The Alumni Tree Project, initiated by Dr. Cesar Agtarap, aims to raise funds for scholarships and inspire students by honoring alumni contributions. This project recognizes the success of alumni by etching their names on metal leaves displayed on a tree at the school library and seeks donations to sustain its initiatives. The program targets deserving students from low-income families and offers them financial support, encouraging alumni to participate and contribute for the benefit of future generations.

1. Jimmy Ysmael speaks … On the ALUMNI TREE PROJECT ( He had a flight to catch and didn’t have time to deliver his ALUMNI TREE Inauguration Speech in behalf of Dr. Cesar Agtarap, proponent of the Scholarship fundraising project who couldn’t come to the Philippines.)

2. Distinguished faculty, honored guests, fellow alumni and friends, good evening. My batch mate and close friend, Dr. Cesar Agtarap, Class of 1976, a very successful medical practitioner based in Kentucky, USA, unfortunately, couldn’t join us tonight. He is the man behind this very noble project of giving back something to the institution which played a major role in molding us into what we are today and, at the same time, honoring alumni who, in one way or another, contributed significantly to society and who could serve as role models to inspire students to reach their goals. As the Global coordinator for the Alumni Tree Project, he requested me to present to you the details on the project.

3. The Alumni Tree Project offers a unique opportunity to all kind-hearted alumni to give back, and, at the same time, be recognized. The project, also known as "PUNO NG TAGUMPAY", has three objectives: 1) To raise funds to support the RMHS scholarship project; 2) To inspire young and idealistic students; and 3) To acknowledge the successful careers of alumni.

4. While not all of us will make it to the "Outstanding Alumni of the Year" awards, we are all equally successful in our own right. As such, by recognizing and displaying as many “success stories” of donor alumni whose names will be etched in a metal leaf that will hang on the Alumni Tree at the school library, we will not only be raising funds for high impact school projects, but will also inspire students to realize their dream and make a difference.

5. We urge all alumni to support this project and make a donation - at least US$50 for those based abroad and P1,250 for those in the Philippines. We, of course, welcome donations beyond these suggested amounts, and even encourage everyone to make an annual or continuing pledge of any amount after their initial contribution, to allow us to sustain the programs that the project will support.

6. We are glad to report that the response has been encouraging, as the project has already raised the equivalent of P177,000 from 44 highly committed alumni from all over the world. We thank all of them for the generosity, and ask all of you present here tonight to also support and promote the project, if you have not already done so. The details on the project and remittance instructions are available in the school and are also indicated in the Alumni Tree Project discussion forum at MonSay.org.

7. As its maiden project, the Alumni Tree will fund the RMHSEAA Scholarship program, which has the following mechanics and criteria: 1. The program is open to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year RMHS España, Manila students. 2. The candidate must belong to a below average income family but deserving. He or she must have at least a general weighted average grade of 85% the previous year. 3. The candidate must possess leadership qualities, and must excel both in academic and extra-curricular activities. 4. The scholarship covers school fees, 3 sets of uniforms, books, P500 worth of school supplies and a P500.00 monthly allowance. 5. Scholars will have junior membership in the RMHSEAA.

8. The initial batch of scholars are still being identified by a selection committee composed of school and alumni association officers. We congratulate them in advance and enjoin them to live the culture of excellence that the school has consistently advocated over the last 50 years.

9. The Alumni Tree Project was conceptualized to honor not just the rare feats and great accomplishments of our very successful alumni, but also to pay tribute to the equally great lives led by regular alumni like all of us, who in one way or another have bettered ourselves and the society we live in, by leading honest and productive lives, as a result of the wisdom and values that we have learned by being part of this great institution. It is a testament to the over 50 years of excellence that our alma mater has inculcated in every single soul that went through this institution, which we have, in turn, brought to bear in every aspect of our lives.

10. To use Dr. Agtarap’s own words, “ Each leaf means a lot -- it is your connection from the past to the future. This Tree can go on forever as new leaves are added, with alumni reaching new heights of greatness. It will be awe-inspiring to see that Tree that's full of leaves... Please do your part. Nourish the Tree, because with your help, RMHS will flourish.” Thank you and good evening.