October 6, 2004. Congratulations to the Philippine-based alumni and it’s officers for a successful Pearl Jubilee and 3rd Grand Alumni Homecoming! From what we have seen and heard, and by the pictures and postings in the Forum section, it appears that everybody seemed to have a great time. Indeed, we wish we were there. Unfortunately, not many of the foreign-based alumni were able to participate despite early postings and invitations through our website. The absence was sorely felt according to our old classmates and friends back home. They wished we were there too.

     However, according to Alumni President Dr. Patricio Palmes, attendance was disappointing and almost pathetic for the symposia; even the keynote speech was badly attended. As expected, most people just showed up for the fun part: the party. Little so far has been said or posted about the “serious” and productive part of the whole Jubilee. It’s just all about the fun and the partying as usual. Nothing much is mentioned about projects, plans and accomplishments besides the well-earned awards given to some of our esteemed colleagues.

     Well, we know that there should have been a lot more than just a homecoming party. Whatever plans and pursuits our home-based alumni have laid out, we have not been informed of. Based on the lopsided attendance, perhaps the officers may think maybe nobody is interested anyway; they already had their fun out of the gathering. Indeed, the vast majority of the works that the alumni association delves into are homecomings and reunion parties of sorts (according to feedback). The projects seem less participated or publicized.

     It was not all fruitless in our perspective however. The link at least has now been laid to bridge the ties overseas. I have been in communication with Dr. Palmes and the College of Medicine before and after the Pearl Jubilee Celebration. An official letter has been sent to him and the College, together with a copy of the list of officers and the Constitution and By-Laws. Unfortunately, it was too late for inclusion in the sponsorship and souvenir program. There was disappointment that we were not able to send any money or contribution. My response was that we still don’t have enough money, as we don’t even have enough to maintain a minimum average daily balance in our official checking account.

     Notwithstanding this lack of presence and cash, they gladly and politely included us in the program. The International Chapter was officially acknowledged that evening and tacitly approved. I did ask them for an official document, so we can apply for Board of Education documentation here for a tax-exempt organization, but there is neither letter nor word yet if this will happen. I asked them to send us also a list of project proposals that we can work with hand in hand in the future. In addition, they were invited to participate more in the website forums even though a lot of them (sadly) don’t even have computers or Internet service or know how to use them. Because of the website, our VP and Webmaster Dr. Rolour Garcia was given accolades in absentia. In the near future, we are hoping for more collaboration and communication to be able to actually do more for our good ole’ College. But I will not hold my breath.

     Regarding projects, we have made a little bit of progress. We now have an official WVSUCMAA-IC bank account, which is linked to an online Paypal Account. The business checking account is with Harris Bank. We can do online transactions such as receiving payments or donations thru Paypal, or accept traditional checks and send official checks under the official name of WVSUCMAA-IC. But this may not last long. Our funds have ceased to increase due to meager memberships and donations/fees. Some money is being used to maintain our official Las Vegas address, sending 3 Balikbayan Boxes to the College of Medicine, and Paypal fees. At least three boxes with medical journals and supplies have been sent, others directly through our members. We have also started selling Bacardi Rum Cakes, courtesy of Dr. “Teray” Demavivas. While a few of the officers are spending personal money and their time to run the website and the projects, most of the other officers have neither posted nor emailed or called at all since April 2004. It is hard indeed to run an organization wherein the officers are separated by more than 50 states. If memberships and donations don’t increase soon, the penalty for having a balance below the minimum average daily balance will get the checking account closed in a matter of a few months.

     While other organizations have thousands of dollars, we who are supposed to be doctors, nurses and working professionals who earn dollars can’t even keep a bank account of 500 flippin’ bucks. Doctors and nurses of other alumni groups send donations in the hundreds and thousands of dollars, and send ambulances and computers to their alma mater but we can even barely send Balikbayan boxes with old journals, and nearly expired medicines and medical supplies. Where the heck are the WVSUCOM alumni who are now living in this land of plenty? Where is that heart of concern, of generosity, of altruism? We all have bills to pay, but if we can buy BMW’s and 65 inch plasma screens, perhaps we can send a few hundred bucks to buy the College some new computers and PBL materials or the University Hospital some new beds and medicines for charity patients.

     The few alumni who have and still send their support and even just their input in our forum are highly commended and appreciated. It is hoped that you will continue to do so and encourage more participation. Now that the bridge has been built to collaborate with the local alumni, maybe now we can do more. However, this appeal is also sent to all other alumni and anyone concerned out there. Our alma mater needs our help. May this appeal not fall upon deaf ears.

     For comments, please post at the Forum »

     For previous articles - click here.