During the visit, Mr. Villagonzalo recounted his journey as a Filipino migrant in Australia and how volunteerism has helped him achieve a sense of belongingness in his host community. He also shared his past and current undertakings, as well as his plans and ideas for the welfare of overseas Filipino and other migrant communities in Australia.
Last year, Mr. Villagonzalo was among the 56 recipients of the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) under the Pamana ng Pilipino Award category. In conferring the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Mr. Villagonzalo, former President Rodrigo Duterte recognized his commendable social entrepreneurship and volunteer service to his local community in Australia, benefitting not only Filipinos but also other migrant nationalities.
Joining Secretary Arugay were Head Executive Assistant Atty. Alma Royandoyan-Alli, Director Marie Apattad of the CFO Project Management Division who also shares the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) and Youth Leaders in the Diaspora programs of the CFO, and OIC Rodrigo Garcia, Jr. of the CFO Policy, Planning, and Research Division and PAFIOO Secretariat who presented a brief background on the Presidential Awards.
Mr. Villagonzalo was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Mari Liza Villagonzola, PMA Class ’75 mistah Major General Arsenio Arugay (ret.), Mr. Ricky Torres, and Mr. Johnny Penaflor, of Megaworld.
Mr. Villagonzalo is currently in the Philippines to attend the Alumni Homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City where he will receive the prestigious Cavalier Award.
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