The Life and Times of Dr. Enrique ‘Jojo’ Villalon, Jr.; 1937-2013

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

“If Dr. Jojo Villalon’s wake was held in Chicago, we would need a Cathedral to accommodate everyone who would like to say their last goodbyes to this human being with a big heart,” Dr. Max Basco said, in his eulogy to the late Dr. Enrique “Jojo” A. Villalon, Jr., at the Forest Lawn Cypress Funeral Home, in Cypress, CA, last December 14. DR. ENRIQUE “Jojo” A. VILLALON, JR., , 76, was called by the Lord to “Come Home” last December 5, at the Kindred Hospital in Calexico, California, where he practiced medicine after leaving Chicago several years ago. Following his retirement, he kept himself active in humanitarian services and evangelism until his death. He died of cardiac pulmonary arrest. Dr. Max Basco and his wife, Dr. Evelyn Basco, were longtime Chicagoans. Like Dr. Villalon, their friend and former colleague, few years ago, the Bascos moved to warmer states like California and Arizona where they now reside. Dr. Ernique A. Villalon, Jr., hailed from Bacolod City, Philippines. “Jojo”, as he was fondly called, was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, doctor, and friend, particularly to “Ordinary Folks” whom he helped, unconditionally. He finished medicine at Manila Central University (MCU). It was at MCU where he met his former wife, Dalisay Manuel Villalon, then a nursing student. Dr. Villalon practiced obstetric and gynecology in the Philippines. He focused on Internal Medicine when he came to the States with his then, very young family. Sadly, after 17 years of marriage and five children, the Villalons divorced in the late ‘70s. But they remained good friends through these years. Neither remarried. This writer, as a long-time friend, patient and political “comrade” of Dr. Jojo while he was in Chicago, can write a book titled “People’s Doctor and Friend” about this humble and caring medic, to immortalize his services to humanity not only in medicine but in sharing his Faith in the Lord by example. He was an epitome of a Soldier: he served his Nativeland, the Philippines, fighting Martial Law at his own expense, to help regain freedom and democracy in the Philippines under the martial rule of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. In Chicago, as Midwest Coordinator of the Movement for a Free Philippines (MFP), he worked “tooth and nails” with the then exiled Senators Benigno Aquino and Raul S. Manglapus. Dr. Jojo, as MFP national treasurer, spent his money for the MFP to help exiled politicians in the USA. When he and his family moved to the United States, Dr. Villalon was drafted into the United States Army as Battalion Surgeon to Commanding Officer, and promoted to the rank of Major. He was bestowed several Medals of Honors and was honorably discharged. Dr. Villalon was a recipient of two Bronze Stars. The Bronze Star is a U.S. military decoration awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service, bestowed to honor the brave men and women who served their country – the United States of America! Dr. Villalon, held several top leadership positions, to name a few: president of the Philippine Medical Association of Chicago (PMAC). It was during his PMAC presidency in 1976 when he challenged the MEDICAID for its “trial by publicity” accusations against some Filipino doctors; he was vice president of the Association of Philippine Physicians in America (APPA), the umbrella organization. He was a recipient of numerous leadership awards in the field of medicine and humanitarian services, from both the PMAC and APPA; he received a Plaque recognizing his invaluable fight for justice against Martial law, from the late Philippine President Corazon Aquino, widow of the late Sen. Benigno Aquino; in 1999, Dr. Jojo was inducted into the Chicago Filipino Hall of Fame (in the field of Medicine); Cavite Association of America for Humanitarian Services, plus other numerous awards. Dr. Jojo Villalon’s heartwarming love for humanity was helping the poor, the minorities, and teaching them the importance of FAITH in GOD, which he evangelized following his retirement. “Dr. Villalon did not focus in medicine but in all aspects of life,” one of his colleagues said. The beloved Dr. Enrique “Jojo” Villalon, Jr., is survived by his children (and their respective better-halves and grandchildren): Enrique M. Villalon, Jr. III (Cherrylynn, their children: Michael, Erika, April, Enrique); May Lorraine M. Villalon; Liberty Rose M. Villalon; May M.Villalon Dacanay (Dr. John L. Dacanay, their children: Rieffe, Mason, Jackie and Christian); Liberty M. Villalon; Derrick M. Villalon (My, their children: Ethan, Noah, Cody and Freya); Dolly Rose M. Villalon and her daughter, Destine; his sibilings: Dennis A. Villalon and Grace V. Astilla; and his former wife, Dalisay M. Villalon, who said: “Jojo was a good Dad who would give his shirt off his back.” Dr. Enrique A. Villalon, Jr. was given a Military Funeral when his body was interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress, Caflifornia, last December 16, 2013. Dr. Jojo loved his work as a doctor, integrating Western and Eastern medicine with his Catholic faith. To his beloved family, friends and patients, he was most known for his faith, love and his generosity. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and those who knew him.(ESN)

U.S. ARMY MAJOR, ENRIQUE A. VILLALON, JR., M.D., known as “People’s Physician” and a Humanitarian (photo from an old family album)

 

 

U.S. ARMY MAJOR Dr. Enrique “Jojo” Villalon, receiving one of his two Bronze Medals from his Commanding Officer, in recognition of his meritorious military services in the United States Army.

 

 

Dr. Enrique Villalon, delivering his inaugural speech as President of the Philippine Medical Association of the Midwest (PMAC), in the late ‘70s.

 

 

A look back, Jojo proudly posing with his lovely wife, Dalisay Manuel Villalon, mother of their five children. Sadly, their marriage (of 17 years) ended in a divorce in 1979. Neither remarried; Jojo and Dely remained very good friends till the end.

 

 

Dr. Jojo Villalon, a popular community leader, delivering his speech defying President Ferdinand Marcos’ Martial Law government in the Philippines, right in front of the Philippine Consulate office on 30 N. Michigan Avenue, downtown Chicago.

 

 

 

The Villalon children with Mom Dely, from left: Liberty, Dolly Rose, Dely, Derrick, Ricky and May.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jojo Villalon’s funeral ceremony attended by grieving family and friends at his gravesite in California, with a military officer handing a ceremonial folded U.S. flag to Dely and children.