by Nestle G. Taala

There were more than 700 faculty and staff who attended the virtual Faculty and Staff Conference.

Central Philippine University held its Annual Faculty and Staff Conference with the theme, “RISE AND SHINE: Overcoming Mental Health Challenges During the Pandemic” on September 29, 2021, via Zoom.

Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President, acknowledged the effort of the faculty and staff for the past years in his welcome message. It was then followed by the Scripture Meditation and Reflection led by Rev. Jalando-on.

This year’s conference focused more on the mental well-being of every member of CPU Faculty and Staff – how to rise above in these trying times, to seek help, to have a balanced work-life, among others.
Prof. Rossini Gayares-Jovero of BSN Class of 1979, a former Liver Transplant Clinical Coordinator in Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar, further explained and gave the synthesis of the theme. On the other hand, Dr. Daisy Chua-Daquilanea, Chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry, Western Visayas Medical Center, talked about the Medical and Psychiatric Aspects of Mental Health and Challenges during the Pandemic.

University Church Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian gave a talk on mental health from a spiritual perspective. Thereafter, Mrs. Novie Pascua shared her COVID-19 experience to inspire others to keep going despite the trials.

Prof. Rosalea Cornelia Araneta-de Leon of West Visayas State University gave the closing plenary in which she discussed the Mental Health Therapies from a Psychologist’s Perspective, while the Guidance Counselor’s Perspective was given by Dr. Raquel Polec-eo, Director of CPU Guidance Services Center. The presentation became more moving when the various staff of the Guidance Office shared their struggles and how they had overcome them through the help of God.

Meanwhile, Prof. Lena O. Giron, Mental Health and Psychiatric CPU Nursing Professor, imparted the ways on how to cope and overcome mental health challenges from the standpoint of the faculty.

Members of the faculty and staff then participated in the open forum as well as the games prepared by the organizing committee. During the said conference, nomination and election of both faculty and staff representatives for Board of Trustees and Retirement Board were also held.

The representatives to the Board of Trustees are the following:
Mrs. Victoria Bellosillo – Staff
Dr. Edgar Gerada – Faculty

The representatives to the Retirement Board are the following:
Atty. Salex Alibogha – Faculty
Mrs. Nilfa Salanio – Faculty
Mrs. Rona Cenal – Staff

The conference was hosted by the CPU College of Nursing. The Co-chairpersons of the Committee are Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean of the College of Nursing, and Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on.