What is the plan of the UPVAA in terms of helping the undergraduate members?
There is no definite plan yet so far. We are still in the birth pains stage as the UPVAA was organized in 2004. During the 2004-2006 Board, interaction among the general membership was limited to familiar campus figures and some off-campus personalities. As I have stated above, the current Board is completing the database. Once completed, interaction among Varrons will be much easier. The Board has discussed possible income-generating projects that the undergrads can involve with so that they will not always be dependent on the kindness of alumni member every time they have activities. At present, UPVAA, through individual efforts of alumni members, extends help to the undergrads more on a case to case basis i.e. assistance to socio-cultural activities.

How do you manage your time and activities between your career and the organization? Between your family and career?
So far, I do not find any conflict in UPVAA activities with my work, career and family. The internet has helped a lot in my interaction among the Varrons without adversely affecting my work and domestic life.

How does your family take your involvement with the UPVAA?
Although my wife is a member of the number one rival-organization of the UPVL in the forestry campus, there is no problem.

Do you consider yourself a technophile? Yes.

Do you do a lot of internet surfing? Yes.

In what topics? Latest local and world news on environment and natural resources, politics and technology; and world history.

What is the coolest thing that you found in the internet? Yahoo! Groups, Google Earth (interactive 3D satellite maps of the earth) and YouTube.

What types of reading materials do you find most interesting? News and world history.

What other issues or features do you want to see published here in Tudla: UP Varrons Online?
Achievements of Varrons, complete and accurate history of the UPVL, Varrons blogs, new and old photos about Varrons.

Can you name some of the memorable events that you can remember when you were an undergraduate member of the UP Varrons?
The joint Aggie and Forestry presentation of “Haring Ubu” and the February Fair in 1978 when the UPVL was adjudged Grand Champion in Booth Design. I was part of the team that gathered materials from the Makiling Forest and constructed the booth. The booth was designed by Vrod Manny Bonita. It was a dome composed of many small triangles.

Is there any advice that you can give to the undergrad members?
As one of the moderators of the egroup, I have learned many issues on membership that have negative impact to some other members. This is on the “expulsion” of some members wherein one of the main reasons was “inactivity”. Inactivity though can be defined in many levels and depending on the situation of the member involved. In many instances, “inactivity” is caused by loss of interest. To the undergrads, being a Varron is not only through fulfillment of your individual official responsibilities as an officer and member. It should also go beyond such “official” responsibilities. When a Varron becomes inactive, it should be the duty of any Varron to find out why and try to be of help. What good is being a Vrod or a Sis if one cannot help another Vrod or Sis who needs help? To have a better understanding of being a Varron, all Varrons especially the undergrads should revisit and do a deep analysis of the Varrons Pledge and its meaning and how it can be a guide in a Varron’s life.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Last Updated on October 12, 2016 by Tudla_Admin