CCINNA donates for the CPU Nursing Virtual Laboratory Project

The officers of CCINAA hand-over the check to Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.

The CCINNA (Central Philippine University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, and Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses Alumni Association) made a donation to Central Philippine University for the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory Project last July 3, 2017. The check amounting to P240,277.01 was handed over to CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.

The soon to be constructed 5-million Virtual Laboratory of the College of Nursing is “in preparation for the College of Nursing plan to become a Center of Development or Center of Excellence” according to Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, CPU College of Nursing and Outgoing President of CCINAA.

CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio discuss the Nursing Virtual Laboratory with the officers of CCINAA.

Present at the turnover of donation were Mrs. Mageline B. Catedral (CNINAA President 2013-2015), Mrs. Cynthia Mendoza, Current Vice President of CNINAA, and Dr. Irving L. Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Last February 3, 2017 the College of Nursing batch 1977 also donated P292,704.29 for the said project. Mrs. Ann Catedrilla Seisa, a member of batch 1977, pledged to donate 1 million pesos for the project.

The Nursing Virtual Laboratory will provide simulation of various nursing procedures such as IV therapy, parenteral medications, for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and others. This will surely prepare students and develop their skills, depicting real life situations, before doing it on actual patients. 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.

CPU College of Theology holds the annual Dr. Juan Ancheta Theological Lecture

Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean of the CPU College of Theology, acknowledges the participants of the annual Dr. Juan Ancheta Theological Lecture.

With the Theme “Formation and Ministry: The Work of the People”, the CPU College of Theology held the annual Dr. Juan Ancheta Theological Lecture on July 7, 2017 at the CPU Educational Media Center. The invited lecturer or animator as the he was introduced is Rev. Dr. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz, Senior Director of the Accreditation and Institutional Evaluation of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)/The Commission on Accrediting.

CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomes the participants and encourages them to reflect and learn on what they will be hearing from Dr. Ruiz.

Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean of the CPU College of Theology gave the intention of the gathering. He said that 18 years ago Dr. Juan Ancheta planned this Ancheta Lecture in order to provide the pastors the opportunity to deepen their theological studies on the topics that will be discussed by the invited lecturers. Dr. Pagara encouraged the more than 100 participants to give time to pause and to be refreshed with new ideas so that we may continue to be emboldened to face the challenges of the world.

Rev. Dr. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz talks about Formation and Ministry as the Work of the People.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomed the participants of the seminar and asked the number of graduates coming from the CPU College of Theology, and the Convention Baptist College (CBBC). The result was even. He thanked leadership of Dr. Pagara who is consistent in continuing the Ancheta Lecture series. He challenged the pastors to reflect and learn from what they will be hearing so that it will benefit them in their life and work as pastors.

Pastors are animated in sharing their story on how God called them to become a pastor.

The animator was introduced by Pastor Deli A. Baclagon, the Christian Education and Nurture Director of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. Rev. Dr. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz is a Centralian and comes from a family of academicians and theologians. He currently serves as senior director of accreditation and institutional evaluation of The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), a body that accredits more than 270 graduate schools of theology in the United States and Canada. He is a graduate in pastoral care and counseling from Ottawa University (Kansas), holds a Master of Divinity with an emphasis on religion and society, and a PhD in social ethics from Princeton Theological Seminary.

After the introduction, Dr. Ruiz started his presentation which was later followed by a small group discussion with facilitators. He started his presentation with putting forward some working definitions on formation — Biblical considerations, Philosophical considerations, Cultural considerations and Theological considerations.

In the Biblical considerations on formation he presented two passages Genesis 2:7, and Ephesians 4:11-14. He let the participants imagine the reality that it was God who formed the human being, and endowed them with different gifts for the building up of the body of Christ.

In the Philosophical considerations on formation he used the German term Bildung that refers to the German tradition of self-cultivation wherein philosophy and education are linked in a manner that refers to a process of both personal and cultural maturation.

In the Cultural considerations on formation he recalled the words of Dr. Nestor D. Bunda. Formation in Ilonggo or Hiligaynon is Pagdihon. Bunda said that the term pagdihon has religious/spiritual connotations – with revolution, struggle, freedom and independence as context. Spiritual Formation as “Pagdihon sang Dungan” in the Philippine context is pregnant with meaning related to stories of the people’s struggle for liberation and freedom.

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, CPU Director for Communications, shares some insights with the invited lecturer, Rev. Dr. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz.

In the Theological considerations on Formation, Ruiz quoted the words of Irenaeus (130-202 AD) who said, “It is not you that shapes God; it is God that shapes you. If you are the work of God, await the hand of the artist who does all things in due season. Offer him your heart, soft and tractable, and keep the form in which the artist has fashioned you. Let your clay be moist, lest you grow hard and lose the imprint of his fingers.”

Dr. Ruiz also mentioned his spiritual formation which started with his parents. As one family they would gather every morning for a prayer and devotional time. He also recalled that in a youth gathering in Forward Baptist Church while he was in High School, he felt the calling of God to become a pastor.

The presentation also touched on the dimensions of formation: Intellectual Formation, Spiritual Formation, Human Formation, and Pastoral Formation. Ruiz said that “The foundation and center of all human formation is Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. In his fully developed humanity, he was truly free and with complete freedom gave himself totally for the salvation of the world…Human formation leads to and finds its completion in spiritual formation. Human formation continues in conjunction with and in coordination with the spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions of formation. It steadily points to the center, which is spiritual formation.” He further said that “There is a reciprocal relationship between spiritual and intellectual formation. The intellectual life nourishes the spiritual life, but the spiritual also opens vistas of understanding, in accordance with the classical adage credo ut intelligam (‘I believe in order to know’).” He stressed that “knowledge is not simply for personal possession but is destined to be shared in the community of faith. Intellectual formation has an apostolic and missionary purpose and finality.”

The more than 100 participants in the Dr. Juan Ancheta Theological Lecture discussed questions on spiritual and pastoral formation in their small group .

Towards the ending he said, “All four pillars of formation are interwoven and go forward concurrently. Still, in a certain sense, pastoral formation is the culmination of the entire formation process.” Quoting Pastores dabo vobis, no. 57, in its citation of Optatam totius, no. 4, Dr. Ruiz reminded everyone the basic principle of pastoral formation: “The whole training of the students should have as its object to make them true shepherds of souls after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, teacher, priest, and shepherd.” To be a true “shepherd of souls” means standing with and for Christ in the community, the Christ who teaches and sanctifies and guides or leads the community.”

After the presentation, the participants who were already divided into small groups were led by their respective facilitators to discuss the following questions: “How were you formed? What was it like to be formed? Who played key roles in your formation? Name one or two characteristics of your own spiritual and pastoral formation. How were these characteristics achieved? How did they affect your relationship with others? What resources and strategies did you have or need in order to achieve these formative characteristics?”

After the reporting of each group, Dr. Ruiz closed the discussion with two challenges: Formation is the work not just of the pastors but of the people, and formation is performative – it is a performance; it happens when we perform it.

For the closing rites, Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Ruiz-Duremdes led the group in the singing of a hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” and a ritual of fashioning and re-fashioning of a clay, and then offering it in the altar as a symbol of offering the work of our hands to God, the potter.

Gearing towards a better CPUR

The Centralian community prays for Marawi City and for the donations to be sent, that it will be a great blessing to those who receive it.

Rain flutters across the pavement as Centralians make their way through the CPU main gate, billows of umbrellas entwine with one another creating a rainbow of dancing fabric amidst the rain – school year 2017-2018 has officially begun.

The start of the school year comes with the challenge of serving the studentry better. With this in mind the Central Philippine University Republic is creating ways and platforms to ensure that every Centralian will have the best college experience the university has to offer.

According to CPUR Prime Minister, Charles Arthel Rey, a 5^th year Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering student, the CPUR is bannering #CPURBeyondBetter with the aim of providing activities and programs that will cater to student development and participation among Centralians. “#CPUBeyondBetter is a commitment statement of the CPUR to serve the students better. We want to expand the advocacy of CPUR by reaching out to communities outside the campus. A committee for culture and the arts has been established so that we can develop programs that establish Centralian identity and also cultural awareness.”

Volunteers carry the donated goods to the University Church.

For its plans, Rey shares that the CPUR is gearing towards a campus that is politically mature, student centered and united. “We want for CPU to have a stand with regards to national issues. We also want to develop changes in existing projects. We plan to include a Spoken Word contest in the U-Day and Social Media Awards. Our commitment to culture and arts will also gear us for a better Centralian Star contest.”

Expanding the advocacy of the CPUR, the council aims to provide programs that involve the students in community development. “We don’t want to limit our advocacy inside the campus. We want to reach out beyond the university”. The CPUR is also implementing an Emergency Response Team Program to help prepare the Centralian community during disasters.

CPU Republic officers gear up for school year 2017-2018 with #CPURBeyondBetter.

The CPUR recently concluded their advocacy program “Tabang Marawi”, a donation drive encouraging Centralians to give goods, blankets, hygiene kits and others to the affected communities in Marawi City due to the recent Maute attacks. The initiative was started by Bernard Susbilla, CPUR Senator and a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering. CPUR will be sending the collected goods to Dansalan College in Marawi through the Community Engagement and Service Learning Center.

With a booth situated outside the Enterprise Building, CPUR Officers encouraged Centralians to donate and participate in the said drive. “The drive lasted from June 9 to June 30. At first Centralians did not know that such donation program existed but through constant promotion, we were able to involve a lot of students and campus organizations. We gathered donations good for 150 families. In behalf of the CPUR Team we thank all Centralians who donated in cash and in kind and we hope for more partnerships as the term progresses.”

Rey shares that is school year poses a challenge to him and his officers. According to him, their annual budget has decreased because of the low enrollment due to the implementation of the K-12 Program. “There are definitely financial constraints this year because of low enrollment but we will still aim to offer the best programs and services.” As the Prime Minister, Rey is tasked of empowering his fellow officers to take the challenge of student service. “My strength as a leader is that I am straightforward and politically minded. I also have a strong appreciation of presence, I want to be there and I also want the officers to be there and appreciate the value of being present during every program or activity.”

To encourage student participation, the CPUR will be using social media as a platform of information. They will also be aiming at fostering strong partnerships with the LGUs and the different student organizations for active student involvement.

Department of Agriculture holds a biotechnology lecture in CPU

Roblee Science Hall Building.

Aileen Mae G. Andrada, a representative from the Department of Agriculture, delivered a lecture on Biotechnology that specifically touched on the area of agriculture.  It was held at Roblee Science Hall on Wednesday July 5, 2017. It was attended by students of Prof. Ernesto F. Elefan taking up Natural Science subject. Andrada encouraged the students to make use of the researches of the Department of Agriculture since they will be the future agents of disseminating the technology.

Prof. Elefan explained that CPU students will soon be hearing lectures from other government agencies like the Department of Health and DA-WESVIARC (Department of Agriculture -Western Visayas Agriculture and Research Consortium). In doing this, CPU is opening the minds of its students to the researches and real-life practices of many experts in their field.

CPU conducts fire safety instruction and training for work students

Three works students try out what they learned from the lecture on how to use the firehose.

The work students in Central Philippine University are part of the vital workforce of the university. Recognizing the important role of the work students in case of emergency, the Security, Safety and Discipline Office led by Mr. Jonathan Tumalay conducted a fire safety instruction and training to work students last July 1, 2017.

Tumalay lectured on “What to do in case of FIRE?/Upon discovery of FIRE.” He used the acrostic of TPASS in using the Fire Extinguisher: Twist the pin, Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle to the base of fire, Squeeze the lever/trigger, Sweep side to side.

Mr. Jonathan Tumalay of the Security, Safety and Discipline Office leads the fire safety instruction and training for work students.

He also reminded everyone to remember ARM:

1. Announce the exact location of the fire, “SHOUT “FIRE” AND ITS EXACT LOCATION”.

Alarm the sound system, fire alarm, bell or any distinctive sound which everyone will know there is fire. Alert everyone by calling/informing the people around (CPU Fire Brigade). Immediately call the BFP.

2. React  – have presence of mind/know what to do in a systematic manner.

Respond – do your tasks and responsibilities/ do not run but act quickly.

Remove – evacuate or remove any victim quickly.

Report – report all information you know: the victims, etc., as you leave the place, do the head count who is missing, who was injured, etc.

3. Management – proper management of students or all evacuees from classrooms, laboratories and offices towards evacuation area and proper management of Incident Command.

Two work students shows others how to use the fire extinguisher properly.

The CPU Fire Brigade Organization is headed by the Fire Chief, Vice President Florence Bogacia during office hours, and Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard Gico during non-office hours. The Assistant Fire Chief is Mr. Jonathan Tumalay. The following are the teams and team leaders under the Fire Chief: Communication and Media Relations – Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on; Evacuation – Pastor James Peter Transporto; Medical/First Aid – Mr. Jojee Roy Juarez; Search and Rescue – Prim Vergara III; Security and Traffic – Mr. Jonathan Tumalay; Fire Fighting Team – Engr. Rhett Allan Baldonado.

A Home Away from Home

Franklin Dormitory Building.

At times, quality education comes with the price of being away from home. This usually happens to students who live far from universities they plan to study in. To address this concern, Central Philippine University put up two dormitories for the convenience of Centralian enrollees who live far from the university.

Named after Weston, the youngest son of Dr. and Mrs. Francis H. Rose, the Weston Hall Ladies Dormitory and the Franklin Hall Men’s Dormitory have been accommodating Centralians throughout the years, creating an atmosphere of a home away from home dedicated to faith and camaraderie.

It is securely and strategically located inside the CPU campus, between the Elementary Building and Loreto D. Tupaz Building also known as the Nursing Building.

Ms. Jocelyn Laquihon Funtecha has been the Matron of the Weston Hall Ladies Dormitory for 13 years. The task of taking care of a large number of boarders is no easy task. “To be matron includes bundles of tears and laughter. Here, we deal with different upbringings and personalities of our boarders. At much as possible we aim to re-develop the character and attitudes of our boarders.”

Weston Dormitory Building.

Currently, the Weston Hall is home to 111 Centralian boarders, two of which are working students. The ladies dorm can accommodate up to 154 residents. According to her, the number of boarders has significantly decreased because of the implementation of the K-12 Program. “We used to have more boarders but because of the K-12 Program the number decreased. Another concern is the maintenance of the dorm. We have already communicated this concern and changes are underway.”

The dormitory holds monthly devotionals every 2^nd Tuesday of the month and prayer meeting, room bible study and team building every Thursday. Ms. Funtecha emphasizes that being a matron is one way of serving the Lord. “I am doing this for the Lord, to take care of my boarders and to let them hear the Word of God through the devotionals.”

For the safety and security of boarders, the student together with their parents is oriented with the rules, regulations and safety precautions of the dormitory. “Safety and security is our major concern, we make sure that we know what to do during emergencies. Also, we do not disregard the role of the parents. We inform them right away of any problem or concern.”

Weston Hall boarders are a product of university promotions and advertisements. According to Ms. Funtecha, most of the boarders are children of alumni. “We promote the dormitory through tarpaulins and also through the CPU website. Every orientation, I see to it that I am present to answer queries and to address concerns. But our best advertiser has been the CPU alumni who encourage their children and relatives to study in CPU.”

Mr. Freddie Salvania, Proctor of the Franklin Hall shares that the dormitory is expecting developments to provide better services for its boarders. “I have already sent requests to have developments in the structure of the building and in its bathrooms. The comfort and the convenience of our boarders is one of our major concerns.”

Mr. Salvania served as proctor of the dormitory for 10 years. He is currently taking care of 61 boarders under his supervision. The men’s dorm can accommodate up to 115 residents. Just like in the Weston Hall, the number of boarders in the Franklin Hall decreased because of the implementation of the K-12 Program, Mr. Salvania however remains positive that the number will increase in the coming years. “The number of our boarders decreased because of the K-12 Program but I am confident that in the succeeding years that the number will increase.”

He shares that more than just taking care of his boarders his task is to the development of their well-being. “We have regular devotional every Thursday and we have activities that include sports and others that create an atmosphere of camaraderie among our boarders. Before we accept boarders, we always see to it that they and their parents are well oriented with the rules and procedures of the dormitory.”

The most fulfilling part of being proctor, according to Mr. Salvania, is in counseling and helping boarders with their problems. “With the permission of their parents, I intervene with the student through counseling. I think it is one way of helping the student with his problems. Our regular devotional activity is my commitment to the Lord. I share the Word of God and let the Holy Spirit follow it up.” 

To those who are still looking for a home away from home, please do not look elsewhere anymore, the Franklin Hall and Weston Hall Dormitories are waiting to accommodate you.