By Cyrus A. Natividad
Pioneer Members and Officers of CPU Political Science Alumni Association.
It is good to remember that four decades after we parted ways as classmates in Political Science classes of 1980-84, a Grand Reunion was realized with a purpose of organizing a CPU Alumni Chapter called Political Science Alumni Association (PSAA). It started with a close group meeting of a few classmates available in Iloilo City. It was then or never for the hard working “ad hoc” committee to create it or not, during the weeklong homecoming celebration in October 2015.
The excitement of seeing our classmates again have encouraged the group to coordinate an event, and therefore an election. The program was facilitated by cooperation via social media. Then, the newly elected Officers of the Political Science Alumni Association led by PSAA President Eric Otayde was declared an official Alumni Chapter of CPU. University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles was there to administer the Oath of Office for the officers.
Many of the members were holding positions in government, some were entrepreneurs and businessmen, active legal and media practitioners, teachers and politicians. Once in a while, PSAA members meet on wholesome plans and activities. In the last national elections some PSAA members have become councilors and mayors –at least in Panay and Guimaras. The late City Councilor Johua Alim (former CPU AAI President) was a PSAA Chapter member; Mary Jean Te was Mayor of Libertad, Antique and Mateo Hachuela became Mayor of Dumarao, Capiz.
In updating members of the PSAA, Otayde declares that “We are still going strong, more than ever.” He added that “The Political Science Alumni Association’s (PSAA) valued tradition as a way of renewing our deep bond of friendship and fraternal ties; our coming together are abundantly enjoyed with food, cocktails, singing etc. With that, we proudly declare our get together as a “GIRINUAL REUNION”!
It is still the Central Spirit that motivates everyone to think back, to find time, place and worthwhile activities. But it’s in being a member of an alumni chapter that moves one to get involved and recreate to inspire happiness for everyone at the moment.