Page 58 - UPAAA GRC '21 Souvenir Journal

NES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION in
he
MERICA
NIVERSITY
U UNIVERSITY o of f t the P PH HI IL LI IP PP PI INES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION in A AMERICA
ESTABLISHED IN
1981

October 17, 2021

Dear Fellow Alumni:

Welcome to the 21st University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America
(UPAAA) Virtual Grand Reunion and Convention on October 22-24, 2021. We are
honored by the presence of our alumni from the U.S. and around the world.

We are what we are because of the educational opportunities we had in UP. UP taught us
to think critically, to define our character, to develop our identity, to maintain our integrity
and to have compassion for fellow citizens here in the U.S. and in the Philippines.

We are in the midst of the global pandemic of COVID-19. As of Oct. 17, 2021, global cases of
COVID-19 has reached 240, 623,361 with 4,897, 621 deaths. In the U.S., 57% of the
population are fully vaccinated. In the Philippines, only 22% are fully vaccinated, and globally,
only 37% are fully vaccinated. To reach herd immunity, we need to ensure access to the
vaccines globally, and get 70% of the world population fully vaccinated to stop this global
pandemic.

We are proud to be true UP alumni because we have been imbibed with the values and
idealism that have made us strive for excellence in our respective fields. Let us unite as
global citizens and work together in our respective field to fight COVID-19 and make sure all
our communities are fully vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There is no single bullet
against COVID-19. We need to continue wearing masks and practice social distancing to
prevent the stop the transmission of this virus.

Let us continue to support our Alma Mater in its goals and objectives to provide excel-
lent, affordable, and relevant education to all Filipinos. Push on UP! Mabuhay!

Sincerely,

Francisco S. Sy, MD, DrPH
Past President UPAAA
2007-2009