CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Millaica Mae Gustilo is a graduate of the CPU Senior High School batch 2018.

Millaica Mae Gustilo, of Leganes, Iloilo – a graduate of CPU Senior High School (Accountancy and Business Management Track) Batch 2018 and a Magna Cum Laude of WVSU (AB English Language Studies) reveals how she sees her beloved Alma Mater after already a college graduate and has experienced work away from home.

As an Intern/Assistant, she worked as Information Officer at the Tapaz Information Center in Tapaz, Capiz from April to June 2022; as Executive Assistant at the Office of the Mayor in Leganes, Iloilo. She also became an ACADSOC English Tutor Online in Shenzhen, China.

Her enthusiasm and positive attitude goes back to her experience from a good learning environment and quality system of education. She looks back to tell us how she sees Central Philippine University.

From Millaica Mae:

“Central Philippine University is one of the prestigious universities in the Philippines. It has a friendly environment and provides exemplary Christian education. I graduated in CPU last 2018 as the first batch of K-12 students. Honestly, the country wasn’t ready to implement the new curriculum and system but CPU provided us better than we have expected.

I completed my Junior High in a Public High School and I am not fond of attending or participating in every activity in school. CPU-SHS opened the door of opportunity and took me out of my shell. The professors were hands-on and very supportive to students. They encouraged us to participate in every activity to boost and improve our skills and talent. I am naïve and confused about my future and they helped me discover and find the right path. CPU is not just a university that provides the best quality of education but also a provider of home that nurtures dreamers to become the best so that they can  survive the journey towards their goal.”

The Weekly Centralian Link would like to invite alumni to write and send their comments and observations about their Alma Mater. Just email to communications@cpu.edu.ph . In fact, you can send an article. Our publication reserves the right to edit or not to publish irrelevant articles or comments with regards to CPU. 

 On the other hand, we are inviting Centralians to our Grand Alumni Homecoming in CPU on October 1, 2022. That’s about two weeks away. See to there!

by Kay Arden Q. Gallo

Dr. Max P. Guillermo, President of Tarlac Agricultural University and Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, President of  Central Philippine University.

To strengthen its local linkages, CPU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU). Leading the virtual signing were the presidents of the respective institutions, CPU’s Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and TAU’s Dr. Max P. Guillermo; while Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, TAU’s Director for External Linkages and International Affairs (TAU ELIA), and Prof. Kay Arden Q. Gallo, CPU’s Acting Director of the Office of International Relations and Cooperation (CPU OIRC) were among the witnesses.

Dr. Robles and Dr. Guillermo both expressed their commitment to further the partnership through collaboration programs in various fields and by exploring sustainable projects in areas that CPU and TAU share as their strengths.

TAU is one of the leading HEIs among the state universities in the Philippines. The institution has been recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for its inclusion in several international rankings. TAU ranked 600-800 globally in Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for 2021 and 2022, has been listed in the 101-200 tier in the last two cycles in the World Universities with Real Impact (WURI), and has been rated by the Quacquarelli Symonds Stars Rating System.

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

The freshmen students as well as the transferees were introduced to the campus of CPU during the online orientation.

Last September 1, 2 and 3, CPU held a series of online orientations. On the first day, there was an orientation on “My Gold and Blue Canvas (CPU LMS)”, and also from the Office of the Registrar and the Online Library Services. In the afternoon, there was an interaction between the Administration and the students in relation to Finance Matters and University Health Protocols.

On the second day, there was an orientation headed by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. It featured the “CPU on-campus and Online Students Affairs and Services.” In the afternoon, the student leaders hosted the orientation that talked about the “The Virtual CPU Republic and The Central Echo Online.”

On the third day, the parents and guardians of freshmen and transferees were invited to attend the online orientation in the morning. This orientation presented tips and advices to parents from fellow parents especially during this era of online learning.

All the orientation were done via Zoom. The following videos were posted by the CPU TV Channel in order for students and parents to review it from time to time:

Canvas LMS Guide: https://fb.watch/fqlkIEVsLo/

Health and Safety Guidelines on Face to Face Activities for Students: https://fb.watch/fqnwUqVRTx/

CPU History: https://fb.watch/fqlmutFWkc/

Henry Luce III Library Online Services and Resources: https://fb.watch/fqlwAnlsuG/

Revised CPU Scholarship Guidelines: https://fb.watch/fqlxW7r79s/

The CPU Administrators and Deans (SY 2022-2023): https://fb.watch/fqlBBt1OCf/

You can also see videos from Colleges and Departments called Lakbay Central that the CPU Republic launched. The playlist can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/385725003522/780980369693243/

By Cyrus A. Natividad

The Supreme Court gave a historical marker to Central Philippine University.

The Supreme Court of the Philippines sent a token of gratitude and appreciation to Central Philippine University for all its efforts in making the 2021-2022 Bar Examinations a success. In a letter to CPU College of Law Dean, Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Marvic N.V.F. Leonen, requested the acceptance of the Historical Building Marker.

The brass metal marker will be installed anywhere in the campus as a reminder of the participation of CPU in the first-ever localized and digitized bar examinations in the Philippines. The Supreme Court intends to send its representatives within the year for a simple Unveiling Ceremony of the marker.

Central Philippine University was one of the Authorized Local Testing Centers located in 23 local government units and is one of the highest achievers in the Bar Exams.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

It was quite a long time since this Centralian alumna guested on the CPU TV Channel program Looking Forward. By this time, where she is at the peak of achievement she said, “God gave me the capability to do it because I believe that it is His real plan for me.”

From her humble beginnings, Jovylyn Simoy Espalabra (Pol Sci Batch ’84) explored the unlimited opportunities of the world, starting with a small kiosk near CPU. She was into selling cosmetics and novelties at that time. Having a pleasant personality and good communications skill, she gained many friends – apart from her former classmates.

Known as ‘Doc Jo’, Prof. Jovylyn Espalabra, MBA., D.Hum., D.Litt.,D.R.E., Ph.D, was called a “Woman of Substance by a U.N. Ambassador. She is designated Secretary General of UNESC-United Nations ECOSOC Special Consultative Status Social Development Committee; Global Consultant of United Nation International Welfare Foundation-USA.; Chief Advisor of Royal Nexus Organization in India, and Global Chairman of WAC People’s Council, India.

To date, more worldwide appointments, designation and affiliations have been added to her name. She is a newly appointed International Advisor and Board Member of Yes You Can International in U.K.; Matron of Kingsland Foundation, Nigeria and World Director General, World United Colleges of Bishops- USA and Korea.

Some of her major recognitions and awards conferred by select reputable institutions and organizations across the globe are Honorary Doctorate Awards; “Doctor of Humanities” and “Doctor of Humane Letters” from Regent Evangelical College, “Honorary Doctorates in Humanities and Social Services,” in Nigeria, Sweden, Serbia, India, Venezuela, Brazil, UK, USA and other countries,” She was appointed Ambassador of Peace by various UN affiliated global organizations. She was awarded “Best Global Director 2022 and Best Global Educator 2022” by International Internship University (IIU) India; Honored as “Global Outstanding Transformational Leader” by YYCI-UK.

She was awarded as one of the Outstanding Women of the Philippines by the 6th Outstanding Men and Women of the Phils. 2022; “World Iconic Woman Leader of the Year by Asia’s Golden Icon Awards 2022. Asia’s Outstanding Woman of Excellence” by World Class Excellence Japan Awards 2022” Most Influential Filipina Icon and Empowered Woman of the Decade” by 4th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards.” Most Empowered and Influential Woman of the Millennium by Gintong Parangal 2021. Top 20 Global Women Leaders 2022 by LOANI-London, UK. “Gawad Pinoy for Outstanding Entrepreneur and Humanitarian Awardee 2021” by Who’s Who Awards.

Espalabra is Founder and Chairperson of Global Academy for Human Excellence (GAHE) and Council of Empowered Ladies International (CELI). She is an ambassador of peace, philanthropist and a human rights advocate. As a businesswoman, she is at present the CEO/President of Virgo Industrial Products Philippines, an export trading and packaging company.

Doc Jo is married to Troy D. Espalabra of Jaro, Iloilo City.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Edwin Laru-an (rightmost ) was one of the Inductees for Board of Directors of Water Districts in Iloilo. CPU President Dr. Robles (3rd from left) was with him at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Apart from being a media man, Edwin Caro Laru-an is known to be a versatile, hardworking person. His many experiences at work prepared him to be proactive – first as a staff of the Educational Media Center, a Coordinator of the CPU TV Channel and later as CPU Sports and Athletics Director. For his staff and coaches, Sir Edwin was technically, socially and professionally oriented in all his endeavours.

Curiosity made the better of Edwin C. Laru-an to be associated with people-the public who listened to his radio program and live reporting over Bombo and RMN Radio in Iloilo City. For a short while, he engaged with a cable TV network on video production. He made a stint as Anchor man cum technician at CPUTV. He was later taken in under the Office of Communications, and was appointed as Coordinator. Many though this would be his lifetime appointment at CPU.

For whatever reasons, Laru-an’s passion and much inclination with sports (particularly football), had him qualified as CPU Sports and Athletics Director. All throughout his job, people were at ease to approach him, discuss with him and play with him. One day, representatives of the Stallion Football Group from Manila were at the big field discussing a proposal for an event, and the Koreans were practicing at one end of the big field. It would not take long before Laru-an would consolidate an event that would give a chance to Golden Lions, the Koreans, the Stallions and the media.

Laru-an had a cordial personality so that during his work with media, he was able to meet and befriend some politicians and people in government. He was encouraged by friends to run at the Sanggunian in his municipality, but was given a better position as Board Member for their Water District later on.

He shared the idea that “doing many works to earn a living is solely for the family.” It was supported by reality that he and his wife Marie Claire, with his growing children, were living a modest, and quite comfortable family life.

His long-time and trusted Office Secretary Gibbs G. Caluba put it briefly: “Tama ka bakas nga klase ka amay para sa iya nga pamilya.” (Very industrious father for his family). Caluba added that, “Sir Edwin has helped many of our athletes. There was once an athlete whose son cannot enroll because he cannot pay for his tuition and fee. You know what Sir Edwin did? He charged the tuition and fee to his salary. So the son was able to enroll.”

For his remarkable achievements, Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on CPU, Communications Director and OIC CPU Office of Sports and Athletics – particularly recalled the CPU’s great victory with the Golden Lions in the National PRISAA in 2018-2019 during the leadership of Edwin Laruan.

Sir Edwin Laru-an died last August 21, 2022. He left a legacy of leadership and friendliness. He was honored by CPU by having two vigil services at the University Church last September 1 and 2. It was well-attended by athletes, coaches, faculty and staff. “It was a victorious life with a legacy he left behind that would make us strong,” VP for Student Affairs Esther Rose Romarate said.

Thank you Sir Edwin. Rest in Peace.

Canadian Ambassador H.E. Peter MacArthur with CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU BOT Chairperson, Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa.

On August 30, 2022 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the CPU administration headed by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles received the Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines, H.E. Peter MacArthur.

His itinerary to Iloilo City included a visit to CPU to talk about possible partnerships and collaborations with Canadian higher education institutions and organizations.  During the visit, Amb. MacArthur emphasized the strategic partnerships of CPU with several universities in Canada such as the Camosun College, Nova Scotia Community College, and the University of Fraser Valley as avenues to collaborate in terms of common areas of academic interests to benefit the students, faculty and the institution as a whole.

The Ambassador also took note of CPU’s agriculture and environmental sciences and nursing programs as a bright prospect for more collaborative partnerships with Canadian companies and industries.

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

As of September 2, 2022, the total enrolled students are 15,634 from Kindergarten to the School of Graduate Studies for the School Year 2022-2023. This year’s figures surpassed last year’s enrollment number of 14,845 which was the biggest number in the history of CPU. This is a 5.31% increase in the total enrollment.

All the pre-collegiate departments – Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, and Senior High School have a 15.41% increase in their enrollment. The School of Graduate Studies has a 15.66% increase while the whole Collegiate level has a 1.04% increase. The College of Business and Accountancy has the biggest population of 2,116 followed by the Senior High School with 1,921 students.

Despite of the pandemic caused by Covid-19, CPU has received so much blessings from God. We continue to be thankful to God.

The enrollment in all levels ended on September 1, 2022 while the College of Medicine will end on September 8, 2022.

By Dr. Anna May A. Yap-Zerrudo

CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles proudly shows the plaque and trophy given by CHED in recognition of CPU’s inclusion in the QS Asian University Rankings for 2022.

On August 26, 2022, Central Philippine University was one of the 46 HEIs in the Philippines (23 SUCs + 23 Private HEIs) awarded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) at the ASEAN ICONS Awards Night 2022 at the Hilton Hotel Manila.

As the highlight of the celebration of the 55th Founding Anniversary of the ASEAN, the Commission through CHED- International Affairs, held a special event called the ASEAN ICONS Awards 2022 which recognized exemplary Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that championed the reputation of the Philippine higher education in the global arena as well as their commendable performance in recognized international rankings and ratings such as QS Quacquarelli Symonds, Times Higher Education, and World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI).

From L to R: VPAA Dr. Florence Bogacia, QAC Director Dr. Anna May Zerrudo, OIA Director Engr. Dimpna Castigador, VPSA Dr. Esther Rose Romarate, CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles, BOT Chair Dr. Elmer Pedregosa, and VPAA Dr. Irving Domingo Rio pose with the plaque and trophy given by CHED in recognition of CPU’s inclusion in the QS Asian University Rankings for 2022.

In 2021 and 2022, Central Philippine University was included in the QS Asian University Rankings signifying that CPU continuously advances quality education as indicated by its inclusion in an international ranking.

The Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) headed by Engr. Dimpna Castigador was the office responsible for collecting data and evidences in CPU’s participation to the QS rankings. Similarly, the CPU administration recognizes the collective effort of all units in the University to continuously deliver quality education that is recognized in the international arena.

On behalf of Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Dr. Anna May A. Yap-Zerrudo, the Director of the Quality Assurance Center, received the trophy and plaque of appreciation from Atty. Lily Freida Milla, Deputy Executive Director of CHED and Director of International Affairs Service and CHED Chair J. Prospero De Vera.

The event was also attended by representatives from Philippine Higher Education institutions (HEIs), ambassadors and education attachés from member states of the ASEAN, international and local partners of CHED, and private industry collaborators.

On August 30, 2022, a ceremonial acceptance of the trophy and plaque of appreciation was conducted at the lobby of the Henry Luce III Library. Dr. Teodoro Robles, VPFA Florence Bogacia, VPSA Esther Rose Romarate, VPAA Irving Domingo Rio, BOT Chair Dr. Elmer Pedregosa, OIA Director Engr. Dimpna Castigador and QAC Director Dr. Anna May Zerrudo were present at the ceremonial acceptance.

Are you a Centralian elected into public office in Western Visayas during the May 2022 election?

If you are, the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. would like to honor you during the first-ever blended CPU Alumni Homecoming on October 1, 2022 at Rose Memorial Auditorium, so please get in touch soonest with Mrs. Tina Hortelano, CPU Alumni Liaison Officer through the following:
Landline Phone No.: 329-2904
Cell Phone No.: 09166563724
Email Address: cpuaai@cpu.edu.ph
Facebook Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/tinam.hortelano

The list of all Centralian elected officials is provided by the Comelec Region 6 Director Atty. Dennis Ausan who himself is a Centralian.

For our Centralian public officials from outside Western Visayas elected in the May 2022 election, we will also honor you in the 2023 Alumni Homecoming Assembly.

By Kay Arden Q. Gallo

NIT Sasebo College faculty and students with CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo Rio; Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Esther Rose Romarate; Dean of the College of Engineering, Engr. Dany Molina; Acting Director of the Office of International Relations and Cooperation, Prof. Kay Arden Gallo; Office of the President Administrative Staff, Ms. Carmelle Frances Romero; and selected Engineering students during the courtesy call.

Central Philippine University strengthens its partnership with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Sasebo College, an academic institution specializing in Engineering programs, as it welcomed NIT Sasebo College students and faculty last August 24, 2022.

NIT Sasebo College’s representatives, Dr. Yoshihito Yagyu and Ms Ernie Kakehashi, together with their students, Haruki Tanaka and Towa Kunichide, were warmly received by the members of the CPU Administration.

Haruki and Towa will study in CPU for one month. They will also participate in cultural immersion activities on top of their hands-on and specialized program plan as they study English and take one Engineering class. Selected CPU students from the College of Engineering will also join Haruki and Towa as they explore the various cultural activities around the city and province of Iloilo.

NIT Sasabo is located in Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan.

by Frederick Evans Jardenil

The Centralian Debating Team Winners.

The newly-established debate organization of Central Philippine University made history as they bagged the First Place at the 4th International Humanitarian Law Interschool Debate of Philippine Red Cross-Iloilo.

The team composed of Jimuel Ralph Dalipe (ABPSPA-4), Kianne Francine Duspar (BSBio-4), Frederick Evans Jardenil (ABPSPA-2), Abegail Mandar (ABM-12), Thara Danielle Mainar (ABPSPA-2), and Yiana Fea Macole Bales (BSAccty-2), won the Elimination round against Miag-ao Community Red Cross Youth Council last August 20, 2022.

Alimodian Comprehensive National High School was their opponent on the Affirmative Side for the Grand Finals at SM City Iloilo on August 27, 2022. Frederick Evans Jardenil, Prime Minister of the CDC was also named Best Speaker and Best Debater of the Elimination Rounds, as well as Best Debater of the Grand Finals.