A loving tribute written by Ica Z. Soriano, Jed’s sister

April 8, 2026 marks exactly one year since we lost our beloved COLF alumnus, Jed Soriano, at the age of 35.

Jed spent 14 years (1995–2009) at the Community of Learners Foundation. It was here that he built lifelong friendships and a foundation of fierce independence. Jed lived with Williams syndrome, but a diagnosis never defined the size of his life.

Because of the loving environment COLF provided, Jed lived a life of deep purpose. He paid it forward by taking on responsibilities as an Assistant Teacher at Bagong Ilog SPED, and he worked proudly at Unilab Medvale from 2018 up to the very day before he passed. Jed didn’t need a lot of words to make an impact; his actions spoke for him. He was a constant, calming presence with a generous heart, incredible discipline, and the sweetest smile. He loved good food, traveling to new places, and building connections. In every room he walked into, whether at school, work, or Church, Jed simply made people feel seen, safe, and entirely welcome.

Losing Jed shattered his family, but one truth remains absolute: Jed mattered. He mattered because his tiredness never stole his joy. He chose gentleness in a world that isn’t always gentle, and he loved people fully and without condition. As his family beautifully shared today: “If kindness alone could keep a person here, our Jed would have lived forever.”

As we remember Jed today, we hope the COLF community takes pride in the remarkable man they helped shape. In his memory, we hope his story inspires you to show up for someone today, just like Jed always did. 💚