Blacktown, NSW. 20 February 2010. In line with its 30th anniversary this year, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Australia (UPAAA), NSW Chapter kicked off the celebrations with the induction of its new set of officers for 2010-2012. Inducting Officer was Ms Susan Vogels, Manager of Sydney West Multicultural Services Inc. The affair was held at the Max Webber Library Function Room in Blacktown.
Ms. Vogels praised the association for its continued support of (new) migrants and their fellow Filipinos, and their commitment to education. UPAAA has an ongoing scholarship program for poor but deserving students in the Philippines.
The new set of officers replacing the group headed by outgoing President Alice Azucena are: Marie Balce, President; Pamela Ventura, External VP; Jet Aserios, Internal VP; Clavel Vergara, Secretary; Ruth Cruz, Treasurer; & Mica Arellano, Internal Auditor. They were all elected last 11th of December 2009.
There are several events planned to mark the UPAAA’s 30th anniversary. These include the annual Oblation Cup to be held on the 5th of April, Easter Monday this year.
UPAAA NSW expects that its second scholar, Miko Masangkay will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the UP Los Baños campus this year. This was reported during the AGM by Corazon C. Sinha, who now heads the association’s committee on scholarship.
Ms. Sinha also proudly announced that the groups’ first scholar, Redd Nuñez who graduated from UP Visayas has been sending updates about his work in Japan. He was sent by his company there when he passed the PHILNITS (Philippine National IT Standards) and the Japanese Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level 3.
For its part, Sydney West MSI has been in the forefront of providing practical assistance and services to help relieve poverty, distress and misfortune of disadvantaged and marginalised people in the Western Sydney area.
As a non-profit community organisation, it seeks to empower everyone, regardless of ethnic, cultural or religious backgrounds to lead progressive and dignified lives.
With both groups working together, UPAAA can only mean good news to the people of Australia and those living in the Philippines!
This writer is proud to be a member of this relevant and meaningful organisation!
Sydney West MSI can be contacted at info@sydwestmsi.org.au
For membership in UPAAA, contact info.upaaansw@yahoo.com