZARDS” SIMOY (Outstanding Engineer and Intelligence Officer)
His expertise was sought after in the Asia Pacific Area by the British Army, and Defense Institute on International Legal Studies Naval War College in New Jersey and Rhode Island, USA. As a trained engineer, awarded an Outstanding Achievement Medal by the AFP for the planning and program implementation of 3,000 on-base, and 7,000 off-base residential housing and lot packages for military personnel.
NICANOR ‘NICKY’ VELEZ PERALTA (Dedicated public servant as the main implementer of CARP that led to the distribution of huge landholdings to landless farmers in Bukidnon) \
Coordinated foreign funded projects with Local Government Organizations, Non- Government Organizations and private sectors; Project Manager for P2.26-Billion IFAD UN funded project CONVERGE (Convergence on Value-Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment) aimed at increasing farmers income and reduce poverty in Caraga, Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.
Nicky was recognized as the Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan Alumnus of the Year in 1997 and was voted the Most Outstanding Alumnus of the National Defense College of the Philippines in 2007.
RAFAEL PAENG/ONELL” LLENO (A battle tested military officer with excellent field performance against communist rebels and Muslim Separatists in Mindanao and equally outstanding at General Headquarters including as comptroller with the Philippine Army)
Now engaged in Agri Tourism in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon with Taghuyan, a modest farm house open for rentals and photo-shoots, surrounded by a 2 hectare farm area, a portion of whose income finances the Batang Suba Ministry.
RAUL TOTO/TOTO LEY” LEYRITANA
Commodore Raul “Toto, Toto Ley” Leyritana served the Armed Forces of the Philippines for 36 years in various capacities : Philippine Defense and Military Attaché to Pakistan for 3 years; Security Advisor to the Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan; Naval Internal Auditor; Chief, Plans and Program Intelligence Division, O/J-2, AFP; Staff Officer/Military and Academic Instructor; Commanding Officer of Philippine Navy and AFP Units; Head of Corporate Services, AFPMBAI.
ROMULO ‘DODONG’ ARANCON JR. (Former Administrator/CEO of the Philippine Coconut Authority Governing Board)
Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) during which he collaborated and implemented coconut development projects with UN Agencies like FAO in Rome, CFC in Amsterdam, UNIDO in Vienna, Austria; Consultant, UN-FAO rapid appraisal and recommendations on the development needs for coconut sector involving 10 countries.
VICTORINO ‘BEBOT’ BUSALLA (Former police officer and municipal councilor of Claveria, Misamis Oriental)
Elected for three consecutive terms as municipal councilor from 2007 to 2016. Recognized as the Most Outstanding Municipal Councilor for three consecutive years by DILG Region 10.
Awards, titles and degrees only become meaningful when translated into selfless deeds and endeavors for your fellowmen. -Dr. Ramon Nery
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