The Saint Jude Catholic School Alumni Association (SJCSAA) held its first Outstanding Saint Jude Catholic School Alumni Awards on Nov. 10, 2024 at the Benjamin G. Chua Jr. Audio Visual Room of the school.
The event recognized the achievements of alumni who have excelled in their respective fields and made significant contributions to their professions and communities.
The awards were presented in four categories: good governance; professionals; sports, entertainment, lifestyle, culture and the arts and entrepreneurship and innovation.
The categories aimed to honor alumni who have demonstrated leadership, expertise and impact in their areas.
The awards were preceded by a rigorous nomination and vetting process, conducted by a distinguished panel of judges from various sectors, including business, education and government.
The panel included Dr. George Barcelon, president of Integrated Computer Systems Inc. and Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Josiah Go, chairman of Mansmith and Fielders Inc. and independent director of UnionBank; Fr. Roland Aquino, chairman of Saint Jude Catholic School and secretary of its board of trustees; Betty Aw, [resident of Business Innovations Gateway Inc. and advisor of SJCSAA; and David Chua, president of Cathay Pacific Steel Corp. and vice chairman of the University of the East.
The Good Governance Award was presented to Charles Cabayan Jose (Batch 1978) for his distinguished career in foreign service. Currently serving as the Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Jose has held several high-profile diplomatic positions, including Ambassador to Malaysia and Consul General to China.
The Professionals Award was received by Dr. Robert Edward Ty Ang (Batch 1986), a leading ophthalmologist recognized for his contributions to refractive surgery and ophthalmic research. Ang is the senior consultant ophthalmologist at the Asian Eye Institute and head of Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services.
His numerous accolades include being part of the Ophthalmologist Power List and receiving prestigious awards such as the Senior Achievement Award from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.
The Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Culture and the Arts Award was given to Sherwin Kaw Sozon (Batch 1987), a classical singer, opera performer and cultural advocate. Sozon, the founder of the Lyric Opera of the Philippines Heritage Society, has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting Philippine heritage and arts.
He has received multiple accolades including Best Male Classical Singer and the Excellence Award for Philippine Heritage Society from the Aliw Awards.
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award was given to Francis Glenn Lu Yu (Batch 1990), CEO of Seaoil Philippines Inc. for his leadership in the energy sector and his innovative approach to business. Lu Yu has been instrumental in Seaoil’s growth and success, earning recognition such as the ASEAN Business Award and the MVP Bossing Award from PLDT SME Nation.
The awards ceremony was an important milestone for the SJCSAA, and the association hopes to continue honoring the achievements of its alumni.
It aims to inspire future generations of St. Jude graduates to succeed in their careers and make a positive impact on society.
