Profile: Jay Sonza

This UNTV37 morning show host is a self-made man, who earned his education by being a working student. His most notable contributions to the Philippine broadcast industry are his brainchildren: "TV Patrol", reputed to be the most awarded news program for the last 19 years, and "Mel & Jay", the most awarded talk show on television for 18 years.

Jay Sonza, a veteran broadcaster, television host, commentator and columnist, is the station manager of UNTV37 and is a co-host of the daily morning show, "Good Morning, Kuya!" and of the evening news program, "Ito Ang Balita".

Aside from his stint at UNTV, he juggles his job as political adviser, columnist/contributing editor for ABANTE: Una Sa Balita and TONITE, two national daily tabloids.


He is likewise the Chairman of the Board of TAPATAN Incorporated, a multi-media and consultancy firm, and the first Nine Food Ventures, Inc., a fast food service company.


He manages a modest mango farm in Davao, and orchard and gamefowl breeding at Sta Maria, Bulacan.
A pure-blooded Kapampangan, with roots from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, Jose Yumang Sonza was born on September 21, 1955 and stayed there until his primary education in Sto. Rosario, Macabebe, Pampanga. The entire family migrated to Mindanao in the mid-60s.


In this Land of Promise, he graduated with honors from the Mabuhay Elementary School during his elementary years, the Narareth College and Holy Cross of Bansalan during his secondary years, and the University of Mindanao with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics course.

Jay is also lucky to have undergone special studies in economics, social work, human resource development, local government administration, politics and economies of Asia and the Pacific, journalism and satellite broadcast operations both here and abroad.

Governance is his humble professional beginning, starting off as a youth development worker of the Bureau of Youth Welfare, Ministry of Social Welfare and Development. He later became a radio-producer-announcer of the Bureau of Broadcast, Ministry of Public Information; a regional information officer of the Commission on Population; and a public information officer and senior executive assistant of the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur.

This journalist is a recipient of all national broadcasting awards (Philippine Movie Press Club - Star Awards for Television, Cultural Center of the Philippine - Gawad Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas, Rotary Club of Manila - Outstanding Journalist Award, Catholic Mass Media Awards for Public Service, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas - Golden Dove Awards), the New York International Television Festival Awards and the Asian Television Awards for broadcast excellence.

Because of his contribution to society and the country, he has been bestowed awards and citations by various organizations, schools, universities, national agencies, and local government units. Notable among them are the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Mindanao - Davao City, the Most Outstanding Pampango Award from the Pampanga Provincial Government, and the Outstanding Dabawenyo Award from the Provincial Govenment of Davao del Sur.

Reference:
UNTV website