July 9, 2004. A few things have been accomplished since we decided to team up and officially congregate as the international alumni chapter. The going has been slow, but not futile.

     We now are officially registered with an Employee Identification Number (EIN) with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Our organization’s legal name as of June 10, 2004 is the “West Visayas State University Alumni Association International Chapter”. (Drop the “Inc.”) Our business address is the Las Vegas address announced earlier, and our official forum is registered as www.wvsumedaa.com.

     As of writing, we are still short of some requirements to acquire tax-exempt status with the IRS but the process is grinding its way. We are also in the process of transferring funds to Bank of America with the official account name under the International Chapter, not under any member’s name alone.

     The funds are meager, as of June 22, 2004 we have $ 274.57 and expecting another $ 275 refund from the Nevada Secretary of State. We have a few more bucks through the Paypal account opened by our Vice President. Expenditures were mostly for legal documents, payment for our official postal address, and the like and are all accounted for by the Treasurer.

     So far, of the numerous alumni here in the US, only 19 or so have registered as members. We are somewhat pathetic in recruitment. This we must improve and step up efforts to do so.

     Why? Because we are badly needed by our Alma mater. Not just for the funds, but as a means to give back to the College. That was what this International Chapter was formed for in the first place.

     I have contacted today the WVSU College of Medicine and also conversed with Dr. Patricio Palmes, the WVSUCMAA President. Besides the Alumni Homecoming in September, which is making them very busy and excited, there also seems to be a litany of problems for which they would gladly receive our help. These need not be listed here at this time, but all of us who went through the College know how deplorable the situation is in our Alma Mater. I cannot speak for the local mother Alumni Association, on how much they have done (or not) or what they have accomplished for the school, besides planning the September Bash. Nevertheless, whether it is a lot or nothing, we are still obliged to aid them.

     An example is our brilliant Junior Med School colleague, Ryan Gallego, who won a research award and a spot to go to Thailand to represent our country in the Asian Medical Students Association on July 25, 2004. The College raised a plea to help him for his plane fare and other expenses, but this came a little too late to us here. But whoever has extra money to dole out, please call the College and do send some. The mother association did give P5000 so far, and he did manage to book a flight on July 24.

     A deeper problem I was told is that many students are dropping out of Medicine due to inadequate funds for tuition, supplies and books. A question was raised if we could help. This is indeed a huge request, and we will probably be unable to do so until we have unimaginable assets (not the measly $274+ in our bank account). But soon, we may have enough to at least pay for Balikbayan Boxes containing books and journals, which some of us are already doing so anyway. Perhaps also medical supplies and medicines may also soon be flowing in the pipeline.

     All donations should be given to the WVSU College of Medicine “Medical Education and Research Foundation”. Through this foundation, it is my hope that the “goodies” will be well accounted for and actually reach the grassroots where the donations are needed. If you do send something, you may send it through our drop off centers or send it personally, if possible, stamped as donated by the International Chapter and by you if you want credit for it. Queries and comments can be sent by email to wvsucom@iloilo.net.

     In addition, Dr. Palmes granted me clearance to send them an official letter from the International Chapter to be read or at least mentioned in the Pearl Jubilee so that we can be officially recognized. I would actually move, if I may, that our presence be included as an agenda for votation in the meeting: to incorporate into the mother association’s By-Laws so we can be officially recognized by our own school and the WVSUCMAA. Dr. Palmes has some technical computer & email difficulties, so he might send correspondence thru Dr. Dan Encarnacion or to me directly via text or fax. I am expecting the “list of demands” from them soon (list of problems we can help with).

     There is much to do. Officers, members and fence-sitters: let’s all please do what we can.

     Thank you.

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