ARISTOTLE BERNARD M. ROQUE, MD

Last September 15, 2020 the PUA celebrated its 63rd Founding Anniversary and despite quarantine imposed by the city government of Quezon City, President Harry G. Longno and the Executive Council decided to celebrate the event in compliance with the prescribed health protocols since social gatherings are discouraged. Most of the guests and the guest speakers were hooked up via zoom meeting including our president who was in Cagayan De Oro.

In a cold drizzling Tuesday morning, the day was started with a Holy mass presided by Rev Fr. Matt, the parish priest of Don Antonio Heights. The event was attended by Past Presidents, EC members and PUA office staff and PUA members from all over the nation via zoom broadcast.

It was followed by the blessing of the newly acquired PUA building at # 27-B Don Mario Street corner Don Victorino Street in Don Antonio heights subdivision, Quezon city. Different religious group represented by PUA members and staff offered words of appreciation and thanksgiving for the 63rd founding anniversary of PUA. Dr Gavino N. Mercado Jr, 2017 PUA President represented the Christian Community; Dr. Tatad Ho Kalbit from Jolo, Sulu shared the blessings of Allah on behalf of our Muslim brothers while Ms. Melissa C. Torrevillas prayed for the “Iglesia ni Cristo”.
Master of ceremony Dr. Diosdado C. Limjoco, PUA Auditor, introduced 2020 PUA President Dr. Harry G. Longno for his welcome address. The president was very happy to welcome everybody to the new PUA building. He reminded the members that PUA as an organization should be together in this trying times of pandemic and must work as one for a better and dynamic PUA. Having said that, he emphasized that the amendments proposed by the committee do not intend to divide but simply clarify amendments that were ratified 10 years ago. He pointed out that inconsistencies in the PUA constitution, has caused division and confusion among members. He then invited the general membership to attend the TOWN HALL consultative meeting in the afternoon regarding the proposed ratification of the PUA Constitutional amendments in December.

Dr. Juvido P. Agatep introduced 1982 PUA Past President Dr. Ponciano M. Bernardo, Jr. as our guest speaker. Dr. Bernardo shared the humble beginnings of PUA where its office is where the home of the incumbent presidents. He revealed some fun facts during the early days of PUA that important documents were placed in two recycled milk boxes only. According to him, NKTI adopted PUA but being a private organization in a government facility became an issue. Until the time we rented our office at the Philippine College of Surgeons Building along EDSA. Dr Bernardo was so elated that finally the PUA has a place they can call its own. He added that there were so many instances in the past that they almost had the chance to zero-in a property but the perfect time as he reiterated is always God’s time. He further stressed that “Who would have thought, that this group of PUA Executive Council headed by President Harry G. Longno was bold enough to get our new home in this challenging times”. 2008 PUA President Dr.. Nelson A. Patron who has been a longtime resident of Don Antonio Heights Subdivision made his presence felt physically with excitement. In his speech he assured all the PUA members that PUA found a safe place to stay and commended the leadership of PUA for its decision to settle in their neighborhood.
The unveiling ceremony of PUA New Building Marker was led by Dr Ernesto L. Gerial Jr , PUA Vice President and Dr. Aristotle Bernard M. Roque, PUA Secretary.

Finally the morning program was closed by Dr Ernesto L. Gerial Jr with much optimism. He was so proud of the unprecedented historic achievement of the association despite all odds. The Vice President was so thankful to all PUA members who continually supported, showed sacrifices, love and concern for ONE PUA.