2010 AS "THE YEAR OF THE THOMASIAN"

THE LETTER I FAXED TO PGMA A WHILE AGO (1:40 AM)...

July 1, 2009

H. E. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
President of the Republic of the Philippines
Malacañang Palace
San Miguel, Manila


Her Excellency,

I am Rhoel Raymundo Mendoza, a former OFW who worked in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 1983 to 2000. I was among the earliest advocates of the Absentee Voting and Dual Citizenship Bills which you signed into law on February 13, 2003 during which I was among those present to witness the historic signing (photos at http://www.geocities.com/pwefi/pastavb.html).

Moreover, in 1999 – through The Philippines to the World Entertainment Foundation, Inc. (http://www.geocities.com/pwefi/intro.html) which I myself founded two years earlier – I initiated “Project OFW 2000”, a worldwide signature drive urging then-President Joseph Estrada to declare 2000 as “The Year of Overseas Filipino Workers.” The campaign reached the Senate with Sen. Loren Legarda backing it up with a Senate resolution (P.S. Resolution No. 508), later co-authored by Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile. The declaration was eventually realized through Presidential Proclamation No. 243 signed by Pres. Estrada on February 8, 2000 (http://www.geocities.com/pwefi/pastofwyear.html).

I am writing you, Madame President, for a similar proposal. This time, however, as a proud alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) just like your father I am initiating a campaign to have 2010 declared as “The Year of the Thomasian.” Such proclamation would most definitely be a good way of ending the first decade of the 21st century and the perfect prelude to the global celebration of UST’s Quadricentennial in 2011.

But why the proposed declaration? For one, the 400th year of UST is certainly one of, if not the biggest national celebration in years that our country will be experiencing and it is, I believe, something that we as a people should be thankful for if only for the fact that such an event of great historical importance is happening during our lifetime. It is, therefore, only fitting that a tribute be made to Thomasians. But lest this sound as a bid by present-day Thomasians themselves for self aggrandizement, this is just one UST alumnus’ idea of honoring the academic community that he was once, is still, and will always proudly be a part of – the Thomasian family.

Moreover, the proposed declaration is not so much for the living alumni and current enrollees than the great men and women of past decades and centuries who have passed through UST’s hallowed walls and have left an indelible mark in the annals of Philippine history.

Dr. Jose Rizal. Apolinario Mabini. Marcelo H. del Pilar. Emilio Jacinto. Antonio Luna. Manuel L. Quezon. Sergio Osmeña. Jose P. Laurel. Diosdado Macapagal. These are just some of the illustrious names whose contributions to the colorful past of our country can never be underestimated. And they are all Thomasians. Add to that such distinguished names today in various fields as Jollibee owner Tony Tan Caktiong, DTI Secretary Peter Favila, AIM founder Washington Sycip, ABS CBN’s Malou Santos, Secretary Lito Atienza and son Kim Atienza. And how about popular personalities like Piolo Pascual, Angel Locsin, Sarah Geronimo, Miriam Quiambao, Precious Lara Quigaman, Charlene Gonzales. This is to mention just a few.

As the nation gears up for the celebration of UST’s 400 years of educational excellence, catholic leadership and historical significance, a tribute to yesteryears’ men and women of great repute would not only be timely but proper as well.

And although the proposed token declaration is meant primarily to pay tribute to notable Thomasians of decades, centuries and the recent past, there is also reason to honor Thomasian achievers of today. For indeed, many of them have brought honor not only to UST but to the Philippines as well. The latest of whom was Brillante Mendoza who now goes down in history as the first Filipino to ever win as Best Director in the prestigious and highly respected Cannes Film Festival. In fact, Madame President, honoring the entire Thomasian community with such declaration is well-deserved.

Madame President, I humbly propose that the year 2010 be declared as “The Year of the Thomasian.” If I may say so, let it be your last meaningful declaration as your term ends and also your ultimate personal tribute to your father, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal, who is proudly Thomasian.

Thank you very much.


Yours in the Thomasian spirit,


Rhoel Raymundo Mendoza
Former OFW (1983-2000)
1990 POEA Bagong Bayani awardee
UST-Fine Arts Advertising Batch ‘81