By Cyrus A. Natividad
The dedication program of the virtual classroom started with a musical rendition by Prof. Rona L. Idemni and a reading from the Bible. The singing of the Hymn of Adoration, “How Great Thou Art” followed. Mrs. Carmela Romero, Nursing Faculty led the opening prayer.
In behalf of University President Dr Teodoro C. Robles, OIC, Office of the President Dr. Florence P. Bogacia welcomed everyone and acknowledged the generosity of Nursing Alumni Ann Catedrilla Seisa and her family for donating a Virtual classroom to CPU College of Nursing.
Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco led the Thanksgiving Meditation. She read a passage from 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 which says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”, adding that, “we must share God’s gift and blessings to others.”
In his message, Dr. Florentino Alerta III, CPU Alumni President thanked the Donors, the Seisa family, and Former Dean of College of Nursing Atty. Salex Alibogha. He said that, “as President of the CPU Alumni Association, I would like to reiterate the support of the CPUAAI to the College of Nursing and its alumni.”
Mrs. Ann Seisa in her Affirmation of Thanksgiving, pointed out: “Because of the support of the nursing alumni worldwide, CPU is the only School of Nursing with the effective Remote Virtual Simulation- with State of the Art Computers especially during the Pandemic.”
She encouraged the Centralian nurses to support generously the CPU College of Nursing. And with a currently proposed new equipment worth Five Million Pesos (in the presence of her husband), she pledged another 1 Million Pesos. With some pledges and commitments already, Seisa sees a realization of the project soon.
Prof. Melba C. Sale, OIC Office of the Dean delivered her closing remarks. Part 2 of the Program was the Act of Dedication. Rev Lunasco also led the prayer of dedication.
Mrs. Carmela Romero was the host of the program.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPUAAGTA is a community of Alumni from Central Philippine University residing in Canada and in the Greater Toronto in particular.
The CPU Alumni Association of Greater Toronto Area (CPUAAGTA) held its Induction of Officers with a Gala Dinner on August 27, 2022 at the Mississauga Grand Banquet & Event Center, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
The program started with a prayer by Edwin Arroz. Past President Norma van Dussen delivered her Welcome Remarks before the singing of the CPU Alma Mater song. The Inducting Officer was introduced by Cheryl Obrigon. Rev. Dr. Jim Amy, Inducting Officer delivered an inspirational message.
Dot Cuales introduced the following new set of CPUAAGTA Officers:
President – Meriam Amy
Vice President- Rodney Gicana
Treasurer – Keliah Dayao
Asst. Treasurer – Jolly – Alocilja
Auditor – Cheryl Matsugu
Asst. Auditor – Elizabeth Castor
PRO – Cheryl Obrigon
Asst. PRO – Faith Hope Gicana
Business Manager – Cesar Grecia
Asst. Business Manager – Elizabeth Melgar
Secretary and Assistant- to be appointed by the President
Board of Directors
Rose Celiz
Remy Dime
Pancho Lamigo
Rose Jabat
Jun Faldas
Norma Van Dusen
Advisers
Rod Gonzales
Edwin Arroz
Rick Falco
Jose Denzil Daquiado
Lisha Charity Gicana rendered a special number after the induction. Newly elected President Meriam Amy delivered her message.
CPUAAGTA is an Alumni chapter of CPU with Centralian family and friends. It relives the beautiful memories of their dear old Central; sharing lives as a Christian community in the Greater Toronto Area.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The last day of enrollment is on September 1, 2022.
As of August 26, 2022, the total enrolled students are 14,796 from Kindergarten to the School of Graduate Studies for the School Year 2022-2023. This year’s figures will hopefully surpass last year’s enrollment number of 14,845 which was the biggest number in the history of CPU.
The last day of enrollment will be on September 1, 2022.
The College of Business and Accountancy has the population of 2,075 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.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Director Atty. Dennis Ausan, COMELEC Region 6, provided the List of Centralian Winners in the May 2022 Election.
Commission on Elections Regional Office 6 Director Atty. Dennis Ausan has furnished a list of Central Philippine University graduates who won in the last national-local elections. Director Ausan who is himself a Centralian Lawyer, identified 99 Centralians for Region 6 (Western Visayas) alone. They include 1 Vice Governor, 13 Mayors, 10 Vice Mayors, and 65 Sanggunian Bayan and Sangguniang Panglungsod Members.
The data includes their courses and year they finished their studies in CPU. Many of them are Political Science graduates. A special recognition program will be held for them during the Grand Alumni Homecoming on October 1, 2022.
Prof. Eric C. Otayde, President of the CPU Political Science Alumni Association (PSAA) where Atty. Ausan and some of the candidates for recognition are members, said that “We have plans to make special participation in the recognition program. He added that, “It is very significant to give special attention to our alumni who made excellent performance in the national-local elections in2022. That should make every Centralian proud.”
by Allana S. Delgado
Congratulations to the CPU Libraries for being a member of the American Theological Library Association!
Central Philippine University Libraries is now an institutional member of the American Theological Library Association (Atla), through the College of Theology Library.
Atla promotes worldwide scholarly communication in religion and theology by advancing the work of libraries and related information providers. Atla’s membership has over 800 individuals, libraries, and academic institutions from diverse religious backgrounds.
Institutional members of Atla can obtain various benefits such as: the Atla Serials Exchange, which supports the low-cost exchange of materials between member libraries; the Atla Reciprocal Borrowing Program in which participating Atla members can borrow books from other member libraries; the E-Book Lending Program, which allows member libraries to borrow and loan e-books to authorized users; and access to the Atla Digital Library. Being an institutional member also gives various grant opportunities for library and educational programs.
The College of Theology Library in the Henry Luce III Library has a significant collection of books and resources on theology and religion to support the college. Previously, the library has been granted access to the Global Digital Theological Library (GLDTL) through the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA).
The Henry Luce III Library continues to partner with relevant organizations to enhance library services and collections.
For more resources and information on the College of Theology Library, visit our LibGuides at https://cpu.libguides.com/theology
By Prof. Jayvee J. Jore
Members of the Philippine Society on Microbiology attend a Regional Webinar hosted by CPU.
The Philippine Society of Microbiology Visayas Chapter held its 3rd Regional Webinar via Zoom hosted by Central Philippine University, in cooperation with the CPU Life Sciences Department, last August 19, 2022. The PSM-Visayas tackled topics on food and industrial microbiology with concentration on aquaculture and food safety.
The resource speakers included an international expert, Dr. Nor Azimah Mohd Zain of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia who shared her research study entitled “Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria in Aquaculture Sources in Johor, Malaysia”. She emphasized the presence of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms in sampling sites – natural water resources. Antimicrobial resistance has posed a serious problem since 1940 because diseases that are caused by antibiotic resistant microorganisms can be very difficult to treat. Natural water resources include oceans, lakes, rivers, ground and deep waters. These may be attributed to the usage of chemicals and antibiotics for treatments and processes of products administered by some food and other industries not only in Malaysia but in some other countries including the Philippines. Dr. Zain also suggested that her study needs to be expanded because these specific bacteria are yet to be known.
Dr. Jihan Santanina S. Alumbro from the School of Technology (SoTech, University of the Philippines Visayas – Miag-ao Campus was the second expert. She discussed her study on ” The Case of Oyster: Microbial Food Safety” where she stressed that number of microorganisms, its diversity and the impact of its presence to the safe consumption of oysters must be given full attention not only by researchers but also by the aquatic industry that involves importation of the products. One bacterium is the high number of Vibrio sp. which causes vomiting, nausea, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping and chills. Dr. Alumbro also mentioned that there are certain criteria and guidelines that must be followed by industries regarding the acceptable number of bacteria present in foods based on International Food Standards.
PSM-Visayas Chapter together with its officers spearheaded by their President, Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, CPU, reminded everyone to be “mindful around us” whether it may be visible to invisible, big or small, many or few because it greatly affects the holistic health of everyone.” The organization is set to conduct its blended Regional PSM Scientific Session at Fatima Farm Resort, Buenavista, Guimaras on October 28 -29, 2022.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Newly appointed officials of ICCA took their Oath of Office with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor,Jr. at the Governor’s Office at Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
Two Centralians were recently inducted by Governor Arthur ‘Toto’ Defensor, Jr. on August 15, 2022 at the Governor’s Office, Iloilo Capitol as Officers in the newly organized ILONGGO COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS (ICCA). The two who are from Central Philippine University are Rhode Ryan A. Velez as Vice President, and Dr. Necil C. Magno, as Member of the Board of Directors.
The organization was founded by Ilonggo Artists and called the Ilonggo Commission for Culture and the Arts (ICCA), a non-government, non-profit organization that aims as to discover, preserve and promote Ilonggo Culture through research and implementation of programs that help Ilonggo Artist in the field of Arts.
According to Dr. Magno, “The Commission, is in partnership with private organization and government agencies in the City and Province. It will maximize its promotion and preservation of Ilonggo culture and arts through projects, programs and series of events. ICCA is Ilonggo’s ‘go to’ organization when it comes to the field of Arts and Culture.”
“Its objectives include Research and Development to preserve and promote Ilonggo Culture and Arts; to serve as a policy making body of Ilonggo culture and arts; to support Ilonggo Artists and Cultural Groups; to serve as Coordinating body for Ilonggo Cultural and Live Events, Festivals, Arts and Culture Education, and create and implement programs to enhance and preserve Ilonggo identity through culture and the arts.”
She added that “There is a series of events of ICCA to follow: 1. September 10, 2022 (Saturday) “TUNOG ILONGGO” 1st Ilonggo Folksong Band Competition; 2. November 14- 15, 2022 (Iloilo Convention Center) “ILOILO ANG BANWA KO” a musical dance drama 3. February 20 to 24, 2023-1st National Festival Summit, and 4. February 25, 2023 (Iloilo Convention Center) “PAGDAYAW” 1st Ilonggo Artists Awards.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Re-elected Mayor Mary Jean N. Te advocates for a sustainable development for the Municipality of Libertad, Antique.
Libertad is a 5th class municipality in the province of Antique, where Centralian Mayor Mary Jean Nicopior Te (Pol Sci Batch 1984) bestows her love to serve and improve the lives of the people.
Te has been an incumbent Mayor of Libertad from 1998 until 2007. She was first sworn into government office as municipal councilor (1995-1998) of Libertad. She completed the first tenure as municipal mayor, and the hiatus in the political scene had been a period of discernment. While enjoying a beautiful life in Canada where she had been employed for 6 years, the call of service in her native hometown sent her back home and it paved a way to seek again the mayoral post which she won in the election of May 2016, and also in the next election last May 2019. Since then, once again, she has been steadfastly active as a public servant. She then once again won as Mayor in the last May 2022 elections and is serving her last term.
Bringing home the lessons and appreciation of development initiatives in the foreign land, she became a stronger advocate for sustainable development. Her comeback to government service becomes the extension of her interrupted programs of her previous administration and that of her predecessor’s. She commenced the work where she last left them, with renewed vigor and a clearer vision.
Way back in 1998-2007 during her first term as the Local Chief Executive, she headed the LIPASECU (which stands for Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi) Baywide Management Council (and presently elected as Chairperson) and the Northwest Panay Peninsula Biodiversity Council— the alliances of four northern municipalities and Northwest Panay Peninsula covering the municipalities of Buruanga and Malay of the province of Aklan, and Pandan and Libertad. Both Councils calls for the management and conservation of the upland biodiversity and the flora and fauna of coastal environments, respectively. Libertad is known as one of the ecological frontiers in the province of Antique.
For the entire period of her leadership, Mayor Te consistently brings to the consciousness of the constituents the importance of conservation both in the upland and coastal areas, coupled with the implementation of laws and providing interventions.
Mayor Te commits herself to service and focuses on her visions to a BRIGHTER Libertad to achieve. Hence, Better revenue and resource mobilization; Responsive governance and responsible citizenry; Institutional linkaging, partnership and innovative mechanism; Green growth and economy; Healthy populace and with food available in every home; Tourism as economic driver; Educated and trained populace; and, Ridge to reef planning and development. This is a significant accomplishment of the Te administration.
She believes that, “Responsive governance understands the need and identifies the solutions to improve the welfare of the local constituents.” She assured that the welfare of the Libertadnons is her primary concern, and a safe environment for the children, women, families and every sector in the community should be guaranteed.
Mayor Te proudly promotes Libertad as the ecological biodiversity frontier, the gateway to prime tourist spots like Boracay, and home to natural splendor and culture that truly sets apart Libertad from other places.
The initiatives of Mayor Te and her administration have created waves to other government agencies and non-government organizations, thus gaining more opportunities or access to funding assistance, and further enhance her development programs. It also creates a spot in the map and exposure, as the municipality has become one of the destinations for learning visits and ecotourism.
She was chosen to represent the country to Rome, Italy for the international FAO-COFI 33rd annual congress of nations that are members of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) – Committee on Fisheries (COFI).
Her dedication and commitment to promote sustainable development becomes an inspiration to other countries that she was sent to Tokyo, Japan for the Philippines-Japan Fisheries Learning Exchange in October 2017. In both occasions, she presented the country’s best practices, and that of her hometown’s, on coastal resource management and sustainable fishing/livelihood, giving emphasis on the strategies that the local government unit employs in overcoming the challenges and targets.
In March 6 of this year, she was also chosen as a featured speaker to present the LGU practices and accomplishments regarding the LGU strategies to promote the Preferential Rights for Municipal Fishers for the National Coastal Fisheries Summit at Cebu City, attended by the municipal local chief executives from all over the country.
Among others, Te’s achievements include The Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan (GAPAS) Award – a regional commendation from the DSWD regional Field Office for the municipality’s commitment in implementing DSWD programs and services, awarded February 23, 2019; Model LGU Implementing KALAHI-CIDSS Program and Model LGU Implementing Livelihood Program (SLP).
Libertad passed the Good Financial Housekeeping for the years 2017 and 2018 (a component of Seal of Good Governance) – highlighting the LGU’s practice of transparency and accountability through full compliance to full disclosure policy; presence of unqualified or COA Opinion and compliance to at least 30% of previous year’s COA recommendations
Most Culture Sensitive IP Engagement – a recognition given to the LGU from the DSWD for empowering indigenous people and its organizations, and integrating sustainable programs that protect the welfare and rights of the cultural minority members.
Best in Second Semester Municipal Talakayan – an award given to the LGU for exemplary conduct of Municipal Talakayan, a consultative meeting/ planning workshop involving the different sectors in the community
Fish Forever Champion – a recognition given to the league of conservation fellows for strong commitment and passion towards environmental conservation through Fish Forever Pride Campaign.
Over-all Champion in Pasundayag – a recognition of the municipality’s outstanding performance and participation in the events/competitions in the cultural celebration of Antique’s Binirayan Festival highlighting the municipality’s indigenous culture, talents, trade fair and local products promotion
Recipient of a learning exchange on sustainable fisheries in Tokyo, Japan thru the Rare Philippines. Best PAMB Member – awarded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional (DENR) Field Office 6 on June 29, 2018
Mayor Te has been President – League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Antique Chapter; Auditor – League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) National Chapter; Chairperson – LIPASECU Baywide Management Council, Member – Northwest Panay Biodiversity Council, and Member – Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)
By Cyrus A. Natividad
A Centralian Lawyer, Atty. Mateo C. Hachuela (CPU Law 1988; Pol Sci ‘1984) was elected Mayor of Dumarao, Capiz in the recent National-Local Elections 2022. He bared one of the reasons why he was popular to the people. Atty. Hachuela A.k.a. MATT (Mabinuligon nga Abugado sa Tanan nga Tawo) said, “I fulfill my obligation to the people first.”
He said, “The people of Dumarao who are listening to my online program “MATT’’ would often ask for my free legal assistance, free notarization services, and legal documents.” He added that, “I extended assistance, food, and other necessities to the needy when there’s an opportunity to help.”
If there is one “channel of blessing” for the people of Dumarao, Capiz, it is the Dumarao Community Channel which I operate from my home in Brgy. Poblacion Ilaya, Capiz.” Hachuela’s broadcasting is an Online Broadcasting System (OBS), which has no obligatory regulation from the NTC.
Furthermore, Hachuela said, “I am returning the favor to my Kasimanwas (townmates) who have been supporting me since I started to become a public servant as a Councilor – 3 terms (2010-2019) of Dumarao, as a Board Member of the 2nd District of Capiz (number 2 out of the 5 District Board Members). Now I am so grateful to them for electing me as Mayor of our beloved Dumarao.”
Believing in sharing and providing what God has given him, Hachuela believes in the Centralian value of kindness and generosity. He said. “My understanding of the Central Spirit is that, wherever there is love, there is hope, there is charity. Wherever Centralians are, we have an obligation to help when needed,” Hachuela emphasized.
Mayor Hachuela is married to another Centralian Lawyer Atty. Mary Grace Bulaquiña-Hachuela (Law 2002) who is currently the Chief of the Legal Division-Department of Public Works and Highways Region 6.
Hachuela is presently the Vice President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU Alumni Oathtaking Ceremony during the 2015 Grand alumni Homing at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, CPU.
The return to normal convergence for the Alumni Homecoming 2022 holds true the adage that, “coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success.” The CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming on October 1, 2022 is a new beginning after two years of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Centralian alumni’s yearning for the tradition of sweet, heartfelt sentiment of coming back and fully enjoy the reunion and fellowship with classmates, batch mates and friends in the past, mainly provided a reason for CPUAAI President, Dr. Florentino P. Alerta, Vice President, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on and its Board of Trustees, to bring back the normal mode of ‘meeting and greeting’ in person at the homecoming.
Nevertheless, the CPU Office of Communications headed by Rev. Jalando-on have started working on promotions, and getting in touch with the alumni worldwide. One of those important things that the Office of Communications is doing is to prepare its facilities and social media outlets like CPU TV which has a live stream on Facebook so that alumni who will not be able to attend personally will have chances of reaching out to the event online.
On the other hand, the Weekly Centralian Link, also published by the Office of Communications online has started to reach out to Alumni Chapters worldwide, if they would like to be featured; including their intentions to come home or join the grand reunion in CPU. It is time as well, to start featuring our newly elected public officials in our weekly publication. The recognition ceremony for the newly elected Centralian public officials is slated to be held during the homecoming in October.
The Office of Communications would be glad to receive a short resume of any Centralian Official who won in the last election. Should you wish to be featured, please include your course and year in CPU, government position, name of your province, city or municipality; including your contact number, Facebook account and an email address. Sending you a question or verification may be possible. Please send your e-mail to: communications@cpu.edu.ph
To all Centralian Alumni, let us look forward to a resounding success of the Grand Alumni Homecoming in October. May the Central Spirit continue to bind us all together.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
CPU continues to enroll students up to September 1, 2022.
As of August 18, 2022, the total approved pre-enlisted students are 14,437 from Kindergarten to the School of Graduate Studies for the School Year 2022-2023. Last year’s enrollment number of 14,845 broke the all-time high enrollment figures of 14,391 which was set last 2015.
With almost two more weeks to go before the last day of enrollment on September 1, 2022, the numbers will still go up.
The College of Business and Accountancy has the population of 1,939 followed by the Senior High School with 1,892 students.
Despite of the pandemic, God has blest CPU with many students. We continue to be grateful to God with this blessing.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Alfie Jay Niquia and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Larry Petinglay present the certificate of recognition to Registered Social Worker Careen Panaguiton for being awarded as the Outstanding Social Welfare Officer by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. during their 25th National Forum.
On June 16, 2022, Careen Panaguiton, a Centralian Social Worker, was selected as the Outstanding Social Welfare Officer by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. during its National Forum.
Panaguiton is a Social Welfare Officer III of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Antique. She was named in the “Gawad Parangal” Award as one of the Outstanding Social Workers of the Philippines during the 25th LSWDOs National Welfare and Development Forum and General Assembly held at SMX Convention Center Pasay City last June 15, 2022.
The Gawad Parangal is awarded to an outstanding social welfare officer of the Philippines. This award is in grateful recognition of her consistent and efficient delivery of distinct and innovative social welfare and development programs, projects and activities of the Local Government Unit of the Province of Antique which contributed to the positive impact, quality and sustainable results to the lives of her fellow constituents.
According to Panaguiton, she was in-charge of the fifth and sixth Country Program for Children (CPC5 & 6- Protection component) funded by UNICEF for 10 years. She also facilitated the activities funded by the World Bank – Early Childhood Development (ECD) before it became a law, and is now Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), and the Violence Against Women (VAW) a country program that was also funded by the UNFPA.
She also underwent intensive trainings and other capacity-building activities to improve her ability as a social worker.
She said that, “During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was designated as division chief of the Technical Division. I did my part in the preparation of food for the haulers of sacks of rice, psychological wellness kits and sewed thousands of facemasks that were distributed for free to the Antiqueños all over the province. Moreover, I was also the center head of the ‘Pagsapupo Center’ which takes care of the children and women who are survivors of abuse.”
“Indeed, it is a joy to be appreciated. What I am today is my gift to the Almighty God for sustaining me despite the stress of life,” Panaguiton said. She relayed her gratitude to the provincial government through Governor Rhodora Cadiao, PSWD Officer Pastor Lazaro Petinglay (a fellow Centralian) and the PSWDO staff for their unwavering support to the programs and services which are beneficial to the Antiqueños.”
“Furthermore, I am thankful to have studied at Central Philippine University. My mother told me that CPU has a wholesome environment apart from her being an alumna. Most of my relatives are Centralians and the Central Spirit is really awesome wherever a Centralian goes and meets other Centralians. I chose BS in Social Work because the Math subjects are just few since I am not good in Math. I met smart teachers such as Mrs. Ruth Corvera, Mrs. Rose Camba, Mrs. Elizabeth Ferraris, Mrs. Feli Assin- Sustento and Ms. Lee Pineda. I began to come out of my shell and enhanced my knowledge about social work. My college days were full of surprises despite the economic condition of my family. God’s graces have been overflowing. I have been so grateful for my beloved Alma Mater. I will always be a proud Centralian.”