December 4, 2017

To: The Board of Directors, President and Officers of UPNAII and UPINHF

Dear fellow UP nursing alumni,

As an alumna of Class’70, UP College of Nursing, I am writing this letter to state my deep concern and regret over the splintering of our alumni association. A fractured alumni weakens our collective efforts. We are stronger when we are one.

I pride myself for being privileged with a UP education. It is an education receptive to differences in opinions, that holds back judgment until both sides of the issue are studied and well understood, and one that is cognizant of the fact that as human beings, mistakes are made and will be made. Our education instilled in us the courage to find solutions.  We strive to bridge gaps.  The world is beset by so many problems- disparities in health care, the plight of the poor, racism, human rights issues, among many others, which plague our societies both here and in the Philippines. More than ever, we need to be united as nurses in our duty to make a difference. The issues raised by the back and forth emails between the two groups do pale in comparison to these bigger issues. Surely, there are ways to be found to heal the divide.

My loyalty lies in the betterment of the college.  I know I cannot support any of the splinter groups, knowing that only in being one can we serve our beloved college and profession fully. 

I urge you to seek all avenues to reconcile your teams for our continued growth and success. I am willing to be a facilitator for a conversation, whether by web meetings or face to face talks. Thank you in advance for your time in considering my proposal. There is no better gift for the alumni this season than a reconciliation.

Sincerely yours,

Epifania Cruz Quimson

UPCN Class 1970

Email: epiquimson@gmail.com

With joy, I read the new UPNAAI president's reply to the plea to find avenues for reconciliation. I am sure there are many members like me  who are wishing for the same thing.

I am in the Philippines right now. I just passed Smoky Mountain where mountains of garbage are home to many Filipinos. It is too real- plumes of smoke are rising from hedges, stoked by people gray from the soot. When I see this, I become more aware of our common humanity.

We, as nurses, should address conditions such as this. Nursing is rooted in caring, for ourselves and one another.  International and American nursing organizations are such an untapped resource.  Imagine  the possibilities if all of us worked together.  With a common vision, we are unstoppable! We have been twice blessed.  UP graduates are endowed with qualities and opportunities that only a UP education can give.

Please know that as a member of Class 70, I love the parties and dances just as much as that next person swinging away. One of the comments posted by a classmate when we learned of the split was- so where will we present our next dance number? (Our last was in the UPNAII California with our class dancing to Proud Mary.)

Yes, I am willing to invest my time and effort to be an active participant in  your planned talks for January 2018. As nurses, we build relationships. I want to be part of the rebuilding. I will call by telephone when I come back to the US.

For the meantime, I will enjoy the carolers from the kids coming from across the train tracks in  Caloocan, puto bumbong and the Simbang Gabi.  Thank you all and Merry Christmas.

Epi Cruz Quimson, Class 1970