By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

The singing generals- The awardees gave a special rendition of the song “Amazing Grace”. (From left) Major Gen. Reuben Basiao, Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon Jr., Major Gen. Tyne Bañas and Brig. Gen. Ezra James Enriquez.

Seven CPU Alumni Achievers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines were honored during the Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on September 28, 2019 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The awardees were: Brig. Gen. Stephen A. Parreño (HS ’86), Brig. Gen. Ezra James P. Enriquez (HS ’81,) Brig. Gen. Custodio A. Parcon, Jr. (Kinder’70, HS’ 80), Major Gen. Gerald G. Da-anton (HS ’80), Major Gen. Samuel G. Gotico (BSC’ 85), Major Gen. Reuben Basiao (Kinder ’71, Elem ’77, HS’ 81)) and Major General Tyne T. Bañas (Kinder ’71, Elem ’77, HS’ 81).

Awardees who were present during the said event, namely: Brig. Gen. Parcon, Major Gen. Basiao, Brig. Gen. Enriquez and Major Gen. Bañas were given military honors during the first part of the program. CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena gave the opening remarks. CPU Office of Communications Director and CPUAAI Corporate Secretary Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on led the roll call of alumni. Major Gen. Da-Anton and Major Gen. Samuel G. Gotico were represented by their sisters Dr. Rena Da-anton-Paclibar and Prof. Sharon Gotico-Munar, respectively.

(from left) CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, Dr. Rena Da-anton- Paclibar, Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon Jr., Major Gen. Tyne Bañas, Major Gen. Reuben Basiao, Brig. Gen. Ezra James Enriquez, Prof. Sharon Gotico-Munar, CPU BOT Member Dr. Elmer Pedregosa.

Brig. Gen. Parcon gave the response on behalf of all the awardees. He emphasized the importance of Christian values that were instilled to them by CPU and how it has shaped their military careers. The awardees then gave a special rendition of the song “Amazing Grace.” Parcon donated his Medal of Valor to Central Philippine University.

During the Business Meeting, detailed reports were given by CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena and CPUAAI Treasurer Engr. Rey Balogo. The Co-Chairperson of the Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020 Committee, Prof. Anna May Yap-Zerrudo, invited the attendees to join the upcoming Alumni Homecoming on February 5-9, 2020.

Later on, the new Alumni Chapters were presented with their Charter membership. The new officers of various Alumni Chapters were then inducted and recognized.

Alumni from different parts of the Philippines and the world gathered together for the Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on Sept. 28 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

Mr. and Ms. CPU 2019 and their Court gave a special number to the delight of the alumni. Special performances were also given by Dr. Gilbert Nismal (BS Bio 1984), CPUMTAA, CPUAA Concepcion Chapter, CPU Elem. Faculty & Staff, CPU HS Class 1979, and CPUHS Class 1978.

The Jubilarians from Batch 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, and 1999 were also awarded.

The event was hosted by Department of Languages, Mass Communication and Humanities Faculty Member Prof. Kay Arden Q. Gallo, as well as Department of Electrical Engineering faculty member Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne.