Silver Anniversary Issue

90 Pages·2015·8.73 MB·English

USThomasian
Silver Anniversary Issue
USTMAAA FOUNDATION
SILVER ANNIVERSARY
SOUVENIR PROGRAM
SUPPLEMENT
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SOUVENIR PROGRAM MESSAGE
OFFICE OF THE RECTOR MAGNIFICUS
USTMAAA FOUNDATION SILVER ANNIVERSARY
USTMAA Grand Reunion and Medical Convention
The color silver has a very important signification in memorable events
and celebrations. It is a color that is both shiny and subtle which denotes the
formidable combination of brilliance and sophistication. When we celebrate
silver anniversaries, we often associate it with longevity and stability, which
means that it has passed the test and stood the test of time. Silver echoes a
string of essential accomplishments for the past twenty five years which signifies
a commemoration, an acknowledgment, and solid achievement. In color
psychology, they say that silver restores equilibrium; it is the color of glamour,
wealth, modernity, and prestige. That is why we have a very good reason to
rejoice and celebrate when an organization or establishment reaches its 25th
year.
This year the University of Santo Tomas Medical Alumni Association of
America Foundation (USTMAAA) will be celebrating its 25th anniversary via
a medical convention and a grand reunion, and once again it would surely be
an unforgettable time for our Thomasian medical practitioners to be together,
to renew friendships, and simply to have fun by reminiscing the good old days.
Like silver, our Thomasian doctors have carved an enviable niche in the medical
firmament as they continue to make a mark in their profession as top-caliber
medical experts.
It also gives me so much joy that our dear alumni have such strong ties with
each other and with the University. The USTMAA has been such a steadfast
partner of the University of Santo Tomas for constantly pledging support to
the various projects and programs of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
and the UST Hospital as well as in a number of important social and civic
involvements. Despite the distance marked by the continental divide, the
USTMAAA continues to take part in many of the University’s endeavors, one of
which is their invaluable contribution to the establishment of the Buenaventura
G. Paredes, O.P. Building, also known as the Thomasian Alumni Building. This
simply shows that our Thomasian doctors acknowledge their roots and carry it
with pride wherever they go. My warmest congratulations to the USTMAAA on
your 25th anniversary celebration.
FR. HERMINIO V. DAGOHOY, OP
RECTOR
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
By Primo Andres, MD’72
It was in 1987 during the USTMAA Midwest convention in Michigan that an historic unification meeting was
called by Dr. Jose L. Evangelista, who was then the President of USTMAAM and the incoming President of the
Association of Philippine Physicians in America (APPA), in an attempt to unite all the regional UST medical alumni
associations in the USA. In attendance were the Presidents and Thomasian leaders from the different states and
regions of the country. Thus was born the University of Santo Tomas Medical Alumni Association in America. Dr.
Rodrigo Floro of USTMAAM was made the first President of USTMAAA.
With the USTMAAA now safely entrenched after the deft planning by the founding leaders, most notably Dr. Jose L.
Evangelista, the Founding Father of the Association, plans for more sustainable existence through long term investment to
support projects in perpetuity was underway. The customary way of rendering help to UST then was funds were raised by
groups and then given directly to UST to benefit a named project. While it was good, it was realized that it might not be
sustainable. There had to be a better way.
It was from the fertile mind of a debonair and charismatic and energetic leader, Dr. Jose G. Vijungco, that the idea of
establishing a foundation was conceptualized during the term of Dr. Nen Largoza as President of the USTMAAA in
1990-1992. Another historic meeting between Drs. Joe and Stella Evangelista, Dr. Nen Largoza, Dr. Boy Vijungco and the
incoming President of USTMAAM, Dr. Gregorio Tolentino, took place during the annual USTMAAA meeting at the 1990
APPA convention in Washington DC. This paved the way to the formation of the USTMAAA Foundation.
Dr. Jose Vijungco was the champion who began campaigning from the very outset. It was while doing a cerebral
angiography that he was advised by a Neurosurgeon who happened to be the President of the University of Missouri
Medical Alumni Foundation to ask for $5000 instead of only $100. He was shown the impressive “Wall of Honor” at the
Learning Resource Center of St. Louis University. He then had to figure out how he could get to the goal of having each
donor give $5000. The hard work of convincing other Thomasian medical alumni for support had just begun.
Drs. Jose and Stella Evangelista did not need much convincing and so did Drs. Dionisio and Zita Yorro who were of the
same opinion from the very beginning that the way to go was to have a common vehicle to channel donations to UST and
the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and the Hospital in order to support bigger and more meaningful projects. It appeared
that convincing other alumni would be an uphill battle and there was strong opposition from notable leaders who were
content with the old ways of giving.
USTMAA Midwest was the largest gathering of Thomasian Medical Alumni and it was felt that it was of paramount
importance that its support be obtained. With the help of the Evangelistas and Yorros and the unselfish leadership of
Dr. Jose Vijungco, they were able to invite Dr. Gregorio Tolentino, the incoming USTMAAM President, to support the
fledgling Foundation. He was made the first President of the USTMAAA Foundation with the blessing of the President of
USTMAAA, Dr. Nancianceno Largoza.
While the groundwork was set, there was still a lot of reticence and skepticism about the merits of the Foundation. Dr.
Vijungco spent long nights writing 10-12 letters a night to Thomasians, but to no avail. He then resorted to calling people
personally (this was before the age of Internet or facsimile machines or cellphones), racking up “phone bills that were
bigger than my mortgage”. Through his exhaustive cajoling and unparalleled effort, he was able to convince 42 people
to either donate or pledge and come up with $25,000, enough to finally register USTMAAA Foundation as a Non-profit
Corporation in the State of Missouri on November 5, 1990.
The following strategy was adopted :
• Officers should be donors, first to register in any USTMAAA Convention, must shoulder overhead expenses, and
observe “Transparency”
• There would be belt tightening and no distribution would be made until $500,000 was accumulated. The Dean and
UST Administration were initially not receptive because UST had projects that needed to be funded, but they eventually
understood.
• USTMAAA would be the fund raising arm and all convention profits would be channeled to the USTMAAA
Foundation.
• Campaign for $5000 payable in five years: $1,000/year, $250/3 Months ,$83.33/month or $2.78/day
And so it was that the USTMAAA Foundation was finally launched during the 1990 APPA convention in Washington
DC with a slide presentation discussing the goal of raising $1million with the first project being a cardiac catheterization
laboratory in the UST Hospital. Appeal cards were distributed.
Those who saw the dream and invested early in the future of the USTMAAA Foundation are the following:
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Vijungco, Jose/Herminia $5000 Maglinte, Dean $2000 Villamar, Elizabeth $1000
Evangelista, Jose/Stella 5000 Cueto, Alex 2000 Bofill, Rano 1000
Ronquillo, Ron/Tessie 5000 Rodrigo, Raulie 1500 Yorro, Oni/Zita 750
Vicente, Nina - Wisconsin 5000 Gotanco, Rey/Rachel 1000 Feliciano, Leonor Testa 750
Pantig, Liberata 3000 Andaya, Dodie/Evalinda 1000 Quizon, Bert 500
Villarama, Tony/Lilia 3000 Bouffard, Chat 1000 Capati, Danilo 500
Tolentino, Greg 3000 Dy, Mariano/Flora 1000 Rafer-Benig, Cora 500
Largoza, Nen 3000 Rodrigo, Tarcila 1000 Siroy, Edwin 500
Kairuz, Bart 3000 Atienza, Ranulfo 1000 Mendoza, Norma 500
Diloy Puray, Mila 2200 Arellano, Bobby 1000 Arcilla, Rene 300
Figueroa, Eli 2000 Dingcong, Angelita 1000 Fojas, Augusto 250
Torres, Crisanto 2000 Balagtas, Rolly/Naty 1000 Pascual, Generoso 250
Smith, Robert MD 2000 Arville, John 1000 Caragay, Freddie 250
Carranza, Mauro 2000 Martin, Len 1000 1991 convention 12000
The USTMAA Midwest Chicago convention generated $12,000 and the Missouri convention raised $75,000 the following
year. There was $265,000 in the coffers at the end of Dr. Vijungco’s term as President of the Foundation in 1992 and the first
$10,000 deposit for the USTH cardiac catheterization laboratory was given and another $5,000 for an operating microscope
was donated to the Department of Ophthalmology.
It was not until the term of Dr. Jose Evangelista as President of both the Association and the Foundation in 1992-1994
that both were accorded their corporation status and received their tax favorable IRS 501(c) (3) status in May 1994. The
organization achieved its exponential growth at this time. Dr. Stella Evangelista took over the day to day operations as the
Executive Director of both corporations and the Evangelistas offered their office as the USTMAAA Executive Office at no
cost to the organization. The first Grand Reunion and Medical Convention was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dearborn,
Michigan in May 1993 generating over $100,000 that was turned over to the Foundation. The Constitution and Bylaws
was formed. Charter membership was established and Chapters from different regions of the United States were invited
to join. Through the incessant solicitation of “Joe” and the untiring efforts of Dr. Zita Yorro in collecting, and with the
generous support of their classmates (the Magnificent Class of 1968), the initial goal of $1 million was easily within reach.
That was when Dr. Jose Evangelista raised the bar by challenging the organization to shoot for $2 million, then $3 million
and beyond. Other classes responded, like the Generous Class of 1969, and the USTMAAA Wall of Honor expanded with
several generous individual and group donors accepting the challenge and the opportunity to help.
There was some growing pain as well. USTMAA Southern California established its own Foundation that decided to give
the proceeds of the California convention in 1996 directly to UST for the renovation of the Dean’s Office, contrary to the
original agreement. While this initially created some tension, both organizations followed their own agenda that benefited
the beneficiaries one way or the other. This tension has since abated and we are glad to welcome back our colleagues.
The concept of an Endowment Fund was adopted from the very beginning where the principal was never touched. It was
invested and only the earnings were used to support the various projects of the organization. With over $5 million currently
in the Endowment Fund, the USTMAAA Foundation has been disbursing over $100,000 a year. Since the inception, the
Foundation has provided over $10 million to its beneficiaries, the USTH and the indigent patients that it serves, the Faculty
of Medicine and Surgery and the medical students that it educates and the less privileged Filipinos through its various
outreach programs. The Foundation was instrumental in making the building of the Thomasian Alumni Center (TAC) a
reality by raising over $1.6 million that was the seed money that catalyzed the construction.
What is in the future for USTMAAA and its Foundation? The future is very bright and limitless and it can go as far as the
imagination can foresee. Thanks to the vision and perseverance of the pioneers who made it all happen. Special thanks to
Dr. Jose Vijungco, the Father of the USTMAAA Foundation, whose boundless energy fueled the Foundation, to Dr. Jose
Evangelista whose unparalleled leadership paved the way to its growth, to Dr. Gregorio Tolentino and Dr. Nacianceno
“Nen” Largoza, whose willing cooperation cleared the fertile ground upon which the Foundation could grow, and to the
triumvirate of Dr. Stella Evangelista, the only Executive Director that the Foundation has ever known, and the dynamo of a
couple, Drs. Dionisio and Zita Yorro, whose selfless dedication and enduring efforts were the driving force that brought the
Foundation to where it is today. To them all , the Champions of the USTMAAA Foundation,we owe a debt of gratitude and
we make this Silver Anniversary an opportunity to acknowledge all their efforts in getting us to where we are. Thank you!
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MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDING FATHER OF USTMAAA FOUNDATION
DR. JOSE G. VIJUNGCO, MD’66
This is a Monumental Historical Milestone, U.S.T.MAAA Foundation celebrating its 25th
Year Anniversary. 1990 starting from Ground Zero now with more than $5 Million Dollars
using 4% Interest to support infrastructure, Scholarship, Faculty Development, Indigent
Patients, assisted our beloved Alma Mater to modernize to 21st Century of Technology like
procurement of Cardiac Catheterization equipment. Million Thanks to Donors, Benefactors
and U.S.T. MEDICAL ALUMNI for your unwavering support. The best "GIFT" to be ever
bestowed upon someone is trusting the U.ST.MAAA FOUNDATION with your donation
and U.S.T.MAAA Foundation reciprocated with "TRANSPARENCY". This is also fitting
tribute to early Pioneer leaders like Nen Largoza (R.I.P.) M.D., Greg Tolentino M.D., Joe
and Stella Evangelista M.D., Oni and Zita YORRO M.D., Tandem of Noel Canlas M.D. and
Sam Fernando M.D., Alex Cueto, M.D., Tony Gonzales M.D., Rosa So (R.I.P.) M.D., ORLY
SisonM.D., and Primo Andres M.D. in their unrelenting pursuit to leave a permanent
Endowment Fund, a legacy for our Beloved Alma Mater, for the cherished Medical
Education, that prepared our Medical Alumni as Compassionate dedicated Thomasian
Physicians. Now eternal flame and torch, in the able hands of GERRY Quincy Flores M.D.
MABUHAY Ang U.S.T.MAAA FOUNDATION.
Drs. Jose and Herminia Vijungco
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JOSE L. EVANGELISTA M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P., F.R.C.P.(C)
HONORARY CONSUL GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINES
MESSAGE

The celebration of the 25th anniversary of the founding of USTMAA
FOUNDATION will undoubtedly afford all of us the opportunity to
reminisce the nostalgic and challenging moments of our formation and
unification as Thomasian alumni. The unification process which began
in 1987, marked the beginning of what is now a very strong and active
alumni association as well as a financially secure Foundation. This has
been possible because of the generosity of many Thomasian alumni and
the dedication and sacrifice of the officers and organizers who not only
donate their time but also their resources to the service of the association.
The privilege of knowing them and working with them thru the years has
been a joy and more importantly a lot of fun.
USTMAAA and it’s FOUNDATION have done great things and are
in a position to be exemplary role models for all Thomasian alumni to
emulate. We want to be sure that the next generation of alumni show their
sense of responsibility to continue what we have begun. To our current
leaders, we want to keep the Thomasian torch burning as bright as we can,
until we hand it to the next generation of leaders.
Lastly, my congratulations and well wishes to all Jubilarians this year! You
are the reason for this celebration!
Sincerely,
Jose L. Evangelista M.D, F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P.
Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in Michigan
Founding Father of USTMAAA
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MESSAGE FROM THE USTMAAA AND
USTMAAA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
Greetings!
As Thomasian graduates, at different points in time, we all took that
long journey from Manila to set in this land of plenty. What is awesome
about this land is that ideas, determination, dedication, innovation can
practically be thrown into a big laboratory. Through experimentation and
trial and error…tangible outcomes eventually arise.
It was not too long ago when a group of our alumni banded together
and went through a similar laboratory experiment. It was through the
leadership of a few individuals: Joe and Herminia Vijungco, Nen Largoza,
Greg Tolentino, Ron and Tess Ronquillo, Joe and Stella Evangelista, Oni
and Zita Yorro, plus a few more distinguished alumni, that this group of
forty-two pioneers passed the hat and collected the first $65,000 to our
coffers. Indeed, these individuals are rightfully our foundation’s first venture
capitalists. They all took the risk. Fast forward to today. Look around you,
and see where we all are. The kinetic energy unleashed by these forty-two
individuals has reverberated across our entire alumni! We keep passing
that hat everyday…and then some more.
Through the years, our foundation has kept focus in supporting its
key objectives: improvement in infrastructure, research and development,
scholarship, indigent care, and faculty development. As stewards of our
foundation, we pause to ensure that administrative costs are always kept
at a minimum. Moreover, the results of our efforts in support of our key
objectives are reported with utmost transparency. On the other side, our
alma mater’s torch bearers back home are held entirely accountable being
the recipients of our hard work.
The challenge that lies ahead of us is trying to keep each alumni
connected. As we each have our own little story to tell, help us to spread
the word. When you come across any alumnus anywhere in the world you
may be, please tell them about these forty-two pioneers who decided to
set up their own experiment in a big laboratory and came up with pretty
impressive results. Invite them to become a part of it!
Welcome to Orlando!
Gerard Q. C. Flores MD’79
President USTMAAA and USTMAAA Foundation
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MESSAGE
Office of the Dean
UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
In behalf of our Alma Mater, the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, allow
me to express my warmest expression of support to the UST Medical Alumni
Association of America (USTMAAA) Inc. on the occasion of its 23rd Grand
Reunion and Medical Convention in Orlando Florida from July 01-05, 2015. The
medical school is one in joining you celebrate this important event.
Through the years, it is without doubt, that the kindness and selflessness of
Thomasian medical graduates overseas, has helped the medical school in
countless productive endeavors. The outpour of love has translated to medical
and surgical missions providing free medical care to the community, medical
scholars who excel here and abroad, technical expertise through exchange of
knowledge and skills and to faculty and staff development through initiatives
toward curriculum re-engineering and continuing professional development.
Needless to say, your contribution is highly valued and accounted for despite the
limitations of our systems and processes.
It is always a joy to be in the company of colleagues whose background and
orientation resonate similarly. The culture of Thomasian comradeship is both
deep and encompassing. Deep because of the tradition and history we all share.
Encompassing because of the individual and collective experiences we all went
through as we struggled our way to where we are today.
This is the reason why the Thomasian spirit is undying because in the heart of
every Thomasian physician is an indelible insigne of the Thomasian ideals of
competence, commitment and compassion. This makes us one and this sets us
apart.
Congratulations to the UST Medical Alumni Association of America!
Mabuhay ang Tomasinong MD. Maka-Diyos. Maka-dukha. Manggagamot na
Dakila.
Professor Jesus V. Valencia, MD, MHPEd, FPCS
Dean
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MESSAGE FROM OF THE OFFICE OF THE REGENT
To the members of the USTMAAA gathered in Orlando Florida for the 23rd
Grand Reunion and Medical Convention, warmest greetings and congratulations
from your Alma Mater, the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of
Santo Tomas.
Barely do we know one another as this is my first year as Regent of the Faculty
of Medicine and Surgery and I have met only a few of you at the last reunion in
Manila last January 2015.
This notwithstanding, I want to transmit to all of you my deepest sentiments
of appreciation and affection because you have brought with genuine pride the
name of your Alma Mater to the country of your adoption as true professionals
and you represent the best that the Philippines can offer to the world.
In a short time, we will have the opportunity to greet each other and to listen to
stories of struggle and success, of dreams fulfilled and efforts rewarded.
I pray and hope that this reunion will bring about a renewal of ties among all the
members of the association and your Alma Mater,
May the spirit of compassion, competence and commitment guide you and your
families in the service of God and our fellow human beings.
Rev. Fr. Angel A. Aparicio, OP
Regent
UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
Meet our New Regent
BORN: September 25, 1948 in La Puebla de Valdavia, Palencia, España
Father: Alipio Aparicio (May 13, 1918)
Mother: Angeles Abad (April 20, 1925)
PRIEST, O.P.:
- Noviciate - Ocaña, Spain, 1965
- Religious Profession - Ocaña, 1966
- Ordination Priesthood, Madrid, Spain, 1973
- Assigned to UST, Philippines, 1979 to present
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
- Elementary: Public School, La Puebla de Valdavia, 1952-59
- High School: Colegio P.P. Dominicos, Valladolid, 1959-1965
- Philosophy: Instituto de Filosofía San Pedro Mártir, Madrid, 1966-69
- Theology: Instituto de Teología San Pedro Martír, Madrid, 1969-73
- Special Studies
1. Biblical
Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, 1973-76
Ecole Biblique et Archeologique Francaise, Jerusalem,
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