All hands on deck. Ship sails onwards.
Council engine firing on all cylinders.
Teams working like Swiss watches.
What more can I say?

The first six months of 2010, as with the entire 2009, has been very busy and so filled with activities.  I can only thank the general membership for its support and involvement and would like to recognize the outstanding individual and collective workings of the Council.

Annual General Meeting

Attended by more than 80 members, was held on March 26 at the Filipino Centre Toronto where the main event was my Annual Report to the general membership.  All the Council members took turns in presenting their respective parts. Upon duly seconded motion, the Report was accepted without objection. For members, you must log in, if you want to click here  to go the AGM Report page for the slide presentation of the President’s Report. 

Career Development & Mentoring Program

Ten months on the drawing board, a group of dynamic and youthful members under the guidance of two Council members successfully implemented a 7-week seminar series on “Getting the Right Job.” With subject matter experts as resource speakers, the seminars went on weekly from February 7 through April 17 and capped by a “Pub Night” (sort of graduation party) on April 30.  Please check out CD article on Home Page.

 12 UP grads participated in this pilot program with 4 of them having landed jobs during or right after the seminars. With partnership from a major banking institution, we intend to hold an expanded version of the series in this coming Fall season.

Golf Tournament

Dubbed TEE UP HIGH, this tournament was intended to raise funds for the existing UPAA Endowment Funds that are being managed and administered by UP Foundation in Diliman. The first tournament, held last May 30 at the Lionhead Golf and Country Club, was so well planned and so well executed by the TUH Committee that it not only raised more than $10,000 in net proceeds (the exact figure is still being finalized), but also raised the profile of UPAAT in the community.

The amount, when finally determined, will all go to the Endowment Funds (Professorial Chairs and Scholarship Fund).  UPAAT is thankful to the many corporate and individual sponsors that the TUH Committee was able to solicit. The tournament was executed with the precision of a Swill watch, with almost 50 volunteers working in the most amazing coordination. Click here for the TUH link.  

Internal Communication and Information Management

The new website serves as the backbone for internal communication and external marketing. Launched last December, it was built strictly by members under the guidance and management of a senior Council member using new technology. In addition to being our main marketing platform, it also provides timely information to and vital support for membership retention and recruitment.

 Membership Retention and Recruitment

The Kapihan breakfast series continues to draw excellent attendances thanks to good programming, good food at reasonable prices, and the use of electronic invitations and announcements. What is very encouraging is that more and more members from younger sets are participating. 

With timely, accurate and sound information management support, we are able to reach out to new recruits and respond to member inquiries more promptly and more effectively.  Roster of paid members stands at all time high. We expect our roster to grow even more by year end.

 Public relations

We have had high visibility in the community, thanks to regular press releases and to high profile activities.  We continue to extend our community assistance to the extent of our ability as we did last September when we raised $15,000 in one month for Ondoy typhoon victims. We continue to fully cooperate with other organizations such as the Philippine Colleges and Universities Alumni Association, the Filipino Centre, the Filipino Canadian Medical Association, Kalayaan, and other community-based activities.

Video and photo coverage of our activities, and their subsequent publications in the electronic media, is nothing short of excellent. Please check out our photo gallery.

Financial health

Our financial condition is healthy and stands at comfortable levels, thanks to responsible fiscal and financial management.  At the Annual General Meeting last March, a complete financial report was rendered.  Members may request for a copy.

 As we face the second half of this year, preparations are under way for the following:

• Transfer of new donations to the UPAAT professorial Chair and Scholarship funds in Diliman through the UP Foundation;
• Getting ready with our full participation in Summerfest and regaining back the overall championship trophy;
• Preparing for our 2^nd Iron Chef competition and picnic;
• Laying the ground work for an expanded Career Development Seminar to include Filipino non-UP professionals and new immigrants;
• Planning for a general meeting to pay tribute to Past Presidents, slated for November 13.
• Paving the way for Constitutional amendments

I cannot thank my Council enough for their dedication and hard work towards achieving the goals we have set for our term of office.  I also have to recognize the many other regular members, those who diligently and unselfishly work at the committee level for their invaluable contribution to overall success. 

As we forge ahead through 2010 and the remaining months of our term, we hope to get the same level of support that have had so far. Thank you.

Joe Zagala

President