Billie Syling’s Speech during the Induction of Officers on July 25, 2009

If you’ve noticed the line-up of officers for the new term, you would probably compare us with some politicians’ efforts at clinging to power.  How are we any different? 

It would be “showbiz” for me to say that God called us to stay and serve.  As a matter of fact, God came not through burning bushes or doves of peace but in the forms of Srs. Dina and Tere, Anita Austria and Ester Gabaldon, who may well be tongues of fire.  It is not uncommon for us to still wonder at this point, “How did we get ourselves back into this,” especially during meetings that take professional and personal time from us. 

We don’t hide the fact that we are reluctant workers.  When we have to miss work, time with family, dinners with friends, prayer meetings, badminton games, episodes of our favorite telenovelas, and even wedding anniversaries, yes, we do complain.  When we think of having to raise funds for the association, the school, the scholars, and other projects, while looking after our own financial positions, we raise our hands and our eyes in desperation and dig deep into our faith. 

However, I am grateful and proud to say that what we lack in temperance and quiet obedience, we more than make up for in commitment and readiness to serve.  It took as much sweet-talking as threatening to convince most of us to run again, but when the announcement came, we jumped right back into work.  We have concluded several monthly meetings; a planning seminar; the first of another series of cooking sessions; and a major event, that of Fr. Suarez’s healing Mass.  The almost seamless transition may be attributed to the fact that most of us are “repeaters”, but I’d like to think it’s because of our experience and what we have found to be a comfortable level of cooperation.  Worthy of mention are our “newcomers”, our two Julies:  Julie Tan-Sy or Julie 1, as we have “baptized” her, has refashioned our website and has made it reader-friendly and meatier.  Our new address is www.icaaa.com.ph;  do visit it for updates and feature articles that may not appear in the newsletters.  Julie Yang-Go or Julie 2 has started to revive interest in the alumnae benefits by updating our tie-ups with establishments.  They bring in new energy and new perspective to an otherwise tired bunch of “old timers”.

At this point, I thank my reluctant co-workers—to quote Blaise Pascal, “The heart has reasons that reason cannot know.”  I know that your “yes” is beyond explanation.  Let me simply say that I am grateful you stayed on, because it was for this condition that I also agreed to run again. 

The next two years will be an exciting time for ICAns. There is much to celebrate! 

First, we are proud to have been part of the evaluation process that led to the 5-year PAASCU rating.  We attribute our personal accomplishments to our ICA education. 

Second, we are proud to celebrate our uniqueness:  being Chinese-Filipino and Catholic.  Actually, this year marks the MIC’s 100th anniversary of its first mission in China.  And ICAAA is one with the MIC in celebrating this momentous occasion, because it was this mission in China that inspired them to establish ICA. 

Third and the most exciting for us, from February 4 to December 11, 2011, ICA will celebrate its 75th year.  Activities will include: 
  1) A historical trip to ICA’s past locations. We will literally take a trip down memory lane and see where ICA started. 
  2) Groups or batches are invited to create commemorative souvenirs. 
  3) A dream pilgrimage to Montreal, Canada, the MIC’s headquarters and home of our foundress, Venerable Delia Tetreault. 
  4) A grand celebration gathering ICAns and showcasing our abilities!  We hope to encourage more ICAns to “come home” and        celebrate with us!

None of our goals, plans and projects, in fact, the whole association, will exist or come into fruition without your presence and support.  What makes our outreach missions as fun as our food trips, or our general assemblies and seminars as interesting as the cooking sessions is your company.  My blessing in the years I have been with ICAAA is having met ICAns of all ages, shapes, and personalities.  The association continues the formation that the school started.  We are “white and blue”, albeit in different shades of blue, with different talents and interests, all faithfully serving one God.

Tonight’s Gospel is a fitting reminder for us in the Association that a humble offering, as long as it is sincere can become a wealth of resources.  Thus, I challenge my co-officers and all our members to share even the scraps of your time, talent, and treasure to help ICAAA make a difference in the world or just in our society, our school, our families, and even to ourselves.

Lastly, I would like to thank you, everyone, for coming to Mass and witnessing our blessing.  Again, your company manifests your genuine support.  We look forward to seeing you and more ICA sisters at the coming events.  Together, let us celebrate!