A Message to USTMAA Philippines 67th Grand Alumni Homecoming.

A Message Delivered by Dr. Dante Gapultos, President of USTMAA in America to the 67th Grand Alumni Homecoming at Sangri-la, Makati. December 16, 2007.

To the Rector Magnificus, Fr Rolando de la Rosa; FMS Dean, Dr. Grace Garayblas-Gonzaga: FMS Regent, Fr. Winston Cabading; President, USTMAA Philippines, Dr Placido “Jun” Calimag: President, USTMAA Phil Foundation, Dr. Cynthia Flores-Fernandez; Pres Board of Directors, USTMAA Phil Foundation, Dr. Gil Gamilla; Fellow Alumni, Classmates, and Jubilarians: Good evening.

The UST Medical graduates as well as the medical graduates from the Philippines have been the target of ethnic insults in the public media. The USTMAA in America represents 7,000 member medical graduates from UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery out of 22,000 total Philippine medical graduates actively practicing in the US. That is roughly 30% of the total Filipino medical graduates practicing in the USA. The UST Medical Alumni Association in America and its Foundation spearheaded a Leadership Summit held in Las Vegas four weeks after the racial slur was made on the premier episode of the Desperate Housewives. The Summit created a Council named FALCON, an acronym for Filipino-American Leadership Council, consisting of several Philippine Medical Alumni in America, Fil-Am organization, headed by our very own alumni: Drs Primo Andres and Stella Evangelista, President and Secretary of the Council respectively. It is the FALCONS goal for Filipinos and Filipino-Americans to speak with one voice, a voice that collectively tells the public arena truly who we are and the virtues we possess. We can now have a clearing house for responding to inappropriate actions a manner that is organized, thoughtful, and accurate.

We were finding our Alma Mater facing dispute and strife few months ago. It is reassuring to know that the acting Rector Magnificus, Fr. Rolando de la Rosa will seek common grounds and find peaceful and prompt resolution to the issues. Hopefully an easy, simple “nga nga” solution will be on hand. We must keep in mind our goals so that we can attain our common vision. An American President, Abraham Lincoln, declared that, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
USTMAA in America and its Foundation in collaboration with USTMAA Philippines will continue to work towards making our Alma Mater a school noted for academic excellence. Likewise, we will pledge continued support to the indigent patients of its Hospitals and to national rebuilding with the neediest of our poor Filipinos in mind.
Christmas brings memories of happy time with schoolmates, friends and families. Let us celebrate our good fortunes by remembering our Alma Mater with a generous gift and a prayer of thanksgiving.

Message From President USTMAA Philippines Inc

Dear Fellow Thomasians:

Greetings and Happy Holidays!

December is a time of the year to see friends and colleagues of long ago who come to visit their Alma Mater. Some have traveled from the other side of the world, too0k off from work and really prepared for this occasion. It’s unbelievable how many years have passed and how each of us have surpassed the test of time –nurturing the medical education afforeded to us by the University, growing through experiences in various centers for learning-locally and abroad.
The UST Medical Alumni Foundation, Inc. aims to assist our Alumni and their beneficiaries in the various projects of the Association like affording Scholarships to deserving but less fortunate medical students, and conducting Medical Missions, Bioethics Seminars, community service and other related activities. We appeal to your generous hearts and enjoin you to support its fund raising activities.
I would like to congratulate all Fellow Jubilarians during this milestone and may the Lord bless you all!

Cynthia Flores-Fernandez, M.D.
President- USTMAA Foundation Philippines Inc. (Class 72)