Gen. Jose T. Almonte Reading and Research Center unveiled at Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation
A reading and research center has been unveiled at Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation, Inc. (JILCF) in honor of former national security adviser retired Gen. Jose Almonte.
The JILCF said the Gen. Jose T. Almonte Reading and Research Center is dedicated to “advancing research, cultivating leadership, and inspiring a new generation of Filipinos to embrace the ideals of public service.”
The newly inaugurated center is housed at the JILCF College of Law.
It will make available Almonte’s extensive collection of books and other resources.
In her welcome remarks, JILCF Executive Vice President Gladys Villanueva underscored the significance of Almonte’s life and legacy.
She described his decades of service as a powerful example of how a life dedicated to the nation can leave an enduring impact long after one’s years in public service. She also emphasized that Almonte’s life story and collection of books will “serve as a source of inspiration and learning for the next generation.”
For his part, Bocaue Mayor JonJon Villanueva likewise expressed his gratitude to Almonte for entrusting his valuable collection to JILCF and its President, his good friend, Bro. Eddie Villanueva.
He described the books as a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom that could help young Filipinos better understand the challenges of nation-building and prepare themselves to help shape the country’s future.
Meanwhile, for JILCF President Bro. Eddie Villanueva, the significance of the center goes beyond the preservation of books.
Bro. Villanueva said the center is about ensuring that the life, experiences, ideas, and wisdom of Almonte will continue to speak to generations that did not personally know him.
He highlighted Almonte’s reputation not only in the Philippines but also among leaders abroad, reflecting the breadth of his engagement and influence in national and international affairs.
With the establishment of the Center, these materials will become part of the JILCF library and will be made available to students, researchers, and future leaders seeking to strengthen their grasp of leadership, governance, national security, and public service.
Almonte had a stellar career as a military strategist which has been vital in his role as National Security Adviser with his understanding of national security—not merely in terms of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity, but also in recognizing the importance of the economic, social, and intellectual security of the Filipino people.
Villanueva also credited Almonte with helping dismantle monopolistic systems in the country, citing this as part of his crucial participation in national development.