The first ever Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Student Chapter in the Philippines held its first General Assembly last January 15, 2005 at the Engineering Theater, Melchor Hall.

Hosted by the Chapter's ex-Chair Ben-hur Viray, ex-Vice Chair Joyce Avestro, and Chapter Sponsor Rommel Feria, the Assembly discussed among its approximately 60 members the purpose of the ACM Student Chapter, its mission, vision, and benefits of being a member of the said association.

Though the UP ACM Student Chapter was already chartered last 2003, Viray claimed, it was not until recently that the organization opened its membership to the University's undergraduate and graduate students.

The Assembly was concluded with the transfer of leadership from the graduates and faculty to the students through an election. The list of the newly-elected officers is as follows:

Chair: Ardee Aram
Vice-Chair: Mai Sibayan
Secretary: Sophia Lucero
Treasurer: Jonas Roque
Logistics Head: Phillip Kimpo Jr.
External Affairs Head: Jeric Cantos
Education Head: Riza Batista

According to Viray, "the Association for Computing Machinery UP Chapter is a recognized chapter by the Association for Computing Machinery, Inc (ACM Inc.)". According to the bylaws of ACM Inc., the "principal office...of the Association for Computing Mchinery Inc...is located at 100 West Tenth Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle (Delaware)." Aram stated that "the UP Chapter is currently based in the Department of Computer Science (Melchor Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon CIty, Philippines)."

The organization's main purpose, according to the constitution of ACM Inc., is "to advance the sciences and arts of information processing...to promote the free interchange of information about the sciences and arts of information processing...(and) to develop and maintain the integrity and competence of individuals engaged in the practices of the sciences and arts of information processing."

Aram, the current Chair of the ACM student chapter, discussed with The UP Parser several of the organization's long term plans:

"Holding of several Knowlege and Information Sharing Sessions (also known as "KISS"). These sessions and seminars aim to augment computer and technology based knowledge of individuals, and will try to cover lessons that are not usually covered by the curriculum of the University. This is one way the organization can promote the said freedom of information interchange and the further growth and advancement of knowledge of its members in the field of computing."

"Application of computer-based knowledge that is relevant to the University and the country as well. Though the ACM Student Chapter is an academic organization, the organization is more than willing to contribute to the betterment and advancement of its Alma Mater and the motherland. Thus, the organization will not just sit on its ivory tower of technological and academic discourse, but will also be concerned with the social, economic, and political aspects of computerization, automation, and knowledge advancement among others. Several proposed projects will be the inclusion of a computer-based Literacy Training Program on the National Training Service Program (NSTP) and promotion of Linux Terminal Server Project to less fortunate schools especially in the outskirts."

Promotion of the University internationally, development of camaraderie of individuals of the same field from different nations, and further honing of skills of individuals through the yearly participation and year-long training in the ACM-International Collegiate Programming Competition (ACM-ICPC). Though in the past years UP has almost always sent representatives in this international event,it was not until now that the training of the contestants, who represent not only the University but also the Philippines, will be formalized. The organization will promise an intense, rigorous, and intellectually stimulating training to polish the talents of the representatives."