CDO Foodsphere founder Jose Ong dies at 78

Jose “Pepe” Ong, cofounder and chair of meat processing giant CDO Foodsphere Inc., died on Thursday morning.

He was 78. His death was confirmed by his son Jerome Ong, currently the president of the company, and his wife Corazon Ong, who cofounded CDO with Jose in 1975.

Before establishing CDO with his wife, Jose Ong taught biology at the Ateneo de Manila University. He was also one of the founders of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (Pampi), which represents about 20 percent of the country’s meat processing industry.

Pampi has 88 member-companies, including Pampanga’s Best Inc., Century Pacific Food Inc. and Frabelle Corporation. Ong’s wake will be held at the Heritage Park Chapel on Nov. 15 to 18. Viewing will be from noon to 10 p.m., with daily masses at 7 p.m.—KARL R. OCAMPO