By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena together with the COCOFED scholars.
After 30 years, CPU’s “cream of the crop,” former COCOFED (Philippine Coconut Producers Federation, Inc.) scholars gathered together at Central Philippine University on Friday, April 12 not only to look back to campus memories, but see how CPU has evolved over the years.
The Centros Cocos alumni converged at the Half-Moon Drive. They then visited the CPU Alumni Office where they met and posed for pictures with CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, and Liaison Officer, Tina Hortelano, before proceeding to the Office of University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
The cordial meeting with the President took place at the Board of Trustees Conference Hall. Dr. Robles welcomed the group and updated them on University developments and plans—including the fact that some departments have been recognized by CHED as Centers of Excellence.
In return, it was awe-inspiring to hear from the group’s leader about their achievements, positions they’ve attained both in public offices and private companies. Notable among these accomplishments is that of Director Remelyn Ricoter (CPU Engineering, Batch 1984), who is the current director of the Department of Agriculture-Region 6.
The COCOFED scholarships were subsidized by the Coconut Industry Federation. The scholars where given many privileges by the government, including free tuition, board and lodging, books and school supplies and travel expenses, aside from their monthly stipend.
The scholars are sons and daughters of coconut farmers and planters from all over the country. Zaida Navarro Layog and Victorio I. Nabor, both graduates of BS Agriculture, noted that there were around 40 of them who graduated from different courses in CPU. They were mostly graduates of agriculture and engineering courses.
One of the group’s prospective projects is a scholarship for poor but deserving students at Central Philippine University. Centros Cocos will be registered as another Alumni Association- to participate in next year’s Global Reunion in CPU.