CDO chairman Jose Ong passes away at 78

CDO Foodsphere Inc. chairman and co-founder Jose "Pepe" Ong passed away on Thursday. He was 78 years old.

Ong's passing was announced by CDO on its Facebook page.

"Boss Pepe, as we fondly called him, was a loving father not just to his immediate family, but also to his CDO Foodsphere family," the company said.

Before establishing CDO-Foodsphere with his wife, Ong taught Biology at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Ong was also one of the founders of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI).

"It is with grief and deep sorrow that we bid adieu to our colleague and friend, Jose 'Pepe' Ong, who was one of the founders of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. 31 years ago," PAMPI said in a statement.

"Working together with co-founders, he moved and guided PAMPI to make it one of the leading trade and industry organizations in the country today. PAMPI will forever be thankful for his immense contribution to the organization, most especially during its early years of formation. Thank you very much dear colleague and friend. Farewell!"

Ong's wake will be at Heritage Park Chapel on November 15 to 18.  Viewing will be from noon to 10 p.m., with daily masses at 7 p.m. —KBK, GMA News