Noble and outstanding

Let me tell you about a man long gone but never forgotten.

He was one of those gentlemen from the old school, as rare today as fragments of the moon.

Let me tell you about his life, because it’s worth emulating, a much needed reminder especially in these challenging times that a life lived with purpose and honor is the kind of life we should all aspire for.

He was Jorge Gonzales, an esteemed lawyer, honorable public servant, successful builder and a prolific writer. He was, to put it simply, a Renaissance man who served his family, his country and his fellowmen well, and I am proud to be his granddaughter.

I rarely write about my personal life or my loved ones but allow me this moment to honor my paternal grandfather because days ago, within the august halls of the Goldenberg Mansion inside the Malacañang complex in Manila, the Upsilon Sigma Phi of the University of the Philippines honored his life and his work.

My grandfather was awarded the Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding (UNO) award, the highest distinction given by the Fraternity to its members.

Says the Upsilon in its citation:

“Jorge Gonzales embodied resilience and leadership during some of the most challenging periods in Philippine history. As an active member of Upsilon Sigma Phi during World War II, Gonzales nurtured fraternity unity and strength. He was instrumental in recruiting members who shared Upsilon’s ideals, ensuring its survival and growth during turbulent times.

“In his post-war efforts, Gonzales revitalized the fraternity and inspired younger generations to uphold the fraternity’s values. His career as associate editor of the Philippine Collegian showcased his dedication to ethical journalism, while his work in affordable housing initiatives reflected his commitment to improving the lives of others. His mentorship and advocacy left a lasting imprint on the fraternity and the nation.”

Of love and war

Born in Sigma, Capiz on July 27, 1919, Jorge was the eldest among a brood of seven children.

He hailed from a middle-class family but the hardships of life were not lost on him as he was born in an epoch characterized by one war after another – from World War I to World War II.

He knew early on the importance of hard work, courage, justice and, most of all, service to his fellowmen and country.

All throughout the war years, Jorge, like the rest of the student population, was forced to stop schooling.

But Jorge, as a young adult, responded to the spirit of the times. He thought of ways to help his country and his fellow Filipinos win the war.

Quietly and courageously, and at the risk of his own life, he helped guerrillas while working as a shoe shine boy in the streets of Manila. He eavesdropped on his clients while he quietly cleaned their shoes and made a mental note of whatever information he could gather about the ongoing war.

He would then pass this on to the guerrilla fighters to help them in their battle.

In 1958, president Carlos Garcia, who was known for his “Filipino First” policy, appointed him to Napocor where he later became chief legal counsel, tasked with scrutinizing contracts to make sure that taxpayers’ money did not go to waste. He served Napocor for 20 years, retiring in December 1978 at the age of 60.

In his sunset years, Jorge never really retired. He remained generous with his time, talent and skills.

He put up a build-and-sell business focused on low-cost homes, enabling young families to afford their own house and lot while also providing employment for dozens of construction workers.

Aside from his accomplishments, he was also a very kind man, a loving family patriarch and a proud husband to my grandmother, Belen, a former English professor at UP.

As a grandfather, he grabbed every opportunity to teach us, his grandchildren, about the ways of the world and the importance of always doing what is right.

But I remember him, most of all, as a man with a big heart for others, always seeking ways to help those who had less in life.

He was noble and outstanding, indeed, and also so much more. I may have only 25 percent of his chromosomes but I’d take that any day.

Thank you, Upsilon, for the honor bestowed on Jorge Gonzales. Our family is also grateful to Ambassador Jesus Yabes ’66 and Bill Agustin ’58, chairman of the UNO search committee, for believing in our beloved patriarch.

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The only other posthumous awardee was Ferdinand Marcos Sr. President BBM received the award on behalf of the First Family. Former first lady Imelda Marcos and daughter Irene Marcos-Araneta also graced the awarding ceremony held last Feb. 8.

Other UNO awardees are:

Romy Carlos ’63, a celebrated artist; Ernesto de Castro ’64, a notable figure in civil and structural engineering; Steven Mascardo Yuvienco ’67, founding chairman and later president of Upsilon Sigma Phi North America; Renato Tayag Jr. ’67, an environmentalist; Jesus Crispin Remulla ’79, Secretary of Justice; Robert Lester Aranton ’81, UP Alumni Regent and current president of the UP Alumni Association; Romeo Thaddeus Liamzon Jr. ’81, a visionary in real estate development; Fernando Sanchez Jr. ‘84, former Chancellor of UPLB; Ferdinand Martin Romualdez ’85, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Alan Gerard Austriaco ’86; a respected ophthalmologist and Cary Landingin Calimlim ‘93, a veterinarian and entrepreneur.

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Email: [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @eyesgonzales. Column archives at EyesWideOpen on FB.