By Nestle G. Taala
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian gives the message during the Online Orientation.
Another semester, the same goal — Central Philippine University welcomed its college students to the second semester of the School Year 2021-2022 through a series of orientations held online on February 9-10, 2022.
Dedicating to God the students, faculty, staff, and all other resources of the university, the program kicked off with a worship service to unfold this new semester, on February 9.
University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles expressed his warm Centralian greetings to everyone. “Today, we worship the Lord who is the source of our joy and strength. We worship not because we have something to ask from the Lord but we worship because we want to thank Him, for His faithfulness to CPU,” he said in his opening message.
During the said worship experience, University Church Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian reminds everybody that when there are things we cannot control, especially referring to the pandemic, we must use this to “find opportunities for growth and development; embrace healthy dispositions; and respond in faith.” Testimonies showing God’s goodness and faithfulness were also heard which were shared by Ms. Annjie Getonzo, BS in Packaging Engineering student; and Prof. Remedios Alog, CPU Elementary School Faculty, respectively.
In the afternoon, the CPU Republic conducted online “Tingog Estudyante,” a program which serves as an avenue in addressing students’ concerns through the Question-and-answer forum with the members of CPU Administration, the Office of Registrar, Representative from Canvas Team, Student Development and Programs Director, and the CPUR President and Prime Minister as panelists. These programs were broadcasted live via CPU TV Facebook Page.
On February 10, a more intimate activity was held since the welcome and orientation program was exclusive for new students. The undertaking enabled the students to be introduced to the history of this university, its vision, mission, and core values; learn the Alma Mater Song; navigate Canvas; know the Online Library Services, CPU Student Affairs and Services On-Campus and Online and, Concerns on Tuition and Fees; among others.
Meanwhile, students, too, actively participated in said events via Zoom chatbox and Facebook comment section.
It is during this affair that the CPU community is reminded once again of its goal, and that is inculcating and providing students exemplary Christian Education for Life during their stay in the university. Hence, in particular, Dr. Robles encouraged that “this new semester will have its own share of challenges and we can easily be overwhelmed. Remember that we are the CPU Community. We look out for each other and we reach out to those around us. We are not only an academic community; we are a community of faith. May that faith in Jesus cast out all fear and propel us to be constantly kind and love as Jesus did.”