By Kairos Rye Jalando-on, The Centralian Link Intern
New Batch of International Students from China and other Asian Countries take a photo with the CPU Administration and the School of Graduate Studies.
On January 29, 2025, at the EMC Conference Room, the CPU School of Graduate Studies hosted a welcome program for the new international students coming to CPU for their studies.
Dr. April Ann De La Gente, the program emcee, started the ceremony by welcoming the faculty, staff, and the international students; particularly recognizing the students from Henan Vocational University of Science and Technology, which made up the bulk of this new batch of international students. Dr. Margen A. Java, Program Head of the EdDGC/MSGC programs, then lead everyone in the opening prayer.
CPU President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, then gave his welcome remarks. He started by acknowledging the efforts and presence of Engr. Dany Molina, Vice President for Administration, and Dr. Merle Junsay, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs. He then also recognized the faculty and staff of the School of Graduate Studies. He welcomed the international students, saying, “Welcome to your home away from home, Central Philippine University.”
Kung Fu performance from one of the Chinese Students.
He then expressed his gratefulness to the international students and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its mission and vision: “I am grateful to our international students; I am grateful that you made Central Philippine University as your school of choice for your post-graduate education. We are glad, that God brought you here, particularly from the People’s Republic of China and other countries in Asia… Everything we do in this university will be guided by our mission and vision and our unwavering commitment to the delivery of Exemplary Christian Education for Life, EXCEL.”
President Dagohoy then went on to express that he hopes that the university’s motto, Scientia et Fides, will be imbibed by this new batch of international students, and that they will have a personal encounter with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, during their time in CPU. Furthermore, he emphasized the core values of CPU that which makes us all Centralians.
After this, the CPU Tumandok Dance Company rendered a special number, performing a dance entitled “Pansak ni Lali at Bangko,” a dance symbolizing the cycles of rice production. This performance let the international students experience a taste of Filipino dance culture.
After the performance, Dr. Althea Denuevo, Acting Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, then presented the members of the faculty of the School of Graduate Studies, stating that they are all dedicated to their work as educators.
After the presentation, the Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Merle Junsay, delivered a message. In her message, she expressed thanks to the international students for choosing CPU as their school, for their trust, and for their partnership; she also thanked the SGS faculty and staff for their efforts and dedication in educating the students: “You go beyond what is expected of you and are exemplars of what it is to be a living testament of Scientia et Fides.”
She then directed her message to the students, expressing the following: “Continue to be diligent, I know that it is challenging on your part, but I know that you can overcome all these challenges… Stay determined, your hard work will lead to success… Build lasting friendships, not only among your colleagues but also with your students and staff… Explore new horizons… Here in Central Philippine University, we have very capable support staff so don’t hesitate to ask for help… In CPU you belong, we value you, and we care for you.”
The international students then rendered several special numbers; first, a group of students delivered a song, and afterwards a representative of the group said a short message, expressing that they look forward to a possible gathering in China in the future and then conveying a line from a Chinese poem as a blessing, in honor of the upcoming Chinese New Year, which reads as follows: “May you always be happy, may everything go as you wish, and may you have a smooth life.”
Afterwards, Mr. Song Guangfeng performed a song entitled “Meeting in The Sun.”
After the song performance, a student from the Doctor of Education program performed “Chinese Kung Fu” to the astonishment of everyone in attendance.
Afterwards, a batch of students from the Doctor of Education program performed “Happy Chinese New Year Song” in honor of the coming Chinese New Year. After the group performance, another song number was delivered by Zhang Yanyan, a Doctor of Management Student. After this, an additional song number was then performed by Li, Quanlue a Master of Arts in Education student.
After the special performances, responses from several students were delivered.
The first of the students to give a response was Mai Yali, a Doctor of Education, Major in Curriculum and Instruction, batch 1 student. In her response, she expressed gratitude on behalf of her batch for the preparation of the welcome ceremony. Jokingly, she asked for more breathing room regarding their comprehensive exams while also promising their dedication to learning from their future instructors.
The second to give her response was Wu Mengmeng, a Doctor of Education with a major in Curriculum and Instruction, batch 2 student. In her response, she welcomed the new international students, as she has already been in CPU for 4 semesters. She remarked that in her first year she heard a joke that went, “No chicken can escape the Philippines.” At first, she didn’t understand the joke, but she understood it after eating the Filipino food. She then thanked her instructors and remarked that she and her classmates were also staying up late to meet the deadlines.
The third to speak was Men Lizhi, a Doctor of Education student, Major in Guidance and Counseling. In his response, he thanked his teachers and staff for their warm welcome and their generous support. He added that they truly appreciated the care they were shown. Remarking that they came to learn in an international experience, they promise to value this “precious opportunity.”
The fourth to make a response was Liu Chang, a Doctor of Management student, Major in Public Management. She remarked that starting a new academic journey in a new country is both exciting and challenging, but she said that the support of the university had made them feel “respected, valued, and at home.” She also added that they came from different backgrounds, but at CPU they are united by the shared goal of learning and growing.
The last to speak was Sun Linqing, a Master of Arts in Education student, Major in Educational Administration and Supervision. In her message, she first expressed her thanks to her teachers and staff for taking care of them. She added that they were both excited and very nervous at the same time due to the new environment and new languages, remarking that it took great courage to even speak up. When arriving at CPU, she stated that they felt warm and welcomed, remarking that CPU was not just a school, adding that her instructors helped them when they felt homesick and lonely, and that she was grateful for an environment of growth.
The last response was done in the form of a song, performed by Liu Zi, a Doctor of Education, Major in Guidance and Counseling student.
After the responses of the students, Asst. Prof. Johanna Faith M. Candido, OIC, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, gave her closing remarks. She expressed gratefulness in everyone’s presence in the program. She expressed commendation on the new students’ courage in their performance and to travel thousands of miles. She then thanked the students for choosing CPU and commended our faculty and staff in their nurturing of the students.
The program then ended with a closing prayer from Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of Communications. Afterwards, all the attendees were invited to a lunch buffet.
This welcoming program and the enrollment of a new batch of international students reflect CPU’s aggressive push for the further internationalization of the university while remaining committed to its vision of Exemplary Christian Education for Life.