By Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena
The CPUAAI Board of Trustees during the Presidency of Engr. Isagani Jalbuena.
Looking back, as I ended my term of office, there were four (4) additional new alumni chapters that were organized, bringing the total chapters to 160 worldwide. We have 125 local/Philippines chapters and 35 chapters for US, Canada and other countries.
There were two (2) college graduations in a year that I attended. I administered the Alumni Oath of Membership to a total 3,229 new graduates. They were given tokens as souvenirs/gifts for being a new member of the CPUAAI. We see to it that we give due recognition to outstanding graduates through the “Pasidungog.” To further recognized alumni that top their respective Board Exams (1st place to 10th place ), the association extended Certificates of Appreciation and financial rewards.
The CPU Alumni Affairs Office is the usual venue where we meet and greet an alumna or alumni chapters. The office is manned by the energetic and able Ms. Tina Marie Hortelano, our Alumni Liaison Officer.
I recall that in every alumni meeting, we usually start with a prayer and a short devotion to bring us in the presence of God. Every member of the Board is assigned to prepare for this. The moment makes us nearer to God and helped me in my journey as a Christian, in general and developed my total well-being as a person, in particular.
I was privileged and fortunate that in my term of office, when there was no COVID-19 yet. I was able to attend the 2018 CPU Global Reunion in Chicago, USA hosted by the CPU Federation of Alumni Association Inc. (CPU FOAAI) through the invitation of then President Mrs. May Celis-Rogers. It was a momentous experience meeting and interacting with several Alumni and their respective chapters. I also met my Elementary School Classmates for the first time in 54 years. Before the reunion, my niece and her family hosted a city tour and I experienced the famous Chicago River Cruise. As a true blooded Lion, I also took the opportunity to visit the Lions Clubs International (LCI) Headquarters at Oak Brook, Ill., USA, and I also did not miss the famous Nike Center of Michael Jordan.
In 2019, I was invited to the Induction of Officers of the CPUA UAE Chapter in Dubai. The group also invited my wife and Ms. Tina Marie Hortelano. My sincere thanks to the invitation through Mildred “Tabing” and Farruck Majeed. Ms. Tina Hortelano, my wife Dr. Lucita and myself enjoyed the warm camaraderie of Centralians in Dubai. The group toured us to sightseeing tourist areas like the Miracle Garden. We also enjoyed the Dessert Challenge. We experienced, for the first time, sand bashing on board a 4×4 SUV and riding a camel. We were also treated to experience what it feels to be at the top of Burj Kalifa Tower, the tallest building in Dubai.
The University Day Celebration is not complete without the Annual Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly Meeting. It is during this affair that we ratify the CPUAAI Board Resolutions, approve the Financial Report and elect the new set of board members that will replace the term ending board members. The new CPUAAI board of trustees then elects its new set of officers with a term of two (2) years.
We were not able, however, to hold an Annual Homecoming in September 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. But in February 2020, the university spearheaded the Grand Alumni Homecoming, in cooperation with the CPUAAI. The affair was highlighted with warm fellowship amongst Centralians and was able to raise over several millions of pesos from the Search of the Alumni Queen. The down side was, some of the alumni who extended their stay in the country, experienced the first locked down due to the pandemic and had problems returning home at their respective residences abroad.
My most memorable Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly was in 2019 when the CPUAAI Board of Trustees approved to invite and honor the Centralian Generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The affair was highlighted when the Generals honored their former teachers, and when General Custodio Parcon, Jr. ( Ret.) donated his Medal of Valor to the University. We also conducted a Testimonial Lunch to Honor Atty. Ramon Larupay Muzones, 2018 National Artist for Literature. Likewise, we would like to convey our heartfelt appreciation to the Muzones Family for donating the National Artist for Literature Medal to the university.
The Annual Alumni Homecoming is not complete without the Search for the Alumni Queen. Since this is a fund raising activity, part of the proceeds of the event was donated to CPUAAI for its proposed project(s) and part is returned to the respective departments who joined the search.
“Work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” as they say. The Centralian Golfers in cooperation with the university and the CPAAAI conducts an annual Golf for a Cause Tournament that coincides with the annual CPU October Foundation Day. Proceeds of the golf tournament were released to deserving student athletes in coordination with the University Sports Office.
The Festival of Lights and Music at Central is celebrated annually and is one of the major events of the CPUAAI before the December break of the students. The event was started by then CPUAAI President Dr. Glenn A.M. Catedral in 1991 when the campus was adorned by Christmas lights and decors. The opening of the Festival of Lights attracts thousands of city and non-city residents inside the campus to attend the event. Because of this, the City of Iloilo, in a Resolution sponsored by then CPUAAI Director, and concurrent association President, Atty. Joshua Alim, declared CPU as a Tourism Site. During the pandemic, the Festival of Lights and Music was celebrated virtually sans the grand fireworks display. The preparation for the Festival of Lights gave me some sleepless nights. We, at the CPUAAI have to make both ends to meet the approved budget. We did a lot brainstorming on what will be the Christmas décor and lights. We also have to prepare the nightly program for two weeks together with the different departments and colleges. But thanks be to God, we always meet the dateline for the schedule opening of lights.
As an Ex-Officio member of the CPU Board of Trustees and CPU Corporation, I was privileged also to attend and interact in their respective meetings. Likewise, I was invited to different CPU BOT activities and affairs. Among others, the renaming of the CPU Administration Building to Dr. Rex Drilon Hall, the CPU Elementary Building to Dr. Agustin Pulido Hall, and the Development High School Building to the Dr. Juanito Acanto Hall. I was also invited to attend the unveiling of marker for the Dr. Lejo Brana Packaging Engineering Building ,and the dedication and Inauguration of the new multi-storey Senior High School Building.
In a nutshell, it was a privilege, an unforgettable experience, an opportunity serving the CPUAAI and giving back to my Alma Mater. All of these have contributed to my personal development.
To God be the Glory!
Mabuhay CPUAAI !