Central Philippine University

Weekly Centralian Link (June 2, 2017)

ACSCU-AAI accredits 17 CPU Academic Programs

By Keziah G. Huelar

A notch higher – 17 academic programs offered by Central Philippine University have been duly accredited by the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities Accrediting Agency Inc. as of May 31, 2017.

Central Philippine University Aerial View
Aerial view of Central Philippine University.

Two programs of the College of Hospitality and Management namely Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Bachelor of Science in Tourism both garnered Level II status with April 2017 to 2022 validity. Two programs of the College of Arts and Sciences namely Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Liberal Arts received Level IV status with validity from April 2017 to 2022. On the other hand its program Masters in Public Administration received a Level II status effective December 2016-2019 while the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry got a Level III status with validity from April 2017-2022.

The academic program Masters of Arts in Nursing offered by the College of Nursing and Allied Sciences received Level III status effective December 2016 to December 2021. The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Masters in Business Administration programs of the College of Business and Accountancy got Level IV status with April 2017 to April 2022 validity.

A candidate status was granted to the College of Education for its Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree program. The Masters of Arts in Education and Doctor of Education program together with Bachelor of Secondary Education and Bachelor of Elementary Education received Level IV status with effectivity dates from December 2016 to 2021 and April 2017 to 2022 respectively.

The CPU Elementary garnered a Level III status while the CPU Kindergarten got a Level II status both effective from April 2017 to April 2022.

The re-survey visit for the Liberal Arts, BS Biology, BS Chemistry, Business Administration, Accountancy, Education (BSEEd, BEED), HRM, Tourism, Elementary, and Pre-School programs was undertaken by accreditors from the Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities-Accrediting Agency, Inc. (ACSCU-AAI) was held on February 6-10, 2017.

CPU holds 5th Commencement Exercises of Thai Nguyen University (TNU) and Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) Joint Degree Programs

By Keziah G. Huelar

Central Spirit beyond borders – CPU held its 5th Commencement Exercises of Thai Nguyen University (TNU) and Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) Joint Degree Programs at Thai Nguyen University on May 25, 2017.

Central Philippine University TUEBA
A group picture with the graduates.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Vice-Rector of TUEBA, Dr. Do Anh Tai gave the welcome remarks. Both congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to continue the path of excellence as they begin to use their degrees in the service of others.

Central Philippine University TNU
Education goes beyond borders – CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Dr. Bui Thi Minh Hang, Vice-Director of ICCTS and Dr. Teresita E. Crucero, Dean of the CPU College of Business and Accountancy with the graduates.

39 students completed their degrees; 19 graduated in Masters in Business Administration, 14 graduated in Masters in Public Administration and 6 finished their Doctor of Management degree.

For the commencement address, Vice Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona encouraged the graduates to persevere and aspire for a better tomorrow even if there are hardships along the way. The degree that will be conferred to you today will definitely enhance your opportunities for a better future, develop your inner satisfaction, increase your confidence and bring to you and your family the prestige that you all deserve. What you have achieved is not by mere chance or by coincidence but the product of hard work and dedication.”

He also emphasized education coupled with hard work will guarantee them opportunities in their chosen profession and will equip them for future challenges. “What are common to all of you, for sure, are strong motivations, sacrifices, hard works, determination and intellect to complete all the requirements for you to acquire your respective degrees. The degrees that will be conferred upon you today will prepare you for more important challenges in life.”

Dr. Bui Thi Minh Hang, Vice-Director of ICCTS and Prof. Rowena M. Libo-on, Director of the CPU Transnational Programs were the masters of ceremony.

Commencement Speech of Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Vice-Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees  during the 5th Commencement Exercises of Central Philippine University –Thai Nguyen University (TNU) and Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) Joint Degree Programs

Central Philippine University Von Lovel D. Bedona
Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Vice Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees encourages graduates to pursue excellence and hard work.

Thank you very much Dr. Mary O’ Madam for that very generous introduction.

I am very much privileged to be with you all as one of the participants in this momentous event in your academic life. In my entire life, I neither imagined nor aspired to be a commencement speaker of any educational institution, both in my country and abroad. Allow me therefore, to offer my thanks and gratitude to the administrations of Central Philippine University, Thai Nguyen University and Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) for bringing me here in front of you, graduating students.

Dr. Nguyen Khank, Director of International Cooperation Department, Thai Nguyen University; Dr. Tran Chi Thien, Secretary of the Party Committee, TUEBA, Dr. Do Anh Tai, Vice Rector of TUEBA; Dr. Nguyen Thanh Minh, Vice – Rector of TUEBA; faculty and staff of these two institutions, members of this graduating class and the members of your respective families who are here today, Good Morning!

Before us today, is the President of Central Philippine University, DR. TEODORO C. ROBLESwho is duly authorized by the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines and Central Philippine University to confer upon and to declare you graduates of your respective degrees. Joining him is the Dean of the College of Business and Accountancy, my former teacher, Dr. Teresita E. Crucero, Dr. Rowena Liboon, Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante and his wife, Angel.

Graduating students who will be conferred with doctoral degrees today are academically qualified to become president of Central Philippine UniversityUnfortunatelyat the moment the office of the president is not vacant. The incumbent president, Dr. Robles, has proven the highest degree of competence, dedication and fitness to excellently manage the entire executive functions of our university and CPU will not allow him to retire soon.

I warmly congratulate you graduates for another milestone in your academic lives. I understand that there is no uniformity in your desire to achieve your academic goals. Likewise, there is no similarity in the applications of what you have learned from different academic institutions. What are common to all of you, for sure, are strong motivations, sacrifices, hard works, determination and intellect to complete all the requirements for you to acquire your respective degrees. The degrees that will be conferred upon you today will prepare you for more important challenges in life.

We cannot equate success to education. There are graduates, with honors, from reputable educational institutions who did not succeed in their chosen field and there are several powerful, influential and popular individuals who have not even completed their basic education. However, everyone aspires for education regardless of his/her status in life and education is practically available to all.

Let me cite several great and influential individuals whom I personally know that despite of their greatness they still aspire for better education. If they cannot do it by themselves they do it for others whom they wanted to help.

(1) You may have heard of Manny Pacquiao who is a world famous boxing icon. Manny has not completed his secondary education but he is a billionaire. He is the second richest Senator of the Republic of the Philippines. Despite his riches and fame he still aspires to start and finish his college education. That is how education is important to him.

(2) Lucio Tan, one of the few business tycoons in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. He owns Philippine Airlines, Philippine National Bank and many other big corporations. He is already more than eighty – five years old now and had not finished his college education. Today, no educational institution would take the risk of admitting him in school due to his advanced age. Because he was aware of the importance of education, he purchased and acquired the University of the East, one of the biggest universities in the Philippines, that later conferred him the doctoral degree, Honoris Causa. He was also very generous to Central Philippine University and he was likewise conferred with the same honor.

(3) Another person who is probably known to you is Suan Nguyen who earns millions of US Dollars every year in the United States. He is Vietnamese who sought asylum from the United States of America during the Vietnam War. He will be spending Millions of US Dollars here in Vietnam by May next year by bringing not less than six thousand professionals and account executives who are working under him at World Financial Group. My wife and I will be joining him. He has neither Master’s nor Doctoral degree but he has the art of educating millions of people around the world in the handling of finances. Since he cannot be addressed as professor or doctor due to lack of qualification, he preferred to be addressed as coach.

(4) Many world famous basketball players who pursued their studies after they retired from basketball and graduated few days ago.

Education is different from riches. We may not have huge amount of money in the banks but we have enriched ourselves with knowledge, confidence, satisfaction and fulfillment that other powerful and influential individuals may not have.

Like many of you, I faced so many serious challenges before I completed my degrees. My parents cannot afford to send me to CPU for college education. I was granted a scholarship but I lost it during my first two semesters at CPU due to my inability to meet the grade requirement. The only remedy left for me in order to continue my studies and pursue my education is to join the College Volleyball Varsity Team. My focus and dedication in sports have provided me the opportunity to avail the free tuition and miscellaneous fees. It was so difficult for me to finish my degree with irregular schedule of classes due to my participation in the regional and national competitions.

A day after my graduation from college I was hired as an accounting clerk of National Food Authority not because of my academic performance and qualification but because of my ability to play and teach volleyball. What was important for me at that time was to earn income.

Knowing that I can do better in academics, if I put in sufficient time and focus on my studies, which I have not done in the past, I enrolled in the college of law of CPU. To earn sufficient income to provide financial support to my parents and myself, I worked with Pepsi – Cola as a full – time employee and studied law as a full – time student at the same time. There was no free time for me for the period of four years of my study of law.

During my first six months at Pepsi – Cola my immediate superior threatened to terminate my employment if I will continue my studies. My quick response when I was made to choose between working and studying was “I can find a better job and a considerate boss if I finish law and become a lawyer.” Divine intervention came when my immediate superior got terminated ahead of me and my new boss inspired me to finish my studies.

The second major challenge that I overcame was when my application for study leave for two (2) months to review and take the Bar Examinations was disapproved upon the instruction of the President of Pepsi – Cola due to the absence of a policy allowing such leave. My determination to become a lawyer was tested when the President instructed me to report to his office in Manila. During our meeting he asked me if I will still pursue my desire to review and take the bar examinations despite the disapproval of my leave application. I answered that I have sacrificed so much to finish law and I am still willing to sacrifice more to become a lawyer. He then told me that I have a new appointment and my assignment was in Manila and for the period of two months I will continue to receive my salary even if I will not report for work.

Out of nearly 3,000 who took the bar examinations in 1986, only 491 passed and I was one of them.

It was only when I became a lawyer that I was able to purchase my law books. I invested so much time and dedication in my private practice of law and my experience and exposures in law have provided me the opportunities to be associated with various public and private institutions. Had it not been for my desire to pursue my studies, I would not be here in front of you to congratulate you for the academic achievements that you have obtained.

The degree that will be conferred to you today will definitely enhance your opportunities for a better future, develop your inner satisfaction, increase your confidence and bring to you and your family the prestige that you all deserve. What you have achieved is not by mere chance or by coincidence but the product of hard work and dedication.

As you leave the hallowed walls of this institution, I congratulate you for all your achievement and wish you good luck in all your endeavors. God bless you!

Dr. Java awarded ‘Best in Oral Presentation’ in ACIAR 2017

By Keziah G. Huelar

Central Philippine University Margen Java
Dr. Margen A. Java with the panel of judges and co-presentors.

The Asian Society of Teachers for Research, Inc. awarded Dr. Margen A. Java, Director of the Office of Student Development Programs, ‘Best in Oral Presentation’ for her performance in presenting her research paper entitled: Impact Study on the Central Philippine University Integrated Outreach Activity during the Asian Conference on Institutional and Action Research 2017 held at the N-Hotel, Cagayan De Oro City on May 25-27, 2017.

Dr. Java’s study evaluated the impact of Central Philippine University outreach interventions and activities for Ilongbukid and adjacent communities in San Rafael, Iloilo. The findings of the study showed that respondents have high awareness of the CPU outreach activities but availment of the services was reportedly low since only households with children enrolled at Ilongbukid National High School were prioritized.

Central Philippine University Margen Java
Dr. Margen A. Java receives the “Best in Oral Presentation” certificate during the awarding ceremony.

Those who benefited from the outreach activities claimed definite satisfaction and considered the outreach activities to be important and had positive impact in their communities. Specifically, the residual earnings from the swine chain dispersal project helped financed the children’s education, contributed to house improvement, provided basic need, and increased household income. It is therefore recommended that the outreach activities be extended to other community residents for inclusive growth.

This year’s conference theme, Research Solutions to School Problems, focused on academic and community initiatives of combating school problems. Studies presented show that student performance is affected not only by factors inside the school but also of community and economic issues that go beyond academic solutions. The trend now is to address every sector as key areas of development if we want to produce globally competitive life-long learners.            

Pres. Robles speaks at Memorial Day celebration

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Central Philippine University Memorial Day
Dr. Robles delivers a Memorial Day Message.

The Philippine American Cemetery on Commission Civil St., Jaro, Iloilo City is a memorial of the Filipino-American friendship and cooperation. Founded on the legacy of freedom and love of country, the cemetery has become an inspiration of Filipinos and Americans, especially the war veterans and other people who sacrificed their lives so that others may live, shall be remembered in our country.

Central Philippine University Memorial Day
Philippine and American Flags are raised in observance of the Memorial Day.

May 29 is a Memorial Day that Americans in the United States and other parts of the world celebrate.  Many American veterans and missionaries have died in the Philippines – for the love of God and country.  Those who were buried in the Philippine American Cemetery include the founders of Central Philippine University. This is why every year during the Foundation Day celebration, CPU holds a memorial service in the Cemetery.

Central Philippine University Memorial Day
Mr. Somosierra introduces the guest speaker.

On Monday, May 29, 2017, a memorial service was organized by the Philippine American Cemetery Association. It was held at the Phil-Am Cemetery and was attended by Officers and Members of the Association, and other guests. Former University President and CPU Board of Trustees Member, Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, was seen with BOT Member Dr. Lejo C. Braña and former BOT Member Dr. Andresito Millamena.

Dr. R. Jonathan Quimpo, PACA President and Board Member, and Joshua Quimpo raised the flags of the Philippines and the United States in observance of the Memorial Day. The patriotic hymns were sang — The Star Spangled Banner and Lupang Hinirang for the United States and the Philippines, respectively. The Memorial Day Litany was read by Miss Zoe A. Escrupulo, PACA Board Member.

Central Philippine University Memorial Day
Tombs of  American and Filipino Veterans at the Phil-Am Cemetery.

Dr. Quimpo welcomed the guests and participants to the memorial service. Mrs. Zinnia A. Hormillosa, PACA Secretary read the brief history of the Philippine American Cemetery and was followed by Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, PACA Vice President and Board Member introducing the Guest Speaker, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.

In his inspirational message, Dr. Robles emphasized the importance of the Memorial Day for the United States and the Philippines. Filipino and U.S. veterans fought side by side for freedom during the war.  He gave insights on how Americans in the United States celebrate Memorial Day.

The Memorial Day according to Dr. Robles signals the start of summer in the United States; symbolized with people bringing wreaths, flowers and flags to the cemetery; watching a four-hour car racing in the ovals, popcorns, picnics and other activities. He also read an important tribute to the veterans.

A musical number was offered by Mr. Glenn Fernandez, Marvin Quimpo and Mr. Somosierra. Dr. Elvira C. Bernal, PACA Board Member made her Closing Remarks, before Pastor Rudy Bernal said the Closing Prayer and Benediction. A fellowship snacks followed at the PAC Pavillon.

IDP holds IELTS Examination in CPU

By Keziah G. Huelar

Central Philippine University IELTS
IELTS examinees listen as the proctor gives instruction.

Following its recent partnership with Central Philippine University, IDP held its first IELTS examination in Central Philippine University on May 25, 2017 at the Henry Luce III Library, 4th Floor Seminar Room.

According to Mr. JC Ebron, IDP Administrative Officer, most of the candidates took the exam for the purpose of working or studying abroad. “The IELTS examination tests the candidate’s English proficiency to make them eligible to work and study abroad.”

51 examinees took the test which included Filipino as well as foreign candidates. IELTS assess four language skills namely: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Candidates take the listening, reading and writing tests all on the same day and the speaking test on scheduled dates.

The IELTS is a high stakes English test for study, migration and work. The IELTS test is suitable for entry to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and also for professional registration purposes. It assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training in an environment where English is used, and reflects some of the features of the language used in the academic study.

Most people will take the IELTS to support their study and application to study overseas (www.ielts.org).

CPU Congratulates 32 New Centralian Teachers

 Central Philippine University LET Result

Central Philippine University congratulates 11 New Centralian Elementary Teachers and 21 New Centralian Secondary Teachers for successfully passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers on March 26, 2017. CPU garnered a passing percentage of 34.38% and a national percentage of 10.39% in the elementary level. In the secondary level, the CPU passing rate is 56.67% while the national passing rate is 25.46%.

53, 915 examinees took the March 26, 2017 elementary Licensure Examination for Teachers, 5,600 or 10.39% of them passed. On the other hand out of the 72, 584 examinees in the secondary level, 18, 482 or 25.46% passed.

CPU hails 8 New Centralian Accountants

Central Philippine University CPA Results

3,389 out of the 9,645 examinees passed the passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination held in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi and Tacloban on May 2017.

In the said examination, 8 Centralians successfully passed. The university got a 47.06% passing percentage while the national passing percentage is 35.14%.

CPU holds Summer Musicale 2017

By Keziah G. Huelar

Central Philippine University Summer Musicale
Passion for music – Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista, director of the CPU Symphonic Band conducting Imperial March by John Williams.

An afternoon of dance and music – CPU held a free summer musicale featuring the CPU Symphonic Band at the Performance Hall, Fine Arts Building on May 26, 2017.

For the first part of the program, Centralians and guests were treated to a showcase of musical talent as the CPU Symphonic Band conducted by Mr. Ascension O. Bautista performed The Prayer, William Tell’s Overture, patriotic hymns such as Bayan Ko and Pilipinas Kong Mahal, folk music such as Aros de Flor, Stars and Stripes Forever and Aida Grand March by Guiseppe Verdi.

Central Philippine University Summer Musicale
Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista leads the CPU Symphonic Band.

A song number was then given by CPU Elementary School students and a guitar number by CPU faculty Engr. Barry Jone Matutina.

On the second part of the program, the CPU Symphonic Band played Earth Wind and Fire, Isa Pa Nga Cha Cha, Movie themes of Jaws, Star Wars, and others composed by John Williams, Narda by Kamikaze, What Makes You Beautiful, Kumukutikutitap. For the finale, the group performed Final Countdown.

Central Philippine University Summer Musicale
Centralians and guests were given a musical treat.

For the closing remarks, Mrs. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator of the College of Theology Music Department and Director of the Cultural Affairs thanked everyone who attended the program. “The band keeps on improving every year. They have performances here and outside CPU. To the proud parents and guardians, thank you for your support. The CPU Symphonic Band is looking forward to more exposures and invites.”

Certificates and tokens of appreciation were given to guest performers while training certificates were given to members of the CPU Symphonic Band.

The event is made possible through the efforts of Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista, director, conductor and arranger of the CPU Symphonic Band, Mrs. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator of the College of Theology Music Department and Director of the Cultural Affairs Office, and Dr. Bernabe Pagara, Dean, College of Theology.

A few ounces of prevention

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Even as I prepare for a longer vacation (which I haven’t availed in the immediate past 2 years), I am saving some ounces of prevention in view of health. I would like to share this also to my dear friends in and out of the University. We can count the number of those who left for the afterlife earlier, or lately due to cancer, cardiac arrest and COPD (the big c’s). They are mostly caused by smoke and pollution. I adhere to the anti-smoking ordinance and advocate a no-smoking lifestyle – so to speak. I am so thankful for the social and spiritual strings of friends and advocates who helped me to stop smoking.

One of the preventive measures I can share is that we should stay away or avoid people who are smoking; eventually we can wear a mask in order to prevent smoke, dust or pollution around us, particularly when travelling with unrestricted people. To those who are yet to bend for curiosity, I suggest never to start lighting a stick of cigarette, or if you’re addicted to it, any time is not too late to stop.

The next concern while travelling is the heat that seems to burn everyone unless we take precautions. To prevent direct heat we need to wear headgears. Caps will cover the face and neck; any light, long sleeves wear that can cover the arms will be good.

Another thing to be aware of and be given attention is our belongings. To the uninitiated, never leave your things unattended. It is always announced in public places — even in malls, banks and elsewhere. Keep an eye on your things while posing or taking a picture. We should be conscious about snatchers on our way to our destinations.

What to eat and drink is the least of our concerns – try the local delicacies and be open to new tastes. Anyway, bring along biscuits, nuts and dry finger foods. They are not heavy in the stomach and are not to cause inconvenient bowel movement.

For all intentions to go on a trip, do not worry about the destination. It’s exciting when things are surprising. Here are two principles on travel: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu; “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going” – Schuller.

Alright amigo, happy trip!