Published  at Philippine Sentinel, February 2016 and Kalatas, March 2016 –  by Pam Ventura

The new officers of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Australia – New South Wales Chapter were sworn into office by Cr. Edmond Atalla MP last 6^th of February at the Max Webber Function Centre in Blacktown.

Serving for the term 2016-2018 are Dr. Corazon Catibog-Sinha (President), Alice Bergonia (Internal Vice President), Tiffi Ramos (External Vice President), Cresmar Yparraguirre (Secretary), Mica Arellano (Treasurer) and Christine Paul (Internal Auditor).  They were unanimously elected during the Association’s Christmas party on the 28^th of November 2015.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Sinha said that she hopes to continue UPAAA-NSW’s efforts including its Scholarship Grant for poor but academically-deserving UP students, its annual tree-planting during Planet Ark’s National Tree Day and its communications (website, Facebook and newsletter), among others.  She also pointed out that the main challenges for this term are to undertake community engagement activities (for which a committee has been established), review the Association’s Constitution and continue promoting its objectives while always linking it to the motto “Unity, Community and Loyalty”.  Special guest Cr. Atalla, representative of Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali, also cited the scholarship project, saying that “the best gift to give anyone is education”.  In sharing his story of how he got into public service, he also encouraged the association to “continue on your path, your objectives”.

Now on its 36^th year, UPAAA-NSW is one of the pioneer Filipino organisations in the state. It aims to (1) assist UP in the fulfilment of its mission as an academic institution, (2) assist in the development and welfare of alumni in Australia and in the Philippines, (3) and foster socio-cultural development and interaction between the Association and the Australian community. For more information, visit the websites http://upaaa-nsw.org and www.facebook.com/UPAAANSW.

The University of the Philippines, in partnership with ABS-­CBN Corporation, GMA Network, and CNN Philippines, has launched the UP sa Halalan 2016 project to promote clean, honest and empowering elections in the Philippines in May 2016. Click on the image below to visit the website.

UPAAA-NSW hosted its 7^th Oblation Cup Golf Tournament for the benefit of its Scholarship Grant on Easter Monday, 6th of April at the Rosnay Golf Course in Auburn.

Danny Martinez of Marayong won the coveted Cup. Under the system 36 format, his net score was 65 for which he received the prize of $200, the overall champion trophy and elevated his name to a space on the perpetual trophy.  Other winners were: Grade A- Kit Sta. Barbara, Grade B- James Frazer and Grade C- Ric de Vera. The runners-up were: Grade A- Bernie Balagtas, Grade B- Alvin Rebulado and Grade C- Ramon Estoque.  Winners of the “nearest to the pin” on par 3s were: Arnie Santos, James Frazer, Romy Aquino, Joe Baduria, Joe Cura, Tony Vivero, Max Borromeo and Kit Sta. Barbara.  Max Borromeo and Joe Cura each donated their $25 prize to the Grant.  A total of 75 golfers participated in the fundraising event co-chaired by Engr. Ferdi and Dr. Cora Francisco.

So far, five UP scholars were successfully supported and graduated by the program since 2008. All of them are now well-employed in their own fields:  two in information technology (IT), and one each in teaching, agriculture and science research. Currently, two scholars are being supported at the UP Visayas in Tacloban, Leyte, the area most devastated by the typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013.

The golf event was blessed with a perfect weather and a sumptuous BBQ buffet lunch prepared by the UP alumni.  It was supported by the following major sponsors: Ayala Land International Sales Inc, headed by Zara Apolinario, Reming Biala, Zignal Travels, Australian Institute of Commerce and Language (AICL), Jess Arranz and Jet Aserios.

Photo: (L-R) Dr. Cora Francisco (Co-Chairperson), Ric de Vera (winner Grade C), James Frazer (winner Grade B), Keith Sta. Barbara (winner Grade A), Danny Martinez (overall champion), Alvin Rebulado (runner-up Grade B), Ferdi Francisco (Co-Chairperson) and Jet Aserios (UPAAA-NSW Chapter President). Not in photo; Bernie Balagtas (runner-up Grade A) and Ramon Estoque (runner-up Grade C). See our gallery for more photos.