By Rusieljs Lunasco
Dr. Teodoro Robles during his Welcome Remarks.
The 2nd semester kicked off with an Online Orientation for New and Returning students on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. The program was spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
The program was divided into two sessions. The orientation proper was held in the morning while an open forum took place in the afternoon.
In his welcome remarks, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, expressed his gratefulness that despite the pandemic, the university is able to provide the students with their education. He also assured them of the university’s strict adherence to health and safety protocols and reiterated that classes will be online for the meantime.
The call to worship and invocation was led by University Church (UC) Outreach Pastor Rev. Roger T. Quimpo and the praise songs by College of Engineering faculty Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne
Rev. Cris Amorsolo gave the message during the program.
UC Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian shared about how everyone can victoriously hurdle the challenges brought about by the pandemic. He focused on three points: to control one’s thoughts, to not ignore one’s physical health, and remember that we aren’t alone.
Rev. Sian also emphasized that in these times, people should cling more to their faith and be secured of their hope in the Lord.
An offering song was rendered by UC Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries at University Church Ptr. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Quimpo-Leysa. UC Christian Education Director Rev. Ruth Garcia- Lunasco led the prayer of dedication.
Office of Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on, a long-time scholar of CPU and the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches’ (CPBC) history, gave a talk on Central’s Vision, Mission and Core Values.
The students were able to familiarize with the tune and lyrics of the Alma Mater song with the help of Cultural Affairs Office Director Ms. Crista Sianson Huyong. College deans were introduced through a video presentation and a special number by the CPU Handbell Ringers followed.
Vice- President for Student Affairs Dr. Esther Rose Romarate leading the Closing Prayer for the morning session.
College of Nursing faculty Prof. Gelbert Jan Porque shared Tips for Successful Online Classes which was followed by videos on CPU Online Library Services as well as Online On-Campus Student Affairs and Services. The morning session ended with a prayer led by Vice-President for Student Affairs Dr. Esther Rose Romarate.
The afternoon session started with an opening prayer led by CPU Republic Vice President Kristian Paul Racca. For the VPFA talk, Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence Bogacia gave a rundown of tuition and other school fees.
There was also a showcase of Centralian talent through the Lulay Folk Dance of the CPU Dance Company.
CPU Republic Prime Minister John Erland Pudadera gave the Rationale for Tingog Estudyante, an online platform of the student government for students to air out their concerns.
Representatives from the College of Engineering and College of Business and Accountancy, Eleanel Idemne and Sam David Andrada were the moderators for the open forum with the CPU President, Vice Presidents and the CPUR President Ro-anne Lozada as the panelists.
Office of the President Administrative Officer Carmelle Frances Romero and Department of Languages, Mass Communication and Humanities Faculty Prof. Kay Arden Gallo were the hosts for the program.