By Keziah G. Huelar

CPU faculty and staff make their way inside the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

Central Philippine University held its Faculty and Staff Conference at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on June 13, 2019.

With the theme “Always Ready, Forever Blessed,” the conference aimed at encouraging CPU faculty and staff to dedicate the new school year to the Lord.

The event started with a praise and worship service. It was then followed by a devotional led by Pastor Emily E. Robite, faculty, College of Nursing, West Visayas State University. Her message focused on God’s love and how it drives out fear.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles encouraged the university faculty and staff to pursue excellence in all their endeavors. 

According to Pastor Robite, God planned a life of favor for all who pursue Him; however, there are instances even in the Christian journey when doubt enters: “God meant for all of us to live a blessed life—an abundant life. However, [there is always a struggle] between reality and expectation. There are times in our [lives] when we don’t feel blessed.”

She went on to talk about the root cause of such doubt which is fear: “We know that we can do certain things but we don’t do it because of fear. Fear limits us to maximize our potential. I believe that the core problem of fear is insecurity. Insecurity will cause us to make bad decisions.”

Ending her message, Pastor Robite encouraged the CPU faculty and staff to know God and His promises, to experience His perfect peace that drives out fear: “God’s perfect love drives out fear. The antidote to fear is love. We know that God loves us so much but why is it that most of us have a difficulty trusting God?”

The committee behind the 2019 CPU Faculty and Staff Conference together with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia ,Vice President for Finance and Administration; and Pastor James Peter T. Transporto, OIC, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

For the welcome remarks, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C.Robles, thanked the Lord for His goodness to the University: “The Lord has sustained us all these years; through many challenges one after another, we are able to overcome.”

Dr. Robles also encouraged the CPU faculty and staff to pursue excellence in their endeavors: “We need to improve and maintain the quality of our academic programs because they will appeal to many students and families. I encourage you to make sure that we perform well in our classrooms and our customer relations.”

After Dr. Robles’ message, Prof. Sharlene G. Gotico, faculty, CPU College of Arts and Sciences, discussed this year’s theme: “This year’s theme is anchored on the mission of Central Philippine University of providing exemplary Christian education for life. As members of the faculty and staff, we have always been ready to serve our students and the entire Centralian community because for us, serving them is serving the Lord.”

After which Prof. Ma. Arve Barredo Bañez, faculty, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines-Visayas talked about political correctness. According to Prof. Banes, political correctness highlights consideration, respect, and sensitivity in the work place. It promotes inclusivity and growth through understanding and empathy.

On the other hand, Dr. Ma. Lulu L. Loyola, Vice President for Research, Extension & Training, West Visayas State University talked about “Creating a Growth-Enhancing  Learning Environment.”

During the afternoon session, Dr. Robles gave a presentation on the academic and non-academic developments of the university, scholarships, donations received from alumni, the accreditation status of the different degree programs, and campus renovations.

Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia ,Vice President for Finance and Administration; and Pastor James Peter T. Transporto, OIC, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs; and Prof. Rodel C. Palomar, Director, Human Resource and Development Office then gave their annual reports regarding the achievements of and developments in their respective offices. Moreover, Prof. Palomar gave a short talk about the impact of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 on University relations with students and stakeholders.

The challenge and unity prayer was given by Dr. Bogacia. In her message, she encouraged the CPU faculty and staff to stay united as the new school year approaches. Dr. Bogacia also acknowledged the goodness of God to CPU for the last 114 years: “This year, we are facing great challenges. We have surpassed the first two years of the K-12 implementation and we are thankful that despite the challenges, we are still making it good. This school year, 2019-2020, I encourage everyone to work together. If each one of us will do his or her part, we will be able to achieve what we desire for this year. We are just so thankful to the Lord because he has been faithful. For the last 114 years—He [has been] with us.