CPU celebrates Dr. Rex D. Drilon Day 2018
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles talked about the spirit of excellence that Dr. Rex D. Drilon embodied.
Celebrating the life and contributions of Central Philippine University’s first Filipino President, CPU held a memorial service in honor of Dr. Rex D. Drilon at the Evangelical Memorial Garden on February 21, 2018.
For the words of welcome, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles talked about the importance of examining oneself and imparting a cause and legacy that the next generation could look up to, just as what Dr. Drilon has done. “This is not only a celebration of Dr. Rex D. Drilon’s life but a reminder that we are but mere mortals and that we have to examine ourselves and the legacy that we want to impart not only to the university but to our friends and family as well.”
Furthermore, Dr. Robles remembered the life of excellence that Dr. Drilon led and his commitment to lifting the university to greater heights. “We will always be reminded by the contributions of Dr. Drilon not only to Central Philippine University but the institutions that he was involved in. Let us look back and be reminded of his life and may we be inspired to complete our task for the university.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Board of Trustee member, Mr. Noli Bajada place wreaths of flowers in Dr. Drilon’s tomb.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon led the ribbon-cutting of the Rex D. Drilon Hall.
Ms. Susan Herga, CPU Elementary School Assistant Principal, shared her recollections of Dr. Drilon. “Forty-nine years ago, in 1969, when I transferred to CPU from Southern Baptist College, I heard from friends and relatives that Dr. Rex. D. Drilon was the President of Central Philippine University but I didn’t have any idea what he looked like, so when I met him in the campus I did not know it was him. One time, I was on my way to attend my class and ahead of me was a tall man wearing black pants and a long sleeved polo shirt. He was walking three meters away from me but what caught my attention was that from time to time he would stop and pick up something along the way. I did not walk past him because I was ashamed. I just walked observing what he was doing. I noticed that he was picking up rubbish along the way and I did not see him doing this once but several times.”
After returning home, Ms. Herga told her aunt about the man she saw. It was then that she realized that the man picking rubbish along the halls of CPU Elementary School was the Dr. Drilon. “When I came home, I told my aunt about the incident and she remarked, ‘Oh! Don’t you know that is Dr. Rex D. Drilon, the university president?’ I then said to myself, ‘A president of the university? Picking up the rubbish the elementary student threw in the campus?’ But he was not ashamed to pick them up!”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon unveil the marker of the Rex D. Drilon Hall.
Present CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles with previous university presidents, Dr. Juanito C. Acanto and Dr. Agustin A. Pulido pose beside Rev. William O. Valentine’s (First Principal, Jaro Industrial School) bust.
According to Ms. Herga, that incident taught her a very important lesson about excellence and love for Central Philippine University. “A mediocre teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior teacher demonstrates but a great teacher inspires. Without saying a word, Dr. Rex D. Drilon had inspired and demonstrated how to care for our environment and above all, the CPU Campus.”
For the reflection, Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, shared his memories with the late CPU President and talked about the importance of leaving behind a good legacy. “I recall that when I was young, my friends and I would play around CPU campus and we would see Dr. Drilon. He would usually ask us what we were doing and who our parents were. Today, as we look back at the values and legacies of Dr. Drilon, we are reminded of our own legacies. A man can either spend his life, waste his life, or invest in his life—and the greatest thing we can do with our lives is to invest it in something that can outlast us. Time is our most valuable possession. What do you want to be remembered for? There is a universal desire to be remembered, to make a significant contribution to future generations. To do this, we must give our lives away to a cause greater than ourselves”
Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon thanks CPU for keeping his father’s legacy alive.
Mr. Rex Lincoln D. Drilon with Present CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, previous university presidents, Dr. Juanito C. Acanto and Dr. Agustin A. Pulido and Board of Trustee members, Mr. Noli Bajada and Mr. Carl De La Peña.
After the reflection, a floral offering was placed on the tomb of Dr. Rex D. Drilon. It was then followed by the singing of the “Hymn of Assurance” and the prayer and benediction.
Following the memorial service was the dedication of the Dr. Rex D. Drilon Hall, the administration building. Gracing the event was Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon, who led the ribbon-cutting with Dr. Robles.
For his response, Mr. Drilon thanked the university for remembering and honoring his late father, keeping his memories alive for future Centralians. “Rex D. Drilon was a political scientist, writer, molder of lofty values, and pillar of institutions. His approach to every job was one of dedication and passion. His commitment was unwavering and inspiring.”
Mr. Lincoln went on to share his father’s love for CPU. “In his life, with all the roles he had to play, perhaps the most fulfilling were the ones that involved CPU. His years of service to Central were his happiest years. He loved CPU. Today’s commemoration of his death and the renaming of the administration building in his honor is a capping honor given to a man who loved this institution.”
Cultural Affairs Affair Director, Ms. Crista Huyong and Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon sings opens the musical show with a duet of the classic Try to Remember.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon together with the Dr. Rex D. Drilon Day Committee.
He thanked Dr. Robles for the university’s love and dedication of keeping his father’s legacy alive. “The keeping of this tradition of remembering was started by CPU former President Agustin A. Pulido, followed by other presidents, but it was during President Robles’ watch that that the tradition of remembering was institutionalized through more varied celebrations that involved more student participation. At this moment, I would like to give thanks to all who made this celebration creatively successful. Perhaps this will be the last Rex. D. Drilon Day that I will attend as an active celebrator, when the veils of old age is upon us and diminishing health takes its throng, when our days are no longer long and endless, and we can no longer outrun the sun, and we are no longer full of fish and vinegar, manmade edifices makes us remember. I thank all of you friends, family, relatives, and classmates who have come.”
In line with the celebration of Dr. Rex D. Drilon Day, the Cultural Affairs Office, the CPU Handbell Ringers, Teatro Sining Atbp., CPU Sari-Saot, CPU Visual Arts Club, and the EXCEL Chorale partnered together to offer a theater performance featuring songs and dance numbers from Broadway musicales The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Annie, and The Sound of Music at the 4th Floor, Henry Luce III Library.
Opening the show was Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon singing “Try to Remember” with Cultural Affairs Affair Director, Ms. Crista Huyong.
The First Filipino President of CPU: The Life of Dr. Rex D. Drilon
Dr. Rex D. Drilon, Central Philippine University’s first Filipino President.
Dr. Rex Divinagracia Drilon was born in Dumangas, Iloilo, on April 21, 1905. He spent the greater part of his childhood in his hometown where he also received his early education. He finished his secondary education and Associate in Art (pre-Law), with honors, at Central Philippine College, Iloilo City in 1925 and 1927 respectively.
Through a scholarship, he was able to study abroad. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts (English) at Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon in 1931 and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Master of Arts (Editorial Writing) degree at the University of Missouri in 1937. He was officially approved as matriculated candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree at Columbia University in 1949. In 1967, Prof. Drilon was conferred the degree Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), honoris causa, by Linfield College, his Alma Mater.
Dr. Drilon was a high school teacher in English from 1927 to 1929. Abroad in 1936, after graduation, he taught Editorial Writing at the University of Missouri, School of Journalism for one semester. When he came back to the Philippines, he became an English instructor at Central Philippine College in 1938-1939 and, later, a professor of English at the National Teachers College and Lacson College (Manila) in 1939 up to the outbreak of World War II in December 1941. In 1941, he was professor-lecturer of Know-Your-Philippines-Tours, Inc., teaching freshmen English, Composition and Rhetoric and Journalism, and adviser of the Manila Chapter of CPC Alumni Association. In 1960, aside from being designated as the assistant professor of Political Science, he was also the acting secretary to the President of the University of the Philippines.
As a writer, he served various positions exercising his God-given talent, such as editor, Filipino Pilgrim Magazine, Delano California (1932-33); editor, Filipino Students’ Bulletin, New York city (1936); editorial writer, Columbia Missourian (1936-1937); staff, Manila Daily Bulletin (1941); and co-editor, Teachers’ College Journal.
During the war, Prof. Drilon was an officer of the Panay Guerilla Movement. After the war, he resumed his academic work as a faculty in Central Philippine College and on one of his messages, he prophetically declared, “Out of the ruins and ashes of war shall rise a greater Central!” In response, Centralians declared, “We shall show the generations coming after us that no war of man or machine can destroy the Central Spirit and that, like a river forever seeking the ocean, the College must go on… no matter what the difficulties… The martyrs did not die in vain at Hopevale, for we now keep the torch of their vision burning…We must all keep that faith.”
In 1946-1948, he was designated dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; head of the Departments of English, Journalism and Philosophy; director of Summer School; and adviser of the Central Echo Staff. It was in this period that his students would lovingly remember him as “a journalist from Missouri who walks with a busy man’s heavy tread, keeps a thesaurus in his head, and exhibits a mood as stable as the waves, and does not want to be called ‘Resurreccion.’” In 1952-1953, he continued to be a member of the faculty teaching English, Political Science, Philosophy and Sociology and staff-editor of the Alumni Newsletter.
From 1952-1955, he was elected executive secretary of the CPU Alumni Association. He was appointed director of Summer School in 1953, and officer of Public Relations in 1954-56. In the school year 1955-1956, he was designated professor of Political Science. His career in CPU reached its peak when he was appointed as its President in June 1, 1966. During his presidency, he also served as acting dean of the College of Theology in 1968.
On June 1, 1966, President Rex D. Drilon signed the contract, making him the first Filipino President for the 61-year-old Central Philippine University. That historical moment was witnessed by members of the Administrative Staff and Board of Trustees. His installation into office on April 21, 1967 was administered by then Philippine President, Ferdinand E. Marcos. A 50-voiced choir sang “This Nation Will Be Great Again” with lyrics written by Rex Drilon himself and music composed by Frederick E. Bieler.
During his presidency, on Christmas day, December 25, 1969, the entire university property—land, buildings, and equipment—was turned over by the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS) to the Filipino Corporation of Central Philippine University. “This was the largest real estate transfer in the history of ABFMS… The deed of donation earned for itself the distinction of being an event without parallel in the history of religious foreign missions. The ABMFS is the first such religious foreign mission to award Filipino title to its properties in the Philippines.”
“A great Central” was the vision of Rex D. Drilon, his all-consuming passion. When he became President in 1966, it was a turn of a new era characterized by political and social unrest throughout the land. Despite all the tumult, he nourished his vision and held it high as light in the darkness, urging the Board of Trustees, faculty, students, alumni, and friends with the imperative, “We shall move this school as it has never been moved before. Central will be great.” Rex Drilon brought to the Presidency an unparalleled combined acumen of an educator, administrator, and humanitarian. He was a topflight journalist and political scientist with very strong libertarian and nationalist fervor. He accepted the prestigious yet difficult position prepared with a wealth of administrative experience gained from the places of responsibility he occupied in Central Philippine College and in the University of the Philippines.
President Drilon took to his task keenly aware of the role his administration had to play: that of a bridge between the years of American leadership and support since the founding of the school in 1905 and the unknown future. He very well knew that the success or failure of the university would be his responsibility and that of his Filipino colleagues. In his inaugural address, he appealed for support. In conclusion he said, “If your Filipino president fails, then the Filipino name is marked forever. But if your Filipino president succeeds with your help, with your loyalty, then the Filipino name shall be honored—you honor yourselves.”
A staunch advocate of academic freedom, he organized the University Forum where students and faculty could experience what he termed “a free market of ideas.” He allowed students to speak their minds with “no holds barred” and encouraged the students to write and express themselves in the Central Echo on university policies and student problems as well as on problems of the local and national governments. He was a humanitarian of the highest water, a champion of the less privileged and the underdog, but a thorn in the flesh of the arrogant and the sanctimonious and those who would betray the Central Spirit. In Scientia et Fides, The Story of Central Philippine University by Nelson and Herradura, Rex Drilon is dubbed the “epitome of the Central Spirit.”
Dr. Rex D. Drilon died a sudden death in the morning of February 21, 1971. Loved and mourned by thousands, he was brought to his final resting place at the Evangelical Garden by a procession of thousands of students, faculty and staff, friends, and admirers—seen as one of the longest ever witnessed in Jaro.
President Drilon is survived by his wife, Independencia Quimpo, and children: Ed Nathan, Lincoln Rex, and Pearl Dency.
As a final tribute to their first Filipino president, the university bestowed upon Dr. Rex Drilon the Distinguished Service Award, which was presented to Mrs. Independencia Q. Drilon during the 1971 Commencement Exercises. On March 22, 2002, CPU also bestowed a Posthumous Service Award for his faithful and dedicated service.
Rex D. Drilon is remembered in the history of Central Philippine University as the fulfillment of the dream of his predecessors—the Filipinization of administrative leadership. He is cherished in the hearts of thousands he touched with his compassionate life—students, faculty, colleagues, and friends, and, most especially, janitors and laborers for whom he had a soft spot in his heart.
Centralians hailed as TOSIA finalist
Photo Credit: JCI Regatta
Photo Credit: JCI Regatta
Four Centralians passed the preliminary screening of this year’s search of the Ten Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards spearheaded by JCI Regatta. TOSIA finalists include Nestlee Taala from the CPU College of Arts and Science and John Elmer Loretizo from the College of Engineering, and Honey Parreño and Meliza Louise Javellana from the CPU Junior High School. They will be joining other contenders from different colleges, universities and high schools all over Iloilo City in vying for a spot in the coveted TOSIA Circle of Five.
The stages of the competition include The Stopover: Preparation; Starting Up the Engine: The Road to Excellence, a leadership seminar; The Checkpoint: Nomination and Portfolio Screening; TOSIA Roadblock: Essay Writing Round; The Detour: Interview Round; The Pit Stop: TOSIA Bootcamp; and lastly, The Finish Line: Awarding Ceremonies.
Photo Credit: JCI Regatta
Photo Credit: JCI Regatta
TOSIA 2018 aims to recognize student leaders who excel in academic, community, leadership and faith—four pillars in creating positive change. The annual search for outstanding students is held in partnership with the Department of Education-Iloilo and Department of Education Division of Iloilo City and the Commission on Higher Education-Region 6.
CPU commemorates the life of Otoniel Gonzaga
A world-renowned tenor, Centralian and friend – Otoniel Gonzaga’s faith and music will continue to live on.
To remember Otoniel Gonzaga, a world renowned tenor, Centralian and friend, the CPU community, together with friends and family, gathered to celebrate his life, love, and music at the University Church on February 14, 2018.
For the opening, liturgist, Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, read “In Loving Memory” written by Rabbi Jack Spencer Jr., “We sing the song of our beloved, we aspire their qualities of spirit, we take up their tasks as they would have shouldered them.”
Mrs. Sampaguita T. Juarez, in her message, talked about Otoniel’s love for music and his commitment to share his craft to others. “Singing was in his heart. Toni’s mom, who was a concert artist, inspired his love for singing.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles reminisced on how the CPU community came to enjoy the life and music of Otoniel Gonzaga.
For the response from the Gonzaga family, Mr. Joel G. Juarez thanked the Centralian community for remembering Otoniel and celebrating his life and music.
Friend and classmate, Mr. Alessandro Caipang described Otoniel as a vibrant character whose life was and music touched many.
Mrs. Ruth Tirol Jarantilla, Otoniel’s cousin, talked about his fondest memories with the opera singer.
Mrs. Sampaguita T. Juarez talked about Otoniel Gonzaga’s love for music.
For the recollection, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles reminisced how the Centralian community enjoyed the love and music of Otoniel. He also thanked the Gonzaga family for their invaluable contributions to the university and their dedication to Central. “When I first entered the portals of this institution, I was only a year younger than Otoniel Gonzaga; thus, I was able to enjoy the entertainment of his music. We have heard his music not only in the university but also all over the globe, during university fundraising events where he was featured as singer and artist. Not only us but also the world had enjoyed his music.”
Dr. Robles went on to talk about the legacy of Otoniel. “We will remember him not because of his music, but of what he and his family meant to the university. The Gonzaga family was one of the pillars of development of CPU after World War II.”
Otoniel’s cousin, Mrs. Ruth Tirol Jarantilla, shared her fondest moments with Otoniel, recalling that his heart for music has inspired many others, not only to master the said craft but also to look to God as the author and creator of music. “To many, Otoniel was a talented artist, a world renowned musician, and the first and last tenor to sing Verdi’s Otello in Europe and in Japan. He was, and still is, no less than extraordinary. He will now continue to sing and have a concert with the angels in heaven. I will not bid him goodbye but until we meet again.”
His former classmate, Mr. Alessandro Caipang, remembered him as man who loved all things bright and beautiful—a man who always shared his joy with others. “It is a great privilege to honor a gifted Centralian, an Ilonggo, a friend, a classmate, a world-renowned artist, and a great opera tenor. We were among the first grade 7 pupils of CPU and the campus was our playground. I recall when he was asked to sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in class and it was the first sign that he would become a great singer. He was an excellent steward of God’s gift.”
The man behind the music – Otoniel Gonzaga’s life was a melody that inspired others.
After the recollection, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian gave a prayer for the family which was then followed by a musical tribute by the Bahandi Singers.
For the response from the Gonzaga family, Mr. Joel G. Juarez thanked the Centralian community for remembering Otoniel and celebrating his life and music.
CHM’s hearty treat at the Promenade
Flavors of the world – Voyager is an annual event that showcases the different cuisines of countries around the world created and mastered by CHM students.
For Valentine’s Day this year, CPU faculty, students, and guests could visit the CPU Promenade and Concert Park where the College of Hospitality Management held their flagship annual event, the Voyager 2018 “Flavors Fest—A Food Festival” which coincidentally happened during this year’s College Day celebrations on February 14 and 15.
Savory and delicious international dishes were prepared and served by 165 students of the college. The kiosks were set with international themes, each country being represented by an international menu. A student model clothed with a designated national costume stood by each kiosk. An entertainment program was on stage while cooking, food tasting, and picture-taking got students pouring into the Promenade.
The thrust of CPU CHM is to train students not only in food preparation and cuisine but also in customer service and hospitality. The activity was primarily organized by the students of 417 Events Management subject.
CPU Employees Credit Cooperative, Inc. holds 2nd General Assembly
“For the body is not one member, but many” (I Corinthians 12:14)—The biblical verse was chosen by the Executive Officers of CPU Employees Credit Cooperative during its 2nd Annual General Assembly held last February 14 at 3-4 in the afternoon at the CPU Educational Media Center.
The member employees were updated on the operation and development of the Cooperative. After two years, the Cooperative has exactly 100 members, and is still growing. The members include the university President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia; and Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico.
The cooperative business according to CPU ECC, Inc. President, Miss Trinidad “Trenz” Sorongon, “can help a lot of employees, particularly those who want to invest more—to earn income in addition to their salaries.” Individual investment and income statements were shown in a slide presentation to the members. Furthermore, members were given a preview of future development CPU Employees Credit Cooperative, Inc.
For CPU employees who are not yet members, and those who would like to join, call Mrs. Jocelyn Laqihon Funtecha at 3291971 local 1021. The Credit Cooperative Office is at the Ground Floor of Weston Hall, CPU Compound, Lopez Jaena St., Jaro, Iloilo City.
COE dominates Centralian Fest: League of Legends Tournament 2018
The College of Engineering was hailed as Champions, in the Centralian Fest League of Legends Tournament 2018
Victory!—The Central Philippine University College of Engineering reigned supreme in this year’s Centralian Fest: League of Legends Tournament 2018 held at Cyberzeen Zone on February 12, 2018.
The College of Engineering battled in the championship round against the College of Arts and Science, who placed second while the University Senior High School bagged third place. Hannibal Leonard “Me Hannibal” Pasamanero was hailed as the tournament MVP.
Hannibal Leonard Me Hannibal Pasamanero, from the College of Engineering emerged as the Tournament MVP.
Five on five – the different colleges battle their skills in League of Legends Tournament 2018.
The League of Legends Tournament 2018 is one of the activities held by the CPU Republic in line with the College Week.
AB English, AB MassCom students, professors, poets perform in Panayanon
Parody and prose – the event showcased the power of words and the struggle to perfect human expression through writing. Photo Credit: Nessie Amprado
Poetry hour was held at around 4pm on Monday, February 19 at the Educational Media Center of Central Philippine University. With the theme “Panayanon,” the AB English students, in cooperation with AB Mass Communication students, showcased their love of poetry as various personalities and classes performed on stage. The event was spearheaded by Izza Abolucion and Rusieljs Lunasco, under Professor Esther Rose Romarate’s class. The event was hosted by Clem Marnel Burgos while the opening prayer was led by Nestle Taala.
Dr. Marie Melanie Javier first shared her poem, “Come Home to Panay,” then poems like “Ang Bayong kag Banga” by Flavio Zaragoza Cano was read by Ruben Armandillo, “Si Eva, Si Adan” was recited by the author Mr. Melchor Cichon, “Dughan Ya Likud” by Eby Banas was read by Bermie Cangrejo, “No Speaking Dialect” was performed by the poem’s author, Early Sol Gadong, and “Night Firely Tour, Coron” also by its author, Prof. Sean Edgley.
During the second part of the activity, Bahandi choir members performed a Visayan medley arranged by Romulo Pangan. Then another round of poems were read: “Sulat” by Alex de los Santos was recited by Charbe Mel Vidal, “Ang Makatang Mangingibig” by John Iremil Teodoro was read by Dr. Anita Illenberger, “Ngaa Naga-ulan, Palangga” was performed by Noel De Leon, “All Blackouts Will Betray You” was shared by Paul Mackey Marfil, “Youth of the World” by Cordelia Gobuyan was read by Rev. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes, “For John” by Edward de la Fuente was read by Antonio Alphonso Arenas, “Sa Math Lang Ako Magaling” by Early Sol Gadong and “Mythologies” was written and recited by Rhick Lars Albay. Rusieljs Lunasco shared her God-given talent through a beautiful song about equality, “Alalangay.”
Classes under Professor Romarate performed “Tikum Kadlum,” Sugidanun sang Panay Bukidnon.
Professor Romarate ended the activity with a message of happiness and gratitude to everyone who made the Poetry Hour successful.
The purpose of the “Panayanon” is not only for students to perform but to continue to share the art and beauty of spoken words.
Elementary school pupils donate to family of security guard—victim of vehicular accident
Mrs. Saul (right-center) receives the cash donation from Elementary Grade 4 teachers.
On the night of January 16, 2018, a devout father was on his way to work when he was hit by a public utility jeepney and died instantly. The driver of the jeepney ran away and is still free from jail while the case is under investigation.
The victim, Rodel Saul, was a Security Guard detailed at CPU Elementary School. Rodel loved the elementary school pupils like he loved his own children. The family suffered after the accident took away the life of the only breadwinner of the family. He is survived by his wife and two young children.
As acknowledgement for Saul’s hard work and kindness towards the students while working at CPU, Grade IV-Excel pupils collected love gifts from their classmates and friends and donated the amount to Mrs. Rogin Gallego Saul, wife of Rodel. “The love gift shall go a long way to help us during our time of bereavement.” The Saul family gave thanks to the students and their class adviser, Ms. Ofelia Cerbo.
Accomplished by faith and hard work: Esther E. Guillergan
Guillergan encourages Centralians to dedicate their hard work to God and He will prosper them.
The best achievements in life are those that have been fueled by sweat and tears. Most people work hard for earthly perishable things and only few work hard for their purpose in life.
Ms. Esther E. Guillergan, the newly appointed Budget Officer of Central Philippine University, finished her Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting in March 1988. She was a work student under the Janitorial Services while studying. After her graduation, she continued her service to the university as a clerk for nine years in the College of Law under Dean Juanito M. Acanto. She was also a university treasurer secretary for two years, and then as bookkeeper and loans analyst until her recent promotion.
She has also earned some Education, Law and MBA units. She passed the Civil Service Sub-Professional, Professional, and the NAPOLCOM Police Officer 1 Exams, which gave her the eligibility to work in government service. However, she chose to remain serving her Alma Mater.
In her service to CPU, she was awarded twice for outstanding job performance. She was also given a commendation by then Vice President for Finance Prof. Perla Deocampo for her outstanding service in the Business Office that resulted to new policies and protocols.
Ms. Gulillergan says, “My way up had a lot of obstacles that made me feel disappointed, discouraged, and demoralized, but I held on and kept holding on to my faith. That inspires me to go on because we have a just and fair God. He doubly fills up the things that are duly ours, but we’re denied those that are not for us. My faith in Him keeps me going and makes me accept what comes my way, good or bad, with gladness in my heart. Doing my job well is my way of glorifying Him. I believe that He puts us where we can grow best and be better people.”
She lives by the verse in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
She is looking forward to have more fruitful years ahead as the new Budget Officer. With God’s guidance and wisdom, she is hoping to retire 7 or 13 years from now. She would then feel accomplished that she would have served the people and God through her service at CPU.
Eric Otayde: A journey of success that began in CPU
CPU Political Science Alumni Association President Eric Otayde with Former CPU President Dr. Agustin A. Pulido.
The President of the CPU Political Science Alumni Association (PSAA), Eric “Noy” Otayde, takes some time to visit his old friends and classmates at Central Philippine University when in Iloilo City.
He drives his own car from Antique, and, as the President of the CPU Political Science Alumni Association, he calls up his PSAA officers one by one, making use of extra time apart from his many appointments in Iloilo City, to update and plan for this Special Alumni Chapter. While a hard working ranking official of the province of Antique, Otayde is a multitasker who seriously works for the advancement and development of his province.
A seasoned government official of Antique, Otayde comes from a political family. “Pres. Noy” as he is called by PSAA circle has his humble beginnings in CPU. He was a Bachelor of Arts graduate of Political Science 1984. He was President of the CPU Political Science Students Organization during his college days and the Governor of the College of Arts and Sciences. His involvement in the CPU Student Republic must have a political training ground for a colorful career in governance in Antique after his graduation.
He has served as Provincial Board Member of Antique and Appointed Adviser for Semirara Coal—a difficult task which he handled intelligently especially during calamities and labor situations. He was also appointed as Member of the Tripartite Monitoring Team for Environmental Compliance. His love for public service continues for the betterment of his people and province. His current work for Antique is being the Public Information Officer and Executive Director of Binirayan Festival 2018. While serving as Public Information Officer, he had a public service program on radio.
Taking a night cap in Iloilo City with this CPU alumnus is always an interesting and valuable experience. He updates us on his job and shares his experiences with powerful corporate entities. He is a close friend to the likes of coal and construction magnate, the late David Consunji, Senator Loren Legarda, former Governor Sally Perez, and a string of government officials and businessmen.
“It took me a long time to reach this far, but in every step I made, I feel the Central Spirit within me; I recall the kindness of God and how He prepared me for this career through the training and knowledge I earned from Central Philippine University,” said Otayde.
From his humble beginnings in CPU, Eric “Noy” Otayde accomplished the wishes of his proud parents, Victoria and Maximo Otayde of Sibalom, Antique.
Gerry Escolta: Labor is honor
Escolta with his friend and former co-worker Mr. Cyrus Natividad.
From a humble working student at Central Philippine University, Gerry A. Escolta has realized his dream of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. He is now a CPA who owns the G. Escolta Management Consultancy Services that provides management consultancy services to several companies in Sta. Rosa City Laguna and parts of Metro Manila.
His hardships and difficulties during his college days only made him more determined to pursue his plans to finish college and become a CPA. Escolta recalls that he would wake up very early from the municipality of Passi where he came home to every weekend and catch one of the few jeepneys that go to Iloilo City every Monday. Escolta finished his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at Central Philippine University in 1981 and succeeded to pass the CPA Board Exam in Manila the following year.
He came back to CPU very recently to visit friends, former classmates, particularly his co-work students at the Student Service Enterprise. He did not forget his work 40 years ago—checking the enterprise stocks and serving his customers with courtesy. He studied his lessons diligently during work intervals and learned from the accounting process of the enterprise as well.
Escolta believes in quality and to have studied at CPU is a fortunate experience. He constantly thinks about how he could have succeeded if not for the Work-Study Program of Central Philippine University.
He emphasized that “labor is honor.” Labor was what made him a deserving work-student, a determined career person and now a very successful Certified Public Accountant.
Escolta revisited CPU with a plan to organize a Student Service Enterprise Alumni Association (CPU SSEAA). For those who have been a work student before and assigned to the SSE, please contact Gerry Escolta on this number: 09155477296.