To the general XDS body,

It is my pleasure to present you the interim officers of the XDS Inc North America:
President ..........Rafael Discipulo
Vice President ...Jackie Calumba
Secretary .......... Dan Billanes
Treasurer .......... Cristy Conanan
PRO ................. Tony Chua

It is a huge honor for me to be in the roster of officers. Thank you for your vote of confidence - interim lang ito ok? But, I have to say it is so humbling just knowing that I will be working with great individuals with whom I have a special bond from those years when we were attending the UP. Who would have thought we will be reunited after so many years and even have the chance to work together on projects we all have strong affinity on? Just thinking about what you all have accomplished and that I can have this interaction with you thrills me no end.

This is a great time for our group. The mother organization has been registered. The December 'Tribute Night' is coming together very well. Thanks to Vic I., Yoly H., the OC, et. al. who worked towards making that a reality. Goes without saying that you spearheaded our getting organized. Thank you. Now we have a group identity we can use to further our goals. It is also a good start by paying tribute to our mentors. Organizing in the north american region is merely a carry-over of the momentum you have gained at home.

Obviously, this is uncharted. What gives me confidence is the vast available knowledge and solid varied experience we all have gained through the years. Reminds me of the 'growing circles' we studied before. I believe in my heart that the 'inner circle' is well set, healthy and thriving. Our challenge is to be able to use the excellent educational training we had - the solid inner circle, complement that with the expertise and network - widening circles, we all have individually developed and continues to, and together direct all these resources to achieve the goals we have and will set before us.

In the short term, this international group will work on the registration, opening a bank account and membership. A planning conference will be held shortly.

In the long-term, I envision for this subgroup to continue to work closely with the mother organization, avail of available venues for fundraising, and provide a base for international networking ventures.

Maraming salamat at Mabuhay!

Ang inyong lingkod,

Raff