UST Alumni Australia (USTAA) held its annual general meeting via zoom last 26 June 2024 and the election of Officers for 2024-2026.
Meet the Officers of USTAA for 2024-2026.
Elected as President was Maria Elena “Len” Puzon Conducto, a graduate of BA in Economics. Len is a familiar face in the Filipino community and is the Vice President of MegaWorld International. She is a licensed real estate agent and is also the president of Norwest Rotary Club.
“I am humbled and honoured to serve as president of USTAA, my alma mater” said Puzon. Len also thanked USTAA for their trust in her and looked forward to taking USTAA to new heights.
Also elected were: Marilie Bomediano as PRO, replacing Albert Prias and Rodi Orantia as Treasurer, replacing Tess Sayas.
Marilie is a graduate of BS tourism and is involved in the media. She is a photojournalist for Ang Balita Australia, a Sandigan Reporter Philippine Community Herald and the producer-presenter of two community radio stations – Radio Rizal Connect 100.9 FM Sandigan Radio 88.1 FM 2RDJ.
Rodi Orantia is a CPA accountant and PICPA Australia and Philippines. He majored in accounting at UST Legaspi City and has an MBA from Western Sydney University. He is a Registered tax agent and tax practitioner and runs his own accountancy practice “Dial Tax” in the Blacktown area.
Re-elected to the Board are: Vangie Leones, Secretary and Rosemarie Hamilton, Auditor. State Vice Presidents remain the same: Dr. Myrna Jover (NSW), Cecilia Flores (ACT), Cielo Franklin (WA) and Teresa Cardona (Queensland). VP positions for Victoria and South Australia will still have to be filled.
USTAA now has its own website – https://ustaa.au. This was courtesy of Engramar Bollas of Code Sydney and all Thomasians living in Australia are encouraged to register. It will help connect all Thomasians down under and link alumni to their alma mater.
The association also has a monthly “live stream” podcast on their FB page, anchored by Joey Matro, and everyone is welcome to share their memories, experiences and ideas. Schedules are regularly posted on the UST Alumni Australia FB pages.
Adviser, Kate Roc Andres and outgoing president, Ms. Benjie de Ubago remain on the board. Benjie thanked the inaugural team for their support during the establishment stage. “Keep the UST spirit alive and may we continue to live by the Thomasian core values of competence, commitment and compassion,” she said.
