By Mikee Natinga Norico
From left to right: Dr. Florence Bogacia, VP for Finance & Enterprises, presents a certificate and token of appreciation to Dr. Emilyn Cabanda, CPU alumna and professor at Regent University, USA, alongside Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, VP for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña, Director of Libraries, during A Talk on Faith-Based Entrepreneurship: An Empirical Analysis of Christian Faith-Based Firms at the Henry Luce III Library.
The American Corner (AC) Iloilo played an active role in the celebration of Library and Information Services Month and National Entrepreneurship Month with a series of events held at Central Philippine University (CPU) this week. These events brought together students, faculty, and the community to explore the world of literature, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural learning.
On the morning of November 27, over 700 attendees, including pupils and teachers, participated in the highly anticipated “Books Character Parade” at the CPU Elementary School Gym. The event celebrated the importance of libraries and books in fostering creativity, imagination, and literacy. As part of the month-long celebration, the parade featured students dressed as characters from beloved books, highlighting the power of storytelling in shaping young minds. The AC Iloilo booth was also available at the event, where attendees were invited to explore resources and learn more about American culture, books, and educational opportunities.
In the afternoon, AC Iloilo hosted the much-anticipated A Talk on Faith-Based Entrepreneurship: An Empirical Analysis of Christian Faith-Based Firms at the Henry Luce III Library. This engaging session, held on the third floor of the library, was part of the university’s National Entrepreneurship Month celebrations. The event featured insightful conversations on the intersection of faith and business, with a focus on purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Dr. Emilyn Cabanda, a distinguished CPU alumna and Professor at Regent University in Virginia, USA, shared her remarkable journey, from her beginnings at CPU to becoming a professor at a prestigious international university. The event also included an open forum, where students had the opportunity to engage with the speaker and discuss faith-based business practices.
Ms. Chilou P. Batoon, RL, American Corner Iloilo Coordinator, poses at the AC Iloilo booth during the Library and Information Services Month celebration at the CPU Elementary School Gym.
Dr. Florence Bogacia, Vice President for Finance & Enterprises, along with Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Prof. Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña, Director of Libraries, presented a certificate and token to Dr. Cabanda in appreciation of her inspiring message.
In addition to the lecture, AC Iloilo also held a book donation ceremony as part of the event’s mission to encourage reading and learning. The event was attended by 90 students, faculty, and staff, and was supported by the CPU Elementary Library, the Henry Luce III Library, and the Library and Information Science Student Organization (LISSO).
On November 28, AC Iloilo hosted a heartfelt Thanksgiving celebration at the Henry Luce III Library’s Ground Floor Conference Room. The event was a time for reflection, gratitude, and community bonding, celebrating the collaboration between American Corner Iloilo and Central Philippine University. The program included a history of Thanksgiving in the US and the Philippines, as well as messages of thanksgiving from university leaders, including Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, and Ms. Della Hareland, Director of Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.
The event concluded with a food fellowship, offering attendees a chance to engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate the spirit of the season.
Through these events, American Corner Iloilo continued to foster cross-cultural exchange and academic growth, enriching the lives of students and the wider CPU community.