By Cyrus A. Natividad
The first-year students of CPU had their orientation at the Rose Memorial Auditorium last August 17 to 18, 2023.
The first College Orientation Seminar (Face to Face) after the Pandemic was held on August 17, 2023 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The morning session started at 8:30 AM with the thematic core value of excellence. Pastor Justine P. Mije led the invocation with a short devotional and was followed by the Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas conducted by Ms. Crista S. Huyong.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomed the ‘newcomers; he thanked the parents for sending their children to study at Central Philippine University. He also thanked the faculty and staff for working together to achieve recognitions, among them CPU as a Top University in Asia, and among the 16 best Universities in the Philippines.
Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, Acting Chair, Religion and Ethics, presented a Brief History of Central Philippine University with a video documentary. CPU Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, one of the authors of the book, ‘We are CPU: Our Reasons for Being’ introduced the book and shared stories of the early beginning of Central. He talked on the background of the University and its Founder Rev. Dr. William O. Valentine.
Rev. Jalando-on also explained the Vision of CPU, and the Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL); its commitment to exemplary Christian Education. He shared the Mission of CPU and its core values of Faith, Character, Justice Stewardship and Excellence. Ms. Crista Huyong taught the students how to sing the Alma Mater Song Central, My Central.
CPU VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio briefed the students on the 1st Semester mode of learning. He introduced the Deans of the different colleges – live on stage and on video.
The College Orientation also included a recorded ‘Walkthrough on the online platforms of the University, CPU Zoom, Canvas and Microsoft 365; introduction to the Henry Luce III Library and others.’
The other Departments; VPFE, and VPSA were also introduced in the afternoon session. They provided guidelines and valuable insights of their operation and support to the students.
Kudos to the CPUR for making a big contribution to the facilitation of the program, by “integrating the freshman to a new campus life”, the CPUR started up the program at the Rose Memorial Auditorium with emphasis on social bonding. A variety of talents from the different colleges participated in the competitions.