Dr. Paterno V. Viloria, President of the Small Enterprises Research and Development Foundation (SERDEF), died last night, September 23, after a brief bout with pneumonia.
His remains will be cremated tomorrow, September 24.
In 1989, Dr. Viloria, a Philippine Army colonel (retired) and a veteran of the Korean War, received the Congressional Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress for taking part in the rescue of American prisoners in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Pangasinan during World War II.
Dr. Viloria is also the past director of the University of the Philippines, Institute for Small-Scale Industries, SERDEF’s public-sector partner.
He is survived by his wife Candida and daughters Sarah Viloria Nicolas and Dinah Viloria.
A memorial service via zoom will be organized by SERDEF. Details will be announced later.