CPU conducts two seminars on search and rescue, and basic life support
CPU faculty and staff simulating a rescue.
35 CPU personnel and 2 Red Cross Youth graduated from a 3-day Light Search and Rescue Training Seminar last March 24 to 26 held at the Knowledge for Development Center. It was an intensive training that included recognizing basic building structures, basic life support (distinguishing respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest, how to do CPR), hailing search and rescue method, navigational search, perimeter search, simulated earthquake rescue from a collapsed building, and on using various search and rescue apparatuses.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, with Rev. Howard Joniel H. Gico Vice President for Student Affairs and Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Administration and Finance presents Certificate of Appreciation to Jojee Roy Juarez.
This training was made possible by the CPU Administration through the Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCEC), and the Doctor of Management Class (Seminar 900) under Dr. Anita U. Illenberger.
The Training Director was Mr. Jojee Roy T. Juarez from the Red Cross. The lecturers and trainers were from the Red Cross, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
CPU faculty and staff finally completed their LSAR training and seminar.
In their Closing Ceremony and Graduation last March 29, 2017, 6pm at the Educational Media Center, Dr. Florence Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chair of the Disaster Committee thanked the openness of CPU personnel to be trained, and their commitment to respond to any disaster that may befall the campus. The personnel are from the Grounds Upkeep Maintenance Department, Building Upkeep Maintenance Department, and Facilities Maintenance Services Department.
Alert and Active – Iloilo Red Cross orients CPU faculty and staff on responding to an earthquake.
As a response, Mr. Prim Vergara III, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, testified that “CPU has produced a new breed of personnel. They are not just normal personnel from the Grounds, Buildings and Facilities but they are now life savers.”
Furthermore, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles said that after he saw the pictures of the difficult exercises that the personnel has undergone, he is now confident that our personnel can readily respond to any accident or disaster that may happen in the campus or in the community outside the campus.
CPU faculty and staff learn how to properly perform CPR.
On March 31, 2017, CPU RCEC in partnership with Philippine Red Cross and in cooperation with Doctor of Management Class (Seminar 900) held a seminar to 17 CPU personnel entitled “Basic Life Support with Automated External Defibrillator” at the KDC, Henry Luce III Library.
This training is a response from a letter of a Centralian nurse, Mrs. Luz Evelyn Buensuceso, whose husband suffered a cardiac arrest while playing tennis at the CPU Tennis Court. She wrote the administration that she desires that CPU personnel will have adequate knowledge and skills in responding to emergency cases inside the campus.
Participants practicing search and rescue at the CPU Prayer Garden.
Dr. Anita U. Illenberger, the teacher of the organizers, thanked that Philippine Red Cross, which she considers her “most admired organization” for the ready help that they always provide. She reiterated that the purpose of the seminar is three-fold: transfer of knowledge, learning skills, and developing commitment.
The resource speakers from the Philippine Red Cross – Mr. Vicente S. Molina RN, and Ms. Krizyll Rianne G. Cerbas, Safety Services Instructor trained the participants on how to use the life-saving equipment, how to apply first aid, and how to do mouth to mouth resuscitation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
CPU CAO spearheads 2nd Centralian Artworks
With the aim of showcasing Centralian artists and promoting art as a medium of expression in the Centralian community, the Central Philippine University Cultural Affairs Office held the 2nd Centralian Artworks at the Alumni Promenade Park on March 28-29, 2017. The event showed artworks from Centralian students, faculty and staff. Paintings, digital art, art installations and sculptures were featured in the exhibit.
Mr. Efraim Alfaras showing CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, the outputs of his Packaging Engineering students.
One of the artists featured in the said event is Mr. Efraim Alfaras. In 1993, he finished Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English here at CPU and pursued his Bachelor of Laws at U.I. PHINMA. He is currently the Senior Graphics Artist of the CPU Press and a Professor of Packaging Graphics and Design and Packaging Printing in the CPU College of Engineering. Last year, he was given national certification on Virtual Graphics Designs NC3 by TESDA.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles admiring an artwork.
Alfaras’ works feature the lush scenery of the Guimaras ocean flora and fauna. Growing up in the shores of the humble province he learned to appreciate sea – its importance as a means of livelihood and as a breathtaking subject of art. “In grade school, I believed that I was good at art but my teacher believed otherwise. One day while helping my grandfather in our coconut a tarantula bit my right hand. My parents told me that I couldn’t anymore take the exam. That would mean repeating 4th grade again, it was then that I started using my left hand for writing and drawing. It was then I realized that I was left handed all along.”
Pixel and Paint showcases BS DMIE students+ sculpture and outputs.
After the discovery, Alfaras represented his school in various art competitions which further developed his skills. His artistry has developed throughout the years, exploring unconventional mediums and styles that established his identity as an artist. “So many artists are doing the same thing. I try to mix the conventional with the traditional, I explore as I go by doing my art works. Every work of mine has its own story. The story of the fish in the seas of Guimaras who are nomads in their own homes is the story I want to tell.”
His works depict the current state of the Guimaras sea, where the need to conserve and protect the waters and its inhabitants are highly emphasized. “My artworks often depict my childhood, my experiences in the shores and waters of the Guimaras with my friends and family.”
Creativity and innovation coincide in Pixel and Paint Artwork Exhibit.
For Alfaras’ the greatest fulfillment of an artist is to be able to put on canvass what it is in your mind. “When I became the Senior Graphics Artist of the CPU Press, I was exposed to the beauty of digital art. I see digital art as a soul that needs a body and as an artist I have the task of making a body for that soul – art that people can touch and feel.”
Innovation according to Alfaras’ is crucial to the life of an artist. “Every time I make new art, I discover something new. Art has taught me to be resilient in changing times – to be optimistic. The way we see things determines who we are.”
Alfaras’ encourages young artists to be true to themselves if they want their passion for art to grow. “If you are an artist wherever you are placed your artistry will show. It is important to be honest with yourself, with what you love doing – so that your art will be able to find its purpose.”
Art: an inspiration to achieve
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The author with his acrylic work “Surge”. A comeback after a long engagement with digital art.
It’s time we have all kinds of art that everyone wants to view. That is, all kinds of art in different media collected in one event. Central Philippine University’s Centralian Artworks Exhibit on March 28 to 29 at the CPU Promenade and Concert Park is just that. All Centralian Artists and enthusiasts brought their artworks of different media to the exhibits in just a short notice. Oil, pastel, acrylics, water color (`been there, done that’); we have mixed media and installation art. What else is new?
There exists a Digital Artists Club at Central that has been doing their art on their own. But at this time, with their so many outputs to brag about – we can rightly lay claim to having more exciting artworks hanged in the exhibits. Digital art was the new thing that we had at the Centralian Artworks Exhibits (Thanks to Prof. Christa Huyong and the rest who have made the 2nd CPU-CAE a success).
Now it has become a conclusion that so many artists and talented people thrive in the campus. Because of this, we look forward to a bigger exhibit and possible artwork competition next year. In essence, art makes everybody happy; it takes boredom from students, faculty and staff. Art is one big reason why the University continues to grow and excel. Many different cultural competitions participated by Centralians have undeniably brought CPU to certain pedestals of art.
Art is one facet of life that makes it inspiring for people to achieve. This is one reason that made the University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles to comment and persuade us that “an inter-school artworks competition is possible.” Many students, faculty and staff of other schools of Iloilo City would surely be eager to participate.
Let us continue to support the annual event as we also try to develop ourselves artistically. God bless!
CPU Alumni tops Iloilo Golf and Country Club BOD Election
CPU College of Agriculture alumnus, Edgar G. Jarantilla ranked no. 1 in the Board of Directors Election of the Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo City on March 19, 2017. Jarantilla is currently the President of the CPU Alumni Golfers Association.
Mr. Edgar G. Jarantilla (third from left) ranked no. 1 in the Iloilo Golf and Country Club Board of Directors election.Photo Credit: Mr. Isagani Jalbuena
Other Centralian alumni who were also elected are: Erwin Plagata and Isagani Jalbuena.
The CPU Alumni Golfers Association was organized in 2001 with Dr. Glenn A.M. Catedral as its first President and affiliated with CPUAAI as a special alumni chapter. The CPUAGA has been conducting Alumni Golf Tournaments for the benefit and support of CPU projects. This is a much awaited event organized yearly by golf enthusiasts from CPU. It can be recalled that Mr. Anatalio Viray “The Grand Old Man of CPU” was Manager of the Iloilo Golf and Country Club before.
Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Sta. Barbara is the oldest golf course in the Philippines.
College of Engineering conducts workshop seminar for CPU SHS
With the aim of inspiring Centralian junior high school students to pursue a career in Engineering, the student organizations under the CPU College of Engineering conducted seminar lectures and workshops at the CPU SHS Building on March 28, 2017.
Student-lecturers from the CPU College of Engineering mentors CPU Senior High students during the workshop.
Members of the CPU Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers, Philippine Society of Software Engineers, Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, and Institute of Electronics and Communications Engineers of the Philippines lectured about the importance of engineering in developing and strengthening the community. They also taught basic software programming and mentored the students during the coding workshop.
CPU Senior High School students learned about the basics of software programming and its importance to globalization.
According to Engr. Gelvie Lagos, the goal of the activity is not only to promote the courses offered by the CPU College of Engineering but also to see potential talents who can represent the university in engineering and robotic summits. “We want to sell and promote the College of Engineering. Our workshops will help high school students develop an interest in taking up engineering in the future and we also want to see talents who could represent the university in robotics, technological fairs and other contests.”
Bernard Ceasar P. Susbilla, a 4th year Electronics and Communication Engineering student who was part of the organizing committee shared that the students were very participative during the lecture. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of this event. It’s a nice experience to be the one teaching the lessons you learned inside the classroom.”
On the other hand, Carl Daeben G. Dumala-og, a STEM 3 Senior High student said that he enjoyed the lecture workshop. “I discovered new things and ideas about electronics. I enjoyed the workshop part. In the future, taking up engineering is part of my plan.”
Dream, Believe, Connect
The future is bright for the Junior High School and the Senior High School of Central Philippine University. In fact, they are assured of what job they are going to land after they graduate; their skills will be exactly matched with jobs prepared for them by participating companies in a Memorandum of Agreement signed by and between DBC Dream Believe Connect, Inc. , and Central Philippine University on March 27, 2017 at the CPU Administration Conference Room.
CPU hopes that its partnership with DBC will strenghten academic to employment programs.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and DBC President Allenson Tan led the MOA signing. It was witnessed by DBC Program Director Aulyn Yuen Sin, with CPU Senior High School Director Edgar Eriman and Prof. Janet S. Jalbuena, Principal of CPU Junior High School. Job Placement Officer Ms. Rhouella Cheyanne Aberia also signed as witness.
The program objectives are mainly for the benefit of the future employees:
1. To help students get acquainted with the work after they graduate from college.
2. To expose the students to actual jobs in participating companies. The exposure shall help them get the right track/stem to avoid job mismatch later on.
On the Job Training (OJT) Immersion for Senior High School, and Company exposure on work for Junior High school will be available to students selected by ADB and Central Philippine University./CAN
The Muse of the Byline
The empty paper is her stage. Pillars of ink pouring out on a white canvass, creating words that paint infinite pictures and superlatives, hope gushes out like a fountain on gasping paper that is finally brought to life – a woman who can create life through ink is powerful.
A writer always lives a life of adventure – Edel enjoying the South African vista.
Such is the woman behind the byline, Edel Carmela E. Subong-Cscoka. Growing up in home with a deep appreciation for reading, she learned to love writing at a very early age. “It started with me seeing my mother, who’s a journalist, with her writing jobs and student papers to check on her table when I was barely three. I would be sitting on the floor next to her desk and doodle something. I thought imitating her was fun. Until I was writing unrelated sentences or phrases and eventually had to go to Creative Writing courses during summer. And well, being exposed to books since I was a baby, I think, contributed to why I wanted to write.”
Edel now lives in Johannesburg, South Africa with her husband Imre and daughter Lily Liv.
Edel grew up with an eclectic taste when it comes to books, she read any book which she could lay her hands on, but her heart would always go back to the mysteries of Khalil Gibran, magic realism of Nick Joaquin, poetries of Pablo Neruda, and the works of Thomas Hardy, F. Sionil Jose, Michael Connely. And yes, even the cheesy novels of Nicholas Sparks. She read any book which she could lay her hands on.
Seeing her strong interest in literature and her potential in writing, Edel’s mother sent her to writing classes. “We had summers when she would give me a vocabulary and spelling book then check my answers to the exercises on a weekly basis. But it was never a burden. To me, it was all play. So, she actually encouraged the writing interest without pressure.”
In 2001, She eventually took up Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Central Philippine University, Edel shares that it was the stories and testimonies she heard about the Central Spirit that made her choose CPU. “I fell in love with CPU even before I was able to decide what particular degree to pursue. My mother and her two sisters are also Centralians, most of our relatives are. I know this sounds too cliché but truly, CPU has that Spirit that one couldn’t just ignore. That kind of Spirit that’s passed on from generation to generation and it just feeds your soul. “
Her stay in the university further honed her as a writer. She became the Editor-in-Chief of the Central Echo, the official student publication of Central Philippine University in her junior year. “There were unexpected turns of events everyday with Central Echo. I will always remember getting to know different personalities that ‘disturb’ your own principles but opened doors for reflection and strengthening your own character, developing friendships among these personalities without even compromising, and the press works which are supposed to be a hassle, but well, we got to have free snacks so what’s more rewarding for a student writer?”
Taking up Mass Communications exposed Edel to different issues and topics, applications of basic and advanced principles of the writing discipline. According to her, their professors were open-minded with class discussions and gave pieces of advice on matters and difficulties related to the course.
When it comes to her fondest memories in CPU, Edel shared her top five all of which she wrote in her journal when she was in college. “I’m sharing five, which are closest to heart: First, are TV and radio production classes at the EMC were always a mix of laughter, cheers, and tears. Second is my DJing stint at the CPU Radio Station was seriously “un-free” of bloopers but definitely enjoyable. Third, are the welcome and send-off parties were a hit. First was the Kantahan sa CPU which gave me the chance to be the Director of the entire show for some episodes. And the last is meeting “new” people at unexpected moments; one day while I was walking to the library and a person asked me if I am Edel Subong. I said ‘yes’ and he said, ‘I thought so. I’ve seen your name all over the borrowers’ cards for the Kahlil Gibran books!” He recognized me through Central Echo.”
Aside from being a student, Edel had odd jobs which exposed to the realm of the media. She wrote for Cream de la Crème Magazine, Iloilo’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine from 2003 to 2008, she was a Peer Counselor and Program Anchor of the Adolescent Health and Development under the Philippine Family Planning Office and Commission on Population, and she was the scriptwriter of the Iloilo Dinagyang 2004 VTR under Dr. Ted Reyes. “I was assisting CPU with the Centennial Activities publications and press releases, and the Centralian Link, with Dr. Felnor Importante. On the side, I wrote for a lifestyle magazine from 2003-2008, which I used to be an intern for when I was in school. “
In 2005, Edel received the first CPU Journalism Award for excelling in the field of Mass Communication. “I do not think I was conscious that I was the first recipient of that award. As a graduating student then, I was just grateful to reap something out of hard work in keeping my grades alright and joining some extra-curricular activities. I mean, most would tend to prioritize one thing and sacrifice the others. To keep a balance chemistry of grades and worthwhile activities in college is a challenge. The award was a reassurance I did just well.”
After graduation Edel entered the CPU academe as a Part-time lecturer of the College of Arts and Sciences, she also became the Co-advisor of Central Echo from 2006-2007 and worked as a Publishing Assistant of the Centralian Link from 2005-2007. She then became an Assistant Professor of the West Visayas State University College of Communications. From 2008-2012, she was the Chair of the college’s Division of Journalism. “I was thrown into the journalism academe rather, which I embraced with both arms. I believe being in the academe; I was more helpful, especially to those who were aspiring journalists.”
When asked what is her most fulfilling achievement as a journalist, Edel shares that it is seeing her students excel in their own field. “Honestly, it is seeing kids I taught in my classes or in my lectures for the nongovernment organizations, or those who said they “imitate” me, learning how to write better than me. I love that. I take delight in that kind of fulfillment.”
Edel encourages aspiring journalists to work hard and pursue tasks with discipline. “The students who were under me may have heard these over and over again: First, it is important to know when to use your capital letters and how to use your punctuations. You can learn all the techniques and principles in writing, whether in journalism and creative writing, but these two things are quite tricky. Second, no matter what you’ve achieved, be sensitive, stay grounded. I’d rather see my students as better persons than good writers without a heart and third, time won’t wait for you. Set and meet deadlines.”
“Practice and keep on practicing. Even veterans keep on learning and re-learning. Once you’ve started, you just cannot stop and settle with being the writer that you think you are. It becomes a calling, some could not sleep without it.” Edel encourages Centralians to make the most of their stay in the university and pursue exemplary Christian education for life. “As Centralians, you must not forget what you’re taught in this University. It isn’t just about helping you excel academically in the field of expertise that you want to pursue, but it is about continuously molding you as Christians who value human dignity and practices humility and justice.”/ Keziah G. Huelar
Out there in Zarraga Farm
A twenty- five minute drive from Central Philippine University is the CPU Farm located at the south side of the Municipality of Zarraga. It is managed by the CPU College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES). It serves as a Crop Research Laboratory, and at the same one of the income generating enterprises of the university.
Most of the 18-hectare farmland is planted with rice.
Our departure from the campus outdid the previous trips of the CPU Communications Group; we were upbeat on what Zarraga Farm or CPU Farm has to offer. The energetic Director of the CPU Office of Communications, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on led the group that includes Keziah G. Huelar, Publishing Assistant, Mark Clemens Ortaliz, Webmaster, Donald Lebrilla, Coordinator EMC, Hermely A. Jalando-on, Purchasing Officer, Joel Somosierra, Office of the President Staff. We went for a field trip and see how Zarraga Farm is doing.
CPU Office of Communications enjoying a tour of the CPU Farm by Agriculturist Homer Deloso, Faculty, CPU CARES.
We arrived there and Dr. James Cabarles, Dean of CPU CARES welcomed us to the farm. A bunch of ripe bananas was obviously placed for us to easily plucked and eat. With Dean Cabarles was the Farm Manager, Agriculturist Homer Deloso (also a faculty of the CPU Cares). Insights were given and discussed.
- Aside from the abundant ‘pantat’ (catfish) – a famous delicacy of the Municipality of Zarraga, the farm products (rice, vegetables, babanas, etc.) are normally consigned to the College of Agriculture for distribution to the Dining Hall and other customers inside the campus.
- The farm raises more than fifty ducks – producing around 300 eggs every week.
- The farm has 3 vermicomposting pits that produce organic fertilizers for the farm.
The farm hands – Naldo, Onyok and Epe prepared a delectable lunch at the farm. They prepared ‘adobado’ (sauteed pantat in coconut soup). The taste of Zarraga Farm-produced rice was terrific; the grilled pantat was mouth-watering. We dream that someday we can hold our picnics and spiritual retreats at the Zarraga farm (perfect food for the body and food for the soul).
The CPU farm is a product of the dedication and hardwork of the CPU College of Agriculture.
We made a tour of the research area, particularly where the breeding process of Pantat is done. We learned that 100 kilos of Pantat are harvested in the farm every week. The supply runs out at the municipal vendors level; reason why it Pantat harvest does not reach CPU anymore.
Farm to table – the CPU Office of Communication enjoyed grilled catfish bred and raised in the CPU Farm.
The farm is eighteen hectares with a workable area of 10 hectares. There are various green and leafy vegetables, mango trees, and most of the area are planted with rice. Across a narrow pond are growing mahogany trees – durable hard wood for future products and use. The farm animals included cows, goats, carabaos (used in plowing the rice field), fowls – chickens and ducks. And farm hands best friend – the domesticated ‘watch’ dogs.
The farm raises more than fifty ducks – producing around 300 eggs every week.
The air so fresh, food so abundant; the yellow and green crops paint a picture of God’s goodness. How can one forget a simple and beautiful life out there in the Zarraga Farm./ by Cyrus A. Natividad
Report to Centralians from Dr. Teodoro C. Robles March 25, 2017
March 25, 2017
Greetings to all Centralians! It is my hope and prayer that you and your families are doing well. I would like to share with you some of the developments at CPU as of today. It is best that I send you the information through a Question and Answer format.
1. Who is the External Auditor of CPU? How can one obtain a copy of the CPU externally audited Financial Report of Past years?
ANSWER:
CPU’s External Auditor is R.G. Manabat & Co. a member firm of KPMG International. The audited financial report becomes a public record after submission to the Security and Exchange Commission ( SEC) so anybody can obtain a copy from SEC even for past Financial Reports.
CPU also considers requests from any member of the corporation, faculty, staff, student, and alumni for a copy from the office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration. Each FINANCIAL REPORT is more than 20 pages because it contains a lot of notes to clarify items on the financial statements.
2. A copy of the October 15, 2016 financial report was posted on Positively Centralian. Is it complete & also for public consumption
ANSWER:
The revenue includes collectibles from students for the first semester´s tuition and fees. Most students pay just before the final exam which was in November 2016. In other words the revenue as stated includes collectibles.
Most of the expenses of the University occurs in December (Christmas bonus, 13th month pay, rice allowance) and then in April and May for their two months summer bonus or summer pay.
Every Faculty receives two months summer pay. So the total annual salary of a Teacher is equivalent to 13 months salary for less than 10 months teaching work.
If they have teaching load during the summer months they can earn a salary equivalent to one to three months of basic pay depending on the teaching load for less than two months work.
There are also payables such as payroll of personnel doing renovation and construction work, building materials for the renovation of buildings, equipment and supplies for offices and laboratories.
There are also payables to Contractors.
Hence the net income will be much smaller or there could be a deficit at the end of the fiscal year.
Central Philippine University OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Therefore the October 15, 2016 financial statement is not an accurate indicator of the university´s finances. It was done so that the management can review and evaluate the first semester’s operation.
Only the Financial Report at the end of the school year is submitted to the SEC. Hence, the October 15, 2016 Financial Report is not a public document. However for transparency sake it is available to the BOT including BOT representatives of the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and CPBC.
3. Is the information a good basis for what the faculty & staff are trying to negotiate on or does it
create misunderstanding?
ANSWER:
It is misleading because the revenue includes collectibles from students, and expenses do not include payables, 13th month pay, Christmas Bonus, rice allowance, summer bonus or summer pay for faculty and staff.
4. Does the Government have any say on the percentage that CPU and other Private Schools are supposed to pay for salaries & benefits of all employees
ANSWER:
The government recognizes that tuition fee is the primary source for operational, and capital expenses of the private universities hence the government mandated a 70-30 sharing, 70% for salaries and benefits of all employees.
CPU is sharing 76% as agreed by the FA, Staff Union and the Administration.
5. Does CPU have IOUs, and Government Requirements to comply with?
ANSWER:
PU has paid all its loans in the construction of the Engineering Building, Loreto D. Tupaz Hall, and the University Gym.
The University has been saving for current & future developments and as hedge fund for unexpected events such as the implementation of Grades 11 & 12, compliance to government requirements such as automatic fire alarms and sprinkler systems for all buildings, fire hydrants, and Persons with Disability (PWD) compliant restrooms.
The installation of fire alarms and sprinkler systems is ongoing
6. Is there “corruption” at CPU?
ANSWER:
I don’t know what happened before November 3, 2008 since I was out of the country for so many years.?
CPU is transparent with all its dealings, and CPU is International Organization for Standardization (ISO)- certified. An Internationally Accredited ISO Auditor does a yearly audit of the university. All processes and procedures are fully documented. Also for financial matters, there is a very active Internal Audit team which is closely monitored by the BOT Audit Committee.?
There is an External Auditor that does the yearly financial audit including an interim audit in October of each year. Fiscal year is June 1 to May 31 of the following year.
Those who declare that there is corruption in the University should be more specific and provide proof. We are glad that Positively Centralian (PC) has more than 8,000 members and are aware of what is going on at CPU. I hope that those who know about “corruption” in the university should communicate with University president.?
7. How much is the accumulated collectibles from students and graduates?
ANSWER:
As of May 31, 2016, the accumulated collectibles from students and graduates is more than 89 Million pesos.?
This includes 23 Million pesos owed by 1748 graduates.?
8. How does CPU cope with the reality of having Grade 11 and 12, no income from 1st & 2nd year of college, the need for a building to house the High School Senior, building maintenance & other expenses?
ANSWER:
In the school year 2016-2017 CPU offered 6 programs for the freshman year (Nursing, Pharmacy, IT, Business Management, Education, and Social Work because of demand and the total enrolment for first year college was 400 compared to 3500 the previous year.?
The first semester enrolment of Grade 11 was 713 thus the net decrease in total university enrollment was only 1334.?
The university is making sure that there are savings for capital expenditures and unexpected expenses.?
CPU suffered financial losses of more than 60 M pesos in 2008 due to typhoon Frank and received only 19 M pesos settlement from insurance companies.?
Total projected deficits due to the implementation of Grades 11 &12 may exceed 150 Million pesos.?
We are reviewing and updating the financial impact considering that there are a lot of uncertainties; thus, savings is very important.?
Offering of Grades 11 and 12 is one of our solutions to avoid terminating the employment of any employee especially faculty, so a building for the Senior High School is necessary.?
Currently we are using college classrooms due to very few first year college students.?
Teachers in Senior High School are College faculty with no teaching load or very light teaching load in College.?
The building will cost approximately 170 M pesos which will be funded from savings. The design will be completed in April 2017 and construction will start after the bidding is completed. So savings is very important.?
The 170 million does not include cost of chairs, tables, computer equipment, laboratory equipment, LCD projectors, and other needs for offices, laboratories and classrooms.?
The Faculty Association wants to use the savings for salary increases not realizing that increases should be sustainable.?
9. Is CPU offering salary increase to the Faculty and Staff for this school year’s Collective Bargaining Agreement?
ANSWER:
The university offers the following:?
o SY 2016-2017 – salary increase of 100 pesos per month due to TFI (already given) plus 2,500 pesos one-time gift. The TFI was only for Kindergarten 1, Grade 1, Grade 7
and First year College students.
o SY 2017-2018 – Tuition will increase for those whose tuition was not increased the previous school year. The total Salaries and Benefits for Faculty & Staff (based on 76% of Tuition Fee Increase ) will increase by approximately 7.5 Million pesos if the
enrollment projection holds.
o SY 2018-2019 – Negotiations with the Faculty and Staff Unions
10. Why will CPU not share the savings for salary increases of the Faculty and Staff
ANSWER:
With the implementation of Grade 11 and Grade 12, deficits are projected for the following school years: SY 2016-2017, SY 2017-2018, SY 2018-2019, SY 2019-2020.?
There is a need to have reserved funds to pay for these projected deficits.
The salaries and benefits of all employees have to be paid.
Salary Increases have to be sustainable.
A new building has to be built for the Senior High School.
The new building requires chairs, tables, equipment, etc.
The operational expenses of the university remain approximately the same regardless of the enrollment.
There is also a need for renovations and improvements of physical facilities including government mandated requirements such as fire alarms and sprinkler systems, and PWD compliant restrooms.
11. What would have happened if CPU did not offer Grade 11
ANSWER:
Without Grade 11, many College Teachers would have been laid off.
College enrollment in school year 2018-2019 may be negatively affected because the Grade 10 completers would go to other schools and many may not enroll at CPU for their college degree.
. For additional questions please contact the university president at:
cpupresidentsoffice@gmail.com cpupresident@cpu.edu.ph or tcrobles15405@yahoo.com
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles