By Edward Pormilos
CPUFOAAI Officers and Board of Directors held their virtual meeting.
The Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association, Inc. officers and Board of Directors held their first quarterly meeting for 2022 via Zoom last March 26, 2022 to discuss the Special Election and several matters. Presided by its President, Mr. Rod Gonzales, the meeting was attended by a total of sixteen participants.
Mrs. Melba Debulgado, Federation Treasurer, presented the audited financial report for the year 2021. She cited that nine chapters are considered active in terms of paying their annual dues.
Rev. Manuel de la Fuente, 2nd VP for USA, reported that chapters in the Northeast USA Region remained restricted to gather in-person due to the ongoing pandemic especially with news of deaths of some members due to Covid-19.
The Chapter Presidents presented updates of their respected associations. Mrs. Arlene Poblador of Southern California relayed their yearly calendar of activities. With activities for the year scheduled in advance, members can conveniently book for the next fellowship in case they missed the scheduled meeting. Sid Emmanuel and Daryl de la Cruz echoed that the Vancouver group will meet in-person in April while the Victoria group is scheduled to gather in July. Pastor Edward Pormilos of Northern California reported that the death of a long-time member prompted them to organize a Zoom weekly Bible Study in support of the surviving widow with the participation of available members. The weekly study also provides regular online fellowship to keep in touch with members as the Chapter prepares to resume the in-person fellowship in April during the Memorial Service. This will be followed by the Annual Picnic in June in time for the renewal of commitments for the Chapter’s Grant-in-aid sponsorship and the Federation Special Election. Mrs. Yolanda Jain of Midwest USA shared that they met via Zoom in January and March. They are preparing for two in-person fellowships. The first will be with CPU President Robles and the second will be with BOT Chair Peter Corvera and family during the Annual Picnic in August. President Rod relayed that the Dubai UAE Chapter has just elected their new set of officers with Ryanne Tolones Dolorfino as the newly elected President.
Mrs. Perla Walters reported on the Federation Scholarship Program. Currently, the endowment fund balance has reached Three Million Pesos and only the interest is being used to fund the Program. She cited that the fund has an original balance of $25,000, which was sourced during the 2008 Global Reunion in Chicago that was hosted by the Midwest USA Chapter. A total of fifteen scholars are currently supported by the Program. Mrs. Flora Cudiamat, past President and current Adviser, shared that $1,200 was raised by her kids during her 70th Birthday for the Scholarship Program.
Regarding the next Global Reunion, President Rod mentioned that the Toronto Chapter is preparing for the year 2025. More updates and discussions will follow during the next quarterly meeting.
President Rod reminded and encouraged everyone to participate in the nomination for the Distinguished Centralian Award, which is now open.
Mr. Lee Plagata, Nomination Committee Chair, reported about the Special Election 2022 Nominations process. Mr. Edwin Arroz, Election Committee Chair, mentioned that voting will be done per Chapter either online or in-person with proxies if not available during the in-person gathering. Bona fide voters or members in good standing must have paid their Chapter membership dues for the year 2020-21. Chapters in good standing must have paid their annual Federation dues for the year 2020-21 to participate in the Nomination & Election. The Regional VPs were reminded to reach out to member Chapters to promote the nomination and election. The following are important dates related to the Nomination and Election:
APRIL 30, 2022 – Chapters in good standing submits the PARTIAL list of members in good standing to the Election Committee Chairman and the Corporate Treasurer
MAY 31, 2022 – Nominations deadline from Chapter Members
MAY 31, 2022 – Chapters in good standing submits the list of members in good standing the Nominations Committee for validation of the nominees & nominator
JUNE 20, 2022 – Nominations finalized and voters finalized and ballots framed
JUNE 25, 2022 – Final nominations and ballots to CPUFOAA – Quarterly Meeting
JUNE 26, 2022 – Ballots to be sent to Chapters by the Election Committee
JUNE 30, 2022 – Chapters in good standing submits the FINAL list of members in good standing to the Election Committee Chairman and the Corporate Treasurer for validation of the voters
JULY 1-6, 2022 – Election on Chapters in good standing
JULY 7, 2022 – VP of Chapters participating finalizes chapter election results
JULY 15, 2022 – Election Result from Chapter Members participating
JULY 22, 2022 – Election Committee consolidates results from Chapter Members and send to all Chapters participating for validation
SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 – Official Election Result to CPUFOAA in the Quarterly Meeting
DECEMBER 15, 2022 – Virtual Induction of the New Set of Officers (2023 – 2024) with the last Quarterly Meeting
The meeting ended with high hopes of normalcy from the restrictions of the pandemic and for a continually dynamic Federation ahead.