The members of the UPXDS Association, Inc. celebrated the FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the organization last October 6, 2007, 6pm at the Convenarium, Crossroad 77  Mother Ignacia Ave. cor. Scout Reyes, Quezon City.

UPXDS Association, Inc. was formally organized and registered as a non-stock, non-profit association on September 4, 2006 with the Securities & Exchange Commision by the former grantees of the University of the Philippines Experimental Democratization of Students (UPXDS) Scholarship Program.

The five  batches of grantees (1977 to 1981)  reconnected with each other because of the longing to see fellow XDS grantees and mentors, to know how each one is doing, and to many, a desire to thank and perhaps, give back to the University. 

After months of discussions, a core group has initiated the formation of an Association to have a legal personality and allow interested members to pursue worthwhile endeavors.The primary purpose of the Association is to encourage poor but intelligent students to pursue and complete any college degree or professional training to enable them to pursue a decent livelihood, through the provision of scholarships/assistance. 

Last December 17, 2006, the members who came from all over the Philippines and from the United States came to the UP Alumni Center to gather together for the first time, after more than twenty years of starting their careers individually; and to honor their mentors in the university. During the "Gabi ng Parangal", the association headed by its Interim President Vic Isidro(XDS 77) turned over a check worth P100,000 to Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman, President of the University of the Philippines. It is the initial contribution of the XDS members to the scholarship programs of the university to poor and deserving students.

The new board of trustees headed by Amorsolo Rosario (XDS 77) spearhaded a successful fudraising activity on July 11, 2007 with the Harry Potter film showing at the Cinema 5 / SM Megamall. It was a fullhouse and many UP XDSAI members (locals and balikbayans), relatives and friends showed up to support the affair.

Fundraising activity is not only in the Philippines. The UPXDS International headed by Raff Discipulo organized a concert last August 10, 2007 in Payton, Arizona featuring Steffi Hillard, daughter of Belle Taopo-Hillard (XDS 78). Before the concert, the members conducted a silent auction of the items which were handcarried by Tony Chua (XDS 78) from his recent balikbayan trip to the Philippines.

FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Members of the association with their families gathered  together again for a fellowship night last October 6, 2007 at the Convenarium. The first set of UPXDSAI scholars were presented together with the proposed projects of the association for the celebration of the UP Centennial in 2008.

The Philippine Children's Choir  had a special musical presentation during the program.

Dance music was provided by the AFP band.