On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the city of Milpitas, California, celebrated a monumental occasion with the dedication of the Jose Esteves Library at 160 N. Main Street. Presided over by Mayor Carmen Montano, the naming ceremony honored José Esteves, a six-term mayor whose remarkable journey and unwavering commitment to public service have left an enduring legacy. With heartfelt congratulations, we join the community in saluting José Esteves—Mabuhay ka, we are so proud of you.

José Esteves, an immigrant from Dagupan, Pangasinan, Philippines, graduated from the University of the Philippines with degrees in B.S. Civil Engineering and Industrial Engineering. After a dedicated career in San Jose until retirement, he served Milpitas as mayor for six terms, championing education, unity, and progress. His passion for the Milpitas Library, one of his proudest projects, was evident in his moving speech at the ceremony. “This library is so meaningful to me,” Esteves shared, reflecting on its role as a haven for knowledge, community involvement, and empowerment. He expressed profound gratitude to God, his wife Susan, daughter Irene, son-in-law Nam Pham, and grandchildren Dominic and Melody, presenting flowers to Susan in a touching moment.

The event was a vibrant celebration, attended by distinguished guests, friends, and community members of diverse ethnicities. Esteves thanked the Milpitas City Council—past and present, including Mayor Carmen Montano, Vice Mayor Garry Barbadillo, Councilmembers Evelyn Chua, William Prieto, and Hon Lien, and former Councilmember Anthony Phan—as well as elected officials, the Milpitas Recreation and Community Services Team, and the Achievers band from Friends of Children with Special Needs, and popular singer Arriane Del. The morning was filled with high-energy music, delicious refreshments, and joyful photo sessions with Esteves and his family against the backdrop of the Milpitas Jose Esteves Library logo.

The library itself, a 60,000-square-foot gem in the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), is the largest in the system and welcomed over half a million visitors in FY24-25, circulating nearly 2.5 million items. Open 71 hours a week, it incorporates the historic Milpitas Grammar School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993. Esteves praised the SCCLD and Community Librarian Kelly McKean for their exceptional service, noting the library’s transformative impact on Milpitas’ residents and students.

Esteves’ speech reflected on his journey and the values he holds dear: education, equity, and community. Recalling his roots in a place where library resources were scarce, he emphasized the privilege of education and his hope that the Jose Esteves Library inspires youth, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to pursue knowledge and public service. “When you see this sign,” he urged, “remember parents, teachers, and educators—especially immigrants—who sacrificed for the next generation’s education.”

The ceremony was a testament to Esteves’ legacy as a leader who built bridges and fostered opportunity. His call to “continue serving and giving” resonated with the crowd, inspiring all to carry forward the values embodied by the library: literacy, cultural celebration, and empowerment.

Congratulations, José Esteves, on this well-deserved honor. Your journey—from Dagupan to Milpitas, through education, a career in San Jose, and six terms as mayor—has shaped a brighter future for our community. The Jose Esteves Library stands as a beacon of your vision, inspiring generations to learn, connect, and serve. Mabuhay ka, and thank you for your enduring contributions to Milpitas.( TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada) #MilpitasJoseEstevesLibrary #MilpitasCA #FilAm #Pilipinas #Joseesteves #mayorcarmenmontano