This year is UPGAA’s 22nd year as an association, one that aims to promote social and professional interaction among geology graduates of UP through the years. The theme of this year’s homecoming, “United Geologists for a Better Future” crystallizes the sentiment of the majority of its members that we need to strengthen our ties and efforts as professionals working for the good of the country. The present state of Philippine geosciences demands greater cooperation among individuals, institutions, companies, and fraternal societies because of the slow growth of the economy, the challenge of globalization, and the deterioration of conditions surrounding the mining and exploration-related industries.

The number of living qualified members of UPGAA had increased to some 830. Although only half of this number is accounted for in this directory, it is significant enough considering that when the previous directory came out in 1981, it recorded only the personal and professional data of 224 alumni. We thank therefore, the members who labored long and hard for this 2002 UPGAA Directory of Members. Special thanks should go to Archie Digdigan (Batch 1998), Jun Angeles (Batch 1977), Karlo Queano (Batch 1993), Anthony Ferrer (Batch 1981), Dr. Manoling Ramos (Batch 1977) and the others who gathered the information sheets over the last few months.

Let this be a testament to the spirit of goodwill and cooperation that exists among the early alumni of Palma Hall, third pavilion and those who came after them, alumni of the National Institute of Geological Sciences, and their families and friends. May your continued support and dedication to NIGS and to our beloved UP redound to a really better future for our country and its youth. Maraming salamat po!

VICTOR B. MAGLAMBAYAN
President