THE PHILIPPINES-JAPAN SOCIETY
By unanimous resolution of its Board of Directors
Proudly confers upon
VIRGILIO DE LOS SANTOS
its
MEDAL OF MERIT
For Outstanding Achievement in the Promotion
Of
Philippines-Japan Relations
Dr. Virgilio de los Santos was born in Manila, Philippines on January 15, 1927 to Mariano V. de los Santos and Helen Domingo-de los Santos, both well-known educators, who successfully built the University of Manila. He obtained his elementary and secondary schooling from the University of Manila. He was a special scholar of Japan from the South from 1943 to 1945. He studied at the Kokusai Gakuyu Kai in Tokyo, Hiroshima Kotogakko, Hiroshima Daigaku and at the Fukuoka Kotogakko, Fukuoka, Japan.
Returning to Manila after the war, he earned his Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude in 1948, Bachelor of Laws, Magna Cum Laude, 1953, from the University of Manila and Master of Laws in International Law, Harvard University (USA) 1955. He took a special course in Corporation and Commercial Laws, Boston University (USA) 1955-1956 and was conferred the Degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, by the University of Pangasinan.
He started his educational career as soon as he finished his studies abroad, as professor in the UM Colleges of Law, Liberal Arts, Business Administration and School of Foreign Service. He was subsequently appointed Secretary of the UM College of Law; Dean, College of Law; Executive Vice-President, the University of Manila, 1959-1981; President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees; 1981-2006 and Chairman, Board of Trustees, 1981 to present.
As Executive Vice-President, he implemented the University’s policies and was actively engaged in giving flesh to UM’s new programs, both in content and direction. New courses were opened to meet the needs of Filipino youth seeking new opportunities for advancement. Among others, to enrich the UM curricula, the following courses were opened: a College of Criminology (the first university to offer this course), Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Computer Science and Technology and Japanology. An International Language School was opened this school year.
Dr. de los Santos, as Executive Vice-President promoted Educational Changes between Japan and Philippines. Sisterhood relationships were established with the Chengkung Commercial and Technical High School, Pates City, Taiwan; Dohto University, Japan; Kokusai Gakuyukai Nihongo Gakko, Tokyo, Japan; Meio University, Okinawa, Japan; University of Ulsan, Korea; and Hansung University, Seoul, Korea. Linkages were established with Tokai University, Okinawa International University and Ryukyus University, Okinawa, Japan. In 1970, he stablished projects with the Japan-ASEAN Cultural Exchange Society headed by Dr. Tokio Hama.
As President of the Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (PHILFEJA) and OMNI Ventures, he made distinctive contributions to enhance Philippines-Japan relations through education and youth exchanges and cultural activities participated in by students and faculty members not only from the Philippines and Japan, but also from ASEAN countries.
In June 4, 1996, Dr. de los Santos was conferred by the Emperor of Japan the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, one of Japan’s most prestigious decorations. He was recognized not only for his educational leadership and management skills, but also for his global outlook and continuing work in unifying mankind through education, culture and arts.
In recognition of the aforesaid achievements, the Philippines-Japan Society proudly confers upon Dr. Virgilio de los Santos, the 29th Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit, the highest award within its gift to convey.
Given this 23rd day of February in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Seven in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines on the occasion of the 29th Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration, and the 35th year of the Philippines-Japan Society.
FRANCIS C. LAUREL
President
Attest:
BENJAMIN C. LAUREL
Corporate Secretary
Philippines Japan Society Medal of Merit Awardees 