HISTORY OF UPAA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
                     BERKELEY CHAPTER

Transcript from the archives of the UP Office of Alumni Relations, Diliman:

In the mid-60’s, there was a student group called “The Filipino Student Association at the University of California, Berkeley”.  The leaders of this organization were professors from the University of the Philippines taking graduate studies at the University of California Berkeley campus.  They were recipients of grants from prestigious institution like the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Fulbright Foundation as well as from UP itself.  This outstanding group of UP scholars included Flor Lacanilao (Zoology);  Romeo Cruz (History);  Rolando Danao (Mathematics);  Salvador Bautista (Landscape Architecture);  Mario Zabat (Sanitary Engineering);  Flora Fernandez (Public Health);  Bert Alano (Economics);  Soledad Borromeo (History); and Romy Ocampo (Public Administration).

From the first UPAA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Chapter Newsletter ….

The Northern California Berkeley Chapter of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association is the first alumni association organized outside of the Philippines.  It was organized with pure grit.  The first move to organize a chapter here started in the fall of 1968.  A meeting was held at the residence of Dalisay Balunsat.  Said meeting was attended by Johnny and Mellie Leandicho Lopez; Benny and Josie Mendoza; Lou and Nina Raymundo; Pablo and Edna Victorino.  But it was not formally organized until the winter of 1968 at a Christmas Party held at the UC International House in Berkeley.

Dr. Tomas S. Fonacier had just organized the UP Alumni Association in the Philippines (UPAA). As the Executive Director of the UPAA, he was empowered to establish UP alumni chapters all over the world.  He came to Berkeley in February 1969 and thus the first UPAA was established by the charter/pioneer members.  They sought the help of their founder and “Ninong” (godfather), Regent Tomas S. Fonacier.  The charter members wished to preserve the original format of being basically an academic and charitable organization.  Dean Tomas S. Fonacier gave some constructive criticisms during the formation of the chapter.

The following men and women contributed to the growth of the chapter.  Benny and Josie Mendoza; Pablo and Edna Victorino; Gilbert and Ditas Tipton;  Bayani and Helen Domingo.  They were dubbed the “Workers”.

Johnny and Mellie Leandicho Lopez have hosted meetings in their residence in Berkeley, mentioning the first meeting with Dr. Tomas Fonacier.

University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Northern California Berkeley Chapter (UPAANCBC) is a duly-registered non profit (501)(c)(3) corporation recognized by the State of California as well as the federal government.  It attained its legal status as a non-profit and tax-exempt organization chapter in 1997 and is duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Through the years, UPAANCBC has been led by the following:

1968-1969                               Salvador Bautista                             

1969-1970                               Gilbert Tipton                        

1970-1972                               Benny Mendoza                                

1972-1973                               Helen H. Domingo                            

1973-1974                               Vic Mercado                                     

1974-1975                               Josie Mendoza                                  

1975-1976                               Oty Balagot                         

1976-1977                               Virgilio Victoria                                 

1977-1978                               Cherry S. Utleg  B.S. Chemical Engineering'63                   

1979-1988                               UPAA was inactive

1988-1989                               Oty Balagot B.M./Piano '55,  B.M./Cello '61                              

1989-1990                               Dave Katague                                   

1990-1992                               Minda Azarcon A.B. Music'61'64  M.A. Music'67                       

1992-1994                               Lettie T. Figueroa B.S. Business Administration'59                   

1994-1996                               Norma V. Lacambra B.S. Business Administration'70                    

1996-1998                               Ceny A. Duldulao B.S. Elementary Education'70        

1998-2000                               Jay Castro B.S. Business Administration'69                                        

2000-2002                               Vangie  Poe-Quesada B.S.H.E. Hotel/Restaurant'77                   

2002-2004                               Raffi Rey B.S. Business Administration and Accountancy'73                                      

2004-2005                               Joe Aliling B.S. Electrical Engineering MSIE MBA'81

                2005-2007                         Romi Beza B.S. Business Economics'81

                2007 - 2010                             Alexis A. Zulueta B.S. Business Admnistration and Accountancy'69

                2010 to present                      Selenna Franco-Cefre B.S. Business Admnistration and Accountancy'84

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2010 - 2011 Officers

                                 President                                Selena Franco-Cefre B.S. Business Admin and Accountancy '84

                                         1st Vice-President                   Daisy Rodriguez B.S. Nursing'69 MS'71

                                         2nd Vice-President                   Evelyn Balancio

                                         Treasurer                                 Diosy Rey B.S. Business Administration'73

                                         Auditor                                    Cherry S. Utleg  B.S. Chemical Engineering'63

                                         Secretary                                Henry Fajardo

                                         Asst. Secretary                        Marivi Perez

                                         Parliamentarian                        Alexis Zulueta B.S. Business Administration/Accountancy'69

Committee Chairs

                                 Advisory                                  Romi Beza B.S. Business Economics '81

                                         Awards                                    Jay Castro B.S. Business Administration'69

                                         Communications                       Rose Ramos

                                         Grants                                      Raffi Rey B.S. Business Administration and Accountancy'73

                                         Membership                              Andet Las Pinas B.S. Music

                                         Music                                       Henry Torres A.B. Music

                                         Philanthropy / Scholarship          Romi Beza B.S. Business Economics'81

                                         Projects Review                         Ceny A. Duldulao B.S. Elementary Education'70

                                         Protocol                                    Quinito Joaquin B.S. Engineering

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UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (Berkeley) CHAPTER

BYLAWS

(As ratified by the General Membership on March 12, 2006)

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of the organization shall be the UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (Berkeley) CHAPTER, abbreviated as UPAA-NCC, also known as (a.k.a) UPAA-Berkeley Chapter.

ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVES

The Chapter shall have the following objectives:

    A. To promote and strengthen the spirit of loyalty to the Alma Mater among the UP Alumni in Northern California;

    B. To bring together graduates of the University of the Philippines residing in Northern California by promoting intellectual and cultural activities among them and their communities;

    C. To build a bridge of contact and communication between the UP Office of Alumni Relations and members of UPAA-NCC;

    D. To build a bridge of contact and communication between the various UPAA chapters and members of UPAA-NCC;

    E. To raise and maintain fund for academic programs and other programs that the organization may deem necessary to accomplish its other goals and objectives.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section A - Types of Members

1. Regular Members

    Any person who is a (1) holder of any degree or academic certificate granted by the University of the Philippines, as recorded in the U.P. Alumni Directory, (2) believes, accepts and supports the objectives of the Chapter, and (3) is accepted by the Board of Directors upon review of his/her application, may become a regular member.

2. Associate Members

    Any person who (1) graduated from the University of the Philippines Integrated High School, (2) believes, accepts and supports the objectives of UPAA-NCC, and (3) is accepted by the Board of Directors upon review of his/her application, may become an associate member.  An associated member shall neither have voting powers nor hold elective office but may hold appointive posts.

3. Honorary Members

    Other persons who (1) have shown special interest in the alumni association and (2) continuously contributes their talents to the projects of the Association may be nominated to and accepted by the Board of Directors as honorary member.  An honorary member shall neither have voting powers nor hold elective office but may hold appointive posts.

Section B - Membership Requirements

1.  Upon admission, members are required (1) to attend at least two general membership meetings every year, (2) support the activities of the Chapter and (3) pay their yearly membership dues, in order to maintain their active and good standing status.

2.  Members who are unable to comply with number of required of general membership meetings due to illness or disability must file a leave of absence to the Board and pay their dues in order to be considered as active members.

3.  Inactive members may re-activate their membership by (1) contacting the Membership Chair, (2) updating their personal information and (3) payment of current year dues.  Re-activated members may not vote or hold office until after one year of re-activation.

Section C - Admission of New Members

1.  Any U.P. alumna/alumnus desiring to become a member must fill out an application form to be submitted to the Membership Chair for processing.

2.  The Membership Chair shall present the application forms of prospective members to the Board of Directors for their review.  The new members shall be presented to the membership at the next general meeting where they shall be inducted by the current president.

Section D - Suspension, Expulsion and Rejection of Members

1.  Any member who (1) intentionally violates any of the provisions of these bylaws, or (2) aids anyone in committing any act detrimental to the policies, projects and best interest of this Chapter, or (3) expressed defamatory remarks against a member, may be suspended, expelled or rejected by a vote of three-fourths of the general membership during a general membership meeting.

2.  Any complaint against any member shall be made in writing and submitted to the Board of Directors, who shall thereafter inform the subject of the complaint.  He shall then be given 30 days to respond to the charges.  The Board may schedule the vote to suspend, expel or reject the subject of the complaint at the next general meeting by a three-fourths majority vote.

3.  Expelled members may not re-apply for membership.

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section A - The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the Chapter.  It shall consist of (1) the elected officers, (2) the parliamentarian and (3) the chair of the Advisory Committee.

Section B - The Chapter shall have the following officers who shall be elected by the general membership, serve for a one-year term and may be re-elected for the next year for the same spot:

                  1. President

                  2. First Vice President

                  3. Second Vice President

                  4. Secretary

                  5. Assistant Secretary

                  6. Treasurer

                  7. Auditor

ARTICLE V - DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section A - The President shall preside at all meetings.  He/She shall sign with the Treasurer or the Secretary all checks, contracts and other instruments in writing which have been first approved by the Board of Directors.  He/She shall have the right to vote, as ex-officio members, in all committees except the Nominating Committee.  The President shall present a plan of all activities for the year at the general meeting following his/her installation.  He/She shall represent the Chapter at all official functions.  The President shall insure that the outgoing Board regarding outstanding business activates briefs the incoming Board.

Section B - The First Vice President shall be the Program and Development Chair.  He/She shall coordinate with the President all activities of the Chapter for the year.  He/She shall preside in the absence of the President.  He/She shall plan with the President and the Chair of the Advisory committee, a workshop in June to acquaint the elected officers and appointed Chairs of their duties.

Section C - The Second Vice President shall be the Chair for Ways and Means.  He/She shall plan  revenue earnings projects to finance the Chapter's yearly budget.  He/she shall preside in the absence of the President and the First Vice President.  He/she shall be a member of the budget committee.

Section D - The Secretary shall keep a permanent record of all meetings, bylaws, standing rules and committee appointments.  He/She shall conduct the correspondence of the Chapter, keep a file of all correspondence of the Chapter, keep a file of all correspondence received and sent; keep an accurate list of names and contact information of the entire membership.  He/She shall co-sign with the President in the absence of the  Treasurer.

Section E - The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary in the performance of the above functions.  He/She shall convey important and factual information including upcoming meetings to the members by phone, mail or newsletter.  He/She shall assume the duties of the Secretary in her absence.

Section F - The Treasurer shall be the Chair of the Budget Committee.  This committee, under his/her leadership shall prepare an annual budget, which shall be approved by the Board of Directors.  He/She shall keep safely all monies and other properties of the Chapter, collect annual membership dues, pay bills by checks and submit a quarterly income statement to the general meeting after approval by the Board of Directors.  He/She shall file all required tax returns for the Chapter.

Section G - The Auditor shall audit the books submitted by the Treasurer and attest to the Auditor's Report.  He/She shall be a member of the Budget Committee.

Section H - The immediate Past President shall serve as the Parliamentarian.  He/She shall ensure that the Board's actions are in concordance with the by-laws and parliamentary procedures.  He/She shall serve as a bridge between the old and new administration.

Section I - The Chair of the Advisory Committee shall act as Advisor to the Board.  He/She shall be elected from members of the Advisory Committee.

ARTICLE VI - STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Section A - The standing committees shall be: Advisory, Awards, Communications, Grants, Membership, Music, Philanthropy and Scholarship, Protocol, and Projects Review Committee.  Special Committees include the Bylaws Revision Committee, Nominating Committee and other committees that may be deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

Section B - No member shall serve as Chair of any standing and special Committees for more than two consecutive terms.  The President with the approval of the Board of Directors shall appoint the chairs of the committees, except those specifically reserved to certain persons by provisions of these Bylaws.

Section C - The Committee Chairs, except the Advisory Committee Chair, shall recruit the committee members from the general membership.

ARTICLE VII - DUTIES OF STANDING COMMITTEES CHAIRPERSONS

Section A - The Advisory Committee Chair shall be voted by charter members, the current president and all past president who shall compose the Advisory Committee.  He/She shall hold office for one year and may be re-elected for the next year.  The Committee chair shall serve as a member of the Board of Directors.  In the event that the Chair cannot attend the Board of Directors meeting, he/she shall appoint a member of the Advisory Committee to represent him/her.

Section B - The Awards Chair shall preside over the deliberations of the committee which shall include the President and the Chair of the Advisory Committee.  This committee shall be responsible in the selection of the UPAA-Berkeley Chapter's annual most outstanding member award.  This award shall be announced and given during the anniversary celebration of the Chapter.

Section C - The Assistant Secretary shall be the Communications Chair.  This committee shall be responsible for disseminating information to the general membership including meeting date announcements and updates.

Section D - The Membership Chair shall be responsible for processing the application forms of prospective members and maintain the membership roster.  This committee shall present the processed applications to the Board for their acceptance as members.  The committee shall schedule an event to welcome and induct the new members upon payment of their membership fees.

Section E - The Music Chair shall assist the Vice Presidents in planning the Chapter programs and special events.

Section F - The Philanthropy/Scholarship Chair shall preside over the committee's deliberations in granting scholarships and communicating with the University in all matters relating to the Chapter scholars.

Section G - The Protocol Chair together with the President shall represent the Chapter in all community events and coordinate with the Board in planning the year's meetings.

Section H - The Projects Review Chair shall form a committee of five members who will evaluate the feasibility, quality and profitability of any project being considered for sponsorship by the Board.  Regular members who are trained in the following areas -- theater, visual arts, engineering and finance -- are preferred to serve in this committee.  The committee chair may not serve for more than two consecutive years.

ARTICLE VIII - FISCAL YEAR AND MEMBERSHIP DUES

Section A - The fiscal year shall be June 1 of the current year through May 31 of the following year.

Section B - Annual membership dues are due from members every June 1.  The current Board shall determine the annual dues by type of membership.  Dues shall be collected from membership applicants before they are inducted.

ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS

Section A - There shall be at least four general meetings during the fiscal year, which shall preferably be in the months of September, November, March and May.  The Secretary and Treasurer shall render their reports during the general meetings.  Other officers and committee chairs may be asked to render their reports during any of the meetings.  The presence of ten members shall constitute a quorum for general meetings.  Business discussed during the general meetings shall not be discussed with non-members of the Chapter.

Section B - There shall be at least four Board of Directors meetings.  The President shall designate the time and venue of the meetings. Special meetings may be called by the President or at the written request of at least one-third of the members of the Board.  The presence of five members constitutes a quorum.  The Board meeting shall be closed to the Board Members and the invited members only.

Section C - Business discussed during the general meetings shall not be discussed with non-members of this Chapter.  Business discussed during the board meetings hall not be discussed with non-Board members.

Section D - The order of business in all meetings shall be (1) Call to order by the President; (2) Reading of the previous meeting by the Secretary and approval by the membership; (3) Reading and discussion of communications and correspondence addressed to the Chapter; (4) Treasurer's Report; (5) Discussion of specific agenda; (6) New business; and (7) Adjournment.

Section E - No person shall be allowed to address the Chapter for political, commercial or religious reasons.  No person shall be allowed to distribute circulars, advertisements or endorsements of any product or services before, during and immediately after the meeting.

Section F - The revised Robert's Rules of Order shall be the authority upon which all questions not covered by these Bylaws will be guided.

ARTICLE X - ELECTIONS

Section A - Eligibility Requirements

1.  To be eligible for election to an office of the Board of Directors, a member must have been a member in good standing with the Chapter for at least one year.

2.  To be eligible for the office of the President, a member must have served on the Board of Directors for at least one year.

3.  To be eligible to vote, a regular member must be a member in good standing as defined in these bylaws.

Section B - Nomination Process

1.  The Board shall convene a special meeting in November to constitute a five member a Nominating Committee.  The five members shall consist of two members of the Board and three members elected by the general membership during the general membership meeting.  A member may serve in the Nominating Committee only once in two years.    The selected members shall elect a Chair among them.

2.  The Nominating Committee shall select eligible members who agree to serve for the office.  A member serving in the Nominating Committee is eligible for nomination to any office.

3.  In the event the Nominating Committee fails to select an eligible member willing to serve as President, the incumbent President continues in office until a new President is elected.  In the event the President is no longer available to serve, the First Vice President shall be the successor until the new President is elected.

4.  The elected Chair shall arrange with the Secretary to announce in March through phone, mail, and/or e-mail the members of the Nominating Committee to enable members to voice out their nominations.

5.  The report of the Nominating Committee shall be submitted to the Board in April.  Thereafter, the tentative slate of officers will be communicated to the general membership.

Section C - Election Process

1.  The Nominating Committee Chair shall submit the slate of officers to the general membership for election during the May meeting.

2.  Voting shall be viva voce unless a ballot is called by the majority of the quorum present.

3.  The Nominating Committee Chair shall accept nominations from the floor during the election.  If no other nomination is received for an office from the floor, the Committee nominee shall be declared the election winner.  If two or more candidates are nominated for a office, a secret ballot shall take place for the said office.  The candidate with the majority vote will be declared the winning candidate immediately after the count which shall be conducted by the Nominating Committee.

Section D - Board Vacancy

1.  The Board at its first meeting following the vacancy shall fill any vacancy in the Board of Directors for the remaining unexpired term of the office.

ARTICLE XII - POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Section A - Specific standing rules, regulations and procedures relating to meetings, special programs and representations to and by the Board and members shall govern the chapter in the conduct of its business and affairs.

Section B - If for any reason, the organization is terminated, ownership of all assets of the organization shall be transferred to the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in Diliman, Philippines, subject to the governing federal and state laws.

ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS

Section A - No amendment to the Bylaws shall be made within three years after the approval of a revised Bylaws.

Section B - The Bylaws Revision Committee shall have the responsibility to consider revisions to amendments to the Bylaws of the Chapter.  This Committee shall be composed of three appointed members, the President and the Parliamentarian.  The Chairman of the Bylaws Revision Committee will be appointed by the President.

Section C - The Bylaws Revision Committee shall submit the revised Bylaws to the Board of Directors for approval.  Upon approval by the Board, the committee shall present the revised Bylaws to the general membership for their approval and ratification.  The revised Bylaws shall be in effect as soon as ratified.

Section D - The Bylaws may be amended and/or adopted by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors and the general membership present at the general meeting at which it is presented.