MINUTES OF 2024-2025 ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERS MEETING (AGMM)

GMO

CPG

• National Anthem
• Alma Mater Song
• Confirmation of Quorum
• AVP of CHSAF
• President’s Report for 2023
• Special Report
• Financial Report for 2023
• AVP Fund Raising Concert
• Question and Answer
• Election of the Board of Trustees
• AVP Homecoming
• Announcement of the Results of the Election of the Vacant Positions in the Board of Trustees
• Meeting Adjournment

Confirmation of Quorum AAS

All in all, the 687 total number of proxies plus those who attended in zoom (but still for verification after meeting if with proxies)of 40 plus the 14 Trustees constitute 54.4% of the total active members of 1,360.

CorSec Arlene Soncuya then welcomed other guests who are not active members but are nevertheless interested in the CHSAF’s activities.

She noted that the FB livestream for this meeting was having some technical difficulty.

Note that the individual numbers and total may not tally due to adjustments/corrections as of time of submissions in the previous night.

Here are the class batches as represented by proxy holders:

Audio Visual Presentation (AVP) of CHSAF

GMO asked everyone to watch the VIDEO which shows what CHSAF is today. In the video also was Sr. Patricia Pumihic and Sr. Marietta Dumadag’s messages of thanks to the alumni for their valuable support.

GMO

My Dear CHS Alumni,

Allow me first, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, to congratulate the Golden Jubilarians HS74 and all other jubilarians namely HS54, HS59, HS64, HS69 and HS79. And all of the College Jubilarians.

We all had a fun-filled, memorable and very successful Homecoming at the campus grounds of CHS Manila – finally, after three years of being out of our beloved alma mater. We didn’t think it was going to be possible.

But the Holy Spirit moved all of us toward one direction so we can once again celebrate at HOME.

Thank you very much, SSpS sisters led by Sr. Rosario Tayson, head of the Rosary Province, for opening the doors of CHS Manila once again for all of us, even for just a day of celebration. Our hearts were full. Our joy could not be contained.

February 4, 2024 was truly an exciting day for everyone. In addition to the Homecoming, CHSAF held the Alumni Day in the morning ahead of the Homecoming activities, so that all alumni can come and be at CHS Manila once again to reminisce with their classmates and friends, and make new memories. It was like having a school fair with booths and a mini program that featured songs, dances and a Zumba session.

Free massages were offered–a real treat for us who welcomed a few minutes of relaxation and a feeling of wellness.

I would also like to congratulate this year’s Outstanding Alumni awardees. CHSAF remains committed in recognizing CHS graduates who have shown exemplary achievements in their respective fields of service and have contributed to the betterment of their communities and society in general. They make us realize the value of good education and a purpose-driven life.

Because of all these wonderful happenings on February 4, CHSAF, HS 74 and the other jubilarians received rave reviews from those who witnessed our celebration. We could not contain the joy from knowing that CHSAF was given the opportunity to fulfill the wish of countless alumni who wanted to be in CHS Manila once again. The comments you see on the slide are just some among countless messages we received from our social media accounts in Facebook, Messenger and Viber.

We would also like to thank Fr. Anselm Manalastas, OSB for officiating a beautiful mass at the CHS Chapel, a place that holds many dear memories for all of us.

Another milestone for all of us this past year was our fund-raising concert aptly called September to Remember. That event set the tone for us to be bolder and more trusting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

It brought together for the first time the highest number of CHS alumni in one evening of nostalgic songs and dance led by our very own alumna, Louie Reyes of HS68. She was joined onstage by veteran performers Leah Navarro, Pat Castillo, Ray-an Fuentes, Ding Mercado and Chad Borja.

This event likewise garnered glowing reviews from those who attended as they shared and stored more happy memories with their families and classmates.

It also helped CHSAF raise the funds needed for our ongoing scholarship and social action programs. You will hear more about the financial aspect of the concert during the Treasurer’s report.

Both the recent Homecoming and the September to Remember events affirm our commitment to support our fellow alumni and to be of service to society in general. We are Holy Spirit alumni united, guided and strengthened by the principles embodied in the SSpS edict of Veritas in Caritate (Truth in Love). 

We value integrity, excellence, good governance, respect for the environment and most of all, we are guided by our school motto, Truth in Love.

2023 was a year of milestones, of bigger projects which strengthened our confidence that, as one body, we can achieve greater heights. With bigger projects, so did bigger challenges face us. But with much resolve, focus, unity of purpose and prayers, we overcame them.

Our ties too with our counterparts in North America continues to strengthen given the presence of a CHSNAF representative in the CHSAF Board in the person of Ms. Deanna Go Bio. Together, CHSAF and CHSNAF support our scholarship and social action programs.

Our scholarship program has evolved on account of the closure of CHS Manila. It is now focused on assisting underprivileged but deserving high school students in Holy Spirit schools in Malolos, Fairview, Q.C., and Tarlac. 

CHSAF has granted fourteen educational grants of P50,000 for each deserving student for a total amount of P700,000. The students were chosen from the list of applicants recommended by the SSpS sisters. These beneficiaries are those who are either finishing Senior High School Grades 11-12 or finishing Junior High School grades 7, 8, 9.

Aside from the grants to regular students of the SSpS schools, CHSNAF started the IP College Fund Program in 2022 to provide college education to deserving students at the SSpS Missions for the Aetas in Tarlac and for the Mangyans in Mindoro. For 2023, CHSNAF gave grants of P50,000 a year to two Aeta college students enrolled at the Dominican College in Capas, Tarlac. One is taking Bachelor of Science in Education, and the other is taking Bachelor of Science in Criminology. Both are in their second year.

In terms of our social action programs, we have a number of ongoing activities.

• First is CHSAF’s full-year feeding program which benefits 30 grade 1 and grade 3 students in Balara Elementary School. This is the second year that we have supported the BES Friends Feeding Program of Ms. Nela Almario-Zeta of HS 68.
  
  For those who attended the morning program on February 4, a number of talented Balara Elementary students performed a beautiful song and three entertaining dance numbers to everyone’s delight.Last December, CHSAF also sponsored a Christmas Party for the beneficiaries of BES Feeding Program in Balara. Over 100 students attended the party where gift bags and game prizes were also handed out to the children in addition to the food they were served. The children performed dances while CHSAF hosted the games.
• Second is the assistance provided by CHSAF and CHSNAF to our indigenous peoples under the auspices of the SSpS sisters in Bukidon and in Capas Tarlac.
• In Bukidnon, CHSAF funded the renovation of the dormitory in a Mission Center in Malitbog town under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. The SSpS sisters from Cebu were invited to assist, since the facility houses a dozen female high school and college students who otherwise have to trek to and from the mountain where they reside to go to school. They belong to the Higaonon community.Among all the ethnic groups of the northern and central areas of Mindanao, the Higaonons are the least known. They are described as the “people of the living mountains” and “people of the wilderness.” They are known to be peace makers as the culture of the Higaonon tribe is best described as one of solving the internal conflicts of other ethnic groups.In this slide you will see more of the work done to renovate the dormitory. The amount donated by CHSAF was P340,000.This support for Malitbog stemmed from the project of HS 71 which involved the construction of two classrooms for the elementary school in Barangay Banawa, Malitbog. They witnessed the decrepit state of the dormitory in the area when they went there to visit.
• CHSAF, in partnership with CHSNAF is also supporting the work of the SSpS sisters in Barangay Paidyanan and the Aeta Community in Sitio Yangka, Barangay Maruglo. Both are in Capas, Tarlac.

The sisters run an Aeta mission center with dormitories for Aeta boys and girls who need a place to stay that is closer to their school. Otherwise, like the Higaonons, they will have to trek to and from their homes up in the mountain of Sitio Yangka.

The first project funded by CHSNAF was the building of a kitchen and dining area for the Aeta students. What used to be an area exposed to the elements is now a well-equipped dining hall.

Upon learning that the Aeta community in Sitio Yangka, Barangay Maruglo where the children’s families live and where more than 90 families have no direct source of potable water, CHSAF, through its social action committee began working with the SSpS Sisters and Water.Org, a global nonprofit organization with the mission to bring water and sanitation to the world.

The main objective of this project is to be able to provide a water system within the community. At present, the Aetas are located in a plateau with an average elevation of 462 meters. To fetch potable water, they have to trek nearly 800 meters each way on mountainous terrain.

This image you see is part of a pre-feasibility study done by Engineer Petronio Muring through water.org. It was jointly funded by CHSAF and CHSNAF.

The project is currently at the stage of completing a detailed engineering study, which will be the basis for seeking donations for the construction of the water system. A sole donor in the person of Ms. Malou Tiquia of Publicus Asia is funding this P150,000 study. Prior to that, CHSAF and CHSNAF funded the pre-feasibility study which cost about P15,000. It is estimated that the construction of the water system could run up to P2 million. CHSAF will need the help of the alumni who may be able to provide leads for us to attract large-scale donors for the project. The timetable for the completion of the project is middle to third quarter of this year, that is, with God’s grace, all goes well and funding is available.

Beyond our scholarship and social action programs, CHSAF continues to provide spiritual support for our members. Last year, CHSAF held a Holy Week recollection, a Visita Iglesia, a Requiem Mass and the popular Simbang Gabi.

This year, we have already a scheduled recollection on March 16. It will be officiated by Sr. Eden Panganiban who currently heads the Holy Spirit Retreat Center of the Blue Sisters in Tagaytay. Sr. Eden is also the Adviser of CHSAF.

Other activities include a CHSAF Chats episode on May 20, with Deanna Go Bio, hosted by Cora Guidote of HS 78 and Lilet La Vina of HS 76.

On June 15, CHSAF also conducted a tour of the Heritage Homes in Taal which was joined by a number of alumni.  

During our strategic planning workshop on November 27 and 28, 2023, it became clearer that our overall direction was to continue our existing programs, but with increasing focus on partnering with the activities of the SSpS missions, particularly with the neglected communities of our indigenous peoples.

CHSAF also wants to further increase its active membership from both from High School and College graduates, but most especially the latter. We would like more College graduates to celebrate their Homecoming with their respective batches rather than just having one group. The increase in membership, particularly from younger batches will ensure the long-term sustainability of CHSAF and its programs.

CHSAF would like to specially thank your class representatives who have been vital in the success of the programs and events that CHSAF has been holding. Their close coordination with the Board of Trustees ensures that information and scheduled activities are properly cascaded to their respective members, and dues or donations are collected in a timely manner.

Our communications efforts have been highly effective as we actively engage with the alumni though our various social media sites using internally generated content. We have our official website chsafofficial.org, our two Facebook pages, our Messenger and Viber chat groups, our quarterly newsletters We the Alumnae, and our YouTube channel. Through these platforms we were able to generate very strong interest in our major events without having to engage an external PR agency nor to make very costly ad placements.

In the area of Governance, CHSAF released in 2023 the Manual of Good Governance, the Code of Conduct for Members. CHSAF also managed to establish an Audit Committee, led by Trustee Cori Desiderio BSC 82.

For the Manual of Governance we wish to thank specially Atty. Teresita Herbosa HS 68 who has been our legal adviser.More needs to be done, because in the area of Governance we are aiming for PCNC accreditation which will allow CHSAF to draw bigger donors for more ambitious projects. Other initiatives in the pipeline include succession planning, generating a business continuity plan, the formulation of a CHSAF Data Privacy Policy with implementing guidelines, and supporting guideline for policies set forth in the Bylaws such as inclusivity and disciplinary procedures for erring members.

Overall, moving forward, CHSAF aims to CONSOLIDATE, INTEGRATE, and PRIORITIZE our activities and programs.

We have so much work ahead of us because our vision is to become an exemplary charitable foundation of Holy Spirit Alumni dedicated to perpetuate the legacy of the SSpS brand of quality Catholic education through socially responsible and sustainable programs.

With your help and through our God Almighty’s divine providence, we are confident that we are walking on the path toward fulfilling our mission.

Thank you very much.

Annex 2. The powerpoint deck

The President called on CorSec Arlene Abad-Soncuya for the Special Report.

AAS

CorSec Arlene Soncuya narrated the story behind the ensuing issues that came about during the preparation of the Homecoming by the HS class 74, the golden Jubilarians of 2024.  This has affected not only CHSAF but also the SSpS Sisters.

Through various postings in separate Viber chat groups since last year, there have been statements made against the officers of HS ‘74 and the CHSAF Trustees, either collectively or as individuals. The CHSAF Board initially chose to remain quiet so that all its efforts and energy could be focused on the September to Remember Fund Raising Concert of 2023 and the 2024 Alumni Day and Homecoming. As a result, as everyone knows by now, both events were most successful and once again proved that CHSAF is true to its purpose and that the Spirit lives on.

While CHSAF had exercised restraint regarding the rift, there were dissenters who resorted to social media to gain support for their cause.  Recently, CHSAF was informed that one of its filings with the SEC, was posted subjudice. We therefore believe that this AGMM is the right time to speak, in all fairness, to you CHSAF members in the spirit of Truth in Love.  As members, you ought to know the adverse consequences to CHSAF brought about by the actions perpetrated by these dissenters.  Among others, CHSAF has been incurring legal costs and legitimate administrative expenses chargeable against its funds (sourced from dues and donations) that otherwise should be devoted to its worthwhile projects and rightful beneficiaries. But more unfortunate is that the divisiveness and negativity that preceded the holding of the 2024 Homecoming seem not to have abated.

As early as February 6, 2023, the officers of HS ‘74 composed of the Golden Jubilarians who were to host the 2024 Homecoming, led by their President Roz Macdougall and Vice President and concurrent CHSAF Trustee Jean Fadul Arce, sought permission from the SSpS sisters through the Head of the Rosary Province, Sr. Rosario Tayson, if they could hold their Homecoming at CHS Manila.  To their delight, they obtained the approval and, subsequently informed CHSAF during its Board meeting on April 1, 2023. Aside from Ms. Macdougall and Ms. Arce, other HS 74 representatives present at the Board meeting were Chuchay Andrada, Carol Caballero and then CHSAF trustee Ms. Kate Bellosillo. They further informed the Board that they had chosen Filipino Fiesta as their homecoming theme.

While the agreed venue was not yet widely known, HS 74 began preparations for its homecoming on a happy note considering that they already had the blessings of the SSpS community, and the CHSAF Board. They informed the class representatives of the other celebrating jubilarians about this welcome development at a meeting on April 3. 2023.

On June 17, HS 74 held an online Bingo to raise funds and augment what they have been able to raise in previous years.

The CHSAF trustees then became aware through Viber messages in different chat groups, that there were some members of HS 74 who did not want to hold the 2024 Homecoming at CHS Manila. Among the complaints was lack of air conditioning hence it would be too warm for the performers. As such, Okada Resort Hotel was mentioned as an alternative but was turned down because it would be too costly. Other venues were mentioned including La Consolacion College which understandably was not acceptable.

Since talks about other venues were diverting everyone’s attention, the officers of HS 74 as well as jubilarians from other classes, released a joint announcement signed by all their class representatives and the leadership of the SSpS sisters and CHSAF on July 19, 2023 officially declaring CHS Manila as the venue of the 2024 Homecoming.

In spite of this announcement, the dissenters continued to post confusing information, but mainly that they were not being heard.  To make matters worse, posts of unfounded and unverified allegations against the officers of HS 74 and the CHSAF Trustees, some of which were unrelated to the homecoming event found their way to the various social chat loops. 

Notwithstanding these extraneous matters, however, the Board continued to hear HS 74 on their plans at joint meetings between HS 74, select CHSAF Trustees and the SSpS sisters. Moreover, at the July 8 Board meeting, then trustee, Ms. Bellosillo upon her request, was given the opportunity to present options on the Homecoming venue. She proposed to have the event held at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) whereby the cost was going to be much lower and the venue was more comfortable. Later, it turned out that her cost estimate may have excluded other expenses for the full production of the event and there were valid concerns about parking at the MET. Notably, this proposal was made five months after the SSpS community agreed to hold the event at CHS Manila and, more importantly, preparations were already ongoing.

Nevertheless, the Board gave Ms. Bellosillo more than enough time to present her option. The deliberation was lengthy, but it ended with a raising of hands of all, except for Ms. Bellosillo being the proponent, in favor of holding the event at CHS Manila. This action was video recorded and minuted.  After that, Ms. Bellosillo promised to say no more about the venue since the CHS Manila was the unanimous choice of the voting trustees.

The Board was surprised therefore to learn that Ms. Bellosillo and her group have launched a campaign to hold the event at the Metropolitan Theater. That campaign also included, without CHSAF Board approval, a change of date for the Alumni Day to be held at CHS Manila on February 3, the day before the Homecoming on February 4. The Alumni Day was an event to be handled directly by CHSAF. Hence, the CHSAF Board’s approval was necessary for anyone or any group to change its date.

In the following CHSAF board meeting on August 5, 2023, Ms. Bellosillo again, this time without notice, sought to convince the Board to accept their proposal. To finally and objectively resolve the conflict about the 2024 Homecoming, the Trustees held another deliberation. However, in order to set the tone for a fair and balanced discussion, HS 74 Trustees Ms. Bellosillo and Clara Jean Fadul Arce who had opposing views on the matter were requested to inhibit themselves from the discussion. The Board considered the following points:

• Timeliness of the proposal
• Essence of the Homecoming
• Financial consideration

With an attendance of 11 Trustees, the result of the deliberation was once again unanimous to uphold the decision made on April 1, 2023, which was to hold the Homecoming at the CHS campus as presented by the Organizing Committee of the HS-74. The meeting is video recorded and minuted, and the decision is supported by a Board resolution. Shortly after the meeting, Ms. Bellosillo tendered her resignation as a Trustee.

On August 8, 2023, a special Board meeting was held and attended by 10 Trustees to deliberate on the matter of Ms. Bellosillo’s resignation. A unanimous decision was reached to accept her resignation. The Trustees then elected Dr. Lonabel Ancheta-Encarnacion as a replacement Trustee. Dr. Encarnacion was a nominee during the 2023 elections and was next in line following the last Trustee duly elected in 2023 AGMM.

Meanwhile, the negative posts in the Viber chat groups from a member of the group continued and became more adversarial.  CHSAF chose to ignore them. It was deemed that the comments did not merit a rebuttal. However, at one point, the posts in a particular Viber chat group became too toxic for some members who strongly complained, causing CHSAF Communications to deactivate that chat group and prevent its being used for hateful and disrespectful comments.

On September 21, 2023, just 10 days after CHSAF’s September to Remember fund raising concert where Alumna- Petitioner attended, the CHSAF Trustees, except for one, received separate summons from the SEC.  The summons sought to remove all of the Trustees of CHSAF for the purported reason that they were not duly elected in a face-to-face meeting.  The said CHSM alumna-petitioner, at the time of filing the petition was not a CHSAF member of good standing.  In the response filed by CHSAF, it stated that:

• Firstly, the holding of face-to-face meetings were not possible in 2022 on account of the lockdown due to the covid pandemic;
• Secondly, the SEC allowed all companies to hold online board and stockholders or members meetings;
• Thirdly, on February 6, 2022, with a quorum of 2/3rds of 66% of all active members present online, either individually or through proxy, CHSAF held its Annual General Membership Meeting (AGMM) where CHSAF Trustees were elected.
• Thereafter, an organizational Board meeting took place for the election of CHSAF officers.
• At the same AGMM, CHSAF members present online, either individually or through proxy, voted in favor of the ratification of the proposed amended Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation.
• Records show that Petitioner was present at the same AGMM and voted in favor of the ratification.

The trustees, in behalf of CHSAF, engaged the services of legal counsel to  respond to the petition culminating in a position paper submitted to the SEC Office of the General Counsel on November 6, 2023.  On the other hand, petitioner filed a long delayed position paper which sought an entirely different relief – the ouster of incumbent CHSAF President.   CHSAF filed a Manifestation on January 18, 2024 to the SEC and prayed that given the timing, her petition has been rendered moot and academic by virtue of the CHSAF AGMM of March 2, 2024.

While pursuing the SEC case albeit on a different cause of action, petitioner continued with her negative messages in select Viber chat groups, some accusing the CHSAF Trustees particularly its incumbent President, and are therefore, subjudice.

On October 10, 2023, a formal appeal had been submitted to the CHSAF Board by CHSAF Vice President and Trustee Corazon Guidote to clarify from petitioner if she still wants to continue her membership in CHSAF, and if so, to reaffirm her commitment to abide by the duties of a member under the CHSAF Bylaws and Code of Conduct.

In CHSAF’s response to the petition, it was alleged that petitioner did not pay her annual dues for the year 2023, she was therefore not a CHSAF member in good standing when she filed her petition. Petitioner then attempted to pay her dues which was not accepted as the matter had already been raised as an issue in the SEC proceeding that she herself had initiated. CHSAF received on record,  a complaint from the Secretariat office of petitioner’s alleged intimidating and threatening message when petitioner’s payment was not accepted due to pending issue in SEC.  Disheartened, the Secretariat head, in a duly notarized affidavit, filed a complaint with the Barangay on October 16, 2023, to put the threat on record.

The CHSAF Trustees sought an audience with petitioner on two separate occasions: on November 4 and on November 22, 2023. to explain her alleged grievances but she declined both invitations.

CHSAF expressed regret and all the documents, including the petitioner’s letter of rejection, are on record at the CHSAF office and may be viewed upon request from the CHSAF Secretariat.

About a month prior to February 4, 2024, petitioner and her group started to sell tickets for a concert to be held on February 3, 2024, in conjunction with the launch of a book that purports to honor HS 74. The concert was made to appear that it was an official HS 74 event and proceeds of the concert will be used for certain projects.  HS 74’s official organization is The Spirit of 74 Association, Inc. which is duly registered with the SEC.  It was advised to inform the Holy Spirit Schools and the public that the concert was not one of its projects primarily because tax and regulatory issues may arise and the Spirit of 74 Association, Inc. may be held accountable for the proceeds, if any, therefrom and/or bound by onerous contractual obligations to third parties.

CHSAF hopes and prays that the huge success of the 2024 Alumni Day and Homecoming puts to rest all issues about CHS Manila as an appropriate venue. Since petitioner continues to post messages accusing HS 74 of being divisive by informing the Holy Spirit Schools of the above, and CHSAF for supposedly having encouraged others not to support her concert and book launch, CHSAF is prepared to take whatever lawful action is appropriate to preserve its good name and reputation and adhere to its motto of Truth in Love. CHSAF expects HS 74 to do likewise. 

We hope this report clarifies all questions about the said issue. We will entertain further questions about this matter after the Financial Report.  

Annex 3. The powerpoint deck

and

Financial Report of Fund-raising project: September to Remember

Angie Madrid

• Cash Receipts                    2,326,911.00
• Cash Disbursements             670,755.00
• Program and Projects           878,450.00
• Capital Expenditures               12,000.00
• Total Expenditures              1,549,205.00
• Balance                                  777,706.00

Actual cost of the fund-raising c/o the Events Committee was discussed. In Pesos,

• Cash Receipts                    2,802,356.00
• Expenses                            1,576,351.00
• Income                                1,226,005.00

It was happily noted that they are positive in Cash Receipts over Cash Disbursements. For the 11-month period they have a Net of 766, 450.00 as of January 2024. Special mention was made regarding Membership Dues, having collected a significant amount 0f 635,00.00 as of January 2024.

Also presented was a comparative statement of receipts and disbursements for the last three fiscal years, this year included.

Attention was drawn to the graphs. Gross Cash receipts have increased significantly in this year. At this juncture, all alumni were thanked for their support for all CHSAF projects.

Donations and fund-raising have increased a lot this fiscal year which is very good for CHSAF as these will go to the social action programs/projects.

Interest income has also increased.

On the Restricted Funds available, the end balance is Php 344.077.00. Some of these funds are invested and are for immediate needs.

The attendees were informed that details of this report will be sent to all Class Representatives. In Pesos,

• Net Ticket Sales                                                     1,969,950.00
• Net Sponsorship                                                       494,795.00 (less commissions)
• Various Cash donations                                             33,000.00
• TOTAL Net Receipts                                             2,497,745.00
• TOTAL Concert Expenses                                    1,298,573.00
• Excess of Cash Receipts over Expenses Net      1,199,172.00

Details to be emailed to all Class Representatives as well.

Annex 4 – The powerpoint deck

Ms Arlene Soncuya and Ms Vicky del Rosario were asked to take charge of this part of the meeting. One minute was given for the questions to be typed onto the chat box.

• Vicky del Rosario noted that the colors on the graphs in the Financial Report did not match the numbers. Finance will do the necessary adjustments prior to sending out the files to everybody.
• Lilith de Leon asked if it is possible for CHSAF to declare petitioner persona non grata and inhibit her from all CHS activities because of all the latter’s negative verbal attacks.

Atty Tess Herbosa, CHSAF Legal Adviser, responded based on what is provided in the law and their by-laws. Their existing by-laws do not provide any such sanction, penalty or any manner of disqualifying a member of good standing. All that is there is when a member does not pay her Membership Dues then the said member is not in good standing. However, an organization can move in preservation of the interest of the organization. With regard to what was stated in the Special Report wherein petitioner was invited to a couple of meetings (an attempt to resolve the issue pertaining to her) so as to be given opportunity to be heard, these have been declined by Ms. Lim, unfortunately.

If petitioner declined invitations to resolve the issue and therefore she cannot say that she was deprived of due process, then the Board can make that decision and consult internal rules such as the Code of Conduct and whatever document there is regarding how to deal with erring members. Best Solution: The Board will have to include in the bylaws provisions regarding this same situation.

Atty Herbosa opined that apart from a voluntary resignation, we cannot prevent her from paying her membership dues. Not accepting her dues at the moment is a matter of subjudice. They will have to wait for the final resolution.

• Ms. Peachy of HS 66 asked if there are still on-going charges against CHSAF. She also added if there is an avenue to charge those who brought charges against CHSAF, where it will be fair to everyone.

Atty Herbosa, acknowledging the question said that their position is in the Special Report made known to members in good standing like in this meeting. They have been maliciously prosecuted and unfounded charges made have already been resolved.

• Query from Ms. Veronica Fenix-Villavicencio HS 72 regarding the seemingly large balance for the scholarship fund – how are theseit is being utilized and allocated.

The matter had yet to be discussed later in the meeting as per Ms. Angie Madrid.  Ms. Deanna Go-Bio responded that these are the residuals of the Scholarship fund, when the school closed.  This includes only the money collected by CHSAF.  This now will be utilized for scholars for the five (5) SSpS schools. Since the money could not be given back to the donors when the school closed, they decided to use it for scholarships for the remaining five (5) SSpS schools. Sr. Mayette, Superintendent of those schools, was requested to provide names of deserving candidates. Fourteen (14) individuals were chosen focusing on Junior HS and Senior HS. Grades 9-12.  There is money from both CHSAF and CHSNAF amounting to 1.9M.   A total of 700,000 thousand pesos will be given out, as Grant-in Aid.

This was reiterated by Ms. Vicki Nañagas.  With the closing of the school, this is the residual money, but we are still committed to continue the schooling of the CHSAF scholars.  Some schools have less tuition fees so we have some savings.  She added that they are now down to one more graduating student this year. Aside from the residual 1.2M, CHSNAF will jointly support and give scholarship benefits in terms of grants and aid to the 14 chosen students from the SSpS schools. The funds will be used there. She said that they still need to raise more money ensuring the students will be able to continue on to Senior High School and College.

• Ms Jean Marie Facuri wanted to know if they would be providing scholarship up to Senior High for each chosen Junior High student.

Ms. Vicky Nañagas noted that more money would be coming in since they are operating under the umbrella of the CHSAF which is committed to the continued schooling of the students who were unfortunately hit by the closure of the CHM.

Ms Deanna Go-Bio also remarked that though it looks like they have a lot of money, it is not actually enough and they will still have to continue on to support them until Sr High years.   With their solicitation efforts as they have to support the students for about six years.

Ms Arlene Soncuya announced that they had to proceed with the next item on the agenda being the Election and that any more questions may just be posted offline and replied to offline.

AAS certified that there was a quorum for this purpose with 13/14 Trustees present; 1 on Zoom and therefore may proceed with the election for the new members of the Board of Trustees.

GMO announced that there are two vacant positions in the CHSAF Board as indicated to the Class Representatives and their constituents. The Nomination Committee solicited nominations as early as third quarter last year through phone calls, emails and official social media outlets. She thanked the nominees for giving their consent. She then called the Head of the Nominations Committee, Ms. Cori Desiderio, to report on the submission of nominations and to conduct the election of the new members of the Board.

Ms Cori Desiderio reported that 3 nominations were submitted to the NOMELEC. Their consent was sought and their credentials submitted to the Board for review.  The list of nominees includes the incumbent members of the Board who are qualified and have also given their consent for reelection.

The nominees and their credentials were presented:

• Victoria Torres Del Rosario of HS 77
• Veronica Fenix-Villavicencio of HS 72
• Ma. Regina Gabriel-Gatchalian of HS 78

After Ms. Cori Desiderio’s move to close the nomination was seconded by Ms. Soncuya and Ms Bihis. Ms Cori Desiderio described the voting process for the hybrid election of Trustees as follows:

A secret ballot system will be utilized, wherein physical ballot forms containing the names of all nominees will be given to each present trustee. The ballots are anonymized and a number is assigned to each ballot and the voting trustee must not put her name. The voting trustees will be given two (2) minutes to indicate the two (2) nominees they elect by shading the oval beside each nominee’s name. Only a maximum of two (2) names can be selected. The ballot is then folded and placed in the ballot box. After all the trustees present have put in their ballots, the NOMELEC through the Chair will bring the box to the election tally site.

She next called on the present members of the Board to pass their votes to the secret ballot system and drop folded ballots into the ballot box. Those online were asked to send a photo of their ballots to Ms Cori Desiderio’s personal Viber account. All ballots were recorded on the tally sheet.

To Madame Chair, Ms Desiderio acknowledged receiving ballots from onsite and online and the NOMELEC proceeded to tally the votes. While waiting for the results CHSAF President went on to show an AVP of the Alumni Day and Homecoming.

Since the tallying of votes had not yet been finished after the AVP, The President called on Trustee Evangeline Qua to talk about and invite everyone to the upcoming Recollection.

RECOLLECTION
March 16, 2024
Speaker: Sr. Eden Panganiban
9am – 12nn via Zoom for alumni

Other details such as the Zoom link will be sent and shared by Monday.

Atty Herbosa explained why only Trustees voted for Trustees in this occasion as per question raised. She said that this is provided in their existing bylaws which is very much allowed and is usually the case in non-stock, non-profit corporations, organizations. The practical reason being it will take hundreds of members to be involved the election.

The bylaws state that the Trustees have this right. She then referred to Article 4 Section 1 and 2. Though it is the prerogative of the incumbent Trustees to vote for new Trustees it must take place in the AGMM. This is the reason proxies are taken and must have 50% of members in attendance to have a valid election. Nominations will come from the general membership. And on a practical level, Trustees will not vote for people who are not qualified. Screening of nominees are done.  It was decided way back 1981 that this will be the procedure. If the desire is to change this, there must be a special General Membership Meeting to amend the bylaws.

The Chair asked if NOMELEC Head Ms Desiderio was ready to announce the results. After affirming, the latter first acknowledged those who submitted the nominations and said that the Board appreciates their effort in search of nominees. Immediately after, she announced the results of the election. The newly elected Trustees are:

1. Victoria Torres del Rosario
2. Veronica Fenix-Villavicencio

The newly elected Trustees will be joining the rest of the members who have yet to complete their terms of service. They are as follows:

1. Ms Guillermina Ong
2. Ms Corazon Guidote
3. Mrs Arlene Abad-Soncuya
4. Ms Antoniette Bihis
5. Ms Brigitte Ignacio
6. Ms Angeles Madrid
7. Ms Deanna Go-Bio
8. Mrs Lorraine Sylianteng
9. Ms Evangeline Qua
10. Ms Victoria Nanagas
11. Mrs Clara Jean Fadul-Arce
12. Mrs Lonabel Ancheta-Encarnacion, MD
13. Mrs Corazon de San Jose Desiderio

The CHSAF President congratulated the new Trustees. She looked forward to working with them productively in the next three years.

Ms Arlene Soncuya responded to a comment made by Ms Margie Barnes who hoped that next time the explanation should have been given before the AGMM as well as the names of nominees; Ms Barnes also said that the proxies were for the quorum alone.

Ms. Arlene Soncuya reiterated that it was stated in the NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERS’ MEETING that the election of Trustees reside on the incumbent  Trustees.  This also is in accordance to the by-Laws.  She shared that the NOMELEC had some difficulty getting nominees. Even though it started last October and November, names came in late, despite frequent postings and reminders.

Atty Herbosa reiterated as well that the election must take place in AGMM with quorum. With no quorum there could be no AGMM, which also means that there can be no election of Trustees even if the election will be conducted by the Trustees themselves. This is as provided by law. If no quorum, no AGMM and hence, no election can take place. The incumbent Trustees remain as holdover Trustees. If that happens and somebody complains, the remedy is for the SEC to call the election and may dispense with quorum requirements. The Trustees will then constitute the quorum and will proceed to vote for the new Trustees. She added that it is better for everyone to take part in nominating Trustees. In addition, she said it is not prohibited for members to suggest who they want as nominees.

CHSAF President thanked Ms. Desiderio and the rest of the NOMELEC for conducting an orderly nomination and election.

In closing, President and Chairman Guillermina Ong addressed alumni, thus –

My dear Alumni, let us continue to serve CHSAF with all our hearts. It goes without saying that CHSAF leaves a door wide open for our alumni to pay forward to a greater community in need of our support.

Your presence ensures the sustainability of CHSAF, a unified body of Holy Spirit alumni, guided and strengthened by the principles embodied in the SSpS edict of Veritas in Caritate or Truth in Love. The Holy Spirit undoubtedly breathes life and shines bright in our hearts, not only by word but more importantly, by action.

On behalf of all the Trustees, thank you all very much!

Before we adjourn this meeting, I am inviting the incumbent and new members of the Board to please attend the organizational board meeting right after adjournment for the election of officers. Thank you.

While Zoom was still on, Ms. Desiderio thanked Ms. Chuchi Daroy for her assistance in tallying the votes.

There was a call to remain for the picture-taking but many have already left Zoom.