The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Alumni Association Inc. has installed a new set of officers and trustees tasked with strengthening ties among Josenians and expanding the association’s service to the university and the wider community. The leadership transition began during the Leadership Transition and Governance Onboarding 2026 on Aug. 8, with USJ-R President Rev. Fr. Eduardo Celiz Jr., OAR, administering the oath of office and immediate past president Jonathan Capanas overseeing the turnover. Lawyer Tomas Riveral, CPA, REB, assumed the presidency, joined by Dr. Antonio Esmero as executive vice president, Dr. Norman Blanco and Glenn Tenefrancia as vice presidents, along with Marites Patiño, Dr. Elisa Estenzo-Torres, lawyer Margarito Montecillo, Silverio Tapanan, Norman Ongco and Dr. Joseph Elvir Tubilan in other key positions.
Joining the leadership as trustees are Roderick Bandalan, engineer Alan Dinampo, Arlyn Gochan, Bibi Doll “Zee” Pono and Princess Grace Toledo. Following the turnover, the new board held a strategic planning session on Aug. 30–31 at Tagboanan Beach Resort in Borbon, Cebu, where members assessed the association’s current situation, identified priorities and established directions for their term. Capanas helped guide the planning process, while Riveral emphasized that the association should go beyond maintaining connections among graduates and become more actively involved in initiatives benefiting USJ-R and its surrounding communities.
Under the new leadership, the association plans to focus its efforts on the university, students and alumni, the community, and the environment, while creating more opportunities for Josenians to contribute their experience, expertise and resources. Esmero concluded the planning session by emphasizing the importance of transforming the board’s plans into concrete programs and working together toward the association’s goals. The new direction reflects the association’s commitment to strengthening the Josenian network while expanding the role of alumni in supporting USJ-R and serving the wider community.
Source: SunStar Cebu, “New USJ-R alumni officers take helm”
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/new-usj-r-alumni-officers-take-helm