Kik's ALUMNI PRESENTATION AT LLFC

by Celestino Rivera, Jr., PUCA '71

Part I.

I attended Dr. Kik's first AWESNA presentation this afternoon excited to put a face on a name long been circulating positively & negatively in the web pages of FB. Much to my surprise he was very personable but find his conviction short of my expectations. I will get to that later. The first part of the presentation was about AUP's population and the students/teachers ratio at 1 to 10. Pretty impressive but I'd say not cost effective. Then came the "selling of COM" presentation which included the steps taken to ensure the problems of the past are not repeated. Being in the same trade I concur! As in any marketing or solicitation you start with the good news, then the bad news....the need of funds! It was quite impressive how AUP was able to do a "feasibility" study of how to raise the funds needed but dismal on the feasibility study of its profitability and sustainability. Dismal since there was no presentation! If you have to market a product to investors you must have both...cash outlay projection and profit projection! Why be in business without knowing your NET income projection? Can you tell the stark difference in thinking between a businessman and a layman?

As I have repeatedly said, leave the business of business to businessmen! Also, can I conclude we are up for uncertainty? Besides, why include the elementary, high school and college students in the equation in fund solicitation? Don't these students usually come from the SAME family who are alumni and asked to contribute as well? That's a potential quadruple whammy that families can't afford! If they are taken out of the equation, then the alumni will take all the cudgels by increased contribution, not just $1,000 as suggested. Nevertheless, this presentation did not convince me otherwise my vocal objection for building a COM. 

Q and A portion lasted only for about 30 minutes touching upon the subject of feasibility study, funding and sustainability. There was no satisfactory answer as far as I am concerned (see reasons as described above). But the one closest to my advocacy was raised by a non-Filipino alum in which the gentlemen proclaimed his hesitance in contributing more funds until the corruption issue is resolved. Mr. Gayoba sadly recognized the existence of such selfish and evil act (my words) and indicated that “they are doing their best to eradicate this problem as evident in their investigation and termination of its workers”, and asked for help by bringing this problem to the table. He objected to the use of the popular social network medium, FACEBOOK in airing of grievances towards erring employees, let alone identifying them publicly. He seemed helpless and overwhelmed with other issues. I suspect this is not his number one priority at this time. I would have preferred for him to have expressed his CONVICTION TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE ISSUE and DECLARED A TOUGHER STANCE IN HIS CRUSADE AGAINST THIS ACT OF BETRAYAL BUT INSTEAD I WAS LEFT WITH THE IMPRESSION THAT THIS SERIOUS CONCERN WILL BE UP FOR THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO TAKE ACTION. Our fight continues……

After the presentation I introduced myself to him….I’m Dune River of FACEBOOK. I saw a faint smile.

Part II.

REALITY CHECK

Now I have a fairly good idea why AUP will remain stagnant, if not head backward. It is because of a leader who is supposed to listen but only pretends to listen! Any suggestions appear to just come in and out of his ear coupled with a stare and a nod then moves on to another subject. YOU NEVER REALLY KNOW IF HE HAS ACKNOWLEDGED YOUR SUGGESTION. HE DOES NOT MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE OR SENSE THAT HE DID. You say to yourself, "It's like talking to a wall". I didn't see him take any notes nor someone taking any notes for him. How could he remember all the suggestions especially in the middle of all the criticisms? Object if you object and debate if you need to debate. 

Furthermore, I did not feel his conviction to initiate change but rather excuses due to the status quo of the system. He must stand for what he believes in and fight the system that installed him when necessary. A leader must be a listener especially when the leader has no experience in managing a school and who admittedly says he sometimes depends on the internet for information rather than asking for help and advice. A leader should not just be in the company of his supporters but also with his adversaries and win support. You don't need to convince those who are already on your side. I GUESS HE IS JUST PRETENDING TO BE A LEADER. Mr. Gayoba, you need help? We are here to help. Ask for it! Lastly, with due respect, a PhD degree is excellent but it does not necessarily qualify a person to be a leader.

ROOT CAUSE PROBLEM ANALYSIS: 

As in any problem solving absolute solution is indeterminate unless problem is shredded up to its last layer. It is conclusive that AUP is in this current problematic state NOT only because of the perpetrators that took advantage of the situation BUT also by its own “perpetrators” that set the stage and allowed the disadvantage to occur. AUP could have chosen competence over ignorance! Secondly, the greed exemplified by our trusted SSD/NPUM leaders transformed and strengthened the will of an already weak character susceptible to corruption into a callous flawed character. Thirdly, the continued absence of a foolproof check and balance system that continue to fan the flames of greed by others in hope of an easy selfish future.  It is imperative that immediate actions are taken to prevent AUP’s eventual demise.

Part III.

My VISION of AUP…from a Layman’s Point of View 

A lot of criticisms have been hurled and an equal amount of suggestions have been thrown but still an impasse exists in our search for that elusive response from the powerful few to a simple request for “transparency and accountability”. The quest for a response has led to division in our ranks and bitter exchanges between friends and acquaintances simply because of a STUBBORN FEW’S EGO to remain in power together with its “benefits”. As an FB group considered as “trouble makers” we must also show our other side…that we are better than just the “FB rants”. We have an excellent pool of people with leadership qualities and ideas waiting to be tapped ALL developed by the “School that Trains for Service”. 

I am starting this “thread” to tap each one’s talents to contribute to our VISION of AUP. Several administrations have come and gone but each has its own VISION some blurred by greed. It is now time for a COMMON VISION and become united. I declare I am not an expert in all subjects I have enumerated below therefore I ask each one for suggestions (add or delete). Please refrain from unnecessary comments. However, comedy or humor is always welcome!

VISION: A master-planned community established based on the Christian values of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church comprised of the following:

1. Nationally competitive schools and colleges 

2. Housing for students, employees, alumni & friends

3. Parks and sports facilities

4. Business establishments to support the community’s growth.

OUR CORE VALUES:
1. Trustworthiness: honesty, candor, non-deception, promise keeping, loyalty 
2. Fairness: openness, impartiality, equity, due process, consistency
3. Respect: privacy, autonomy, dignity, courtesy, tolerance, acceptance 
4. Caring: kindness, compassion, unselfishness, charity
5. Responsibility: accountability, self-restraint, quality
Short Term Goals:

A.  INFRASTRUCTURE 1. Appoint a qualified Development Director 2. Develop a Master Development Plan with consideration of existing infrastructures 3. Marketing of MDP to constituency & alumni -marketing video or brochure 4. Completion of asbestos cleanup 5. Maintenance & improvement of existing structures 6. Re-opening or re-construction of a new Narra Boy’s Dorm 7. Improvement of existing roads and utility lines with consideration of future MDP 8. Completion of COT.

B. SCHOOLS & COLLEGES 1. Appoint AUP Top 10 Director 2. Achieve Top 10 recognition each year in national exams 3. Establish Review Classes to achieve Top 10 recognition 4. Technical Schools Note: Each school and college should be able to set their short term goals besides above to achieve vision of being nationally competitive
C. HUMAN RESOURCE 1. Review current resources to decrease operating cost 2. Define specific roles of resources

D.  FINANCE 1. Create budget with ZERO deficit  2. Initiate a more foolproof of check & balances - Competitive bidding - Maintain set of pre-approved qualified vendors  3. A healthy financial statement

E.  ALUMNI AFFAIRS: 1. Establish a website to show the following: - updated summary of projects indicating funds received and disbursed - official solicitation projects - Quick communication through Q and A

F.  INVESTMENTS 1. Appoint an Investment Director 2. Establish programs - 30-50 year land lease for business - Marketing of housing opportunities by Real Estate Company 3. Explore alumni investments and financing in business ventures

LONG TERM GOALS: 1. College of Medicine 2. College of Engineering

How’s AUP’s Star?

by Lourdes Ramos-Laguardia

How’s AUP’s Star?

Some years ago, an FB post read, “AUP, the School that Refuses to Shine Forever!” Was that prophetic, co-incidental, or plainly a baseless statement? Let’s see.

Corruption after corruption has been alleged – from bribing to non-existent ledgers; from malversation of funds to overpricing of materials, etc. (Members of a closed alumni FB group know what I am talking about). The most recent fiasco is the “bringing down” of Narra Men’s dormitory because of its flawed construction, a likely consequence of self-imposed procedure and shady deals. No real bidding was done as usual and there was an apparent cutting corner of materials despite its multi-million budget. This is an allegation yes, but like the proverbial, “when there’s smoke, there’s fire” – which is not true all the time all right, but it’s one thing to check the smoke and prove there’s no fire and another, not to check the smoke at all. We call it irresponsibility! Yes, to pursue the contractors behind this mess is correct, but what about the AUP leaders who inked the deal and the other members of the “pyramid?” Corruption is never right. What must a new leader do about it? Lick it and he angers the builders; ignore it and he oppresses the public. What about conspiring with the corrupt to appease a suspecting public? Connivance to cheat a public is worse! Where is AUP going?

A new leader must do a balancing act between the past and the current. He cannot be indifferent to a previous mess; neither can he get stuck in it. Instead, he must continue to develop and advance the mission and fulfill the goals of the organization. To do it, he needs to communicate- to listen, to consult, and to speak –to friends or foes. Sometimes, the people considered villains are the experts to be consulted. Experto Credite, says Virgil (Trust one who has proved it). A new leader in his scheme of things should be ready to be humbled – to admit the things he doesn’t understand and is not capable of delivering. He must be ready to give to others the credit for something he truly does not need to deserve. Sometimes, the people around or below a leader see things more clearly and have better solutions to offer. Unfortunately, in the Philippines only the highly educated seem to have the right to speak and be heard. We call this, oppression.

In the event of the men’s dorm blunder and the failed College of Theology building, is it then wise to continue the COM building? When taken as a project all by itself, a COM at AUP is a sure baby, but not when it shares a space in the anomaly picture. Doubts about the soundness of the project have been expressed and published. More and more improper behaviors of the “big cheese” past and present are coming out to the surface, and the public can’t help but connect them all to see one whole not-so-good picture- and we shake our heads, “Whoah…it’s been for ages….” One allegation of corruption may be considered an isolated case, a reflection of human frailties, but allegations one after another makes us realize that corruption is unfortunately now formidably in place. And are we not sad!

Why is there a seemingly panicky atmosphere regarding the COM project? Claims of preventing CHED’s moratorium have been quoted to justify the haste in building the COM. But doesn’t it sound like there are too many, non-performing COMs in the Philippines thus, a moratorium? Do the AUP leaders then make it certain that their COM shall not join the bandwagon of failed COMs? Yes, it’s true CHED issued a moratorium (MO #32, series of 2010) on five undergraduate or graduate courses: nursing, teacher education, business administration, information technology and hotel and restaurant management effective SY 2011-2012. However, CHED has not officially issued a moratorium on opening medical colleges by already existing universities however; CHED improved its application procedure by focusing on two important aspects: qualified faculty and deans, and teaching hospitals. If AUP insists on pushing the COM project for 2013, we expect detailed plan of its academic programs, line-up of qualified deans and faculty. Is there yet one published? As to a building (structure), there was no mention of it as a stringent criterion perhaps because a university can make use of some existing buildings and laboratories (supposing they are available). This is not the case in AUP- correct me, thus the birth of the COM complex project. There is nothing strange in planning for advancement; it is expected of a university like AUP that has been granted autonomy. It is likely of a university that has registered top licensure examinees (though wanting in high over-all passing rates). But what is not quite rational is to pursue another mammoth project when some previous ones are laid waste and are stinking with anomalies. This is so uncool – so unbusiness like. But if AUP leaders are so convinced and determined to pursue it with or without alumni 100% support, go on if you must. If they can only restore the trust….

Where is Dr. Francisco Gayoba, the AUP president going? Like his predecessors, his mandate remains the same and that is, to make AUP a truly Adventist model university. As a pastor and as an academician, he understands this language. Unfortunately, he is inheriting the JVA bribery issue, the COT riddled failure, the Narra men’s dormitory fiasco, and of course the once initiated COM, and the questionable dispensation of initial donations. These are evidences enough to think that all is not well in the university. People feel betrayed, they are hurt, they are angry, and they are worried – where is AUP going? However, some do not believe a thing about all these allegations - they insist that someone is innocent until proven guilty. Some suggest to just let God take care of the mess and punish the culprits in His time. Mr. Gayoba must be brave and must plead for wisdom – with all these alleged anomalies and divided response, his calling is to once and for all find out the truth and If there is indeed corruption, he must call it by its right name and clean AUP of it. He cannot allow himself to be intimidated by the “old cowboys” in the camp; his loyalty is to God and to the institution, not to a powerful few. Lick them and you have given God, his glory! AUP’s public is in need of a hero, Mr. Gayoba – heed their call.

Finally, a brief note to AUP alumni: supporting this university that trains for service is a noble task. Sharing your hard-earned money is genuine generosity. May God bless you all! But supporting it blindly is amiss. Protecting its leaders from due investigations is idolatry. To ignore glaring evidences of questionable decisions inside the university is outright callousness. A public trust is being broken, - what are we doing?

“The king is the chair….,” not the person that sits on the chair. Leaders come and go. The benefit of the institution is paramount. We work hard for the institution, not for the self-important few. And besides, “the chair” is custom built for men and women who “cannot be bought and sold….” Where are these men and women?

May our leaders say, “Here we are, at your service. Shine, AUP, Shine!

State of the University March 21, 2012

by Dr Frank Gayoba, AUP President

March 21, 2012

Report to the Constituency

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WtXxBUmM8hwp877WpIXjV0Nf5XAMJfkTNypVqFjOXWA/edit

Silang Pioneers building... cost 10.6 million pesos, has 10 classrooms/laboratories and 1 office for the Dean... with a total floor area of 567.2 square meter.  Cost per sq.m. PhP18,694.88 or at US$1 to Php42 is roughly equivalent to US$445 per sq.m..

RELIGION and BUSINESS

by Dune River, PUCA ‘71

RELIGION and BUSINESS DO NOT MIX. Abuses and failures have been ignored and left unpunished due to the common denominator called, “RELIGION”. As stewards for God’s business RELIGION’S only role is to exercise good governance based on its values. Leave the business of BUSINESS to others! If any future development has to happen at AUP after an extensive feasibility study a committee composed of knowledgeable people in their respective fields should be formed to explore options.

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=14.2181505&lon=121.0419418&z=16&l=0&m=b&search=adventist%20university%20of%20the%20philippines%2C%20silang%2C%20cavite%2C%20philippines

During my short visit at AUP in January, 2012, I made several observations I would like to share.

1. After making a few inquiries public records show the University has no SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. With the existence of current structures built “everywhere” it will be quite a task to maximize its land use. Apparently there was such a SDPlan during the Roda administration that was never implemented. Maybe someone from AUP can tell its whereabouts.

2. Orientation of buildings seems odd, including the football field. The road networks appear disoriented at “tabi-tabingi” in addition to the poor quality.

3. Apparent lack of planning did not consider how AUP should look like in 50 years since its acquisition. Yung bang, “napakaluwag pero napakasikip”.  If you are driving from CODentistry to the Women’s Dorm the roads are narrow and wavy (alon-alon) and your car can land in a ditch! COD seems to have the worst location due to its proximity to the Women’s Dorm where all the “sinampays” are visible to view!

4. Biggest problem I see is the parking! Someone forgot that the country will be exploding in numbers and the economy will gain ground and people can readily own vehicles. Or was the “planning” the belief that we would not reach 2012 since “God will be coming soon”? Did planners not realize the advent of big utility vehicles and vans, Fortuner, Innova, Starex, etc, and thinking bicycles and motorcycles only will be the norm of transportation? The absence of lack of parking is evident during Saturday services where cars are parked in the streets and football field. The rotunda which is the center of it all has sprouting not-so-important structures like the Security Department and common Comfort Room at the back.

5. Quality of work and maintenance are sub-par. Mapapansin mo ang mga “retoke”. It doesn’t look like professionals did the work but some “mom & pop” construction operations. I hope they did not run away and another contractor hired to finish the job! There’s a saying, “you get what you paid for”. I did not see any building that stood out in quality. I know beauty is subjective but not in this case. It is evident.

6. The Main Gate appears to be in a precarious location. You will experience difficulty in crossing. Fairly dangerous! The City should have been involved in the planning. Cracks appear on the structure. Possible cause is the settling foundation. For a structure that massive the base must be in good ground. It is like a post with one free end (cantilever). The forces of nature (wind) acts at the highest point and the forces of nature (earthquake) acts highest at the lowest point putting unequal pressure at the base. If not on firm ground the ground would settle unevenly underneath the foundation causing cracks to be formed on its structural members. Usually it will show aesthetically but the more important part is structurally which cannot be detected by plain visualization of external features.

  

No doubt AUP has an excellent location envied maybe by others but the structures do not accentuate its location. Leaders must not rush into construction, let alone completion without proper planning just to be able to show their “trophies” under their administration. IT IS A WASTE OF TIME, ENERGY AND MONEY THAT AUP DOES NOT MUCH HAVE. And most of all the frustration of the Alumni who now have second thoughts of giving to their Alma Mater! IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT AUP PUT THE QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO MANAGE ITS INFRASTRUCTURES.

  

Although filled with frustration regarding my observation I walked away with my head shaking but it was not going to deter me from my main objective….Leslie’s Bulaluhan and the view of Taal Lake.

Do the Best You Can, Sergeant

Do the Best You Can, Sergeant: If You Insist on Learning the Hard Way - Learn to Laugh 

By Tom Zwemer

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m2VS75COLP63FW/ref=ent_fb_link

BookSurge Publishing (March 5, 2009)

I grew up farming. I attended both public and private school. I stood at the head of my class, but naïve as country can make one. What I should have learned in Kindergarten took a lifetime. These stories are the tales I told my children and theirs when ever hard knocks came their way. During World War II, I was a member of Company D 115th Medical Battalion attached to the 40th infantry division. I served in New Guinea, New Briton, Luzon, Southern Philippines, and Korea. I have the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with three bronze battle stars, one Bronze Service Arrowhead (for three assault landings), and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two battle stars, and two overseas service bars. I reached the rank of Medical and Surgical Tech. (T/3) although I had been trained to be a dental tech. My post-army life was the life of an educator in Academic Health Centers.

http://www.amazon.com/Do-Best-You-Can-Sergeant/dp/1439224005/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1333637663&sr=8-9

http://www.amazon.com/Do-Best-You-Can-Sergeant/dp/1439224005/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1333637663&sr=8-9

http://spectrummagazine.org/review/2011/02/01/blueprint-controversies%E2%80%A6please

Tom Zwemer - Fri, 02/11/2011 - 06:07

Below is a story out of my book. "Do the Best You Can Sargeant"

Victims
The campaign for Luzon was almost over. One of our regiments was pulled out of the line after receiving very heavy casualties during the battle for Clark Field. We were exhausted from days of patching up the victims of hate and fear from both sides.
Besides our own wounded, we received Filipino guerrilla fighters who had been strung up by their thumbs and used for bayonet practice. I watched them die as their lungs slowly filled with blood. We received Japanese soldiers captured by the guerrillas who had methodically cut across all major tendons of the hands, wrist, elbows, knees, and ankles.
This quiet afternoon, the ambulance delivered two Japanese soldiers beaten from one end to the other with heavy clubs. They were covered with bruises, abrasion, their eyes and mouths were swollen almost shut, but they were still conscious.
I was the medic assigned to care for the wounded and injured before surgery. The triage officer knelt beside the litter and started to examine the prisoners. As he got to the legs, he grabbed them roughly and began to twist and pull and then tried to make a sawing motion. I said, “Sir, why are you doing that? Look how much it is hurting.” He said, “I’m checking for fractures.” I said, “We don’t check our men that way.” He said, “If it weren’t for these bastards, I’d be back in the Bronx making a damn good living.” I said, “They are just as much victims as we are.” He said, “Soldier, you are out of order. I’m in charge here. That will be all.” He did stop his examination.
(What I didn't write, is that Major made life hell for me for the next three months until he was rotated home)

Ali Agins - Fri, 06/03/2011 - 23:05
Tom Z.
My brother was killed on Luzon. He was a SDA medic and carried no weapon. I'm wondering if it is possible that you would have known him. His name was Charles Harold Jones. He was killed just about a month before the end of the war.
We received letters from Adventist Filipinos who had befriended him. Romeo Brion wrote a letter telling my parents that Charles was the first GI that he saw. He had gone to the campus of the College to see if it was ok and there was an American GI checking it out too. Charles was in that push through the South Pacific mopping up and was there when Manilla was liberated.
I have searched for years to see if I could find anyone that knew him and now time is really running out.
Alison Jones Agins

Tom Zwemer - Sat, 06/04/2011 - 00:46
Ali Agins
Sorry, I did not know your brother. I was a member of the 40th Infantry Div. There was very littl interchange between divisions. We had different sectors sometime miles apart even ilsands apart. I remember one situation, one infantry man slightly wounded and seven medics seriously wounded in attempting to aid the fallen infantry man. In the heaviest fighting in my unit, I was spared because, the war had lost so many medics below the age of 20 that they made a ruling that no one under twenty be sent to the front. I was 19. Later at 20 the fighting was much less intense.
Tom Z