2017 CPU Festival of Lights and Music to open this December 1
Central Philippine University continues its tradition of ushering in the yuletide season through the Festival of Lights and Music, and this year is no exception! The 2017 CPU Festival of Lights and Music is set to illuminate the campus with colorful lights on December 1, 2017 at the CPU Campus.
At 6:30 PM, the “Switching on of Christmas Lights and Fireworks Display” will be held at the Centennial Walkway. The theme for this year’s festival is “Sharing Centralights for one CPU.”
Everyone is invited to attend and witness one of the beloved events of the Centralian community. Bring your friends and family as we celebrate the lights of the CPU campus and, most importantly, the Light of Christ.
CPU Symphonic Band to Perform at Robinson’s Place, Jaro
Accompanying every grand event of the university is the CPU Symphonic Band.
Showcasing the Centralian talent to the Ilonggos—The Central Philippine University Symphonic Band will be holding a Christmas Concert at Robinson’s Place, Jaro on December 3, 2017 from 3 to 5 PM.
The showcase is one of the major events of the CPU Festival of Lights and Music at Central 2017 spearheaded by the CPU Alumni Association Inc.
The CPU Symphonic Band will be playing beloved Christmas classics, songs from the Beatles and movie theme soundtracks from the Titanic, Frozen, King Kong and Pirates of the Carribean. They will also feature CPU Hymns that showcase the rich history and culture of the university.
The CPU Symphonic Band will also be performing together with the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe. Moreover, there will be solo numbers from Agnes Quimpo, Feldianne Argon on the piano, Fervince Benoman with the guitar and John Ian Pitallar with the saxophone and violin, and Cris John David de Guzman and Robin Huckleberry with the euphonium.
The CPU Symphonic Band is a scholarship based service program of the university. Its main function is to provide music and entertainment for the university. The band is led by its conductor, Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista.
Everyone is invited to attend the musical show!
CPU-JHS celebrates Victory Party
Miss Junior High School, Belle Kate Gatilogo led the parade.
After clinching the overall champion in the U-Day celebrations of 2017, Junior High School students, faculty and staffs gathered to hold a victory party at Rose Memorial Auditorium on November 27, 2017.
The celebration started with a parade around the campus led by the department’s Drum and Bugle Corps before heading to the program venue. It was started with the opening remarks from Dr. Carmen P. Santos, CPU Basic Education Consultant, congratulating everyone for a job well-done. She reminded everyone that the whole day event, including the ice cream party in the afternoon, is a way of rewarding the CPU Junior High School community for all the hard work they have done during the U-Day 2017. Belle Kate Gatilogo, Ms. CPU-JHS 2017 along with Carl Oida, Mr. CPU-JHS Student Council also welcomed everyone to the victory celebration.
The CPU Junior High School students make their way for the victory parade.
The winners in the U-Day literary contests, as well as the athletes, were given Certificates of Appreciation during the program. Other winners performed on stage. These included Maria Trisha Ragus, the contestant for Filipino Declamation; Mary Heart Castor of the Vocal Solo Pop; the department’s representatives in the Hip Hop competition, Centralian Star, and Dance Sports. Adding more fun to the celebration, the MAPEH teachers danced enthusiastically with the street dance participants of JHS as their back up dancers.
For the closing remarks, Junior High School Governor, Lucas Gerard Arañador accompanied by Vice Governor, Honey Parreño, thanked everyone on their participation during U-Day 2017 which led their department to earn the coveted overall champion award. He also acknowledged the athletes who pushed themselves to the limits to win and their teachers, mentors, and the Student Council, who supported the participants all the way. Arañador also reminded his fellow Centralians what U-Day is all about, “University Day is to unite Centralians and not to fight: for one Junior High School and for one CPU.” He finished his remarks by offering all the glory and achievements to the Almighty God.
Videoke challenge, anyone?
Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne and Ms. Crista Huyong hosts of the Pasalamat 2017.
The CPU Alumni Association, Inc. organized for the first time Pasalamat 2017, an evening and dinner affair last November 24 at the EMC Conference Room. The thanksgiving fellowship coincided with the celebration of Thanksgiving. The event was held to show appreciation for the alumni involved in the successful annual events, particularly the CPU Alumni Homecoming and the CPU Festival of Lights.
The highlight of the CPUAAI Pasalamat program was the Videoke Challenge. The challenge was made possible through the efforts of Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne and Prof. Crista Huyong. It was a night “that was never done before.” It was the first time former DA Regional Director Larry Nacionales was heard singing “Imagine” by the Beatles; former CPU VP for Administration Engr. Aurora ‘Au’ Lim cheered with the rest as Nonong Millamena sang another 70’s hit.
The Videoke Challenge was participated by teams with assigned colors: the Red Team was led by Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, the Blue Team was led by Dr. “Nonong” Millamena, and the Gold Team by Engr. Rey Balogo. Tunes from the 60’s to the 90’s played. However, there was a big scramble when the CPU songs were played. The crawling texts had blank lines that the singers had to vocally fill up.
Former DA Regional Director Larry Nacionales and Engr. Rey Balogo lead participants of the Videoke Challenge.
In the end, the Blue Team emerged as Champions while second and third places went to the Red and Gold Teams, respectively.
In his welcome remarks, CPUAAI President Dan Dorillo thanked everyone present and acknowledged that the CPU Festival of Lights would not have been a success all these years “without the alumni’s selfless participation and contribution of talents.” Then he challenged the alumni to continue supporting the CPU events, particularly the upcoming Festival of Lights.
Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, CPUAAI Vice President and Chairman of the Festival of Lights 2017, gave his closing remarks. He thanked everyone not only for the cooperation and for joining the contest, but for supporting the events and looking forward to the CPU Festival of Lights 2017. He invited everyone to the Switching-On Ceremony in CPU on December 1.
CPU honors faculty and staff retirees
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles began his speech with humor saying “I thought I was in the wrong room because I could not distinguish the retirees from the non-retirees.”
CPU is home to resilient individuals who have dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to the university throughout the years. They have been faithful not only to their tasks in the university, but also to their God-given calling. Thus, to show gratitude and appreciation to the retiring faculty and staff of the university, CPU honored its retirees through a program and dinner held at the Midtown Hotel on November 24, 2017.
For the devotional, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian read Isaiah 46:4, “Even to your old age and gray hair I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” He shared that the faithfulness of God had been seen in the lives of our retirees and would continue to be with them throughout their years.
CPU President President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with HRDO Director, Mr. Rodel C. Palomar, Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico and Vice President for Finance and Administration gave the certificate and tokens of appreciation to the retirees.
For the welcome remarks, Mr. Rodel C. Palomar, Director of the CPU Human Resource Development Office, thanked the retirees for being part of the history of CPU, “We celebrate your legacy today. You have devoted your best and productive years to CPU, and you have helped the university prevail over challenges. You will continue to be part of the story that strengthens and inspires us.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his inspirational message, acknowledged the role of the retirees in making CPU the institution that it is today, “I thank you for your dedicated and valuable service to the university. I’m glad that we worked together for the betterment of CPU in serving our constituents, especially our students. I know that keeping yourself busy makes you younger and more so, when you do your apostolic ministry. We see the faithfulness of God in your lives and we are happy to honor you today.”
After his message, Dr. Robles together with Mr. Rodel C. Palomar, Director of the CPU Human Resource Development Office, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration gave a Certificate of Appreciation to the retirees.
Dr. Perla S. Suyo thanks CPU for the honoring the retirees.
HRDO Director, Mr. Rodel C. Palomar, thanked retirees for their years of service to CPU.
Mrs. Ruth G. Fernandez thanked CPU for helping her achieve her dreams.
Years at Central – CPU honors its faculty and staff retirees at Iloilo Midtown Hotel.
For the response on behalf of the faculty, Dr. Perla S. Suyo, retired Dean of the College of Hospitality Management thanked CPU for honoring the retirees, “I would like to thank CPU for remembering us retirees. You have appreciated our hard work. The recognition you have given us is an important message that though we are no longer part of the university, we remain connected to CPU.”
Mrs. Ruth G. Fernandez, retired university registrar, in her heartfelt response, shared that CPU made her dreams come true, “I may not say all that is in my heart tonight but the next words I would say sum up everything—Thank you. I did not expect to stay in CPU for 44 years. I graduated in 1969 through a work-study program and by July 1973, I became part of the Registrar’s Office of the university. It was the best thing that happened to me. Here in CPU, I attained my own success, a success I never dreamed of.”
After the response, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian led the prayer for the retirees.
7th Agri-Fair ends four-day research and exhibit
Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, Chair, 7th Agri-Fair thanked everyone who made the event successful.
After a productive four-day event, the 7th Department of Agriculture-Central Philippine University Organic Agri-Research Fair and Exhibits held its closing program at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park on November 21-24, 2017.
The four-day event featured seminars from experts in the field of agriculture. There were also exhibits featuring the best agricultural produce and products from the different towns and municipalities in Iloilo City.
Dr. Corazon Arroyo, Senior Research Specialist of the Department of Agriculture recognized the participating exhibits and thanked the participants who made this year’s 7th Agri-Fair successful.
Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, Chair, 7th Agri-Fair, congratulated the committee and the hoped that the farmers have gained knowledge and insight about the different seminar-topics highlighted in the four-day 7th Agri-Fair, “We hope that our farmers learned a lot from our seminar, that what they have learned from this productive event will be applied in their farming practices and will help them in their farming profession.”
For the Closing Remarks, Dr. Corazon A. Arroyo highlighted the importance of events like this to uplift and provide continuing education for farmers in the region, “We really thank CPU for partnering with us in helping our farmers gain new skills and knowledge. We hope that this event continues to help more farmers in Iloilo.”
Thematic Painting Competition: an interesting event at the Agri-fair 2017
Mr. Barry Jone Matutina won 1st Place in the Agri-Painting Competition.
One of the interesting events at the recently concluded 7th DA-CPU Agri-fair was the painting competition held at the CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. This year’s team is “Agri-Tourism: Stewardship of God’s Resources.” Farmers and student participants were encouraged to express their “ideas on canvass.”
Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, Chair, 7th Agri-Fair, together with Mr. Mark Clemens J. Ortaliz, Committee Chair and Ms. Joy Dugayo, Co-Chair, Agri-Painting Competition.
Seeds of Faith – this artwork by one of the participants highlighted the importance of the humble seedling.
An appreciation of God’s masterpiece – this entry portrayed the importance of nature as our source of food and livelihood.
Agri-fair Chair Joel Somosierra awarded cash prizes to the winners. The first prize of PhP3,000 was won by Barry Jone T. Matutina, 4th year CPU Engineering Student. The second and third prizes were won by Unique M. Canonicato, a fourth year student of the Digital Media and Interactive Arts (DMIA) and Her-Jeyn O. Serbol, third year student, also of DMIA.
CPU RCECC holds Agri Lecture-Series in 7th Agri-Fair
RCECC Director, Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho with participants and guest speakers.
With the aim of providing continuing education in the field of agriculture, the CPU Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCECC) in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) held an Agri Lecture-Series during the 7th Regional Organic Agri-Fair Seminar and Exhibits at the 4th Floor, Conference Room I, Henry Luce III Library.
The first lecture was given by Dr. Jaime C. Cabarles, Dean, CPU College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Resources. Dr. Cabarles talked about “Strengthening Market Linkages for Commercial Production of Organic Chicken.”
After which, Ms. Ma. Tessie S. Pagay, president and owner of Rosary Herbal Product and Ms. Genie O. Biana, manager of Gi Crafts Shell Museum and Gallery talked about “Building Entrepreneurial Skills for Success.” Pagay developed all the formulas of Rosary Herbal Products, which have been approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD). She completed the Individual-Country Observational Study Mission on Eco-Agri Innovation, ASIAN Productivity Organizational held last September 29 to October 4, 2014 in Taiwan. On the other hand, Biana established the first Shell Museum in the Province of Capiz at Punta Bang-ogay, Natividad, Pilar, Capiz.
RCECC aims to provide continuing education in the field of good agricultural practices.
Prof. Hope G. Patricio, Faculty, CPU College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Resources discussed about “Prospects of Moringa Production” while Mr. Eden B. Panisales, in charge of the Station Mushroom Production DA-RFO-6, discussed “Mushroom Culture Production.”
Prof. Patrocinio G. Pudadera, Faculty, CPU College of Business and Management, talked about “Record Keeping for Micro Entrepreneurs” while Mr. Angel A. Supertran, Jr, Executive Director, URGENT (Urban Gardening Enterprise), talked about the importance and benefits of “Urban Gardening.”
Cañuto speaks at BOI Forum
Engr. Eddie P. Cañuto has been passionate about promoting Agripreneurship.
In a Board of Investments (BOI) Forum held at the Grand Xing Hotel on November 28, 2017, Engr. Eddie P. Cañuto, CPU Board of Trustees member and Ephrathah Agri-Tourism Resort owner, was hailed by officials of the Department of Trade and Industries Regional Office as an “expert consultant” for Agri-business.
Cañuto’s ideas on Agri-Tourism are timely and relevant to the forum regarding Inclusive Business. The Centralian businessman is known in industrial circles as the engineer who helped struggling farmers sell their farm produce which gave them higher income.
The BOI forum was held to heighten Inclusive Business awareness and to start synergies with government agencies and other sectors on Investment Priority Plans (IPP). Inclusive business offers a valuable solution to alleviate poverty by including small community enterprises in the value chain of big businesses.
DTI Assistant Secretary Felicitas Agoncillo, who heads the Investments Promotions Services, thanked the academe for its involvement in helping businesses and policy makers improve the Inclusive Business Ecosystem.
Central Philippine University was represented by Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, Technical Assistant, CPU Office of the President and Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad, Media Relations and Publishing Officer, CPU Office of Communications.
Revisiting CPU after 40 years
Back again at Central – Tusaro Khosla together with (from L-R) CPUAAI President Mr. Dan Dorillo, Purchasing Officer Mrs. Hermely A. Jalando-on and CPUAAI Liason Officer Tina Marie Hortelano.
Tusaro Khosla who is a native of Odisha, India was one of the foreign students who expressed gratitude for his education and valuable experience in CPU. He was in CPU as an exchange scholar, courtesy of the Christian Conference of Asia in Singapore, in 1976-1977. He finished a one-year course program of the CPU College of Commerce, major in Business Administration.
Talking to the CPU Alumni President, Mr. Dan Dorillo, Tusaro recalled how CPU provided him an educational foundation, bringing him to greater heights of success.
He was toured around the campus by Mrs. Hermely A. Jalando-on, CPU Purchasing Officer. He especially enjoyed his visit to the campus when he met and talked to CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. He was also delighted to have met again his good friend in the campus during his student days, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean of the CPU College of Law.
“Central Philippine University prepared me for my employment as administrator of a hospital in India, which later sent me to train in the U.S. and Germany,” according to Tusaro.
Tusaro has three sons: a doctor, a pastor, and an IT engineer, and a daughter who is a marine biologist. In return for his successful career from his education in CPU, Tusaro promised to create a program for the promotion of CPU in India. He describes CPU as “the best University where students can become exemplary professionals.”
Centralian receives 2017 Lee H. Bryant Outstanding New York State Teacher Award
With a passion for teaching, Marvin Cadornigara has been inspiring young people to pursue their dreams.
Excellence in the field of teaching—Centralian alumnus, Mr. Marvin Cadornigara, BS Med Tech 1987, was one of the recipients of the 2017 Lee H. Bryant Outstanding New York State Teacher Award sponsored by the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education (NYSCATE).
Mr. Cadornigara was selected from among the many nominees across the New York state for his outstanding work in Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) teaching, particularly in the use of technology in the classroom. His nomination highlighted his implementation of the use of various technologies in his 6th grade Science classes to enhance scientific inquiry and develop new literacies among students.
He employs the flipped learning model in the classroom by creating teaching videos and utilizing interactive websites to challenge students to self-learning at home. He creates original instructional videos available on both his ShowMe and YouTube channels. He invites scientists and resources speakers into the classroom to share their scientific practices to inspire students to pursue STEM careers.
He was also recognized by the Association of Fil-Am Teachers in America, Inc. and received the 2017 Ulirang Guro-America’s Finest Teacher Award from the said organization.
Mr. Cadornigara moved to New York City in September 2004 and joined the New York City Department of Education through its International Teachers Program. He taught at three public schools for 13 years before he transferred in 2017 to the Queens Adult Learning Center in Long Island City, Queens.
Prior to residing in New York City, Mr. Cadornigara taught at the then Iloilo Central Commercial High School, the Ramon Avanceña National High School, and the Philippine Science High School Western Visayas in Iloilo City.
CPU College of Nursing co-host ICONs7
The College of Nursing faculty and students at ICONs7.
The Central Philippine University College of Nursing co-hosted the 7th International Conference of Nurses held at the Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu City on November 24, 2017.
Nine faculty members of the CPU College of Nursing participated in the said conference: Prof. Charlie Baldo; Prof. Melba Sale and Prof. Melba Dusaran, who both presented a research paper; Prof. Carolyn Yoro, who was moderator in one of the events; and Prof. Joelah Rio, who judged during the poster presentation of professionals and students.
On the other hand, Criselmer Ducanes, a 2017 graduate of CPU Master of Arts in Nursing, presented a research paper with Prof. Lian Celo as adviser. Jan Gelbert S. Porque, also a 2017 graduate of CPU Master of Arts in Nursing, bagged 2nd place in the poster presentation.
For its support in the ICONs7 and its commitment to producing globally competitive nurses, the college received a plaque of recognition from host school Cebu Normal University.
ISSA Meet Closing Ceremony held in CPU
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications led the opening prayer.
Every beginning has an end and every end is a new beginning—Central Philippine University hosted the Iloilo School Sports Association Inc. (ISSA) Closing Ceremony at Alumni Promenade last November 29, 2017.
The program started with an opening prayer led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications, and then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
The opening remarks was given by the Vice President for Students Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico. He welcomed everyone and extended his congratulations to the men and women behind the 2017 ISSA Meet for doing their job in running all the events. He quoted Denis Waitley, an American motivational speaker, writer and consultant, saying, “Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present towards the future. May this closing ceremony remind us to continue to give the best in what we do, so that by the end of the day, we will never regret that it is the end.” Moreover, Rev. Gico challenged the participants to set their goals high and never stop until they get there. Afterwhich, Centralian Rusieljs G. Lunasco rendered an intermission number.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico congratulated the men and women behind the success of ISSA.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles highlighted the importance of sportsmanship in his inspirational message.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, who gave an inspirational message. President Robles extended his acknowledgement to Dr. Warren Uy, President of Hua Siong College of Iloilo, for his fellowship in ISSA 2017. He also thanked the Sports Directors of the different Schools for their cooperation and excellent job in making sure that we had a successful competition. Dr. Robles also emphasized the significance of ISSA Meet to the lives of the participants, “This kind of event is supposed to be for developing character, responsibility, right conduct, and sportsmanship for all those who are participating: our athletes, our coaches, our referees and, of course, those in the leadership position.” He further shared that the most important thing in a competition is not about winning or losing, but how one plays the game.
Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications together with Golden Lions Sports Director, Atty. Alejandro Somo received the plaque of recognition from the ISSA.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications during the ISSA Closing Program.
All the participating schools of this year’s ISSA Meet were given a Plaque of Recognition. These included: CenterPhil Montessori, Iloilo Doctor’s College, Iloilo Scholastic Academy, Westbridge School, St. Robert’s International Academy, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime Academy, Western Institute of Technology, St. Joseph School of Iloilo, Inc., Sun Yat Sen High School, Hua Siong College of Iloilo, Ateneo de Iloilo, and Central Philippine University. All the athletes who won in their respective sports events were also given medals and a Certificate of Appreciation.
A turning-over of hosting was done during the latter part of the ceremony. From Central Philippine University and Hua Siong College of Iloilo, it was handed down to Ateneo de Iloilo to host the Iloilo School Sports Association Inc. (ISSA) Meet 2018. Afterwards, Dr. Warren Uy declared ISSA Meet 2017 officially closed. The emcee, Pastor Arliss Cloma, ended the ceremony with a closing prayer.
CPU congratulates New Teachers
Central Philippine University congratulates its new Centralian teachers who successfully passed the Licensure Exam for Teachers for Elementary and Secondary education.
According to the Professional Regulation Commission, 21,198 out of 80,509 examinees (26.33%) and 49,626 secondary teachers out of 107,020 examinees (46.37%) successfully passed the exams.
The following are the new Centralian licensed teachers:
