by Kenneth K. Ong
It is at this time of the year when the dust settles and the winners of the UAAP are usually proclaimed. I remember fondly my college days rooting for the University of the Philippines Maroons but alas, watching them fall year in and year out. At least the UP Pep Squad provided the enough cheer to brighten up everybody’s faces. And speaking of which, I was privileged enough to be part of the induction ceremonies of the of new Board of Directors of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association Davao (UPAAD) Chapter last August 26, 2010 at Nanay Bebeng Restaurant, Dona Vicenta Village, Davao City.
Invited during the induction were the UP President Emerlinda R. Roman, the UP System officials, deans and the chancellors of UP Campuses represented by Dr. Luis Rey Velasco (UP Los Baños) Dr. Ramon Arcadio (UP Manila), Dr. Minda Formacion (UP Visayas), Dr. Grace Alfonso (Open University), and Dr. Gilda Rivero Chancellor. Also present were officials of UPMin, former UPAAD President Cherry Napala and the UP Mindanao Foundation (UPMFI) led by Chairman Sebastian L. Angliongto.
Roman swore-in and congratulated the new Board of Directors headed by Patrick Castro (Chairman), Celina Rances (Vice Chairman), Doris Tagle-Villareal (President), Jeffrey Jefferson Coronel (Vice President), Jerick Axalan (Secretary), Beverly Grace S. Hernandez (Assistant Secretary), Rene A. Estremera (Treasurer), Bryan Tenorio (Assistant Treasurers), Jose Embate, May Che Capili, Joel Sagadal, Sherwin Ramos, Rumulo Falcon, and Jose Nobleza.
The UPAAD was founded in December 3, 1949. The association clamored for the creation of UP in Mindanao for more than two decades, which was realized in 1995. Last year, the association celebrated its 60th anniversary. The association is based in Davao City where UP Mindanao (UPMin) is located. Recently, the association was recognized by the UPAA National Board as the “2010 UPAA Distinguished Service Award” last June 26, 2010 in Diliman, Quezon City. It is also a past awardee of the “Outstanding Chapter Award”.
UPAAD is a voluntary organization which aims to reach out UP alumni, revitalize their intellectual and emotional ties with the university, and nurture in them the spirit of service and giving. The association organizes programs and projects thru which UP alumnae can be of service to fellow alumni, to the university, to UP Mindanao, and to the Region.
UPAA also contributes to the development and advancement of its members through information dissemination, networking and participation, and socially responsive services and educational programs.
With a new and energized set of officers taking the helm, UP alumnae all-over the Davao region can expect more activities and projects that will awaken and revitalize the university spirit, just like the UP Pep Squad.
