ERJHS alumni achievers feted during 73rd Foundation Day

THE E. Rodriguez Jr. High School has already garnered tremendous achievements as an institution by producing outstanding alumni from different fields.

This was stressed by former St. Dominic Savio College of Law Dean Atty. Egmedio Castillon, Jr. during the awarding of the “10 Most Outstanding Alumni” of ERJHS for 2025 at the ERJHS quadrangle in Mayon Ave., Quezon City last 22 February.

“Yoyong as an institution has already gone great lengths and distance in garnering achievements and accolades too numerous to be cited and produced successful alumni too many to be named. And Yoyong’s accomplishments and successes continue up to now,” said Castillon during his acceptance speech on behalf of the “10 Most Outstanding Alumni.”

“The awardees, who come from different fields and areas of interests, speak for themselves how Yoyong yielded good, responsible and socially-relevant citizens,” added Castillon, who also expressed gratitude ERJHS Principal Ernest Ferrer, ERJHS Alumni Association president Ramon Ferreros and ERJHS Awards Committee chairperson Ed Andaya for the success of the ERJHS 73rd Foundation Day and Grand Alumni Homecoming.

Aside from Castillon, the other “10 Most Outstanding Alumni” awardees are Elisa Gabagat-Manguiat of Batch 62 (public service), Jose Omila of Batch 65 (performing arts), Dr. Cynthia Tuason Guevarra of Batch 67 (medicine), Marilou de Jesus Francisco of Batch 68 (mass communication), Florinda Yuson Yee of Batch 69 (public service), Fernando Modesto of Batch 70 (arts and culture), Dr. Zenaida Yangco Bernardino of Batch 73 (medicine), Bernadette Manahan Sta. Maria of Batch 75 (arts and culture), and Cynthia Montenegro Reyes of Batch 77 (government service).

Posthumous awards were given to BGen Orlando O. Yebra, Jr. of Batch 84 and P/LT. Benjamin Tapeño of Batch 85.

Ferreros, Andaya and Ferrer headed the seven-man board of jury, which selected this year's awardees.

The board of jury also included veteran journalist-book author Nestor Cuartero of the Manila Bulletin/The Market Monitor; former principal Gina L. Obierna; former faculty member Atty. Felipe Favila and faculty member Dante Ballesteros.

The 10 awardees joined the first batch of “Most Outstanding Alumni” honored last year: Philippine Navy Commodore Albert Mogol of Batch 78 (military service), Ramon Ferreros of Batch 73 (business), Tany Joe “TJ” Calalay of Batch 95 (public service), Sct. Roberto Castor and Castor family (scouting), Lorenzo sisters (education), Jess Asistin of Batch 76 (public service), Ed Andaya of Batch 81 (journalism), Eric David of Batch 71 (community service), Philippine National Police Lt. Col. Emmanuel Gomez of Batch 88 (law enforcement and order).and former Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Gen. Enrique Linsangan of Batch 69 (public service/posthumous).

Other activities included the Hawaiian-inspired Alumni Night featuring live performances of the Cool Rhythm Band, headed by Jay Tuangco of Batch 87; the ERJHS Alumni Sports Club “Battle of the Generations” basketball tournament; the “Learn and Play Chess” Simultaneous Exhibition Matches by IMs Angelo Young and Idelfonso Datu, NM Edmundo Gatus and Chiara Datu; and Batch 76 Zumba event supported by Quezon City District 1 Councilor Nikki Crisologo.

The two-day event is also part of ERJHSAA’s preparations for its coming Diamond Anniversary celebrations on February, 2027.