College of Medicine holds 11th Baccalaureate and Commencement Exercises
The College of Medicine graduates with the CPU administrative officials.
A day of thanksgiving and celebration – The CPU College of Medicine held its 11th Baccalaureate and Commencement Exercises at the University Church and Rose Memorial Auditorium respectively on June 11, 2017.
For the words of welcome during the baccalaureate, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the graduates and their parents. He shared that before the College of Medicine was put up, CPU always dreamed of producing Centralian Doctors. Now on its 11th Baccalaureate and Commencement Exercises, the Centralian community is grateful to the Lord for its success throughout the years. “We are here to acknowledge the Author and Finisher of knowledge and faith, CPU always dreamed of producing graduates to engage in the healing ministry. We are now in the 11th year of serving that calling.”
Mr. Oliver S. Listano, class valedictorian, led the Physician´s Prayer.
As read by Miss Evangeline P. Gallemit, the Scripture for the service was Philippians 3:12-14 which says: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Mr. Oliver S. Listano is awarded as this year´s class valedictorian.
The verses are to remind graduates that as they enter the chapter of their medical profession, they must push onward with the excellence that God has given them through their potential and with the Central Spirit that encourages them to put Jesus first in everything that they do.
Baccalaureate speaker, Rev. Amsil P. Alubog, Senior Minister of La Carlota Evangelical Church, inspired the graduates with his message entitled: The BEST is yet to come. “I do not know the reason why you entered the College of Medicine. It may be your childhood dream, the desire of your parents or your calling to serve in the healing ministry, it may be by chance or choice but whatever the reason may be, I know one thing is certain – the best is yet to come. There is a special call for you to be here.”
Guest speaker, Dr. Marlyn W. Concovar encourages graduates to serve the poor and underprivileged.
He told the graduates that to serve their calling they must obey God. “You have to remember that obedience precedes blessing. You have to OBEY: O – Offer your best to God, in everything you do, do it us unto to Him. Second is B – Believe in God’s promise, the Bible says that the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise. Third is E – Endure trials and sufferings, be strong and persevere because the best is yet to come. And last is Y – Yield to the Master’s will. His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than ours. Trust God and the best will surely come.”
Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, Vice President of the CPUAAI led the alumni pledge.
For the reflection, Mr. John Lorenz G. Elesis, Mayor of the MD 3 Officers SY 2015-2016, congratulated his fellow batch mates, encouraged them to pursue excellence wherever they go and never lose sight of who they are by appreciating their individual uniqueness. After the reflection, the graduating class of 2017 sang “A Time Such As This”. After which, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church led the commissioning of the graduates and prayer of dedication.
For the graduation ceremony, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles in his welcome remarks congratulated the hard work and effort of parents. “You have sacrificed a lot for your children and today you will finally reap the fruits of your labor as they graduate with the degree of Doctor in Medicine. I thank you for trusting us with the education of your children.”
Rev. Amsil P. Alubog inspires graduates to patiently wait on Lord because the best is yet to come.
For the commencement address, Dr. Marlyn W. Concovar, Director IV, Department of Health Regional Office VI encouraged graduates to use their profession in helping the underprivileged. “Out of the 2,600 Doctors that graduate every year, 50% or almost 1,300 go abroad. We need doctors in the communities, helping the poor and needy. I encourage you to work for the government to reach out to those who need help.” Dr. Concovar told the graduates to always pursue excellence in the practice of their medical profession.
Mr. John Lorenz G. Elesis read the response of the 2017 College of Medicine graduates.
After the message, the College of Medicine presented an award to Mr. Dominique B. Tomampos for placing 10th in 2016 Medical Licensure Exam.
Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Dean of the College of Medicine presented the 80 candidates for graduation. After which, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles led the conferral of degree and investiture of hoods. He was assisted by Dr. Henry Gonzales, Dr. Glenn A.M. Catedral, Dean Emeritus of the College of Medicine and Miss Ruth G. Fernandez, University Registrar.
All smiles – College of Medicine graduates flash a smile during the baccalaureate service.
Mr. Oliver S. Listano, Class Valedictorian led “The Physician’s Prayer”. It was then followed by a prayer of dedication by Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, CPU Vice President for Student Affairs and the alumni pledge led by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, CPUAAI Vice President.
CPU honors University Presidents
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with his wife Angel A. Robles and the CPU Administrative officials together with Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, outgoing Chairperson, CPU Board of Trustees and Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, incoming Chairperson.
According to John Maxwell, “a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Behind every great institution is a man empowering his constituents to serve others for the betterment of all. Central Philippine University honored such men in the persons of Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, CPU President from 1971-1996, Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, CPU President from 1998-2008 and Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President from 2009-Present, during the Board of Trustees Testimonial Dinner at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel on June 1, 2017.
For the Opening Remarks, Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees acknowledged the significant contributions of the past two presidents and the current president to the Centralian community.
Behind every great man is a great woman who encouraged, inspired and help him become who he is today.
To honor Dr. Agustin A. Pulido – the longest serving CPU President, Dr. Elma S. Herradura, former CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dr. Renato V. Alba, member of the CPU Corporation shared their testimonies of working with Dr. Pulido. According to Dr. Alba, it was during the presidency of Dr. Pulido when CPU had most of its academic programs accredited, “President Pulido is an academic leader, is an institution builder and is a resource mobilizer. I have closely observed him as an academic leader. He has increased the reputational capital of CPU. During his presidency, I remember that CPU went full blast participation in accreditations, almost all the programs were submitted for accreditation.”
Dr. Agustin A. Pulido is the seventh President of the Central Philippine University in a long line of American and Filipino administrators since the founding of the school in 1905.
The CPU Board of Trustees together with Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, CPU President from 1971-1996, Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, CPU President from 1998-2008 and Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President from 2009-Present.
Rev. Dr. Nathaniel M. Fabula, former CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs and Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico recall their experiences in serving CPU together with Dr. Juanito M. Acanto. Rev. Gico shares that Dr. Acanto is a man of faith who always seeks God’s calling for CPU. “He is a man of vision. We would always hear him say that we need to know and follow the agenda of God for the university. He dreams of a university that is a beauty to behold, a beauty to think and feel about, so that everybody who comes will always remember the beauty of CPU.”
For the testimony in honor of CPU’s current president, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Prof. Rowena M. Libo-on, former CPU Vice President for Finance and Enterprise and Engr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director of the CPU Office of Institutional Advancement shared the inspiration and excellence of Dr. Robles’ life as a Centralian leader.
Engr. Castigador shared the story of Dr. Robles’ father who faced many challenges as principal. The school he headed had a low number of enrollees and DECS wanted it closed. However, Dr. Robles’ father insisted to continue its operation, sacrificing nine months of his salary. “Time as God would have it proved your father right – that school grew to have a big population. The school year after we went to that high school in Leon, I met at CPU some of those students. They were very glad to have taken a leap of faith by enrolling at CPU as work students.”
According to Engr. Castigador, Dr. Robles has his father’s perseverance. “As CPU faces the early years of CPU Senior High School implementation, I see in you the same unfazed determination like that of your father, the same ‘we can make it attitude.’ Indeed, you may have been called for such a time as this. When all is said and done, when we are all old and gray and wrinkled even more, we can look back and say that during your presidency CPU has pushed for external funding, for linkages here and abroad, for accreditation, certification and other honors in many ways.”
Engr. Castigador’s testimony showed the kind of legacy Dr. Robles will be remembered. “Your greatest legacy is your life story: the first Filipino president of CPU who is a work student of the university.”
Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera gave tokens of appreciation and gratitude to the three presidents.
The event was not only to recognize the contributions of the CPU presidents but also to inspire the Centralian community to pursue greater heights for the university.
Pre-Collegiate departments are set to surpass last year’s enrollment
Parents and students waiting for their turn to pay for their respective tuition fees.
As of June 15, 2017 in the afternoon, the data provided by the Office of the Registrar showed the total number of enrollees in the pre-collegiate level is 3,764 compared to last year’s record of 3,192. Enrollment will still continue up to the 4th week of June.
The Senior High School’s Grade 11 population is now 825 compared to last year’s record of 713 students. The total enrollees in Grade 12 are 651. The Top 5 in most number of students by concentration are GAS-Nursing & Allied Sciences-517; Science, Technology, Engineering, Math-389, GAS-Business and Accountancy-247; GAS-HRM, Tourism-149; GAS-Information Technology-89. GAS is General Academic Strand.
The current number of students for the Kindergarten Department is 158 surpassing the 149 enrolled last year. The Elementary Department’s current enrollees are 733 compared to 792 last year while the Junior High School Department’s population is 1,396 compared to 1,538 last year. According to their Principals, they still have one week more for their enrollment and based on daily trending they have high hopes that this year’s enrollment will surpass that of last year.
CPU celebrates Philippine Independence Day
Beautiful Filipinas are proudly waving the flaglets.
In the early morning of June 13, 2017, Central Philippine University celebrated the 119th Philippine Independence Day. It started with a parade that converged at the CPU Flagpole area. Pastor Rodmar Lilla opened the program with a prayer emphasizing that if we are in Christ, then that is the time that we truly can have freedom.
As the Pambansang Awit was sang, the Philippine flag was raised into a half-mass to give tribute to the fallen soldiers in the conflict in Marawi City. The singing of the National Anthem was followed by the Panunumpa sa Watawat led by Donovan Adams Aguilos, and the Panatang Makabayan led by Angel Lianna Cervantes. Eleanel Ruth Idemne provided a special number that awakened the nationalistic spirit of the audience.
The Philippine Flag was in half-mass to remember the fallen soldiers in Marawi City.
The highlight of the celebration was the inspirational message of Hon. Demy P. Sonza, Board Member of the 2nd District of Iloilo.
Hon. Sonza remembered that during his early years the Filipinos celebrated Independence Day on July 4, the same day that the Americans are celebrating theirs. This is so because the Americans gave back our political independence on July 4, 1946.
The CPU Faculty and Staff attend the Philippine Independence Day celebration.
Hon. Sonza highlighted that the Ilonggos fought hard for the independence of the country and that Ilonggos need to be proud of this legacy. He recounted that in 1898 the Ilonggos started to organize a revolutionary movement. The Spaniards who were driven out in Manila went to Panay to establish their colonial government in Iloilo. On October 1898, the Ilonggos started the uprising against Spain. Later, Roque Lopez and Gen. Martin Delgado convened in Sta. Barbara and organized the revolutionary government of the Visayas, and not just Iloilo.
Hon. Demy Sonza reminds everyone that true freedom can only be found in Jesus Christ.
Hon Sonza shared that one of the happiest and most glorious day for the Ilonggos was December 25, 1898. On this day, the Ilonggos staged a triumphal parade from Jaro Plaza to Lapaz and crossed the bridge to Bonifacio and momentarily stopped at Casa Real and raised the Philippine Flag. The parade went on to Calle Real to Plaza Alofonso Dose (Now, Plaza Libertad) where the formal surrender was made, and the Philippine flag was once again raised amidst the shouts of Viva Filipina, Viva Libertad, Viva Independencia! But the celebration was short-lived because four days later, four battleships of the Americans arrived and demanded that the Federal State of Visayas surrender. Hon. Sonza underlined that the Ilonggos wanted a Federal System of government during that time. President Roque Lopez refused to surrender. After more than one month of being in their battleships, the Americans started bombarding Iloilo. In the fierce battles that happened, many Ilonggos actually died from the American hands than the Spaniards. After two years of battle, the Ilonggos finally surrendered. The last to surrender was Col. Quentin Salas.
CPU Senior High School students in their Filipinianas.
Hon. Sonza also recounted and emphasized the Four Fundamental Freedoms that are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, Freedom from Fear. He further stressed that we need to fight to obtain these four fundamental freedoms.
At the ending of his message, Hon. Demy Sonza testified that “Political independence alone does not make us truly free. There one other freedom that we all have to aspire to gain. This is the ultimate freedom – freedom from sin. You may have all the other freedoms but if you are enslaved to sin that is the worst kind of enslavement. All other freedoms are temporal, freedom from sin is eternal.” He then challenged the young students of Central Philippine University to study and learn more about Jesus who alone can give us the ultimate freedom.
After the message, two nationalistic songs were rendered by the CPU Symphonic Band – Bayan Ko and Pilipinas Kong Mahal. The gathered crowd sang with the song leaders. The program was closed with a prayer led by Pastor JV Jireh, faculty of the CPU Senior High School.
The celebration of the Philippine Independence Day was organized by the CPU Cultural Affairs Office in collaboration with the University Senior High School. The Emcee was Ria Momblan, a student of the CPU SHS.
CPU student wins Nat Geo’s “Everyday Genius” contest
With his mobile app PaDS, incoming 5th year Software Engineering student, John Elmer Loretizo was hailed as the Grand Winner of National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius” Contest besting other contestants from around the globe.
PaDs or Patient in-transit Diagnostic System is a mobile app that sends patient’s diagnostics to the target hospitals for treatment preparation. In general, PaDS work as a private two way conversation while between a medical practitioner and a civilian or emergency responder. This is especially beneficial when the hospital is not particularly aware of an incoming emergency by pre-empting them and making them aware of what the patient´s conditions are. Moreover, it saves precious time as preparation for treatment may be made even before the patient has arrived to the designated hospital. PaDS bridges the gap of emergency response needed especially in countries like the Philippines. It helps elevate the level of technology and its usefulness in saving lives.
Loretizo’s innovative idea landed him the top spot and a free exclusive access to the National Geographic Explorers Festival at Washington, D.C. from 15th to 18th June 2017. Explorers Festival is an exciting annual event that brings together the world´s most fascinating and innovative scientists, conservationists, explorers, and storytellers to share their latest discoveries and ideas (http://everydaygenius.asia/#winners).
Engr. Militar attends an Experts’ Consultation in Thailand
Engr. Militar is the lone representative of the Philippines during the consultancy meeting.
Engr. Jeriel G. Militar attended the “1st Regional Meeting – Two-day Experts’ Consultation on Technology Transfer and Capacity Building”held on May 22-23, 2017 at Chiang Rai, Thailand. This was a two-day experts’ consultation meeting involving representatives of universities and other learning centers in the ASEAN region, who were the target leading participants in the proposed regional cooperation of technology transfer and capacity building. The objectives of the consultation meeting are to (1) identify the challenges and opportunities for technology transfer and region-wide capacity building, and (2) establish an “ad hoc” network of experts that will prepare the working papers to be discussed in the succeeding workshops.
Engr. Militar is active in doing renewable energy initiatives through the Affiliated Renewable Energy Center (AREC).
The meeting was hosted by the University of Phayao (UP) – School of Energy and Environment (SEEN) in cooperation with Chiang Mai Rajabat University (CMRU) – Asian Development College for Community Economy and Technology (ADICET) and supported by the National Research Council of Thailand, EU DEVCO through the TAF for SE4All, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute and Universiti of Teknologi (MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. Engr. Militar presented the country background on technology transfer and renewable energy initiatives in support of the Philippines’ Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) submitted during the Paris Agreement.
Engr. Militar presented the country background on technology transfer and renewable energy initiatives.
In this consultation, only one representative per ASEAN member country was invited to participate, and Engr. Militar was the only Philippine representative in the consultation meeting. CPU got invited to the meeting because of the active role of the university in renewable energy initiatives through the Affiliated Renewable Energy Center (AREC) headed by Engr. Militar.
Centralians Meet Again in Weimar, Germany
By Katherine Draheim, Masscom Centralian 2014
Münster, Germany
The new PhD title holder, Engr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa (center) with committee members, professors and guests after the defense.
Münster, June 2, 2017 – After getting a private message in social media from Engr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, an Associate Professor of the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES) Central Philippine University (CPU), that she would be going to Germany soon for her PhD defense, I rushed immediately to my laptop to buy a train ticket to meet up with her at the city of Weimar in the eastern part of Germany. The trip from the very west of Germany, my city Münster, took around eight hours of travel, a bit tiring but, nevertheless, my heart palpitated because of the excitement to meet up with a fellow alumnus, a fellow Ilongga and a good friend. I arrived on May 18, 2017 and met her for breakfast at our cozy hostel which was at the city center of Weimar. I had the impression that very morning that Ma’am Aries seemed to be well prepared for her PhD dissertation defense because I have not seen any signs of pressure on her face. We caught up a lot of things while having our breakfast, and talked about our beloved Central Philippine University, the people and institutions who made her PhD journey possible, the things that had to be done prior to her defense and what we are going to do after the occasion.
(L-R) Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eckhard Kraft and the PhD graduate, Engr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa with her symbolic “doktorhut”.
Two Centralian supporters came to her PhD defense. Apart from me, who graduated AB Mass Communications in 2014 and is currently studying here for a Master’s Program at the Westfaelische-Wilhelms University, Engr. Klaus Hanuschke, a Centralian by heart and former Development Advisor to CARES, also came from Frankfurt. Ma’am Aries and Engr. Klaus jointly developed the Diploma in Environmental Resource Management and Technologies major in Solid Waste Management (ERMAT-SWM) for the enhancement of professional education in solid waste management in the Philippines for more than three years.
Dr. Engr. Romallosa and yours truly after the defense and awarding.
The defense of Ma’am Aries started on time at 10:45 in the morning. Her PhD dissertation entitled “Briquette Production by the Informal Sector: The Case of UCLA in Iloilo City, Philippines” was co-financed by CPU, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.
The defense took around 3 hours to finish which comprised of presentation, questions and discussions, and recommendations of each panel member to the Committee. After internal discussions, it was announced that Ma’am Aries passed the oral defense and received her PhD degree “cum laude.”
The Centralians during our celebration hosted by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eckhard Kraft.
It felt great to see a Centralian here in Germany and to exchange experiences with people who also pursue a career in the academic field. I was really inspired by the challenging work Engr. Romallosa had to put through especially that she is also working full-time in CPU while undertaking her individual PhD course. The research that took her around 5 years to finish made a significant contribution for the informal sector of Calajunan dumpsite in Iloilo City, as shown during her defense. Because she had an international audience, I felt that the research was transparent to the world. It makes it more appreciative to look at for Europeans who do not experience real poverty and problems that surround the issue discussed in her dissertation work. After the defense and brief closing program, the Chair of the Department of Biotechnology in Resource Management who is also her mentor/adviser, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eckhard Kraft invited us for a small celebration at the city.
It was a long yet fulfilling day and the Lord blessed us with a warm sunny weather and a Gelatto to munch on.
The trip to Weimar let me realize many things, one of them is, if you have a dream, go for it, no matter how long it would take. I hope to finish my Master’s Degree here sooner and help humankind with my research too.
“Family” is the most trusted source in choosing CPU, according to a recent survey
Central Philippine University Information Center.
The CPU Information Center conducted an informal survey among Grades 11 and 12 that applied for their CPU ID during the period May 8 to June 14, 2017. There were 594 Senior High School students that answered the question “Where did you hear about CPU that led you to enroll here?” The results are the following: 1. Family-202, 2. CPU Students-181, 3. Friends-113, 4. Alumni/Neighbors-34, 5. Recruitment-26, 6. Website-19, 7. Radio/TV-8, 8. Social Media-6, 9. Inquiry-3, 10. Newspaper-2. Interestingly, even at this age of technology and social media, the family is still the number 1 trusted source of our students. What is more noteworthy is that most of their family members are alumni. The Top 5 among the choices are “flesh and blood” and “face to face encounters.” This means that the good relations of CPU to the community and its alumni are encouraging people to enroll at the university.