University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International, Inc. (UPNAAI) News

2016 UPNAAI President's Report

Sat, 15 Oct 2016 14:00:00 GMT

2016 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Edmund J. Y. Pajarillo, PhD, RN BC, CPHQ, NEA BC

Our current administration has been blessed with a strong cadre of officers and board members who are resilient, focused, collaborative, and motivated to elevate UPNAAI to a more professional organization and embrace the various changes we now are faced with. UPNAAI is a microcosm of the society that is presently evolving and faced with insurmountable challenges. But the Board is united and determined to align our organization with the regulatory and legislative requirements to help keep UPNAAI sustain its mission and vision.

At the beginning of our term, we deliberated and prioritized what our strategic goals will be during our term. In the order of priority, the following were decided to be our short-term goals:

Increase by 10% our current lifetime members by the end of 2017.
Increase by 10% the attendance to our convention events by the end of 2017.
Enhance the use of FB and the UPNAAI website in disseminating info to the members, increasing visibility of the organization, and improving the public image of UPNAAI.
Build in new board orientation during the face-to-face convention to begin the acquaintance and team building process early on.
Foster the welcome atmosphere to all attendees during the convention to encourage them to come back regularly.

The following list consists of our long-term goals:

Increase by 20% new lifetime members from the current number by 2020.
Ensure proper and timely turnover of organizational responsibility from administration to administration.
Establish and implement a long-lasting plan that reaches out to UPNAAI's membership for sustainability by engaging members to actively participate in all or any of its sponsored activities, as well as encourage non-member alumni to join the organization.
Maximize on the use of social media and the website to improve communication among members and potential members, as well as the efficient operation of its fiduciary responsibilities (financial reports, timely dissemination of information, etc.)
Establish a leadership development program to facilitate succession planning.

On behalf of the 2016-2017 Officers and Board of Directors of UPNAAI, I am proud to report the following accomplishments.

Under the leadership of Board Member and Chair, UPNAAI Website, Randelle Ian Sasa reports the following. If you have not visited our totally redesigned and enhanced website, please take time to peruse the pages. However, you need to register even if you are already a member to be able to access all the features, especially the member-only pages.

1. Acquisition of new online accounts that facilitate doing business using the Internet

1.1 upnaai@aol.com email

1.2 UPNAAI Stripe account - for credit card transactions

1.3 UPNAAI ECWID account - online retail store

1.4 UPNAAI WildApricot account - membership management software

1.5 UPNAAI GoDaddy account - domain name host

2. Migration of upnaai.org from a personal web server (from the previous Webmaster) to a third-party membership software company

3. Total redesign and markedly enhanced functionality of UPNAAI.org, which includes:

3.1 a dynamic, colorful and attractive home page vis-a-vis the static and drab home page in the previous years

3.2 personalized access to Members-only content given to all UPNAAI members

3.3 online member database management software

3.4 events management and online registration for the UPNAAI Convention and similar events

3.5 online store that can sell up to 10 items at a time

3.6 a secure, encrypted credit card payment facility to process payments to event registrations, online store purchases and donations

3.7 a centralized e-mail facility that can send email blasts, newsletters and notices to all registered members with a click of a button

3.8 an online bookkeeping system that is able to generate reports and quickbooks for all transactions via the website

3.9 discussion boards at different levels that facilitate exchange of ideas between members in a secure, encrypted environment

- Public forums - to facilitate exchanges between UPNAAI and the public

- Member's forums - to facilitate exchanges between UPNAAI members

- Board forums - to facilitate privileged communication between the UPNAAI Board of Directors

3.10 new sections in the website include:

- Photo roster of the 2016 Officers and Directors - familiarizes the UPNAAI membership and the public to their Officers and BOD

- Photo roster of the Past Presidents - a tribute to the legacy of UPNAAI's leaders from the yesteryears

- Dedicated page to all UPNAAI Chapters - a tribute to UPNAAI's chapters

- JVS Medallion page - provides information to the public regarding the JVS Medallion, its importance, criteria and honorees

- Donations page - allows the public to directly give to UPNAAI through a secure, encrypted credit card transaction

- Financial statements (Members' only) - to foster transparency and fiduciary accountability

- Annual Convention Proceedings (Members' only) - gives members the access to the Proceedings of current and past Conventions

4. Advocacy to raise the Website Committee's status from being a sub-committee to a standing committee in the UPNAAI Constitution and Bylaws

5. The UPNAAI website moved from being managed by a paid, third-party contractor to one that is owned and operated by volunteers from within the UPNAAI membership.

6. Re-organization to a 4-man committee (3 members and a Chair), each with distinct yet interdependent functions

7. Given the new and improved functionality of the Website, the Website Committee has increased collaborations with other UPNAAI Committees

Another important committee, the Constitution and By-Laws and Policy and Procedure Committee, headed by Debbie Butuyan takes pride in their accomplishments:

Formation and inclusion of committee members mostly from the younger batches or classes who have innovative ideas as well as the experience or involvement with nonprofit organizations, and experiences in policy development;
Improving the process of developing policies and procedures (P&Ps) by way of extensive research and process analysis;
Formulation of the Whistle Blower P&P, the first P&P to be written and approved using the appropriate process.
Discovery and identification of some sections of the Constitution & By-Laws (CBL) to be amended to make UPNAAI completely aligned with the California Laws for Non-Profit Corporations;
First CBL/P&P Committee in the history of UPNAAI to perform a thorough review of the current CBL since January 01, 2010 when Assembly Bill 1233 took effect where the laws of Nonprofit Corporations were modified or changed. The CBL review was conducted and amendments proposed by the committee within the period of time necessary to meet the time frame requirements to have it approved by the BOD/members of the AC and to be ratified by the General Membership as stipulated in Article XI of the current CBL;
Systematic and efficient discussion and exchange of ideas among the members to have a better understanding of the proposed amendments;
Improving the delivery and presentation of the proposed amendments for ratification by the General Membership through the use of a multi-modal approach such as the UPNAAI website (through collaboration with the website committee), slide presentation during the General Meeting, and by poster presentation; and,
Opportunity to revalidate and improve previously approved P&Ps using the correct process.

The Membership Committee, headed by Marilou Lacson, 3^rd Vice President, is proud to announce that our membership has increased from 777 to 835 from the period of August 2015 to September 2016. We want to honor and thank those who have joined this prestigious organization. The number of new life members from August 2015 to September 2016 is 57. This is more than halfway of meeting our goal to increase membership by 10% of the previous membership of 777. An additional 12 new annual members also joined and we will aim to convince them to switch to Life Membership by the end of their membership period.

Erlinda Cruz Paguio, 1^st Vice President and Chair, Education & Research Committee reports the following achievements:

Availability of complete conference proceedings including slide presentations on the UPNAAI website prior to start of conference
Ability to register and pay for the conference through the UPNAAI website
initiation of pre-registration to reduce crowding/traffic on day of conference
Initiation of entire (podium, poster, and overall convention) evaluation on line
Early ability to access and complete evaluation (a day after program presentation)
Continuation of ability to print certificate on line
Continuation of speakers’ presentations linked to the convention theme
Significant increase in the number of poster presenters from previous years (20 total)
New perk provided to poster presenters (half of the breakfast seminar registration fee)

The Program Committee, chaired by UPNAAI 3^rd Vice-President & UPNAA-TX Host Chapter Susan Vicencio Garaygay, and her chapter members are so pumped up hosting the convention for the first time. They have been preparing for this important event to showcase their chapter and what their beautiful State of Texas has to offer. The following are her committee highlights:

1. An e-mail notification was sent to class coordinators of celebrating classes to rally their peers to participate in the celebration. Periodic follow up was sent via e-mail as reminder.

2. Formation of a chapter host sub-committee to:

a. Organize the following procedures to ensure an orderly registration check-in and avoid confusion during the various events participants signed up for (breakfast, luncheon & dinner/dance):

b. Obtain list of registrants on a regular basis from the treasurer that includes class affiliation to ensure classmates are seated together both at the luncheon roll call and the dinner/dance; dinner meal choice; and create a master list (spread sheet) as point of reference

c. Prepare packets for each registrants/guests containing name tags, events signed up for, and dinner meal choices. Packets will be given at the registration check-in. Signatures will be obtained at pick-up.

d. Chapter host volunteers to wear similar attire for ease in identification as to who can assist participants especially during the Friday Educational and Luncheon Programs

e. Oversee the discharge of assigned tasks to door monitors, and other volunteers belonging to the other chapters and general membership.

f. Assign a chapter host member to be in charge of Yearbook advertisements and vendor solicitation

3. Periodic monitoring of hotel reservations to anticipate need for an alternate hotel

4. Provide information on various transportation services, especially to participants who do not belong to a big group (class) possibly for airport pick-up and drop off, and transport to local points of interest, restaurants, etc.

Co-Chairs Merly Abrenica and Lachme Sullesta of the Sustainability and Viability Committee will be raising funds for UPNAAI. They are soliciting donations for auction and raffles during the convention and gala night. The committee is also exploring other means of revenue to sustain the goals of the association.

The Chapter Formation Adhoc Committee, headed by Ida Santos, continue to explore potential chapters to become affiliated with UPNAAI. We are optimistic that we will have one more chapter prior to the end of our term.

Some members of our Advisory Council continue to volunteer their precious time to UPNAAI. We thank them profusely for all that they continue to do for our association. Lyvia M. Villegas continues to Chair the JVSotejo Medallion of Honor (JVSMOH) Award Committee. The board approved the committee’s recommendation to award the 2016 JVSMOH to Rebecca M. Galvez Tan, BSN’75, MAN ‘83, RN. Lyvia is also the Chair of the 2016 Yearbook Committee. In this role, she picked and named the Editorial Board and the team tasks, created a detailed Excel record of solicited ads, intense ad solicitation campaign to publish a 230 page Yearbook, laboriously editing and proofing the Yearbook during the last 2 weeks of September, and will determine the net revenue sharing between UPNAAI and the chapters, as well as the gross revenue sharing from the cover pages and the vendor fees. Lyvia remains the Custodian of the UPNAAI Legacy Medallions, which are awarded annually to the Gold, Emerald, and Diamond (GEDI, pronounced “Jedi”) Jubilarians. She also is a team member in securing Hyatt of Orange County as the 2017 venue for the UPNAAI Convention. Nati Matitu Mercado is the Advisor of the Membership Committee. She does not mind rolling up her sleeves to clean up the membership spreadsheet and will be so glad if most members will update their profile in the website. Nati is also tireless when recruiting members, as evidenced by the big increase in our membership just this year. Perry Francisco is the Advisor of the CBL/P&P Committee. She guided the committee in the arduous task of reviewing and deliberating which sections needed to be amended.

As you can see, this year’s Board has been quite busy and will even be more as we prepare for the 2017 convention within a shorter span of time. It will be held on July 28 & 29, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency of Orange County.

We are blessed to have done this much. We are thankful for the innovative ideas of our new Board Members who come from the younger batches. They are tireless, selfless, and full of creativity. We hope the other younger alumni will be encouraged to participate and give-back by sharing their know-how and contemporary ways so we can truly keep up with the rapid changes occurring around us. Let the spirit of excellence of U.P. alumni continue to flourish. Mabuhay ang UPNAAI.

UPAA (Philippines) to hold 2017 General Alumni Homecoming

Thu, 06 Oct 2016 19:00:00 GMT

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) is calling all alumni members to partake in the 2017 General Alumni Homecoming to be held on August 18 and 19, 2017 in the U.P. Bahay ng Alumni, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City.

2017 Jubilarians are as follows:

Diamond (Class 1957)
Gold (Class 1967)
Ruby (Class 1977)
Silver (Class 1992)

You can download the UPAA Circular (PDF) detailing the activities for the aforementioned by clicking on the image on the right.

2016 UPNAAI Convention Announcements

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 01:00:00 GMT

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some important things regarding our Annual Convention in Texas this coming October 14-15, 2016:

EARLY BIRD RATES

Our early bird registration rates will only be effective until September 20, 2016. Save some bucks and register online today! Visit our automated registration page and conveniently sign-up for the Convention using your credit/ debit card.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Our reserved rooms at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center (SSHR), which is our Convention venue this year, are sold-out.

But not to worry! Thanks to the efforts of our dynamic UPNAA Texas Chapter headed by Ms. Susan Vicencio-Garaygay, we are pleased to announce that you can now book at another nearby hotel, at discounted rates. Reserve at:

Courtyard Marriott Houston NASA/Clear Lake
18100 Saturn Lane, Houston, TX 77058

You can access Courtyard Marriot’s online registration site by clicking on the link below:

Couryard Marriot Houston NASA/ Clear Lake
Group Code: UPN
Group rate per room per night:
$99.00 (King Bed); $109.00 (2 Queen beds)

Rates will be effective starting 10/13/16 and ends 10/16/16
Last day to book: 9/29/16

You are also welcome to make reservations by telephone through Marriott's national reservations 1-888-236-2427 or locally at the hotel 281-333-0220. Please remember to mention the group code UPN or the group name University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International, Inc. when making reservations by telephone.

We hope to see y’all in Texas!

Jubilarians Invited to Present at the 2016 Convention Dinner Dance in Texas

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 22:00:00 GMT

Susan Vicencio-Garaygay, GN'68; BSN'70, RN, MSN
UPNAAI 2nd VP, Chair, Program Committee

Greetings to all!

On behalf of the UPNAAI Program & Membership Committees, and due to popular request, all classes celebrating their jubilee are now invited to do a presentation (song, dance, skit, etc.) at the Saturday Dinner/Dance (on October 15, 2016).

The following are the classes celebrating their jubilee this year:

1956 - Diamond
1961- Emerald
1966 - Gold
1971 - Sapphire

1976 - Ruby

1981- Coral
1986- Pearl
1991 - Silver

1996 - Wood
2001- Crystal
2006 - Tin
2011 - Wood

If you are the coordinator of any of the above classes, and interested in doing a presentation, please send me an e-mail at susannavg@swbell.net for further instructions.

We are looking forward to your participation since this is a vital part of our annual reunion and celebration with YOU as the honoree!

Registration is now going on and we advise you to book your rooms early to benefit from the hotel group discount that will end on Sept. 20, 2016.

Find the link for the hotel reservation, as well as a copy the registration form you may download for the events.

Yu named 20th PNAA National President

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 16:00:00 GMT

The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) recently announced its newly elected officers for 2016-2018. Madelyn Dosado Yu, a graduate of the UP-PGH School of Nursing GN ’75 and the University of the Philippines High School ’70, was voted President-Elect. She will become PNAA’s 20th President for 2018-2020.

Ms. Yu, is currently the Nurse Manager of the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. She has been a long-time nurse of Barnabas Health since 1986, working in varying roles and patient care units. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1978 from Arellano University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University in NJ in 2003.

Madelyn is quite active in professional and community organizations. She was Immediate Past President of the UP Alumni Association (NJ Chapter), served on the PNAA Human Rights and Legislative Committees. She was Editor-in-Chief of PNAA’s monthly publication, “Inside PNAA,” prior to her stint as Regional Vice-President of PNAA Eastern Region.

Madelyn volunteers her time to support community projects, including but not limited to, fundraising for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, donating money to help build homes for the poor (via the PNAA’s village for the poor), and collaborating with initiatives spearheaded by the Philippine Consulate Office in New York.

Congratulations, Madelyn! We at UPNAAI are so proud of you. You are another UP alumna who reminds us of how we can influence our profession and society, using the excellent education and leadership training that we received from the University of the Philippines.

2017 Call for Nominations for JVS Medallion of Honor Awardee

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 03:00:00 GMT

The search is on for the 2017 JVS Medallion of Honor Awardee.

For more information, kindly download the Nomination Packet (pdf).

Special Announcment: DINNER DANCE FOOD OPTIONS

Thu, 23 Jun 2016 02:00:00 GMT

In the October 2016 convention registration brochure, there are only two choices for Dinner for the Saturday Dance - Salmon and Steak. If you need a special diet (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, diabetic, low salt, etc.), please indicate this in your dinner choice. The hotel will entertain these requests UP TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE EVENT (by September 14, 2016).

UP Nurses of the East Coast (UPN-EC) Elects 2016-2018 Officers

Sat, 21 May 2016 02:00:00 GMT

The University of the Philippines Nurses of the East Coast (UPN-EC) celebrated its annual Spring Fling on May 7, 2016 at Payag Restaurant in Woodside, NY. The theme is “Luau”, hence the costume of the members and guests. It was a fun-filled well attended event as usual which PRO Evelyn Alcontin spearheaded. Activities included line dancing, games, choosing the best dressed lady and gentleman who paraded their costumes down the “ramp”. One of the activities this year was the election of the nine board members and among them, elected the officers in place. Elected as president is Rosemarie Gadioma Class 81, vice president is Elizabeth Acosta Class 81, secretary is Melissa Balanon Class 84, treasurer is Lelina Gauaan Class 82, PRO Evelyn Alcontin Class 82, auditor Baba Guerrero Class 85, board members Solita Kennard Class 74, Minnie Castillo Class 86 and Perlas Dumlao Class 69. We are proud to be members of the UPN-EC and we look forward to working with UPNAAI.

Galvez Tan named 2016 JVS Medallion of Honor Recipient

Sun, 01 May 2016 15:00:00 GMT

The UPNAAI Board of Directors approved the recommendation of the Medallion of Honor Committee that Ma. Rebecca M. Galvez Tan, BSN ’75, MAN ’83, RN is the 2016 J. V. Sotejo Awardee. The JVS Medallion of Honor is the highest recognition that UPNAAI bestows every year to an alumnus of either the UP College of Nursing or the UP- PGH School of Nursing. The recipient of this prestigious award is one who epitomizes the values, thinking, principles and vision of the Founder and First Dean of the U.P. College of Nursing, Dean Julita V. Sotejo. We are very proud of Ms. Galvez Tan’s amazing and unique contributions to our organization, the university, our country, and humanity. She will be awarded the Medallion and will be the Keynote Speaker during our 37th Annual Educational Conference and Convention to be held in Texas on October 14-15, 2016. Ms. Galvez Tan's JVS Award Citation can be accessed here.

UPNAAI 2016 Registration Brochure

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 15:00:00 GMT

Click on the image above to download the 2016 UPNAAI Convention Registration Brochure.

Hope to see you all in Texas!

2016 Call for Abstracts for Poster Presentations

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 16:00:00 GMT

"Are you aware that poster presentations are considered evidence of your scholarly accomplishments, just like publications, podium presentations, book authorship, and research?"

Be proud to showcase your research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, or educational projects to our alumni.

You may also present literature reviews or results of your community/professional services.

You can likewise present your project proposal.

The topic does not need to be related to our 2016 theme and all presenters do not need to be UP Nursing Alumni.

Submit your abstract on or before July 15, 2016.

The abstract should be between 80-150 words, excluding references.
One behavioral objective should be identified.
The primary author will be notified via e-mail. Final acceptance will require your signed the faculty disclosure form and CV.
Presenters are responsible for setting up and taking down posters at designated times. Posters may be mounted on the wall or on a 3' x 4' (36 x 48 inches) freestanding display board.

Please submit your abstract to:

Dolly Sanares-Carreon at dolly123151@gmail.com
With a copy to Erlinda Paguio at erlindapaguio1@gmail.com and Edmund Pajarillo at ed.pajarillo@gmail.com.

37th UPNAAI Annual Educational Conference, Business Meeting & Dinner Dance

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 15:00:00 GMT

Edmund J.Y. Pajarillo
President, UPNAAI
2016-2017

Hello UPNAAI Members, Associates, UP-PGH SN, and UPCN Alumni:

Hope all is well with you and that you are gearing up for our 37th UPNAAI Annual Educational Conference and Business Meeting on October 14-15, 2016.

This year's convention will be sponsored by one of our newly-formed chapters, UPNAA-Texas and will be held on a different time (different from our usual August convention) when we can enjoy what the Galveston-Houston areas of Texas offer.

This year's theme is "Crossing and Closing the Gap: Nursing Then & Now." We hope that you will avail of this very interesting topic that will cover various gaps in nursing. One speaker will speak on gaps in nursing practice (with the different foci on education, quality and patient safety), the generational and culture gap (younger and seasoned nurses and nurses coming from various cultures), changes in health care reimbursement, quality improvement, patient-centeredness and interprofessional approaches, and advanced practice nurses (with more nurses functioning in advanced roles, i.e., nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives). Each panelist will speak for 10 minutes. Once the four panel speakers complete their talk, we will open the floor for Q&A and discussion between all the speakers and the audience to gather concrete action plans to bridge these gaps and improve the practice of nursing. And of course our JV Sotejo Recipient will keynote and offer her summative remarks of the theme.

We hope that even if you do not need CEUs anymore because you have retired or do not need to renew your license or certification, you will still attend this educational conference. The gaps that will be discussed apply to all nurses, young and seasoned, educated elsewhere or in the U.S., those who are of various nationalities, and those who may be tech-savvy and those who are not. We offer CEUs for the educational conference, as well as the poster presentations.

Of course, we are also celebrating this year's jubilarians. Class jubilarians this year are from the following classes: 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991, 1986, 1981, 1976, 1971, 1966, 1961, 1956, and 1951. You will hear the accomplishments and projects of UPNAAI and will be entertained by the class jubilarians themselves.

This year also, we have changed the format of the Dinner Dance, where you will have more time to dance than usual, and we will continue our new tradition of honoring the Gold, Emerald, Diamond, and Double Diamond class jubilarians with a jubilarian medallion.

Our event fees and hotel rates are quite affordable. However, we have blocked only a few rooms and we encourage you to book your rooms and flights early. Rooms might go quickly so don't wait long. Let us know if they run out and we will request the hotel to open up more blocked rooms (if there will still be available ones). So please do not procrastinate.

And as always, the Class of '68 continues its tradition of a bus tour commencing the Sunday after the dinner dance and ending the following Saturday. The bus tour is quite affordable and your fees include hotel accommodations, breakfast, and some entrance fees to tour attractions. This year, the tour will begin in Texas and end in New Orleans. For more information on the bus tour, contact Nati Matitu-Mercado at natitom1@aol.com.

Attached is the registration brochure. Plan your schedule and register early. Should you have any questions, please course them through our email at upnaai@aol.com.

If you lose this registration brochure, visit our website at www.upnaai.org or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/upnaai/

Hope to see you in Texas. Network, socialize, reminisce, learn, and be part of our UP pride! Be part of UPNAAI. While this is a UP sponsored event, we encourage non-UP alumni to attend and experience our convention. It is awesome!!! See you all in Texas in October!

UPNAAI Elects New Officers for 2016-2017 - President’s Message

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Edmund J.Y. Pajarillo

Another chapter is added to the history book of UPNAAI with the election of the new set of officers for 2016-2017.

Elected President is Edmund J. Y. Pajarillo, BSN ’79, MPA ’90, MSN, PhD, RN BC, CPHQ, NEA BC; 1st Vice-President & Chair, Education & Research Committee is Erlinda Cruz Paguio, BSN’72, MA, RN, BC-ANP; 2nd Vice-President & Chair, Program Committee, Susan Vicencio-Garaygay, GN’68, BSN’70, MSN, RN; 3rd Vice-President and Chair, Membership Committee Marilou Torres Lacson, BSN’79, MSN, RN, CCRN; Recording Secretary, Dolores Alcantara Aponte, BSN’79, RN, CCM; Corresponding Secretary & Chair, Constitution & By-Laws Deborah-Anne Yambao Butuyan, BSN’89, RN; Treasurer & Chair, Finance Committee Norma Roa Serina, GN’61, RN (Retired); Auditor & Chair, Audit Committee Emma Gutierrez Catabui, BSN’73, RN; and Public Relations Officer Teresita Carambas Santos, BSN’79, MSN, RN.

Members of the Board of Directors are Theresa Liboro Abad, BSN’81, MSN, RN; Merly Castillo Abrenica, GN’65, BSN, RN; Marlene Cataylo Chance, GN'75, MSN, PhD, EJD, FNP-BC; Randelle Ian Sasa, BSN ’05, MA, RN BC, CMSRN, CCRN; Ida Robillon Santos, GN’68, BSN, RN, LNHA; Gloria Amayun Smitka, GN’69, BSN '70, MN '78; and, Lachme Trivilegio Sullesta, GN’68 (Retired).

The nine members of the Advisory Council for this term are Jesusa Santa Barbara Czach, BSN’79, RN, CCRN (Retired); Peregrin Camilon Francisco, GN’69, BSN’71, MSA, RN (Retired); Emerita Geluz Goodrich, BSN’74, MSN, GNP-C; Rhodora Maligalig, BSN 72, MSN, RN (Retired); Magdalena Ongkiko, BSN’73, MSN, CCRN; Merle Flores Borrero, BSN’67, RN; Lyvia Mendoza Villegas, GN’68, BSN’71, MA, FNP; Josephine "Josie" Francisco Villanueva, BSN’67, MA, RN-BC, NE-BC; and, Natalia Octaviano Matitu-Mercado, GN'68, BSN'69, RNC.

This current administration was asked by President Pajarillo to participate in strategic planning, one of three important roles of non-profit organization officers (fiduciary and generative roles being the other two). Strategic planning makes sure that all the Officers, Board and Advisory Council (AC) members participate and come up with what they believe UPNAAI should be working on and how to course its direction in subsequent years. This meant conducting a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats (SWOT) Analysis. The following short term goals were presented to the Officers and Board and were approved as the top three priority strategic initiatives that will be worked on for the next two years: (1) increase by 10% our current lifetime members by the end of 2017; (2) increase by 10% the attendance to our convention events by the end of 2017; and (3) enhance the use of Facebook and the UPNAAI website in disseminating information to the members, increasing visibility of the organization, and improving the public image of UPNAAI. While the following other goals did not rank in the top three, the Board will attempt to work on some of these short-terms goals, time and logistics permitting. These goals are: (4) build in new board orientation during the face-to-face convention to begin the acquaintance and early team building process; (5) foster the welcoming atmosphere to all attendees during the convention to encourage them to come back regularly; (6) increase by 10% new member volunteers in committees and events sponsored by UPNAAI; (7) establish at least another chapter on or by the end of 2017; (8) improve and facilitate the registration and check-in process during the convention events; (9) make the instructions on obtaining CEUs clearer; and, (10) establish a new category of membership.

As far as long-term goals are concerned, the Board recommended and voted unanimously to work on the top five projects resulting from the SWOT analysis. These long-term goals are listed in the order of priority: (1) increase by 20% new lifetime members from the current number by 2020; (2) ensure proper and timely turnover of organizational responsibilities from administration to administration; (3) establish and implement a long-lasting plan that reaches out to UPNAAI's membership for sustainability by engaging members to actively participate in all or any of its sponsored activities, as well as encourage non-member alumni to join the organization; (4) maximize on the use of social media and the website to improve communication among members and potential members; and there are two goals tied at (5a) establish a leadership development program to facilitate succession planning, and (5b) use of appropriate current technology to update UPNAAI's antiquated processes that deter the efficient operation of its fiduciary responsibilities (financial reports, timely dissemination of information, etc.). Another initiative that did not make the top long-term goal is being included here and the Board will endeavor to also work on it if at all practical and realistic, given the time frame and resources. This is “to transform UPNAAI into a truly international organization by 2018."

The blueprint of the work of this new administration has now been laid out. UPNAAI began as a social organization in the late seventies with only a handful of members. It has now grown to over 800 members, 4 chapters in the United States, and is working on establishing more, including those in other continents. The rules governing non-profit organizations have become much more stringent, and the Internal Revenue Service is determined to clamp down on non-compliant organizations because of the tremendous growth in numbers of non-profits over the past decade. With a strong, united, focused, ethically minded, and knowledgeable set of officers, board and AC members, I am optimistic and mindful that we will be able to accomplish our goals for the good of the members of UPNAAI. After all, UPNAAI is its members. We welcome suggestions and recommendations from our members, so together we can bring our organization to the next level and achieve more in the name of our Alma Mater!