CPU holds White Gift Service and a Night of Christmas Carols
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles led the lighting of Advent Candles.
‘Tis the season to celebrate God enduring love and faithfulness—Central Philippine University held its annual White Gift Service and a Night of Christmas Carols at the CPU Alumni Promenade Concert Park on December 13, 2017.
The celebration began with the lighting of the Advent candles, led by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico; Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio; and Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia.
A Christmas Medley by the Jaro Evangelical Church. The Christmas story shared through songs is a universal expression of the Christian faith through music.
After which, choirs from the local churches of the Convention of the Baptist Churches of the Philippines, namely Pavia Baptist Church, Inc., Baptist Center Church, Jaro Evangelical Church, and the University Church, sang a medley of joyous Christmas songs.
Pastor Mary Grace F. Labis and Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco read Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7 and Matthew 2:10-11 from the Bible respectively. The first verse is about Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin birth and of the promise of peace and salvation brought about by the birth of Jesus. On the other hand, the second verse speaks about the wise men who came to Jesus to worship Him and give Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
A Night of Christmas Carols – the Pavia Baptist Church Inc. Choir joined CPU the White Gift Service.
The essence of white gifts is to consider all gifts equal be it big or small, it is the heart of the giver that gives it its true value.
The University Church choir sang a medley of Christmas song telling the testimony of God’s goodness.
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, in his message, told the story of where the tradition of giving the white gift every Christmas came from. According to him, the concept was pioneered by a Minister’s wife from Painesville, Ohio, “The minister’s wife remembered the story of how the people gave gifts wrapped in white to Kublai Khan so that they would all look the same.” Rev. Sian shared that, in essence, the love and faithfulness of the giver becomes more important than the gift because the gifts all looked the same. The white gift service then has become a tradition of giving back to the community by sharing the Light of Christmas to others during the yuletide season. He encouraged Centralians and guests alike to be cheerful givers and to give out of the abundance of their hearts because God gave His only Son to the world to save humanity.
Rev. Samuel R. Escobin led the Christmas prayer; after which, one by one, the different colleges and departments of the university gave their white gifts to be donated to the recipient communities of the University Church.
The White Gift Service and a Night of Christmas Carols ended with a closing prayer and the benediction by Rev. Sian.
CPU Elementary School holds White Gift Service
Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPU Elementary School Principal, in her Christmas greetings, encouraged the pupils to be cheerful givers.
Celebrating Christmas through the spirit of giving and generosity—Central Philippine University Elementary School held its White Gift Service at the University Church on December 12, 2017.
The event began with a call to celebration—an instrumental Christmas song performed by selected elementary students through their wind instruments, and a dance rendered by the University Church Dance Ministry. Passages from the Bible were read by Ms. Mae Ann B. Puertollano, Adviser, Grade I-Magalang. Ms. Puertollano read II Corinthians 9:11-15, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
Prof. Janet P. Jaco, Principal, CPU Elementary School, in her Christmas greetings, reminded the elementary pupils to be cheerful givers, “At Central, we nurture the tradition of giving not because we also want to receive but because God gave Himself as an example by giving His only Son, Jesus Christ to us.”
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on inspired the elementary pupils to emulate the Christmas characters in the bible.
Before the preaching of the sermon, Matthew 2:1-11 was read. The verses tell the story of the Magi visiting the Messiah, bringing Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
For the Word of God, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications, shared the story of the Christmas characters in the Bible. For the first character, Rev. Jalando-on shared the life of Joseph, “The life of Joseph encourages us to believe in miracles. He believed that that Mary would give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Do you believe in miracles? In a minute, we take 16 breaths; in one hour, that’s 960 breaths, in one day 23,000, and in one year, 23 million breaths.” The second character is Mary, “The life of Mary tells us that God has a wonderful plan for us. Mary had a plan, but God changed the plan of Mary’s life.” He shared that the life of Mary shows us that God has an extraordinary life laid out for us. Rev. Jalando-on goes on to tell the story of the angels, “In the Christmas story in the Bible, we see the angels singing praises to God. Here we learn that we do all things for the glory of God.” The next characters he shared are the shepherds. According to Rev. Jalando-on, the lives of the shepherds tell us that everyone is equal in the eyes of God. The fifth and last Bible characters are the magi or the wise men, “At that time, there was a star that shone the brightest and the wise men followed that star which eventually led them to Jesus. Christmas is about giving and receiving gifts. The wise men gave gifts to Jesus and in return, they received the greatest of all gifts—the Messiah. May we give gifts for the glory of God this Christmas.”
Selected elementary pupils gave a song number.
The University Dance Ministry led the call to celebration.
The Gift of Christmas – CPU Elementary pupils filled the University Church during their White Gift Service.
After the message, the representatives of each class gave their offering of white gifts.
The event was concluded with the singing of the hymn “Angels We Have Heard on High” and a prayer given by Rev. Jalando-on.
CPU Kindergarten holds Christmas Worship Service
In Excelsis Deo – CPU Kindergarten pupils sang Christmas songs.
In the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the children at CPU Kindergarten held a Worship Service at the University Church on December 15, 2017 with a Christmas tableau (a live nativity scene). “We have set up a Christmas manger to tell the story of Jesus’ birth,” CPU Kindergarten Principal, Prof. Hannah C. Siosan, said.
The University Kindergarten acted out live nativity scenes with selected Kinder 2 pupils. The participants dressed up as biblical characters and reenacted the real reason why the birth of Jesus is celebrated. The crafts and decorations of the tableau were also made by Kindergarten pupils. The activity is aimed at starting a tradition the pupils will remember in the years to come.
The CPU Kindergarten faculty and staff.
One big Christmas hug – students of the CPU Kindergarten share a hug during the service.
Aside from the Christmas tableau, the students donated grooming kits to selected daycare centers. Part of the celebration of Christmas is gift-giving. The children are taught about giving and sacrificing for others.
Prof. Siosan added, “As teachers of the CPU Kindergarten, we make sure that we celebrate a Christ-centered Christmas. We want our kids to have the same excitement and wonder as their friends; not because of Santa Claus or presents, but because of the greatest gift—the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.”
CPU CESLC celebrates University Outreach Day
Prof. Adele Grace G. Fegarido, Faculty, CPU College of Theology and Coordinator of the CPU Wellness Center talked about the importance of God being the center of the family.
With the theme “Sharing our 3Ts (Time, Talent and Treasure),” the Central Philippine University Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center (CESLC) celebrated the University Outreach Day by conducting a Christmas Celebration and Children’s Fun Day in partnership with the Child Development Centers of Brgy. San Isidro, Jaro, Iloilo City at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park on December 8, 2017.
For the welcome remarks, Prof. Levi O. Delos Santos, Jr., Director of CESLC, highlighted CPU as an academic institution engaged in serving the community through the example of Christ, “Thank you for joining us in celebrating our outreach program. We share with you today the love of Christ, most especially the message of His son Jesus Christ. He is the center of this university, and we aim to share not only knowledge, but also His gospel.”
Ms. Ruth P. Tamonan, CPU Gender and Development Focal Person, told the children the story of Jesus.
Prof. Adele Grace G. Fegarido, Faculty, CPU College of Theology and Coordinator of the CPU Wellness Center, and Ms. Ruth P. Tamonan, CPU Gender and Development Focal Person, in a simultaneous seminar, talked to the parents and children of the outreach recipients.
Prof. Fegarido, in her lecture entitled “Ang Pagkaginikanan,” highlighted the importance of having Christ as the center of the family and as the ultimate guide in raising children, “Christmas can be celebrated everyday if Jesus is in our lives. There is no school to be a parent. Our educational background cannot prepare us for parenthood. We can never be perfect parents, but the Word of God tells us how to raise our children according to His will and purpose”
Prof. Levi O. Delos Santos, Director, Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center thanked the beneficiaries for making the event successful.
On the other hand, Ms. Ruth P. Tamonan, in her fairy godmother costume, told the story of Jesus and how he saved the world by dying on the cross for our sins, “We have stories filled with heroes and fairy godmothers but the greatest superhero of all is Jesus. He died on the cross for our sins so that we can be with Him in heaven.”
After the talks, the outreach committee gave away school supplies, groceries and lunch to the 151 family beneficiaries from the Children Development Centers I, II, III and Dungon A, Brgy. San Isidro, Jaro.
For the closing remarks, Prof. Delos Santos thanked the families for their participation and hoped that they too could share the Light of Christ to others.
CPU hailed as 6th top performing school in 2017 PNLE
With a university passing percentage of 93.33%, Central Philippine University was named as the sixth top performing school with 50 or more examinees during the 2017 Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination held on November 2017.
According to the Professional Regulation Commission, 5, 875 out of 12,869 examinees successfully passed the said examinations. The national passing rate is 45.65%
The following are the new Centralian nurses:
CPU congratulates new Agriculturists
Central Philippine University congratulates its six new agriculturists who passed the 2017 Agriculturist Board Exam held at PRC testing centers in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga on November 28-30, 2017.
The Professional Regulation Commission declared that 2,883 out of 7,537 successfully passed the exams. CPU got a passing percentage of 66.67% while the national passing percentage is 38.25%.
The following are the new Centralian agriculturists:
BSN Batch 2020: Capping, Pinning & Candle Lighting Ceremony
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, encouraged the aspiring nurses to pursue honor and excellence.
Fifty-six (56) second year nursing students and their families and friends attended the CPU Nursing Batch 2020 Capping, Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony held on Friday morning, December 8, 2017 at the University Church.
The ceremony began with an invocation by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor, University Church. In his opening remarks, University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles appreciated the long struggle of students and the dedication of their parents in support of their children in college. He also congratulated the faculty, staff, and the dean of the College of Nursing for being granted five-year (5) Reaccreditation Status. He recalled that the CPU College of Nursing has an almost hundred percent passing rate in the national exams for almost every year.
The symbolic annual ceremony for nursing students is required prior to the internship exam of the CPU College of Nursing. The caps are placed on the heads of the female candidates for internship, while pins are given to the male candidates. “The candle and the lamp symbolize responsibility, as exemplified by Florence Nightingale.” according to CPU College of Nursing Acting Dean, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha.
A tradition of excellence – CPU takes pride in its nursing graduates that are renowned around the globe.
Guest Speaker, Mr. William Fred P. Italia inspired the Centralian nursing students to be the best in their field, here or abroad.
Mrs. Joelah V. Rio, Academic Coordinator, introduced the Guest Speaker, Mr. William Fred P. Italia, who is a magna cum laude CPU Nursing Graduate of 2007 and a recipient of the Loreto Tupaz Award, the highest award granted by CPU College of Nursing to a graduate.
Mr. Italia, who is the Manager of Human Resource and Safety Office of a nursing review center at the moment, challenged all nursing graduates who prefer to go abroad to work. Italia who has chosen to serve his countrymen said that “touching people’s lives and earning a living do not necessarily mean going abroad.” Italia pointed out the difference of nurses hired from CPU, and that these quality nurses could make for the best Filipino caretakers, whose services are much more needed in the country.
Italia recalled that his success in the nursing career could be attributed to his experience while still a trainee at Iloilo Mission Hospital. He shared the passage found in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”.
Italia encouraged everyone to do their best to prepare for the National Board Exam. Furthermore, he dared the students to “aim high,” to bring the quality of CPU Nursing graduates to wherever they may be employed in the future.
BSN Class 86 donates funds for Nursing Virtual Laboratory
CPU Vice President of Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, and College of Nursing Acting Dean, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha together with BSN Batch 1986 Evageline Luna-Javellana and Marilou Magbanua-Solis.
The College of Nursing batch 1986 donated $2,000 to the CPU College of Nursing for the completion of its soon to be constructed P5-million Virtual Laboratory. The said donation was received by Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean of the College of Nursing and Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia on December 12, 2017.
The Nursing Virtual Laboratory will provide simulation of various nursing procedures such as IV therapy, parenteral medications, procedures for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and others. It will be a facility that will have doll simulators, IV virtual laboratory monitors, and camera for other students to watch how procedures are being done while in another room. With this Virtual Laboratory, CPU students will be able to practice their delivery of health care and errors will be minimized on real patients.
The fund raising campaign for the proposed project has been ongoing with Nursing Alumni Associations worldwide. It will continue until the amount is enough to finance the proposed project.
CPU hopes that more donations will be raised to complete the project on time. For your donations and inquiries, please call (033) 3291971 loc. 1037 (College of Nursing Secretary’s Office) or loc. 2107 (Faculty Room) or email nursing@cpu.edu.
CPU holds Gender and Development Sensitivity Training Orientation
Ms. Ruth A. Tamonan, CPU GAD Focal Person, Guest Speaker, Ms. Josie Cambel, DSWD 6 Planning Officer CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico and Dr. Domingo J. Diel, Jr., Member, CPU Board of Trustees.
In compliance with the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order #1 series of 2013, Central Philippine University (CPU) in collaboration with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Region 6 conducted a Gender and Development Sensitivity Training Orientation (GAD STO) at the Knowledge for Development Center (KDC), CPU last December 11, 2017.
Ms. Josie Cambel, DSWD-6 Planning Officer, an alumna of CPU was the speaker of the seminar. She highlighted that the seminar will just be a GAD orientation and leveling for now because the University still needs to undergo an assessment, “Before we can conduct Gender Sensitive Training in CPU, we must first identify the priorities, problems and know gender situation here by assessing through the use of different tools that DSWD have. It’s important also to acquire harmonized gender and development guidelines.”
In her two-hour talk, Ms. Cambel explained some local laws existing that protect women’s rights here in the Philippines. She also played short video clips depicting the lives of men and women and how each situation affects both gender in terms of equality. Though she emphasized that GAD’s concern is not just for women. “GAD is for both men’s and women’s concerns; it’s just that women are at a disadvantaged position according to studies and statistics,” Ms. Cambel said.
“We must ensure that opportunities will be equal for both men and women and eliminate discrimination,” she added.
The CPU committee and speakers of the Gender and Development Sensitivity Training Orientation.
She reiterated at the last part of her talk about how equality and equity must go together in order to remove all obstacles for active participation from women. She said that equality alone is not enough to achieve gender-equal institutions, but that institutions should have a fair and impartial approach also and that access to rights and opportunities should be unaffected by gender. She even mentioned how media affects gender and development of an individual in society.
She ended her talk with a short video showing how a single father struggles to provide for his daughter. “I really want to show this video to everyone because here we can see how it is also hard for men to conceal their fears and failures because society tells them to be brave and strong all the time. And for that, they’re also at a disadvantaged position,” Ms. Cambel said.
The remaining 15 minutes of the seminar was for an open forum. Questions of some of the attendees were answered by the speaker.
The seminar was hosted by Ms. Ruth A. Tamonan, assigned as GAD focal person of the university. The seminar proper started with the singing of the national anthem led by Mrs. Emcy Sanchez, Secretary of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office. It was followed by the invocation, led by Prof. Adelle Grace Gicana-Fegarido. CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, gave a short welcome message and thanked everyone for gracing the event. Engr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director of the CPU Office of Institutional Advancement was the one who introduced the speaker.
At the end of the orientation, a Certificate of Appreciation was then given to Ms. Josie Cambel while a Certificate of Attendance was awarded to those who attended were given. Pastor JP Transporto closed the event with a prayer.
CPU Life Science faculty members attend the PSM-Visayas Annual Meeting and Regional Scientific Convention.
Dr. Fernandez aims to promote the Biology programs of CPU.
Dr. Stella Guartero Fernandez, Chairperson, Life Science Department, and Dr. Nicolas G. Guanzon Jr. attended the pre-session meeting regarding the OBE (Outcome Based Education) Curriculum for Microbiology at the Philippine Society for Microbiology Visayas Annual Meeting and Regional Scientific Convention hosted by University of San Carlos, Cebu City last November 8-10, 2017.
Speakers were academicians from De La Salle University, UP Diliman, and from the University of Santo Tomas. The pre-session meeting regarding the OBE was participated not only by Western Visayas but also by Region VII. This included microbiology teachers and heads from Cebu, Leyte, Samar. They were able to make a sample syllabus showing the Outcome Based Education giving it the term, “OBEdized”.
According to Dr. Fernandez, they attended the meeting because the BS Biology course at CPU is offering a specialization in microbiology. “We wanted to have more linkages with the Philippine Society for Microbiology and the National Academy for Science and Technology,” she added.
Dr. Stella Fernandez takes her oath with fellow officer after being elected as the Regional Representative for Education in microbiology.
During the convention, researches were presented on the recent updates, both from the professionals and students. Aside from the research presentation, there was also a poster making contest and presentation.
An election of officers was also held. Their term will start on 2018. Dr. Nicolas Guanzon Jr. was elected as Business Manager for PSM Regional Chapter and Dr. Stella Fernandez as Representative for Education in microbiology.
Centralian wins ASEAN photo competition
Cicero’s picture showcased the world-renowed Bayanihan spirit of the Filipinos.
Centralian High School Alumnus, Cicero Omero II, was declared the national winner of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) photo competition entitled #TheASEANWay. The said competition aimed to showcase the unique but encompassing ASEAN spirit of the respective ASEAN countries.
Omero’s photo showed the Filipino’s Bayanihan spirit through a picture of fellow Filipinos carrying the bahay kubo of another community member. The photo depicted the Filipino’s strong sense of camaraderie and brotherhood.
As photography enthusiast and a Centralian, Omero has featured the CPU campus as well as university events as his photo subjects.
Centralian’s artwork showcased in DSWD 2018 Calendar
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Asst. Professor, Janet S. Jalbuena, CPU Junior High School Principal with Meliza Louise B. Javellana.
CPU Junior High School student, Meliza Louise B. Javellana bagged the second spot in the DSWD Field Office VI 2017 Adoption Consciousness Celebration Poster Making Contest. Her artwork has been chosen to be featured in the DSWD 2018 calendar cover.
Her artwork portrayed the socio-economic impact of adoption in building the lives of the next generation and the community in general.
Javellana’s work showed the importance of adoption in giving children a chance to dream and hope.
She was also recently awarded as Outstanding Girl of Region VI by the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in recognition of her exemplary leadership, awards, oral and written skills during the 3rd YMCA of Iloilo Search for the Outstanding Girl in Region VI on December 9, 2017.
CPUAAI President Dan Dorillo: Inspiring Centralians worldwide
Mr. Dan P. Dorillo, CPUAAI President 2016-2017 has catapulted the association to greater heights.
Dan Dorillo’s journey to make a greater alumni association is parallel with the CPUAAI’s corporate motto, “We move for a Greater Central” and its Mission Statement, “Linking members to each other and with the University, supporting the institution’s advocacies and providing opportunities for the holistic development of her alumni.”
Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo, CPUAAI President for AY 2016 to 2017, had envisioned a more active, far reaching organization that includes wider membership development, outreach, cooperative undertakings with the University, cultural programs, and completion of projects at the home front.
In his desire to realize his vision for a greater Alumni Association, Dorillo created the AY 2016-17 Motto: “Living the Central Spirit Beyond Borders.” Under his watch, the CPUAAI Board developed some general strategies to connect the alumni dots “beyond borders.” Dorillo shared that in the general development of the alumni body, the individual chapters could pick up some pointers or guides from the mother organization in their membership development program as the situation calls for.
During his term as president, CPUAAI initiated projects and activities that “connected the alumni dots.” In terms of membership, CPUAAI made chapter visits with Metro Manila, South Luzon, Negros and Panay alumni. An Annual Chapter Presidents’ Meeting was also done. Alumni who were elected in the last national elections and alumni achievers who have given honor and prestige to CPU in the last two years were also given recognition.
Subsidy for new graduates and first time attendees in the alumni homecoming were granted by CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association (CPUFOAA). Non-alumni faculty and staff who have worked at CPU for at least 2 consecutive years were encouraged to become as Honorary Members. He also initiated the Pasidungog—a program honoring soon-to-be graduates. The Negros Provincial Alumni Association was also organized with the CPU College of Agriculture spearheading the move. There was an Alumni Reunion in Bacolod City on October 20, 2017. It was attended by more than 350 alumni of all colleges.
Significant outreach activities among others included MOA signing between CPU Packaging Engineering and the Capiz Coconut Farmers Cooperative and the Negros Occidental Organic Producers Association. These organizations have Centralians as key officers. CPUAAI, according to Dorillo, was able to organize concerts of CPU Alumna Ms. Katchry Golbin (third place, France Got Talent) for CPU Alumni in Manila, Negros, and Iloilo.
Dorillo defined the Central Spirit as the spirit of inspiring Centralians to make the mark of CPU outside of the University.
The outgoing CPUAAI President will be succeeded by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, current CPUAAI Vice President and incoming President for AY 2018-2019. The CPU Alumni Association as of this time has 160 chapters worldwide with 152 located in the Philippines.