CPU prepares for 2018 COE and COD Evaluation
William O. Valentine Building houses the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences.
With the aim of establishing Central Philippine University as a premier academic institution, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs under the leadership of Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio is preparing the University for the 2018 Center of Excellence and Center of Development evaluation.
CPU’s academic programs namely: the Bachelor in Science Biology, Mass Communications, Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management have complied with the basic COD and COE requirement, hence are eligible to apply for recognition in 2018.
According to Dr. Rio, the current goal of his office is to see what programs are qualified for the COE and COD evaluation. “Right now, we are looking at what programs can be qualified in the evaluation. We have six programs right now that are recognized by CHED as Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development and we look forward to add more to the list.”
In 2016, the Commission on Higher Education designated 4 academic programs of Central Philippine University as Centers of Development and two academic programs as Centers of Excellence as announced by CHEDRO VI Memorandum No. 001, Series of 2016.
The academic programs namely: Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering and Teachers Education were hailed Centers of Development for its innovative academic and research output, updated alumni profile and active alumni programs and strong national extension and linkages.
On the other hand, Agriculture and Business Administration of the College of Agriculture Resources and Environmental Sciences and College of Business and Management garnered the title of Center of Excellence for being a model institution in instruction, teaching-learning innovation, research, and extension and for conducting policy research for the academe, communication media industry, government, and civil society.
CHED gives such distinction to academic institutions that pursue curriculums that are at par with ASEAN and international benchmarks and standards and enhance the quality of instruction through faculty development and upgrading of facilities, equipment, and library holdings.
The procedure for selection includes application, initial paper evaluation, ocular inspection and identification. COEs and CODs may request for funding and nonmonetary subsidies of: institutional funding for program evaluation, capacity building, curricular benchmarking, extension and linkages, upgrading of facilities, equipment and library collection and instructional materials development, individual funding for faculty and development grants, training fellowships and other forms of funding. They will also be given priority as CHED institutional partners for CHED developmental projects.
At present, the Office of VPAA is helping the different colleges in preparing their academic programs for the 2018 evaluation. “We want to help the colleges know what areas they need to improve on and what requirements they still need to comply. We have so much yet to do, but hopefully we can prepare just in time.”
CPU holds 10th Genaro “Totik” Diesto, Jr. Memorial Lectures
Mrs. Evangelica Diesto Padernilla reads a poem about Totik Diesto from Mrs. Omega Diesto Moore.
Remembering the legacy of Genaro “Totik” Diesto, Jr. – with the aim of sharing the life, love and works of Rev. Diesto, Central Philippine University held the 10th Genaro “Totik” Diesto, Jr. Memorial Lectures at the Educational Media Center on June 29-30, 2017.
Mrs. Jean Te Diesto, the wife of Dr. “Totik” Diesto thanks the Centralian community for remembering her husband.
For the welcome remarks, Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean, College of Theology acknowledged the participants in the event. He also reflected on the life of the late Rev. “Totik” Diesto stating that his passion and vision in enlightening others through discussion and meditation of the word has made an impact not only to the Centralian community but also beyond its borders.
Rev. Dr. Limuel Equina Executive director of ATESEA delivers a paper entitled “From Captivity to Contexuality: Revisiting Totik Diesto’s Theological Construction”
After which, Mrs. Jean Te Diesto, the wife of Dr. “Totik” Diesto, thanked CPU for always remembering “Totik” a true-blooded Centralian who finished his elementary, high school and college education at CPIU. She shared her memories with her husband and their children. They have three children namely Chaim, Asher and Iana.
Bishop Edgardo T. Espinosa, the Senior Pastor of the Solid Rock Baptist Church, talks about the challenges of the pastoral ministry in the Philippine setting.
Prof. Evangelica D. Padernilla, member of the CPU Corporation read a poem about the late Rev. Dr. Genaro “Totik” Diesto Jr. written by Mrs. Omega Diesto-Moore. Both are sisters of “Totik.” The poem talks about the love of a sister for her brother. Written in the days when Dr. Diesto was poor at health, the poem tells a story of a younger Diesto who was on fire with life. His imprisonment during the Martial Law years opened his eyes that made him eventually commit himself to the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. It can be recalled that “Totik” was actively involved in the CPU Republic and became an activists during the Martial Law years while enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science. It was his imprisonment that led him to commit himself in full-time ministry. He enrolled at the CPU College of Theology and graduated cum laude in his Bachelor of Divinity. Mrs. Padernilla also shared the meaning of the word “Totik” – it is a combination of “Toto” a word of endearment to Ilonggo sons, and “Diutik” which means small.
Dr. Emilito A. Yango, talks about decolonizing the colonial mentality of Filipinos.
The first speaker for the seminar was Rev. Dr. Limuel R. Equiña, Executive Director of the Association of Theological Education in South East Asia. Rev. Dr. Equiña’s topic “From Captivity to Contextuality: Revisiting Totik Diesto’s Theological Construction” talked about constructing a contextually relevant to Filipino theology. According to him, the relationship between the seminary and the church must be inseparable and indissoluble in doing contextualization. “The church must provide context and the resources for academic reflections. The seminary and the church must generate a synergy for a contextualized theological education and mission.” He also stated that the goal of late “Totik” Diesto was to “Construct a Contextually Relevant Filipino Theology.” “Totik” Diesto earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Inter-cultural Studies at the School of World Mission, Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California where he was given the Contextualization Award for his excellent dissertation.
Rev Dr. Wati Aier, one of the lecturers of the Totik Diesto Memorial Lecture is the Convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and recipient of Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award in 2010, an award previously given to President Jimmy Carter.
For the second lecture, Bishop Edgardo T. Espinosa shared about “The Challenges of Pastoral Ministry in the Philippine Context.” His topic focused on the tasks and responsibilities of being a pastor in the Philippine setting. He shares that there are different areas of challenges, all of which can be converted into strength once one finds balance and putting Christ in the center of ministry work. He also mentioned that one should always be aware of the culture in dealing with the challenges.
CPBC General Sectary Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso asks a question on how to decolonize the colonial mentality.
Dr. Emilito A. Yangco or “Emo” as he is fondly called was the third speaker. He talked about the topic “Towards Decolonizing Colonial Mentality.” His talk aimed at the realization that our Christian faith must be branded with our own identity as Filipinos. According to him, colonial mentality has affected the way we see faith because we have given it a Western and colonial standard. It must be embraced with our strength anchored on our unique identity as Filipinos. In doing so, one needs to decolonize the colonial mentality – meaning, to do away with the mentality that Westerners are superior and Filipinos are inferior.
The four lecturers (from left to right: Dr. Emelito A. Yango, Bishop Edgardo T. Espinosa, Dr. Limuel R. Equiña and Dr. Wati Aier) answer questions from the participants.
The fourth and fifth lectures were given by Dr. Wati Aier. Dr. Aier was the classmate of “Totik” in Fuller Theological Seminary and the Best Man of “Totik” and Jean in their wedding. He is from Nagaland, India. His topics were “Prophetic Imagination in Ministry” and “The Romance of Contextualization.” He said that we need to be like the prophets who were “troublemakers” in the right way. He cited the movement of the radical Baptists in the 16th century that was part of the Protestant movement. He also emphatically reminded everyone that “sitting is a crime.” According to him the need of foresight and revelation is important for any ministry to move forward. Ministries will grow if there is something to look forward to and to work on, the future helps the present persevere. Prophets imagine the future and they start the work of realizing that imagination in the present.
His second lecture revolved using contextualization as a way of doing theology in order to have a deeper understanding and reflection of the Christian faith. He cited the works of two Centralians Rev. Dr. Johnny V. Gumban, and Rev. Dr. Domingo J. Diel, Jr. who have great contributions in the development of an Asian theology. He also quoted Bishop Emerito Nacpil, the Filipino theologian who developed “The Critical Asian Principle” of doing theology.
Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean of the CPU College of Theology, acknowledges the participants of the annual memorial lecture in honor of Dr. Genaro Diesto.
For the Dialogue Panel, delegates asked the panel of speakers regarding practical applications of the lecture to their respective churches. Questions regarding the role of the church in the political, social and economic sector, pluralism, theological hermeneutics and contextualization challenges were also addressed.
The pastors of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches pose with the lecturers and organizers of the 10th Dr. Genaro Totik Diesto Jr. Memorial Lecture.
Ending the panel discussion, Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes, faculty and staff of the CPU College of Theology posed a question to the participants encouraging them to ask themselves how they will the things they learned in lecture-seminar help their church grow and to address their own respective challenges.
Preparations for the 1st Sem CEW are underway
The Rose Memorial Auditorium is one of the venues of the Christ Emphasis Week.
The University Church (UC) pastoral staff headed by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian is leading the preparation for the 1st Semester’s Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) on August 11 to 18, 2017. The week-long convocations will have a Theme of “ROOTS” based on Acts 17:28 that says “‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’”
The Faculty and Staff convocation is on August 11 at the University Church. Next day will be the convocation for the NSTP. On August 14 to 18 there will be a High School convocation every morning then followed by 3 simultaneous convocations by the college students including the Senior High School in 3 venues – Rose Memorial Auditorium, EMC Conference Room and the University Church. In the afternoon is the Elementary convocation and followed again by 3 simultaneous convocations of the college students. There will be special convocations for the Kindergarten, College of Law and College of Medicine.
The speakers for the 1st Semester CEW are from the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains. The leader of the group is Rev. Steve Van Ostran, their Regional Executive Minister. The American Baptist Churches is the organization that sent the missionaries to the Philippines in 1900. They established churches (Jaro Evangelical Church as the first), hospitals (Iloilo Mission Hospital and Capiz Emmanuel Hospital) and schools (Jaro Industrial School, now CPU and Filamer).
The UC Pastoral Staff is composed of Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Rev. Samuel Escobin, Rev. Roger Quimpo, Rev. Ruth Lunasco and Pastor Mary Grace Labis. The Chaplain’s Office is now merged with the University Church.
Dr. Carmen Pama Santos donates a covered gym to CPU
Perspective of the CPU Elementary Covered Gym donated by Dr. Carmen P. Santos.
The CPU Elementary Department has been dreaming of having a covered gym. This dream is now becoming a reality as Dr. Carmen Pama Santos donated an amount for the construction of a covered gym.
The construction of the 936 Square-Meter area covered gym started in the middle of April 2017. According to Engr. Noel Tablason, the Construction Manager, the budget for the covered gym is 9 million pesos. He also added that the construction progress is on target to be completed on September 2017 in time for the University Day activities. The construction includes the renovation and modification of the current multipurpose stage.
Those who pass through Gate 6 can see the construction of the Elementary covered gym.
Mrs. Carmen P. Santos has been a generous donor to CPU throughout the years. Her family donated the Santos Park in front of the Johnson Hall, an area where students gather to study and have fellowship.
The progress of the construction of the covered gym.
Dr. Santos received the B.S.E. major in Mathematics, summa cum laude, from CPU in 1963 and two years later the M.A. major in English. Later, on October 15, 2006, CPU conferred a Doctor of Humanities honoris causa degree to Dr. Santos.
The open quarangle is where the Elementary covered gym is now being constructed.
It can be recalled that she joined the CPU faculty for ten years, and then became Principal of Iloilo Central Commercial High School for many years. She is a leading business figure in Iloilo, especially in the petroleum business.
Honor students pose with their benefactor Dr. Carmen P. Santos.
Her commitment to Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL) is demonstrated by her serving in the CPU Corporation, Board of the CPU Alumni Association, and president of the Alumni of the College of Education (ACE).
CPUAA of Southern California Launches Endowment Fund
(L-R) Helen Bolanos Lebiga, Larry Lebiga, President Teodoro C. Robles, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia and Dr. Margen A. Java.
The CPU Alumni Association of Southern California (CPUAASC) chapter, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. has recently launched its grants-in-aid and recognition award endowment fund at CPU for the SY 2017 – 2018. The endowment was funded with an initial donation to CPU of U.S. $32,000.00 or PHP 1.5 million in furtherance of its Sow-A-Seed campaign.
Mr. Hilario “Larry” Lebiga, C.P.A. (BSC Cum Laude ’77), CPUAASC Endowment Committee chairman and his wife, Mrs. Helen Bolanos Lebiga (AB English ’77), CPUAASC Endowment Committee member, visited CPU on April 28 and met with President Teodoro C. Robles, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, VP Finance and Administration and Dr. Margen A. Java, Director, Student Development and Programs to discuss and formalize the guidelines of the endowment fund.
Larry Lebiga is the immediate past president of the CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Associations (CPUFOAA) and past president of CPUAASC. Helen Lebiga was the Steering Committee chairperson of the successful 9th CPU Alumni Global Reunion held last year in Long Beach, California. The other members of the CPUAASC Endowment Committee are Ms. Phoebe Nichols Maravilla, Ms. Arlene Tupaz Poblador, CPUAASC president and Engr. Evan Caipang, CPUAASC vice president.
DOT Seoul Office visits CPU
A courtesy call with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
With the aim of orienting Korean students with the Philippine ESL (English as Second Language) Programs, the Department of Tourism Seoul Office together with eight Korean universities visited Central Philippine University for a familiarization tour on June 24, 2017.
As part of their itinerary, representatives from Korea University of Media Arts, Honam Universuity, Sahmyook University, Baeseok University, Daejeon Theological University, Dongguk Univeristy, Korea Baptist Theological University and Gyeongbuk College of Health had a courtesy call with CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia at the Administration Conference Room.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU International Programs Office-in-Charge, Prof. Anna May Y. Zerrudo together with the representatives of the Korean universities.
For his welcome remarks, Dr. Robles talked about CPU’s partnership with a number of Korean universities. He also mentioned that CPU has been producing foreign student graduates throughout the years. “CPU has been partnering with Korean universities throughout the years. In fact two of our faculty members are in Korea University for Media Arts teaching English. A lot of Koreans and Chinese come here to study English.”
Filipino-Korean friendship, Dr. Robles asks Korean students about their respective universities in Korea.
It can be recalled that Prof. Kay Arden Q. Gallo, faculty of the College of Arts and Science and Prof. Carmelle Frances M. Romero, Executive Secretary to the President were sent under the faculty exchange program with KUMA that will last from April 2017 to February 2018.
They were shown a video presentation about Central Philippine University, after which Prof. Anna May Yap-Zerrudo, Officer-in-Charge of the CPU International Programs talked about the English programs offered in the university. Prof. Zerrudo also mentioned that CPU is now a partner of IDP in hosting IELTS examination.
The Department of Tourism Seoul Officer is organizing a familiarization tours in Cebu and Iloilo to encourage Korean and Philippine academic partnerships. The tour in partnership with Metro Korea Language Training Center, Inc. is an opportunity for networking and updating ESL Programs.
Grade 8 Centralian gets a slot in the Philippine National Football Team
The U15 Philippine Football team poses with the CPU Junior High School Footbal team.
On July 9-22, 2017 the U15 Philippine National Football team will compete against teams in the South East Asian region in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) CUP in Chonburi, Thailand. The Centralian community is proud that one of the three Ilonggo players in the national team is a Grade 8 Junior High School student of Central Philippine University — James Tuazon.
James Tuazon, a thirteen-year old native of Brgy. Jalaud, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo got the nod of the national coach, Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong. The U15 (Under 15) national team is mentored by the former Azkal skipper who is an Ilonggo from Barotac Nuevo.
James Tuazon, a CPU Golden Lions player, is now part of the U15 Philippine Football team.
Tuazon started playing football at the age of seven. He received numerous recognitions such as Best Midfielder, Best Defender and Best Striker in the various tournaments that he joined. Football also brought him to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. When asked about his experience in his training, Tuazon happily answered, “I have a very good experience as part of the national team. The training did not only develop my skills in football but our coaches also taught us to develop our attitude.”
His message for the young athletes is to follow their dreams and do not forget to study. He is also passionate and a voracious learner. “Football is my passion, and I love to watch videos about football” he added. U15 Head Coach Chieffy Caligdong was amazed with the skills and attitude of Tuazon on and off the pitch. Caligdong scouted Tuazon during the Philippine Football Federation Festival of Football (FOF) in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental last March 2017.
Coach Chieffy Caligdong congratulates James Tuazon after scoring a goal.
In a friendly match last June 27, 2017 at the Iloilo Sports Complex between CPU Junior High School football team, Tuazon struck two goals for the national squad on the 65th and 72nd minutes. But the CPU Golden Lions, coached by Engr. Marc Hermel G. Agriam, managed to level the score courtesy of Hanns Soldevilla and Jil Sander Pillora on the 75th and 76th minutes respectively. Coach Agriam praised the effort of his players considering that they have a tied game against the national team. The parents of the CPU Golden Lions team were joyful of the outcome of the game.
The U15 Philippine team is in Iloilo for a month-long training camp.
The Duet of Life and Music
By Keziah G. Huelar
Chris John entertained ASEAN guest during the 29th SSEAYP International General Assembly held at the CPU Rose Memorial Hall.
After two deep breaths, Chris walks towards the center stage. He pauses, skims the crowd and finally lifts up his violin – his music fills the Rose Memorial Hall, background lights of blue and green entwine as he plays music that entrances the soul and captures the senses.
Chris John de Guzman was born to a family of medical practitioners. With both his parents as doctors, one might expect that his journey would lead him to the world of human anatomy and lab coats, however the beat of his heart was in sync with a different passion.
Chris learned to play the violin when he was 10 years old. It was a start of a lasting affair with music. “I took violin lessons at Iloilo Baptist Church with my friends. There was something about playing the violin that made me feel free. It is my form of self-expression. I believe that my skill and passion in playing the violin is a gift from God.”
With persistence and motivation, Chris became the only student in his batch to continue training. His teachers saw his potential and endorsed him to be mentored by the great Ilonggo violinist Gil Lopez Kabayao.
His experience with the great violinist honed his skills to greater heights, his passion was refined with discipline and fervor. “For four years I trained under the guidance of Mr. Gil Lopez Kabayao. It was truly an honor to be mentored by him. At first I was intimidated because he’s well known as a musician but within a couple of training sessions with him I became at ease.”
Because of his finesse and skill, Chris has performed in various musical events. His talent was also recognized by the global community as he hold three titles of winning gold for playing the violin in the International Student Convention.
After graduating from high school as class valedictorian, Chris was offered music scholarships to study abroad however due to health reasons, he stayed in Iloilo. “I dont believe that me not being able to study abroad is a lost opportunity. I believe in God’s plan and his purpose”.
For his college education, Chris considered a lot of things – eventually it was his passion of bringing out the best in others that made him realize that he wanted to be a teacher. “My parents own a school, and for a year or so, I volunteered as a teacher. There, I realized that I enjoy assisting students and helping them learn. Music is definitely a part of me but teaching is what I want to do.”
Because of this, Chris studied at Central Philippine and took up Bachelor of Science in Special Education. When asked why he particularly chose CPU for his tertiary education, Chris shares that it was the Centralian spirit of faith that made him fall in love with the university. “CPU is known not only for the quality education it offers, but it is more popular for being a Christian university that centers to develop not only skill but knowledge as well.”
Being part of the Centralian community, Chris has been perfoming for almost every Centralian event. His latest performance was in Pasidungog 2017, a tribute to the graduating class. For Chris, every performance is a memorbale event of service to the Centralian community and showcasing his talent for the glory of God. “I believe that I was born to play the violin. This is my God-given talent and I will use this to serve others, for them also to appreciate music.”
When asked what advice Chris would have for young people who also dream of becoming like him, Chris shares that it is hard work and determination that will make them harness their passions in pursuit of excellence. “They should work hard, and be disciplined. Constant practice is necessary and most of all they have to love what they are doing and do it all for the glory of God.” After college, Chris plans to take up Music Theraphy and use his skills in both education and music to help specially-abled children in Iloilo.
CBA welcomes its students
The organizers of the CBA Ice Cream Party.
The College of Business and Accountancy students and faculty enjoyed a “chill out” Ice Cream Party at the Alumni Concert Promenade Park last Friday, June 23, 2017, from 1PM to 6:30PM. The fellowship also served as an orientation. It was organized by the CBA-CPUR Student Council. According to one of its officers, Brandon Gelito, it was the first ever Ice Cream Party to be held by the College. Its main objective was to gather the students and give them motivational messages from the Dean and some of the faculty members.