by Rusieljs G. Lunasco

CPU Republic held its first Virtual Week on March 12-19, 2021. With the theme, ““CPU Radiate: The Hues of Amity and Greatness”, the activity aims to establish connection between students.

In an interview with the Central Echo, CPUR President Ro-anne Lozada said the virtual week intends to bring out the talent and creativity of each Local Government Unit (LGU) despite the pandemic.

Virtual Week or “VWeek” is an alternative to the annual University Week that takes place every September. The activity is a series of events and academic, literary-musical competitions.

One of the bands during the virtual Tune it Up.

Day 1 officially kicked off with the opening program, Pamukaw. The praise and worship was led by the University Church Upstream followed by the reflection given by University Church Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian.

Rev. Sian said that “As disciples of Jesus, our light ought to make it easier for people to find their way to Him.” He also challenged the students to aspire for sublime ideals, for excellence, and to serve as beacons of light, worthy to be emulated.

“As the highest student governing body in the university and the oldest student government in Southeast Asia, the CPU Republic wholeheartedly commits itself towards student-centered and community based governance amid the pandemic. Reaching the lives of many while ensuring the utmost participation of the students, echoing their concerns empathizing with their struggles,” said CPU Republic President Ro-anne Lozada in her message. She also emphasized the CPUR is committed to bring together its students despite the pandemic.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas congratulated the leaders of CPUR for their efforts in mounting a virtual celebration.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas giving his congratulatory message to CPUR .

College of Education alumnus and singer-songwriter Ethan Loukas performed his latest single “Panaginip”.

The bottomline, an impromptu Speaking Competition followed by Raise the Bar a human rights spoken poetry competition were held in the afternoon of day on March 13. The T-Shirt Design Contest and the Battle of the Bands took place on March 14 and 15 respectively.

The Online Trivia competitions “Centralian knows Central” as well as “Ilonggo Features” and academic competitions  “Battle of the Brains”, “Pasundayag” and the anticipated Sigrab Film Festival were held on March 17. On the same day, LGU’s also had a live showdown where Local Government officials rendered a performance

Resemblance, a modelling competition which aims to promote different stand to social issues through creativity took place on March 18, 2021.

The virtual awarding for the competitions will be held later in the afternoon at 2:00 pm.