By Nestle G. Taala
A gold for Central Philippine University – Engr. Ron Adrian A. Dionaldo, CPU Packaging Engineering (PkgE) faculty member, has passed the gold standard of Packaging Professional worldwide for having been awarded by the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) based in USA the designation Certified Packaging Professional (CPP).
Since the PkgE field has no regulation here in the Philippines, Engr. Dionaldo went through a rigorous process in this endeavor when he took the exam for international certification last December 2021 until the first week of January 2022. “The exam consists of two parts. The first part is a 150-item multiple-choice exam on packaging. The second part is any of four options that the examinee will choose – 1.) Narrative or essay exam; 2.) CV with equivalent points; 3.) Published article or research study; and 4.) Registered patent. In my case, I chose the narrative exam. The entire process is done online; you can choose your time when to take the exam, but the exam is still timed.” After all these processes, Engr. Dionaldo has passed the examination which was confirmed on January 29, 2022.
As a graduate of this university in 2015, he expressed that his passion, as well as his students, inspired him to extend an extra mile in his chosen field. “I think it’s about proving that the packaging field also deserves the recognition it needs. Most people do not really consider packaging as something you study, but this proves that we are as important as all other fields of study. My students also inspired me to take it, since I know this is the path that they will walk as well in the future, and so it’s good if I could guide them properly as their teacher since I have already experienced taking the exam,” he shared. Engr. Dionaldo is an Alton Bigelow Alma Mater Awardee – the highest award given by Central Philippine University.
He is grateful most especially to “God Almighty who gave me the time, motivation, and knowledge despite the busy schedule; to the “Pack” – the entire Packaging Engineering family, from students to alumni; our department head, Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo; and to the late Dr. Lejo C. Braña who founded the program.”
True to its core values, CPU is manned and equipped with administrators, faculty, and staff who also strive to be excellent stewards not only to its students but also to the community to which they belong. This accomplishment of Engr. Dionaldo is one example.