By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU Board of Trustees Chairman Atty. Von Lovel Bedona, CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, CPUAAI Vice President, Mr. Dan Dorillo and Mrs. Tina Marie P. Hortelano, CPUAAI Liason Officer with Sen. Sonny Angara.

On December 7, 2018 after the Switching-on of Christmas Lights and the spectacular fireworks display at the Football Field of Central Philippine University, alumni, friends, government officials and CPU administration officials went to the CPU Educational Media Center Conference Room for the induction of the newly elected CPU Alumni Association Inc. Board of Trustees.

The program was started by a prayer led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalandoon, CPUAAI Corporate Secretary and Director, Office of Communications. CPU Board of Trustees Chairman Atty. Von Lovel Bedona and CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena made their Welcome Remarks. Atty. Bedona thanked both the CPU Administration and the Alumni Association for facilitating the Festival of Lights and Music at Central and the Fellowship Dinner. He also acknowledged guests and government officials who were present.

Engr. Jalbuena acknowledged everyone who has been a part of this year’s very successful opening of the Festival of Lights and Music at Central. He thanked members of the CPU Alumni Association and shared his visions for the coming year with the new CPUAAI members of the Board of Trustees.

The  CPUAAI Officers together with the newly inducted CPUAAI Board of Trustees singing the community song. 

Among the prominent persons in the induction ceremony were Senator Sonny Angara, former DILG Undersecretary and CPU Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Peter Irving Corvera, City Councilor Atty. Joshua Alim and Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon. Also present was the birthday celebrator, Dr. Andresito Millamena, a member of the CPU Corporation and CPUAAI Board of Trustees.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles introduced the guest speaker and inducting officer of the occasion, Sen. Sonny Angara. Dr. Robles acknowledged the Senator and his father, the late Senator and former Secretary of Education Edgardo J. Angara for their contribution in the field of education. He emphasized the contribution of the Angaras to the Filipinos, mentioning their part in legislating free education and equal opportunities, including benefits for senior citizens. He mentioned Senator Angara as having a heart for education. Dr. Robles also attributed the PhilHealth and the forthcoming Universal Health Care law to the Angaras.

Senator Angara was grateful for the invitation of Dr. Robles. He expressed the happiness on being present and felt the warmth of the Central Spirit. He reiterated the role of Central Philippine University in educational development; bringing out the best talents and professionals for the nation like producing a National Artist for Literature in the person of the late Atty. Ramon Muzones.

The newly elected CPUAAI Board of Trustees for 2019-2021 were then inducted by the Honorable Senator Sonny Angara. The following are the new members of the CPUAII Board of Trustees: Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II, Engr. Rey L. Balogo, Prof. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Engr. Levi A. de los Santos Jr., and Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat. Before the induction ceremony, Sen. Angara also attended and made a greeting during the Switching-on of Christmas Lights @ Central at the CPU Centennial Walkway. During dinner time, Sen. Angara also answered questions from the CPU Republic officials, faculty and staff, alumni and friends.

The program was hosted by Ms. Carmelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer, Office of the President.