Page 8 - Binder 1 GRC SJ UPAAA 21-draft

M E S S A G E

Greetings to my fellow Iskos and Iskas, and congratulations
on the success of the 21st Grand Reunion and Convention
of the UP Alumni Association in America!

COVID-19 continues to disrupt almost every aspect of our lives. But while it might not have
been the reunion you had in mind, that does not make your gathering any less joyful or any
less meaningful. Indeed, it was only further testament to yet another feat—that despite
the distance and in spite of yet another challenging year, you came together and chose to
Arise as one community.

This has never been more important, because as we have seen over almost two years under
this pandemic, solidarity paves the way forward; it is your fellowship and sense of communal
responsibility that will help us weather any storm. Time and again we have proven this, and
time and again UPAAA has exemplified this truth: It will take more than a pandemic, more
than any crisis, to make the Filipino spirit yield.

And so I hope that more than a gathering, your reunion was an opportunity to reflect
on and celebrate the things that truly bind us: The values we share as a people, the strength
we draw from each other, and ultimately, the hope and courage we give to our community
and our country especially during difficult times. May we continue to deepen these
ties, to widen our circles of solidarity and empathy even more—going beyond our families,
our friends, and our fellow alumni—as we chart a course towards our shared horizon: A
truly better normal that is kinder and fairer, that is more loving and compassionate.

Maraming salamat, at mabuhay kayong lahat!

LENI ROBREDO