UP Alumni & Associates in Manitoba, Inc. [Staging Site]

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  • PalarOlympics Season 5

    PalarOlympics Season 5

    group picPalarOlympics 2015 was hosted by UPAA-MB Membership Committee at Kildonan Park on August 29, 2015.

    It was a neck and neck competition between the Green and the Orange teams. The teams were tied-up after 6 games: Dr. Quack Quack, Egg Catching, Chinese Garter, Siyato, Patintero, and Dodgeball. The Green Team won overall with a .02% edge above the Orange Team in the Cheering Competition Event with their rally chant “Kami ang Green, Panis ang Orange!” in the tune of “Now watch me whip. Now watch me nae nae”.

    The organization would like thank all the members who made this event exciting and fun starting with the Flores Family, Quijano Sisters & Aaron E., Buenaventura Family, Maramag Family, Fabian Family, Gonzales Couple, Norman Garcia (current UPAA-MB Chairperson), Lourdes Casañares, Danjae Medina, Aimee Ronabio and Ramon Sales (former UPAA-MB Chairperson). Special thanks to the UP Alumni who joined the event: Alvin Diaz and Family, Eppie Austria and son, Gian, Tine Pau and Family, Dot Del Rosario, and Wella Realon. The organization hopes that everyone will continue to be a part of the growing UPAA-MB family.jump! Orange team

    Kudos to all the members of the Membership Committee, especially to Jullie Quijano, former UPAA-MB Chairperson, who led and officiated the Palaro. It was heard from the grapevine that it was the best officiated Palaro so far–there were no protests.

    By: Mervin Maramag

  • Lifelong Seminar 2: On Entrepreneurship and Starting a Business

    Lifelong Seminar 2: On Entrepreneurship and Starting a Business

    Whatever we do in life, it is essential that we never stop learning new things. Starting a business enables one to unlock hidden talents and abilities to achieve greater things like financial independence, career advancement and increase contribution to society.

    UPAA-MB members attended a seminar about “Starting a Business in Manitoba” on July 4 at Sir William Stephenson Library. The guest speaker, Valen Vergara, discussed key business principles particularly in start-up processes, brand management, and business strategies.

    Valen Vergara is an award winning social Entrepreneur, author, speaker, and B2C (business-to-consumer) marketer. He leads various business enterprises like Young Entrepreneurs Society International, The Thought Authorities (a personal development publishing company), The Worldwide Expedition for Peace & Truth Project Inc., Now Network Joint Ventures Corp., Team Made Estate (TMR), and Millionaire Mastermind Alliance. His life’s work is centered on mentoring, empowering, and investing in the field of human potential.

    Mr. Vergara highlighted the roles of various institutions that help people start their own business. These institutions and support groups include Entrepreneurship Manitoba, Manitoba Business Gateways, and Companies Office.

    He discussed the importance of building a “brand” by association, testimonials, achievement and by creating big impressions. He emphasized that one doesn’t need to quit his or her full-time job immediately when starting up a business. Valen said that entrepreneurs should focus on the business model and not the business plan, study the market by researching potential clients and competitors, and conduct micro-testing to assess the acceptability of the product/services before doing full-blown business launching.

    Valen donated a copy of his book, “The People, Planet, Profit Entrepreneur”, for every UPAA-MB members to read. For more information about Valen Vergara and his work, please go to www.valenvergara.com.

    By Norman Aceron Garcia, EIT

    Norman holding the book, The People, Planet, Profit Entrepreneur, written by Valen Vergara
    Norman holding the book, The People, Planet, Profit Entrepreneur, written by Valen Vergara

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  • UPAA-MB HOSTS FILIPINO BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

    UPAA-MB HOSTS FILIPINO BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

    UPAA Filipino Breakfast Fundraiser

    Two hundred thirty people attended the breakfast fundraiser organized by the University of the Philippines Alumni and Associates in Manitoba (UPAA-MB), Inc. on June 6 at Canton Buffet. A total of $1655 was raised through ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and 50/50 draw.

    Proceeds will go to the UPAA-MB’s bursary and charity donations. The organization will continue to award bursaries to deserving Filipino students. A portion will also be donated to the families of fellow UPAA-MB members who have lost their loved ones and are in need of financial help.

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    UPAA-MB would like to thank Canton Buffet, all the individuals who supported the fundraiser, and corporate sponsors such as Emmie Joaquin of Wealth Planning Group, Norman Garcia, EIT of Mr. Peg, Edwin Yazon Financial Services, Anna Juangco-Maniquiz, and Nikki Mailom – Ingga Sandals Distributor. The organization also acknowledges the generosity of Darren Gonzales for donating back the money he won from the 50/50 draw. The following media sponsors helped promote the event: Pilipino Express, Filipino Journal, and CKJS-AM.

  • Lifelong Seminar 1: Ways To Increase Engagement And Repeat Volunteerism

    Lifelong Seminar 1: Ways To Increase Engagement And Repeat Volunteerism

    Volunteerism is a huge part of the thrust of UPAA-MB as reflected in its annual activities of participating in various volunteer programs in Winnipeg. In line with this, the organization held a seminar about Organizational Development and Volunteer Management on March 14 at Sir William Stephenson Library. The guest speaker, Kevin Freedman, discussed key principles in managing the volunteer program of an organization.

    Kevin Freedman has been a volunteer himself for over 20 years for various organizations, activities, and initiatives. He received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in April 2014. He also founded The Water Conservation Challenge. Currently, he is the President of University of Winnipeg Alumni Council and the Corporate Speaker of Canadian Blood Services. He is holding and had held various leadership positions in the community including being a member of the Board of Trustee in Winnipeg School Division and member of the Board of Directors of Assiniboine Credit Union among others.

    Mr. Freedman started the seminar by highlighting key facts about the profile of volunteers in Canada. He mentioned that according to studies, sports and social services draw the most volunteers. Statistics also shows that younger people are more likely to contribute their time doing volunteer activities and that higher income, education, and involvement with religious groups correlate to volunteerism.

    He discussed a case study about how New York Cares, a leading volunteer organization in New York City, was able to increase activation rates, increase engagement and repeat volunteerism, and create new leaders. Mr. Freedman also talked about the 13 Steps to Driving Recruitment, Engagement, and Leadership by Nancy Schwartz, publisher of Getting Attention e-update and blog. The original article is found here. According to the publisher, organizations may use these principles to improve volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention rates.

    The guest speaker emphasized the importance of training the volunteers properly, using targeted interactive communications to engage volunteers, and having feedback loops in nurturing an effective organizational volunteer program. To build an effective volunteer program, the organization must take into account the factors that draw, keep, increase, and drive-away volunteers.

    This year, UPAA-MB will be organizing series of Lifelong Learning Seminars as part of the objective to enrich the skills and knowledge of its members. The second seminar will be held in July.

    By Jeremy Malana and Nikki Mailom

  • University of the Philippines Alumni and Associates in Manitoba, Inc. (UPAA-MB, INC.) Constitution and by-Laws

    Article I

    NAME and LOGO

     

    Sec. 1. The official name of the organization shall be the “University of the Philippines Alumni and Associates in Manitoba (UPAA-MB) Inc.” [Hereinafter the “Association”], an adjunct organization supporting the University of the Philippines [hereinafter the “University”].

    Sec. 2. The logo of the Association shall consist of two concentric circles with the outer circle bearing the name of the Association and the year of its founding, and the inner circle showing: the Oblation in the foreground, half of a maple leaf fused with the map of Manitoba in the background, and the University’s motto at the bottom.

    Article II

    VISION

    An enabling environment wherein individuals and communities are able to realize their full potential and aspirations towards a just, harmonious society and economic prosperity that respects the integrity of the environment for the benefit of both the present and future generations.

    Article III

    MISSION

     The UPAA-MB is committed to harnessing the creative abilities and potential of its members by engaging in initiatives that raise the profile of and give back to the Filipino community and Manitoba in general.

     

    Article IV

    OBJECTIVES

     The Association shall have the following objectives:

    Sec. 1. To promote camaraderie and cooperation among members in a way that upholds the ideals of the University of the Philippines: honour, excellence, leadership and holistic human development;

    Sec. 2. To engage with Filipino and other organizations in various initiatives that promote cultural diversity, social unity and cooperation;

    Sec. 3. To assist members and the Filipino community, in Manitoba and in the Philippines, in improving opportunities for education and training that will help develop their full potential;

    Sec. 4. To give due recognition to alumni and other individuals of Filipino heritage for their exemplary achievements and contributions to the Manitoba community.

     

    Article V

    MEMBERSHIP

     Sec. 1. Regular Members

    a. Any individual who is a holder of any degree, title, or certificate, or who is a former regular student of the University having earned at least sixty (60) academic units may become a regular Member of the Association, upon completion of the membership form, payment of membership fees, and fulfillment of the required annual attendance of at least six (6) of Association- sanctioned meetings and events.

    b. Any individual who has completed a course or a program at the University in which the University does not grant a degree at the time of completion of such course or program, and has subsequently graduated from a post secondary education institution recognized by the Board of Directors as a “university”, may become a regular Member of the Association, upon completion of the membership form, payment of membership fees, and fulfillment of the required annual attendance of at least six (6) of Association- sanctioned meetings and events.

    Sec. 2. Associate Members

    Any individual who has shown special interest in the Association, may be nominated to become an Associate Member by any Regular Member in good standing of the Association and may be elected by such by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, upon completion of the membership form, payment of membership fees, and fulfillment of the required annual attendance of at least six (6) of Association sanctioned meetings and events.

    Sec. 3. Honourary Members

    Former members of the faculty and administration of the University, parents who have sent at least three (3) children to the University, and alumni may be nominated to become Honourary Members by any regular member in good standing of the Association and may be elected as such by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

    The Board of Directors may confer to any person who has rendered outstanding service to the University, the Association, and the Filipino community in Manitoba the position of Honourary Member of the Association.

    Sec. 4. Application for Membership

    Any eligible individual who meets the definition of Regular Member as defined in Sec 1 of this article can apply for membership by completing the Membership Application Form and paying the annual membership fee. The Membership Committee will then approve his/her membership application and include him/her in the official roster of members and mailing list as deemed appropriate.

    Sec. 5. Renewal of Membership

    Membership can be renewed every year at the Annual General Meeting upon verification or updating of current personal information and payment of fees.

    Sec. 6. Removal of Members

    Any member may be suspended or expelled for non-fulfillment of duties as a member, or for conduct contrary to the objectives or otherwise detrimental to the interests of the Association.

    The Board of Directors may delete categories of members conferred by the Board of Directors and any membership therein.

    No member shall be expelled, suspended, or otherwise penalized without due process. Final decision on the imposition of penalties shall be made by the Board of Directors.

    Sec. 7. Duties and Responsibilities

    Every member shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

    a. To complete application/renewal forms and to ensure that information is current

    b. To pay Association dues

    c. To meet attendance requirements of the Association.

    d. To select a committee to work with

    e. To promote the Association to potential members

    f. To exercise one’s right to vote

    g. To confirm attendance in all sanctioned activities

    Sec. 8. Rights and Privileges

    All members, Regular and Associate, who satisfy duties a to c of section 7 of this article, are considered as members in good standing. Every member in good standing shall have the following rights and privileges:

    a. To propose amendments and resolutions and to vote on those presented at the meetings above mentioned.

    b. To inspect the records and books of accounts of the Association.

    c. To receive, upon payment of the proper fees, publications of the Association.

    d. To nominate and elect members of the Board of Directors

    e. To be nominated and elected as members of the Board of Directors

     Sec. 9 Conduct of Members

    No member shall behave in any conduct contrary to the objectives or otherwise detrimental to the interests of the Association.

    No member shall use the name and/or logo without prior consent of the Board of Directors.

     

    Article VI

    GOVERNING BODY

     Sec. 1 Board of Directors

    The governing body of the Association shall be its Board of Directors [hereinafter the “Board”].

    The Board shall be composed of seven (7) directors, as elected by the members of the Association at the annual general meeting. They are as follows:

    • Chairperson
    • Secretary
    • Treasurer

    Heads for the following committees:

    • Membership
    • Fundraising
    • Social Responsibility
    • Information and Communication

    Sec. 2. Appointment of Assistant/Sub-Committee Heads

    Each committee shall appoint an Assistant/Sub-Committee Head who will assist and or assume the responsibilities of the Committee Head in his/her absence or whenever support is needed in order to fulfill the defined responsibilities of the committee.

    Sec. 2. Term of Office

    All officers and directors shall hold office for a term of two years commencing on January of the year following their election.

    Sec. 3. Transition Period

    a. The transition period will commence upon the election of the new board of directors and will end on December of the same year.

    b. The transition period will be used by the newly-elected officers to plan the activities for the next term and set the budget for each activity. All planned activities for the year shall be communicated to the Association on or before the beginning of their term.

    c. The transition period will serve as a venue for training and turnover of official Association documents, assets, and functions.

    Sec. 4. Duties and Responsibilities

    a. The Board shall establish policies and generate programs that support and fulfill the objectives of the Association.

    b. The Board shall have the power to fill vacancies in its membership due to death, resignation, permanent incapacity, expulsion, suspension, or employment in or immigration to a foreign country, or increase in the number of directors.

    c. In case of failure of election of a member or members of the Board of Directors to represent a unit or group of committee(s), the Board of Directors by an affirmative vote of a majority thereof, may designate any qualified member of the Association as director to represent the committees concerned from among the nominations made in writing by a representative group affected by the vacancy.

    d. The Board of Directors may create bodies and offices and authorize the establishment of ad hoc committees as it may deem proper and necessary.

    e. The Board shall hold meetings at least once every month or more often, as it may deem appropriate.

    Article VII

    DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

     Sec. 1. Chairperson

    a. The Chairperson shall be the Executive Officer of the Association, and as such shall have executive management of the operations of the Association.

    b. The Chairperson shall act as the official spokesperson of the Association.

    c. The Chairperson shall have the power to call meetings.

    d. The Chairperson shall serve as one of the signatories for the Association’s bank account.

    Sec. 2. Secretary

    a. The Secretary shall keep the records of all proceedings of the meetings of the Board of Directors, as well as the general membership of the Association. The Secretary shall discharge all other functions inherent to the position of Secretary.

    b. The Secretary shall open the minutes, records and other documents of the Association for inspection of legitimate members in good standing upon five (5) days prior notice.

    Sec. 3. Treasurer

    a. The Treasurer shall deposit in a reputable bank, within a reasonable period after receipt, all monies and properties of the Association. The Treasurer shall collect all dues, regular or special, and all donations to the Association and shall disburse funds in accordance with the By-Laws.

    b. The Treasurer shall submit a complete statement of accounts at the annual general meeting of the Association and discharge such other functions inherent to the position of the Treasurer.

    c. The Treasurer shall serve as one of the signatories for the Association’s bank account

     Article VIII

    COMMITTEES

     

    Sec. 1. Duties of the Head of a Committee

    The Head of a committee shall perform the duties customarily incident to his or her office, including duties as this constitution and the Board prescribe.

    Sec. 2. Membership Committee

    The Membership committee shall be responsible for assisting the Secretary in maintaining the member database and for establishing policies and creating opportunities that will help members connect with each other and that will help promote camaraderie among them.

    UPAA-MB, Inc. Constitution & By-laws | 5

    Sec. 3. Fundraising Committee

    The Fundraising committee shall be responsible for creating activities and opportunities that will enable the Association to solicit and gather contributions, monetary or otherwise, that will be used to pay the operating and program expenses of the Association.

    Sec. 4. Social Responsibility Committee

    The Social Responsibility committee shall be responsible for creating volunteer opportunities, spearheading the scholarship programs, and networking with Filipino and other organizations in Manitoba to achieve shared organizational objectives.

    Sec. 5. Information and Communication Committee

    a. The Information and Communication committee shall be responsible for maintaining the Association’s website;

    b. The committee shall assist in preparing all statements, news stories/articles for all press releases on all the activities and projects of the Association;

    c. The committee shall take charge of giving the press releases to all media outlets for information and promotion purposes;

    d. The committee shall arrange for any and/or all press conferences for TV and radio coverage of any and/or all major, significant events, activities of the Association;

    e. The committee shall coordinate with all media outlets on matters relating to the Association and its activities;

    f. The committee shall be responsible for disseminating information of the Association’s existence and for attracting potential members.

    Sec. 6. Special Committees

    The Board may establish any necessary special committee. Each special committee expires within one year (or, in the case of a committee appointed by the Chairperson, by the end of his or her term) unless the Board establishes it as a standing committee or otherwise extends it life.

     

    Article IX

    MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

     Sec. 1. Annual General Meeting (AGM)

    a. The members of the Association shall hold an Annual General Meeting in October of each year, the exact date of which shall be determined by the Board.

    b. All the members of the Association (Regular, Associate, and Honourary) are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting.

    c. The secretary shall record the attendance for the Annual General Meetings.

    d. If a member is absent without excuse from two (2) consecutive Annual General Meetings, then his/her membership status shall be reviewed by the Board.

    e. Business: Any member may attend and vote at the AGM, which shall enjoy the exclusive right of electing officers (Art. X) and directors (Art. VI), of amending this constitution (Art. XIII), and may also consider such reports and other business as the Association may submit for its consideration.

    f. Quorum: The members present at the AGM shall constitute a quorum.

    Sec. 2. Regular Meetings

    a. A regular meeting is defined as any sanctioned event including but not limited to planning sessions, team-building events, and charity/volunteer work.

    b. The schedule of regular meetings will be communicated prior to the beginning of the calendar year by the board.

    c. The association will be notified at least one month prior to the scheduled event by the committee in charge.

    d. The committee in charge shall record the attendance for the Regular Meetings and forward it to the Secretary.

    e. The committee in charge shall record the minutes of the activity and post it within a week.

    f. All regular and associate members are expected to attend at least six (6) of the regular meetings each year.

    g. If a regular or associate member is unable to attend six (6) meetings in a year, then his/her membership status shall be reviewed by the Board.

    h. All the members of the Board of Directors are expected to attend the monthly Regular Meetings.

    i. If a director is absent without excuse from three (3) consecutive meetings during his or her term, then the office or directorship shall be deemed vacant and a successor shall be duly elected.

    j. All honourary members of the association are welcome to attend the monthly regular meetings.

    k. Quorum: The members present at the meeting shall constitute a quorum.

    Sec. 3. Board Meetings

    a. The Board of Directors may hold a separate meeting either before or after the monthly Regular Meetings of members.

    b. The Board may schedule more or fewer meetings as necessary.

    c. The secretary shall record the attendance for the Board Meetings.

    d. If a director is absent without excuse from three (3) consecutive Board Meetings during his or her term, then the office or directorship shall be deemed vacant and a successor shall be duly elected.

    e. Quorum: Four (4) directors shall be a quorum for meetings of the Board.

    Sec. 4. Excused Absence

    The Board, by a two-thirds vote, may excuse for good cause a member’s absence from a meeting, in which case the absence shall not count. A motion for such an excuse is in order only if—

    • the member or director himself or herself requests the excuse by written notice to the Secretary,
    • the request is made by the first meeting following the absence; and
    • the member or director has not made a similar request during that term.

    Sec. 5. Voting at Meetings of Members

    Except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, all voting at any meeting of the Members shall be conducted by a show of hands.

    Except as may be restricted in any category of Members, each Member is eligible to vote at every meeting of the Members.

     

    Article X

    ELECTIONS

     

    Sec. 1. General Provisions

    Director: The Association shall elect the seven (7) directors, at the annual general meeting, for a two -year term as defined in Art.2 of Sec. VI.

    Qualifications: Any Regular Member of the Association may run for office and be elected as a director. No other qualifications shall be prescribed.

    Term: Each officer or director shall serve office from his or her election until his or her successor is elected as defined in Sec. 2 of Art. VI.

    Sec. 2. Elections Committee

    a. There shall be an Elections Committee which shall be responsible for the conduct of the elections of members of the Board of Directors. The Committee shall be composed of three members to be appointed by the Board of Directors.

    b. The Elections Committee shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the elections, returns and qualifications of members of the Board of Directors. It shall adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the discharge of its functions.

    c. The Elections Committee shall post the official list of candidates two weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.

    d. The Elections Committee is responsible for ensuring at least one nominee for each position.

    e. The Elections Committee shall be responsible for determining the validity of a nominee’s intent to decline their (his or her) nomination.

    Sec. 3. Nominations

    a. Nominations for all positions shall be made during the meeting of members in September.

    b. Each nomination shall require votes of support from at least two (2) members of the Association who are voting at the meeting.

    c. If a member is nominated for more than one position, he/she must submit a list ranking his/her preferred positions and reasons for such ranking.

    d. Nominees can submit a letter of decline to be submitted to the Elections Committee two weeks after being nominated or as determined by the Elections Committee.

    Sec. 4. Voting Procedures

    Elections will be held during the Annual General Meeting. The vote shall be taken by secret ballot. Election shall occur by the candidate garnering the most votes, disregarding (A) abstentions, and (B) votes cast for a candidate who (1) is ineligible for election, (2) was not nominated, or (3) has been excluded as provided herein. In the case of a tie, the meeting may invite each nominee to speak for up to three more minutes, then shall continue to ballot until an election occurs.

     

    Article XI

    FEES

     Sec. 1. ANNUAL FEE: Every member (regular, associate, and honourary) shall pay an annual fee of ten Canadian Dollars (CAD $ 10.00).

    Sec. 2. The Board of Directors may amend the aforementioned fee.

    Sec. 3. Fees are due upon submission of renewal or application form.

     

    Article XII

    EXPENDITURES

     

    All funds under the control of the Association, except funds held in trust for specific purposes, shall be used to pay the operating and program expenses of the Association. Funds shall be paid out only in accordance with budgets approved by the Board of Directors or, subject to the Bylaws, upon completion of an expense report and authorization of the Executive Committee. No special fund or deposit in the name, or constituting the property of, the Association shall be created without the prior authorization of the Executive Committee.

    Sec. 1. All funds under the control of the Association, except funds held in trust for specific purposes, shall be used to pay the operating and program expenses of the Association. Funds shall be paid out only in accordance with budgets approved by the Board of Directors or, subject to the Bylaws, upon completion of an expense report and authorization of the Executive Committee. No special fund or deposit in the name, or constituting the property of, the Association shall be created without the prior authorization of the Executive Committee.

    Sec. 2. The Board of Directors shall be allotted a maximum amount of $100.00 per year to defray the food costs of its meetings, subject to completion of an expense report and audit procedures.

    Article XIII

    AMENDMENTS

     The Board shall appoint five (5) members to form an ad hoc Constitutional Amendment Committee to review the proposed amendments, amend or repeal these By Laws or adopt new By Laws.

    Amendments to this Constitution will be presented to the Association at the Annual General Meeting and will be ratified by a majority vote of the members present.

    Drafted and ratified: October 15, 2011 First revision: October 20, 2012

    Second revision/date ratified: October 18, 2014

  • 10 Haiyan (Yolanda) victims in UPVTC Receive Bursary from UPAA-MB

    10 Haiyan (Yolanda) victims in UPVTC Receive Bursary from UPAA-MB

    UPAA-MB Inc. recently awarded a total of $2,297 or Php 92,117 to 10 students of the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College or UPVTC as a bursary for their university education.

    The top three recipients received $400 or Php 16,040 each and rest of the seven recipients received $148.14 or Php 5,940 each.

    It is the first time that UPAA-MB extended its bursary project to the Philippines and UPVTC was the chosen campus as it was among the hardest hit by the violent tropical cyclone or super typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) which caused catastrophic destruction and ravaged several cities and caused over 6,000 lost lives in the Philippines.

    Nine months after the storm, Jasper Aldoubursarys Salvador, a Freshman BS Computer Science student, one of the recipients, said “We would wake up everyday not knowing where to get money for school expenses like transportation fare, lunch and snacks, photocopying, etc.”

    He further explained that his father who used to be the sole provider for his family passed away last year and with typhoon Haiyan destroying their home and source of family income, he said, “It has gotten harder and we are still unstable. “

    The recipients of the bursary are mostly children of fish/snack/food vendors, pedicab (a small pedal-operated vehicle, serving as a taxi) and habal-habal (motorcycle with an extended seat to accommodate more passengers in a row) drivers, a farmer, a security guard, a soldier; while some have deceased fathers. 70% of the recipients have homemaker mothers and 30% have mothers who are snack or food vendors.

    10 Lives 10 Stories

    Chilet Mar Atok, (BA Social Sciences Political Science I) said, “My father is a “habal-habal” driver whose income depends on passengers. After super typhoon Yolanda, less and less people ride the “habal-habal” because they would rather walk to save the expense they would otherwise incur. This is bad news for our family because less passengers means less income for the family. This makes it very difficult for us to make ends meet especially because my mother had breast cancer and we have no financial capacity for her to undergo proper treatment.”

    Meanwhile, Abegail Bacsal (BA Psychology I), shared “Typhoon Yolanda greatly damaged business industries which pushed the prices of goods to increase. This made it harder for my parents to provide for us especially when earning money was already very, very difficult.”

    Razel Espedilla (BS Accountancy IV), also confirmed that the typhoon significantly affected their lives. “We are left with reduced income while confronted with the more expensive cost of living after the typhoon.” John Andrew Acala (BA Social Sciences Political Science I) added, “My family income is no longer enough to defray the growing expenses especially those relating to my studies.”

    Sharmaine Joy Enales, (BA Social Sciences Poilitical Science IV – graduating) meanwhile, said, “Yolanda made it even harder for my mother raising six children in the absence of my father. We used to get a little income from a portion of my grandfather’s earnings from coconuts. Now, this source is gone because of the heavy devastation caused by the typhoon.”

    Carolyn Pestilos (BS Management I) another recipient revealed, “My father is a food vendor at LNHS canteen. He used to sell snacks such as camote / banana cue and fruits such as Indian mango, rambutan, santol, etc. Since the agricultural sector was devastated by the Typhoon Yolanda, these commodities have become temporarily unavailable.”

    Wendell Saucelo, (BS Management II) meanwhile shared how the disaster affected them especially his mom. “It’s very hard because we had many concerns to attend to after the disaster and my mother had a mental health condition that needed attention. We had to seek help outside Tacloban since we couldn’t find adequate facilities in the city.”

    Shaira Wayne Tano (BA Social Sciences Economics I) also shared, “Our family earnings come only from the income my mother gets from selling banana cue as my father’s disability makes him incapacitated. Our already fragile situation worsened due to typhoon Yolanda. It was more difficult to buy bananas due to high market prices.”

    Jojo Pabunan, (BA Social Sciences Economics IV) meanwhile tries to remain positive, “Despite all the things the typhoon brought, we remained optimistic. The catastrophic event eventually encouraged us in the family to make every moment meaningful. It deepened our emotional and spiritual ties.

    Jasper Aldous Abesamis, (BS Computer Science I) also committed not to waste the opportunity. He said that the bursary “will be another inspiration for me. I will surely be more hard-working and will put all my attention to all my priorities in school…Surpassing my limits if I need to, I will finish any school activity or class requirement assigned to me before its deadline. Rest assured that the financial support not be squandered, misspend, or misused — every single centavo shall be spent wisely and right.”

    The bursary for these 10 recipients was made possible through the efforts of UPAA-MB, Inc. especially the Fundraising Committee which held a Breakfast fundraiser and the Bursary Committee which communicated and organized the bursary process with UP Tacloban Office of Student Affairs.

    “The bursary project is a good mechanism to give back to our alma mater,” Arwin Chua, Bursary Committee head said.

    *UPAA-MB, Inc. would like to thank the generous support of individual and corporate sponsors, and families and friends of UPAA-MB members who supported the Fundraiser. Gratitude is also extended to Professor Zenia Mariveles, Coordinator of UPVTC Office of Student Affairs; Dr. Anita Cular,  UPVTC Dean, who facilitated the bursary  process; and I-Remit which waived fees ($60) for five transactions of the bursary remittance.

    By Jeusa Raflores