Xavier honors Ramon Moreno Jr.

MANILA, Philippines - Xavier School has honored Ramon Jose L. Moreno with the 2017 Xavier-Kuangchi Award for Exemplary Alumni for his lifelong commitment to the ministry of mercy.

He was recognized, in particular, for his dedicated service to the poor, the sick and the elderly.

Moreno graduated from Xavier School (San Juan) in 1979 and from De La Salle University in 1983, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.

His professional career spans both the public and private sectors. His work in government began in 1998, when he joined the Philippine Coast Guard, focusing on humanitarian aid and development, onsite rescue and relief operations, resource mobilization for healthcare delivery and bolstering capacities of existing outposts for basic services. He served two terms as national chief of Auxiliary Staff and was appointed director for Auxiliary International Affairs in 2015, with a rank of naval commodore.

As a diplomat, his career began with the UN where he worked in various capacities starting as a volunteer in UNICEF then on to the UNHCR, where he worked amongst the “boat people” who were refugees from Vietnam.

In 2004, he took his oath of office as a commissioner of the Department of Foreign Affairs for the Philippines-United Nations White Helmets Commission.

He was later promoted to commissioner general and served in humanitarian missions as deputy commandant of the Philippine White Helmets, a peace-building contingent which supports the UN Blue Helmets or peacekeeping forces.

He was later promoted to the rank of brigadier general.

He started his Church ministry at a very early age, serving as a volunteer caregiver for the Alay sa Puso orphanage run by the Missionaries of Charity from 1979 to 1987.

He has since worked closely with various parishes and charitable institutions, including continuing support for the Home of Elderly Women of the Little Sisters of the Elderly of St. Teresa Jornet, the orphanage and half-way home for mothers in crisis run by the Grace to be Born Foundation, Inc., the St. Rita Orphanage, the Hospicio de San José and as mission partner in the social service programs of CARITAS Manila and Radio Veritas.

Much of his ministry has been dedicated to the sick and dying. He has made this his life’s work, going to hospitals to visit and pray with patients daily after work.

He usually takes with him bishops, priests and nuns and often brings along relics of saints to provide comfort and hope to the seriously ill. 

He has served in the boards of the Philippine Red Cross and the Philippine Oncological Society and is founder and chairman of the Morning Glory Family Prayer Ministry.

Currently, he is secretary general of the Diplomatic Society of St. Gabriel, an interfaith organization for diplomats based in the UN headquarters in New York and in Geneva, a member of the Order of the Blessed Gerard of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Grand Prior of the Grand Chapter of the Philippines, Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul.

He is currently serving as country representative of the Lazarus Union of Austria by appointment of the Austrian Senate.

He also serves as executive vice president and trustee of the French-Filipino foundation, Together Ensemble and sits as a trustee of the Rosary for Life, a Marian pro-life movement.

Just recently, he organized the Mexico-Philippines Friendship Society with Mexican ambassador to the Philippines Julio Camarena Villaseñor, honorary consul of Mexico Malou Monteverde, past president of the European Chamber of Commerce Hubert d’Aboville and the Augustinian Recollect Fathers.

The recognition of Moreno has added significance, coming on the heels of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy which ended in November 2016.

In announcing the special Jubilee, Pope Francis reminded the faithful that “we are all called to give comfort to every man and every woman of our time.”

By shining the light on Moreno’s ministry of mercy, Xavier School hopes to encourage its alumni to pursue a similar life of service, with respect and compassion for all human life.

First given in 2007, the annual tribute honors Xaverians who have made the most of their talents and, through service and leadership, have had a positive impact on their communities and society in general.

The award was conferred in July as part of the school’s Ignatian Month, a period for the Xavier community to renew its commitment to the Jesuit ideals inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola.