SAAI PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Atty. Cajayon (left) at SUACONA board of directors meeting

Fellow Silliman Alumni:

Greetings and Welcome!

         The year that was, was a trying one but it was also a very memorable year. I was elected as president of the SAAI in our last general assembly, to serve for another year, and that will end upon the election and installation of the new set of officers.

         The year that was brought me to attend Cagayan de Oro City Chapter, MOSAA Chapter and Davao del Sur Chapter Christmas parties. Also, finally it brought me to Bacolod City Chapter for their general assembly, wherein a pulong-pulong was conducted on women’s rights, a unique gathering of all chapter activities.

         The year that was brought me to Iloilo, where I graced the chapter’s election of officers. That coincided with our Rotary District Conference, so there was no expense on the part of our association.

         The year that was brought me to attend the TIPON SILLIMAN 2009 in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A., an experience which made me realize though we roam far or near still our loyalty to Silliman remains and will always keep us together.

         The year that was have encouraged Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte Chapter, Puerto Princesa City and SU AA Metro Manila Chapter to donate P 35,000.00 each to renovate a room in our alumni dormitory, which, together with the rooms renovated by Socsksargen Chapter, Davao Chapter, Dumaguete City Chapter, and ZamBaSulTa Chapter will be dedicated on August 27, 2009 at 9 a.m.

         The year that was started our livelihood program, that is, the selling of t-shirts, key holders, key chains, and the like. Please patronize our business venture.

         The year that was has seen the continuation of “Wear a Silliman University Pin with Pride” by giving the new graduates of Silliman University pins and snacks during their rehearsal for graduation. And, for the first time, our high school graduates were also given Silliman University Pins.

         The year that was, was indeed a record breaker – I attended all the graduation ceremonies, grade school, high school and college, to lead the graduates in the recitation of the Pledge of Loyalty .

         The year that was resulted in the organization of alumni chapters in Eastern and Western Samar, though I failed to attend their grand reunion and induction of officers because it fell a day after the wedding day of my niece in Quezon City, where I was one of the principal sponsors. But, of course, I was ably represented by our executive secretary.

         The year that was also had seen the selection of Outstanding Silliman Alumni for 2009. There were many nominees, but only four were finally chosen, namely:

1. Eduardo A. Bangayan in the field of entrepreneurship
2. Dr. Kenneth E. Bauzon in the field of political science
3. Dr. Mac Arthur F. Corsino in the field of foreign service
4. Rev. Dr. Francisco D. Somera Jr. in the field of military chaplaincy

         They will be officially honored and awarded on August 28, 2009.
Lastly, the year that was marked the granting of one seat to the overseas alumni in the Silliman University Board of Trustees. For your information our Association is given five seats in the Silliman University Board of Trustees. The at-large-seat was given to the overseas alumni. The overseas alumni have given the honor and privilege, to serve as first overseas alumni representative to the Board of Trustees to Dr. Almiron but subject to the confirmation by the Silliman University Board of Trustees, as part of the procedure.

         To one and all, I thank all Chapters for the undying Silliman spirit within us!