Peregrin “Perry” Camilon Francisco, GN’69, BSN’71
UPNAAI President, 2012-2013
This is to thank our UPNAAI membership who voted to elect our 2014-2015 Board Members. Congratulations to all seventeen (17) of them. My best wishes on their UPNAAI leadership. More than ever before, we have representatives from many parts of the US. UPNAAI’s growth is visible. Our 34th Annual Reunion was also a reflection of our growth, with the increased number of participants during education day, Class luncheon roll call, and Gala night. The record attendance of our celebrating Jubilarians was another testimony to our health, wealth, but most especially to the leadership tenacity of the class organizers. This will be a challenge to the celebrating classes for the 35th UPNAAI Reunion to be held in New York City, NY. I call on all classes, year ending ’05 and ’00, to start organizing now. Prepare your Yearbook Ads and special Gala presentation number.
It is my honor serving as your President. Your unprecedented support and engagement demonstrated your UP spirit. Together, we accomplished the goals I set forth for 2012-2013.
1. Maintain the legacy of excellence through the annual educational conference and UPCN status report. UPNAAI had record breaking participation from the US and the Philippines, with educational programs provided to maintain the excellence of the College and the graduates. Marlon Saria, UPNAAI 1st VP, Chairman of the Education Committee, together with the Committee members, made all these possible.
2. Increase UPNAAI general membership beyond our projection and expectation. We broke our 700 membership record because of a 12% increase in the number of new life and annual members from January 2012 to November 2013 The leadership of Jesusa “Toots” Santa Barbara Czach, 3rd VP and Chairman of the Membership Committee, with the support of the class coordinators, proved to be the force that reeled them in.
3. Revitalize UPNAAI Chapter formation through Regional efforts forming a Western Region, Eastern Region, North Central Region and South Central Region. This remains to be a challenge. I call on the leadership of many from the different parts of the US to unite and organize. To form a Chapter, use UPNAAI’s help. You only need 20 members to get started. Think of your neighboring states. Through conference calls, you can be united and host our next Reunion in your area. DELMARVA Chapter accomplished it in one year and hosted the 2012 Reunion, while they were only two years of being organized. Use your strong UP spirit and “can do” attitude.
4. Streamline the UPNAAI By-Laws, Policy & Procedure and guidance documents for a transparent operation. Thanks to the leadership of Emerita “Emy” Geluz Goodrich and Jessie Ivins, the UPNAAI By-Laws were amended to reflect our operation. We will keep our by-laws relevant to our practice.
5. Upheld UPNAAI's 501(c)3 status through a crystal clear understanding of the law. We received tremendous gratitude for all the help we have provided to many non-profit causes in the US, as well as from our beloved UPCN and PGH. The UPCN students and faculty continue to lead nursing education in the Philippines and all over Asia. The UP curriculum is being replicated for its excellence and advanced practice. PGH remains to be a mecca for diagnosis, treatment, research, and community outreach. Let us continue to help and make it a healthier world to live in.
Again, many thanks for your continued support to UPNAAI. I urge everyone to reach out and be counted as a member. Let us all remember that UP gave us our greatest professional head start, which made us the greatest “healthcare professional” in the world. Let us give back, because if not now, when? God bless us all. Enjoy and stay safe. We’ll see each other in New York. Mark your calendar for August 1-2, 2014.
