The PUP Alumni Association USA (PUPAA USA) held a successful Gala at Quiet Cannon in Montebello,
California, on September 19, 2026, celebrating the installation of its 2026–2028 Board of Directors and
Officers. With the theme “Giving Back and Moving Forward to a New Beginning,” the event meaningfully
celebrated leadership, service, friendship, and unity.
The program began with a welcome address by Ms. Violeta “Vee” Dela Cruz Cristobal, Chairman of the
Board, followed by the singing of the U.S. and Philippine National Anthems; the PUP Hymn, led by Dr.
Gerry V. Fernando, Vice President-Finance & Treasurer; and an invocation by Ms. Monette Santillan-
Rivera, Adviser.
Ms. Honeylette Monteverde-De Leon, Vice-Chairman of the Board, introduced the speaker, Honorable
Consul General Adelo Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, who
delivered the keynote address and led the installation of the 2026-2028 Board of Directors and Officers as
follows:
Chairman of the Board: Violeta Dela Cruz-Cristobal
Vice Chairman of the Board: Honeylette Monteverde-De Leon
President: Marissa Sugay-Palanca
Executive Vice President-Scholarship Program: Beng A. Panado
Vice President – Finance & Treasurer: Dr. Gerry Villarico Fernando
Vice President – Goals & Planning: Jose C. Mapoy, Jr.
Vice President – Membership: Amelita C. Sarmiento
Vice President – PRO/Social Media: Edwin D. Dimaculangan
Vice President – Programs & Community Service: Marie Bargo Valleser
Secretary: Maria Maico
Auditor: Tonette Hall
Asst. Vice President – Membership USA: Linda Paor
Asst. Vice President – Membership Global: Evangeline R. Codilla
Adviser: Monette Santillan-Rivera (Past Chairman of the Board)
Adviser-Emeritus: Dr. Henry Divina (Past Chairman of the Board)
The celebration featured a special musical number, “Pangarap,” composed by Mr. Edwin D.
Dimaculangan, VP-PRO/Social Media, performed by the newly installed Board of Directors and Officers,
followed by lunch and a special performance by Ms. Patty Caranto.
The association also honored outstanding previous Chairmen and Presidents, donors, and benefactors. A
Memoriam Award honoring the late Dr. Oscar L. Jornacion, PhD, Founding Leader of PUPAA USA, was
presented to his wife, Ma. Gilda Arroyo-Jornacion, who accepted the award on his behalf, accompanied
by their two sons, Grant and Gary. The complete list of award recipients is provided below:
DONORS and BENEFACTORS
Marie Paule Balcaen
Rosemarie Mejia
Honeylette M. De Leon
Violeta Dela Cruz Cristobal
Josephine Lee Gothong
POSTHUMOUS AWARD
Oscar L. Jornacion, PhD (2015 – 2020)
OUTSTANDING PREVIOUS CHAIRMAN
Dr. Henry Divina (2021 – 2023)
Monette Santillan-Rivera (2024 – 2026)
OUTSTANDING PREVIOUS PRESIDENT
Loi Herrera (2015 – 2017)
Monette Santillan-Rivera (2018 – 2020)
Violeta Dela Cruz Cristobal (2021 – 2023)
Honeylette Monteverde-De Leon (2024 – 2026)
Ms. Honeylette Monteverde-De Leon, Vice- Chairman of the Board, introduced Ms. Josephine Lee
Gothong, a valued benefactor, who delivered an inspirational message. The event also included a warm
welcome and recognition of the association’s new members. Remarks from Outgoing President Ms.
Honeylette Monteverde-De Leon and Incoming President Ms. Marissa Sugay-Palanca highlighted the
transition of leadership and the association’s exciting new chapter.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Board of Directors and Officers presented a special dance number
and invited the audience to join in the celebration and dance to the lively tune of “Hawak Mo Ang Beat.”
The excitement continued with the much-anticipated raffle, where attendees had the opportunity to win
cash and other exciting prizes. The program also included a special dancing time for all attendees,
allowing everyone to enjoy the music, mingle with fellow alumni and guests, and celebrate together in a
joyful and festive atmosphere.
The afternoon concluded with the Benediction by Mr. Jose C. Mapoy, Jr., Vice President-Goals &
Planning, ending a memorable celebration of the PUPAA USA community and its commitment to giving
back and moving forward toward a new beginning.
Ms. Marie Bargo Valleser, Vice President-Programs & Community Service, and Ms. Patty Caranto served
as emcees and did an excellent job keeping the program lively and engaging.
