Keziah G. Huelar

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked the CPU faculty and staff for their continuous hard work and support to accomplish the goals of the university.

To usher in the new academic year, Central Philippine University held its annual Faculty and Staff Conference for the school year 2018-2019 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on June 13, 2018.

Spearheaded by the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), this year’s theme, “Be an Asset: Accountable to Students, Society, Environment Today and Beyond,” banners the unified goal of the university to help develop the talents and skills of CPU faculty and staff in ushering CPU to greater heights.

For the devotional, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications, encouraged the CPU faculty and staff to “Be an Asset” by sharing their time, talent and treasure for the betterment of the Centralian community.

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications, encouraged CPU faculty and staff to share their time, talent and treasure for the betterment of CPU.

In his message, Rev. Jalando-on reflected on the life of Rev. William O. Valentime who dedicated the best years of his life to the mission field and to the establishment of Christian schools in Western Visayas, one of them being Jaro Industrial School which eventually became CPU. He also mentioned the life of Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose who devoted his talent to CPU by building some of CPU’s iconic infrastructures such as the Franklin Hall, Roblee Hall, and Weston Hall; designing the CPU seal which has 12 rays representing the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ; and coining the term “Central Spirit.” Rose also unified the color of the campus by painting the buildings green with white trim. Lastly, Rev. Jalando-on mentioned John D. Rockefeller, an oil magnate and a philanthropist, whose donation to the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society established schools and churches all over the world. One of these schools is Jaro Industrial School, now CPU.

For the welcome remarks, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles acknowledged the CPU faculty and staff and guest speakers. Dr. Robles expressed his gratitude to the university employees for their continuous dedication to the university’s endeavors: “I know that we can survive the many challenges that lie ahead. If we work together, we can accomplish many things.” He also thanked the CBA for spearheading the conference.

After Dr. Robles’ message, Dr. Lorna T. Grande, Dean, CBA talked about the rationale for this year’s conference. According to her, the theme highlights the importance of being an asset to the university and the community in general: “As our university keeps pace with the challenges of the Philippine educational system, we must become assets not only to our university but also to the outside community as well to overcome these challenges together in a joint effort.”

Dr. Lorna T. Grande, Dean, College of Business and Management together with guest speaker, Mr. Christian Montaño.

The first speaker, Mr. Christopher Motaño talked about Gender and Development citing the importance of uplifting employees and creating a safe and secure working environment for them. He also talked about the pertinent laws protecting workers from abuse and any form of harassment.

Dr. Roberto C. Dacanay discussed the topic “How to deal with Millennial Students and Employees.” In his talk, Dr. Dacanay enumerated ways to encourage optimum learning experience inside the classroom.

After which, Atty. Joenifer Jolito discussed the effects of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law among private employees. He also tackled the amendments on the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) and the benefits to be expected in the long term application of the law.

The faculty and staff of the College of Business and Management leading the welcome song during the conference.

The last speaker, Dr. Romeo A. Orcajada, Jr., tackled the topic “Dealing with Depression and Suicide.” Dr. Orcajada talked about the symptoms of depression, how to help a person with depression, the signs that a person may be suicidal, and how to talk to a person who is suicidal He highlighted that with the help of friends, family and the community, depression and suicide can be prevented.

The seminar-talks were then followed by the “President’s Time” with Dr. Robles giving an update on the university’s milestones and accomplishments. He mentioned the support of the CPU alumni in the construction of the Senior High School Building, CPU Elementary Gym, and the Virtual Laboratory for the College of Nursing. He also mentioned the numerous grants received by the university from both private and public institutions. Dr. Robles reported on the increased number of enrollees in the College of Agriculture, Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Junior and Senior High Schools.

After the “President’s Time,” Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Margen A. Java in behalf of Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs; and Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, gave updates regarding their respective offices.