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| Prof. Abundio T. Alolod |
- The idea of the organization of the Philippine Normal University Global Alumni Association came from now Vice-Mayor Alfredo Tesalona while he was still based in New York. In the draft constitution, he foresaw the need for PNU alumni spread all over the world to work together for the
betterment of the Alma Mater and the members. - Yielding to the appeal of the people in his hometown to run for Vice-Mayor, Freddie requested Dr. Rodolfo Bernardo to take the lead in getting the Association organized. Dr. Bernardo willingly accepted the challenge, believing in the wisdom of having the Association.
- In March 2008, Rudy called the organizing committee to meet. Among the important decisions made by the committee was to call a gathering of overseas alumni to an organizational meeting on July 1, 2008 at the Public and Alumni Relations Hall in PNU.
- The date came with a number of alumni from the United States and Australia present. Also in the gathering were the President of the University, President and immediate past President of the PNU Alumni Association, locally-based alumni and officials of the University. Then and there an election of interim officers of the Association was held.
- Elected unanimously were: Dr. Rodolfo Bernardo, President; Dr. Reynaldo Dante G. Juanta, O.A.M., Vice-President; Prof. Abundio T. Alolod Secretary; and Dr. Rosita Gallega-Galang, Treasurer. The PNU faculty in-charge of Alumni Relations Prof. Rene C. Romero, Serafin Arviola Jr., and Jerick C. Ferrer were requested to assist the group.
- On July 23, 2008, a follow-up meeting was held at Tagaytay residence of the PNUGAA President to line-up the Association’s projects. The attendees called themselves the Tagatay Ten because they numbered ten. Beautiful projects emerged from the heads of the participants meant to enhance the quality of educational service of PNU. But there was one suggestion that caught the immediate and collective interest of those present. It cam from PNU President Lutgardo B. Barbo, but it was not because of him but the beauty and significance of the suggestion. “UP,” he said, “has the Oblation as its identity. Let us let the world know that we have our own – the Torch. If it is feasible, can the PNUGAA, adopt the construction of the Torch Monument as one your projects?” He laid out to the body a draft design which he said would cost about P800,000. Hindi na siya nagdalawang salita. The answer was unanimous, “Yes!”
- Little did the group know that a month later, the world would be gripped by a paralyzing financial crisis. Can the projects go on? It was a test of courage and determination.
- The Association’s leadership was not to be cowed. Truth to tell is, Dr. Bernardo, Class ’62; Dr. Juanta, Class ’60; and Dr. Gallega-Galang, Class ’65 were among the most respected and trusted student in PNC in the ‘60s. Even after graduation, they carried these respect and trust of their fellow alumni just as they have the same esteem of their colleagues in their professional life.
- With them in the forefront of the fund-raising, pledges after pledges came to them followed later by the promised cash or check amounting to US$200 or more per donor. Buy January, the targeted amount was reached. What an amazing accomplishment when considered in the face of economic crisis and in such so short a time!
- The biggest response to solicitation came from the Class ‘60s. They totaled 54 or 73% of the whole number of donors. The second group was from Class ‘50s, making up 11%. The third group was Class ‘70s, 9%.
- The bulk of the present membership of the PNUGAA comes from the US. Followed by Australia, then the Philippines, with a sprinkling from Germany, Papua New Guinea, The United Kingdom, and Sweden.
- The Torch Monument was formally unveiled during the PNS-PNC-PNU Grand Alumni Homecoming held April 19, 2009 led by Congressman Plaza, Pres. Barbo and Co-Chair of the monument project Dr. Reynaldo Dante Juanta.
Contact Details
Office: PNU Office of the President
Tel.Nos: 527-0375
TeleFax: 527-037