By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Necil C. Magno, a multi-awarded Faculty of Central Philippine University was once again conferred with 2 global awards last June 2022: Most Remarkable Achiever Educator, and Most Outstanding Global Educator of the Year Awards. The awards were given during the “The Oscar for Professionals” 2022 Awards by the A2B Career Business Process Outsourcing Services.
Magno who had previously received several other awards from different educational agencies immensely expressed her gratefulness to God and CPU for leading her to this achievement. She said that, “God’s plan for us is not our plan. God makes better choices for us than we could have ever planned; quoting from the Bible in Romans 12: 2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
She encouraged her fellow faculty and awardees to “Never stop dreaming, and continue to do good to everyone. Let us continue to be an inspiration and be the best that we can be for our students, friends, and loved ones. There are a lot of opportunities for us to explore and pursue.”
Magno who had reached her apex of success, worked her way up as a working student. She was a part-time crew of a fast-food restaurant in Iloilo City. She was later granted a scholarship by the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland Inc. She finished her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (CPU Batch 2001); her Masters in Physical Education degree from West Visayas State University, and a doctoral degree – Doctor of Education in Physical Education from Filamer Christian University.
Dr. Necil C. Magno is currently BPED Coordinator of the College of Education at Central Philippine University.
Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on with some of the students who attended her lecture in Fukuoka University.
Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the CPU School of Graduate Studies, was invited by the Faculty of Economics of Fukuoka University to deliver lectures from August 1-5, 2022. She discussed topics on Globalization of Markets, Globalization of Production, Competitiveness and Global Marketing Strategies.
There were four observers and eleven undergraduate students who attended her class including a Chief Executive Officer of a group of companies.
The linkage between CPU and Fukuoka University is further strengthened by this summer intensive courses. CPU has been invited to this institution since Summer of 2017. Meanwhile Fukuoka University professors and volunteers have visited CPU every February prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Masahiru Abiru, professor at FU, together with Mr. Shobu Mochizuki, a retired businessman had conducted lectures also among CPU high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Topics ranges on “How to do Business in Japan,” “The Cosmetics Business in Japan,” and “Sourcing of Raw Materials for Beauty Products.”
By AR Romallosa
Ma. Victoria G. Bellosillo is currently the President of CPU RAFLU.
Central Philippine University’s (CPU) Ms. Ma. Victoria G. Bellosillo was elected as Labor Sector Representative to the Regional Development Council VI (RDC) held on August 16, 2022 at the RDC Hall of the National Economic and Development Authority in Iloilo City. As representative, Ms. Bellosillo automatically becomes a member of the Development Administration Committee of the said Council in the next 3 years. She is expected to actively participate in the full council regular meetings, sectoral committee meetings and consultations, and technical working group meetings.
The RDC is the highest policy-making body in the region mandated to coordinate and set the direction of all economic and social development efforts within the area.
Ms. Bellosillo is currently the President of the CPU Rank and File Labor Union – Federation of Free Workers (RAFLU-FFW) and serves as the Secretary of the University’s College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Delegates to the Cultural Caucus Dialogue in Silliman University.
CPU Dance Company Adviser and Artistic Director Prof. Randy A. Lero attended the 2022 Kaisa Sa Sining (KSS) Regional Caucus-Dialogue of the Cultural Center of the Philippines at Silliman University in Dumaguete City from August 16 to 18, 2022. The Regional Caucus-Dialogue was attended by 26 different organizations from all the islands of Visayas, with Ms. Carmencita Bernardo and Ms. Ezra Mae Divino both from the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The objective of the caucus is to exchange ideas and create a program for the whole Philippines, although the coverage of the presentation is concentrated on the Visayas.
A proposed program entitled “Ang Baul, Baid at Baylo” was presented by Prof. Randy Lero (CPU), representing the City and Province of Iloilo with Mr. Moses Atega a professor from Silliman University, Mr. Butch Gensaya, former Mayor of Himamaylan Negros Occidental and the present Tourism officer of the city, Mr. Ramie Capuyan an LGU officer of Capiz, Ms. Berni Rojas the wife of the present Mayor of Murcia, Negros Occidental and the chairperson of Murcia Tourism.
A few months from now, according to Lero, “The group will finalize the program proposal to be presented to CCP and to the National Government.” He added, “the ‘Baul’ stands as depository of cultural gems within and among the Kaisa sa Sining Visayas, ‘Baid’, as the contents of baul represents the Visayas; different culture, traditions and practices through songs, dances, products, foods and many more. ‘Baylo’ is the cultural exchange summit and the passing of the culture exchange legacy.
Prof. Lero gets a chance to meet, see, and hear the presentation of Prof. Priscilla Magdamo-Abraham, guest speaker from the U.S. on the legend of Visayan folk songs, with her husband Mr. Fred Abraham. “These will make a lot of contributions in modern psychology program,”Lero said.
Prof. Lero discussed with CCP people the incoming participation of the CPU Dance Company in the yearly “Pasinaya” festival of the center once they resume the program and will promote the BBB program CPU version through the support of the CPU Cultural Affairs Office headed by Ms. Crista S. Huyong.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Participants in the RCECC Webinar on Preparing and Drafting the Textbook.
Central Philippine University Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCECC) -in coordination with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), held a Webinar on Preparing and Drafting the Textbook.. The online seminar-workshop via Zoom was held on August 3, 2022, Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN. There were 74 registered participants from different departments and colleges.
The objective of the webinar is to equip the University Faculty and Staff with fresher and better knowledge and skill in textbook writing. Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, Acting Chair, Department of Religion and Ethics and a member of the University Review of Instructional Materials committee invited Dr. Greg Tabios Pawilen who is a seasoned author and speaker on the topic, from the University of the Philippines.
The program started at 9:00 AM. Pastor Alfred C. Morales, Coordinator, CPU Student Recruitment led the Opening Prayer, which was followed by the National Anthem.
In his Opening Remarks, University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles said, “It is high time that more of our Faculty will get involved in preparing the textbook for their respective subjects. This is a very timely event to be aware of what is involved in writing a textbook.”
RCECC Director Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho and Professor Villeza introduced the participants and the Resource Speaker, respectively. Dr. Pawilen presented and discussed the process of preparing and drafting the textbook.
Dr. Ananias C. Sabijon, Director, Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, was Moderator in the Question and Answer (Q&A) portion. Prof. Villeza and the RCECC Staff awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to the Resource Speaker.
The Closing Prayer was led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, CPU Director for Communications. Prof. Villeza was the Master of Ceremony.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Atty. Roy M. Villa with his wife, Arlene Lamis Villa.
Centralian Lawyer Atty. Roy Morales Villa is full of pride with the results of the Bar Examination of the graduates of the CPU College of Law. The passing rate of the Centralians in the last Bar examination was its highest in its own history.
Villa, a Practising Lawyer, who finished his AB Political Science Degree in CPU (Batch 1990) first of all said, “Passing the bar exam is a matter of individual conviction.” He added that, “whether or not the last Bar was ‘technology driven (online), it should be inherent in the student who wants to pass, to study well before the exam.”
“Our circle of Centralian lawyers believe that CPU is an institution in Western Visayas which has successfully produced lawyers for a long time. It has an excellent course in teaching students, in the College of Law in particular – even during pandemic times,” Villa said.
Villa shares his ‘R.A.P’ to elucidate the short secret he used, to pass the bar exam during his time. Sounding like knocking down the wall, he said, “RAP actually means Reading, Analysis and Presentation. Reading your lessons as much as possible is logically very helpful. The Analysis of cases is very important because it brings you to a conclusion which will provide the right answer. In fact, your analysis predicates your third requirement – Presentation.”
The 52-year old Centralian lawyer has twenty four years in law practice since 1999. He took his Bachelor of Laws in Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion College of Law and at San Beda Graduate School of Laws for his units in Master of Laws. For several government corporations, agencies and private clients, Villa has engaged as Corporate Legal Counsel, Arbitrator, and Legal Consultant and Corporate Secretary. He was Municipal Vice-Mayor of the Municipality of Pilar, Capiz in 2004-2007.
Villa has been a Commissioner on Bar Discipline at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines from 2017-2019. He was a College Instructor at Central Philippine University from 1998 to 2000, and at Filamer Christian University in Roxas City from 1993 to 1997.
Atty. Roy Morales Villa is a partner in Villa & Alimodian-Ramos Law Offices.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The graduates of the College of Medicine batch 2022.
The 16th Commencement Exercises of the College of Medicine was held on July 27, 2022 at the University Church.
The ceremony started with the Entrance of Colors and a processional of the graduating students of 2021-2022 with their parents. The Invocation was led by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church, and the singing of the National Anthem followed.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles acknowledged the Chairperson of the CPU Board of Trustees, Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, and the CPU Corporation. He also congratulated the graduates and thanked the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for permitting CPU to have a limited face- to- face interaction. In his message, Dr. Robles reminded the graduates that “It is the Lord that shields us from harm, and heals us from sickness. And as we live out Scientia et Fides, we trust that the vaccines against Covid-19 work.”
Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, Chairperson, CPU Board of Trustees and Administrator, Iloilo Mission Hospital, congratulated the graduates. He acknowledged that “After more than two years with significant events gone through without being recognized, and given attention to, we are here today to celebrate a milestone, coming up to the expectation of making your dream come true to become a Doctor.” He encouraged the graduates to soar high and carry the torch of CPU.
CPU Faculty and Overall Clinical Clerkship Coordinator, Dr. Charity T. Catamora introduced the Guest Speaker Dr. Japhet G. De Leon, M.D. (Most Outstanding Physician of the Year Awardee of the Philippine Medical Association 2022). Dr. De Leon shared her own journey as a young graduate, hoping to become a Doctor 39 years ago. She majored in Child and Adolescence Psychiatry.
A song entitled ‘Miracles’ was rendered by 3rd year CPU Medical Student, Joshua Jireh V. Francia. It was followed by the reading of the Class Commitments by Rey M. Mollenido, Faculty, Section of Psychiatry. Certificates of Recognition were given to Top Class Performers.
Dr. Robles conferred upon the graduates their degrees as Doctor of Medicine. He was assisted by Mrs. Emerald Joy E. Perucho, Assistant Registrar.
The donning of the hoods on the graduates by their parents followed. The certificates were received by the graduates with their parents. Class Valedictorian Axl Rose A. Sarrosa delivered the response on behalf of the graduates. Class salutatorian Karll Denzel T. Lao led the graduates in the Physician’s prayer.
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, made the charge to the graduates and prayer of dedication. The Pledge of the Alumni was administered by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Vice President, CPU Alumni Association.
A short video presentation prepared by the graduates was played before the singing of the Alma Mater Song. A benediction by Rev. Sian followed. The exit of colors was followed by the Recessional.
Charity T. Trestiza-Catamora, M.D. was the Master of Ceremonies.
By Dr. Japhet G. Fernandez de Leon
2022 Most Outstanding Physician of the Year Awardee by the Philippine Medical Association
This Commencement Address was delivered during the 16th Commencement Exercises of the College of Medicine last July 27, 2022.
The College of Medicine Commencement Exercises speaker, Dr. Japhet G. Fernandez de Leon with the CPU Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa.
Dr. Teodoro Robles, President, Central Philippine University, CPUAAI President Dr. Florentino Alerta who is represented by VP Pastor Neil Jalando-on, Asst. Registrar Mrs. Emerald Joy Perucho, Dean Henry Gonzales, Associate Dean Dr. Diadem pearl Equina, colleagues & fellow faculty members, graduating class of 2022, parents, grandparents, loved ones and friends, good afternoon.
Thank you very much for the introduction, Dr. Charity Catamora. It is an honor to be chosen as the commencement speaker this afternoon. Although when Dean Henry Gonzales called me up, I asked, “why me?” But how can I refuse the Dean? So I will be wearing a different hat this afternoon and I hope I can do justice to the invitation.
Let me share with you my own journey as a young college graduate hoping to become a doctor 39 years ago (we will be celebrating our 40th in 2023). WVSU College of Medicine was a young COM then and was the first in the region. I had hopes of entering the UP COM but it was not meant to be. So I and my classmates became the fifth batch of graduates of WVSUCOM. After passing the board examination and 6 months of “rural practice”, I was accepted at UP-PGH Medical Center to become a resident-physician trainee at the Department of Psychiatry. Back then, specialization in Psychiatry was likened to be one of the patients – such was the stigma associated with mental illness. But my late parents, God bless their souls, did not question my choice and allowed me to soar and pursue my dreams. After three years of residency training in Psychiatry, I subspecialized in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a subspecialty unheard of since I was the first in region 6 to have this subspecialty. Questions associated with the subspecialty were numerous, some of which were: “why child psych? Ano, bata pa, buang na?” It took time and patience to educate people about mental health and mental illness, which we are doing up to this time and to emphasize that mental health is an integral part of health. As the World Health Organization has declared that there can be “no health without mental health.” But mind you, taking care of children’s mental health is both challenging and rewarding. To date, there are still less than 75 child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide and I hope many of you will become one of us.
The experiences of being educated by the Filipino people (college education and medical degree at WVSU and residency and fellowship training at UPPGH) have influenced me to give back by staying in the Philippines and coming back to Iloilo to practice my profession and to teach at the College of Medicine. I first taught at WVSUCOM, then at IDCOM, and became one of the core faculty members at the CPUCOM when the university decided to pursue their own vision of finally opening up a college of medicine. And the rest is history – you are now the 16th batch of graduating students.
Four years ago when we interviewed you and asked “why Medicine?” Many of your answers were “it has always been my lifelong dream to become a doctor”; “to serve the Filipino people”; many were candid when they answered “there is prestige associated with the profession.” I am glad nobody answered “to become rich”, because if that is your motive, then you are in the wrong profession. When you were asked further “why CPU?” The standard answer was “it is offering quality education at a lower cost compared with schools in Manila”. Others answered, “my parents or family members are Centralians.” Again, others were more forthright and said “CPU is my second choice since I was not accepted at West.” And I hope you have no regrets. We know that all things happen for a reason.
As you pursued your four years of medical education, you have been exposed to numerous challenges: from lack of sleep because of the numerous chapters you have to read in order to pass Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Pathology, Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, OB-Gyne, among others; to lack of time for your social and love life, including family reunions because you have to study and submit requirements; to passing up on your hobbies and the things you loved to do because you have to prioritize your studies. But you persevered – even during the time of the pandemic. I remembered asking one of you during a lecture, just before we had the lockdown if you are still going to pursue becoming a physician with the threat of a pandemic – and the answer was a straight-forward YES. So you have become pandemic babies too, with the lectures done online, and limited face to face clerkship. The comprehensive exams became a challenge too, with some examinations postponed because some of you were quarantined or isolated. I hope that your clinical skills will be enriched when you become Post-graduate Interns, praying that your rotation will be more face-to-face.
The tenacity and resilience you have shown are admirable characteristics that can help you achieve to become a Five-Star Physician. In 1993, the WHO designed the 5-Star Physician Profile – a doctor who assesses and improves the quality of care (Care Provider), makes optimal use of new technologies (Decision-Maker), promotes healthy lifestyles (Communicator), reconciles individual and community health requirements (Community Leader), and works efficiently in teams (Manager). In other words, if you look at your hand, the five fingers will represent what a 5-star Physician is: a Care Provider, Decision-maker, Communicator, Community leader, and Manager. This profile was thought of as a strategy for medical schools to produce such kinds of physicians to contribute to health care reforms. The profile consisted of a mix of aptitudes to carry out a range of services to meet the requirements of relevance, quality cost-effectiveness, and equity of care. In other words, the physician has to be Holistic having at least 5 attributes or performing at least 5 roles: as a clinician, manager, researcher, educator and social mobilizer (community health problem solver).
So how are you going to monitor if you have achieved this? It entails self-monitoring and use of key performance indicators for each role or attribute. It is a process which will be different for each one of you, depending upon the goals that you have set for yourself which started in first year. Achieving the five stars will entail challenges along the way: but like the perseverance and tenacity you have shown amidst the pandemic, I’m pretty sure all of you will be able to achieve this. As you set forth to go on your respective journeys, never forget to take care of yourselves: health care workers have the tendency to forget themselves and have to be reminded. Mindful self-compassion is important and will make all of us better health care workers and more compassionate human beings.
My dear graduates, may the Holy Spirit guide you in achieving your dreams to become a five-star physician. A “Magaling na Doktor, Mabuting Doktor”.
Congratulations and God bless us all.
By Axl Rose A. Sarrosa
Class Valedictorian, College of Medicine, Batch 2022
This response was delivered during the 16th Commencement Exercises of the College of Medicine last July 27, 2022.
Axl Rose A. Sarrosa, Class Valedictorian, delivers her response on behalf of the graduates.
To our Honored Guest and Commencement Speaker, University Officials, The Dean and Faculty of the College of Medicine, Parents, Guardians, Relatives, Invited Guests in person or virtual attendance and Fellow graduate, a pleasant afternoon.
Today marks the end of the four-year journey – an arduous and grueling one through a challenging and difficult times amidst the worst pandemic in recent history as well as the beginning of a new chapter of our lives.
The journey started four years ago with students of diverse personalities and competencies who are graduates of several health related and allied courses from different schools and various places of the country coming together to CPU College of Medicine sharing the same personal ambition and aspiration to be a future medical doctor guided by the Hippocratic oath, and the profession’s code of conduct and ethical standards in the service to God, country, and people.
During our first year, we all faced with sheer determination the challenges, despite the difficulties and the struggles that went with them. It was exciting at the start – new faces, friends, professors, environment, and even crushes at school. However, as time passed by, we experienced the rigors of reading volumes of books, numerous researches, notes to study, case presentations, and loads of quizzes. No matter how prepared we thought we were, the study of Medicine as difficult hit us hard in the face. It resulted in numerous breakdowns, self-reflection, and pitch-black moments. There were times when we asked ourselves, is this what we really wanted? Is my decision, right? Should I continue or just give up? We were in a quandary and didn’t know what to do. Yet in the end, I and my classmates believed that the challenges were just part of the process that we must undergo. Our circle of friends helped us to be relieved of stress including going on TGIFs, eating out after exams, samgyup parties, and night-outs occasionally.
Our second year and third year happened during the peak of the COVID 19 world-wide pandemic that tested our resolve and resilience since everyone was affected. For me and my classmates, the suspension of the face-to-face classes also prohibited us from doing our clinical exposures. The lock downs and restrictions made the situation worse and precarious. Personally, I found it hard to return home to General Santos City. The poor, unstable internet signal or power outages in tranquil and scenic Lake Sebu, South Cotabato posed a great technological problem as well as on how to cope up with the lessons and activities. However, despite the odds we encountered and setbacks we experienced individually and collectively, we firmly stood our ground, and today, more than ever, we are proud to say that we finally made it.
Our success is made possible because of our collective effort and perseverance as well as the unwavering and invaluable assistance, support and understanding of those who made us what we are today.
On behalf of the Class of 2022, we would like to convey our sincerest thanks and express our profound appreciation and gratitude to the following who made our sojourn meaningful and successful:
The administration of Central Philippine University headed by President Dr. Teodoro Robles, our College Dean, Dr. Henry Gonzales and Associate Dean, Dr. Diadem Pesrl Equina, to all our Professors and Staff of the College of Medicine, who have molded and helped us in our journey to becoming the “magaling at mabuting doctor”.
To our Classmates for the assistance and understanding. Thank you for putting up with our rants, anxiety, and life stressors. Allow me to appreciate my Circle of Friends, Lourie, Kate, Inok, Lea and Marianne. Thank you guys for making Med School fun and less difficult!
To our Class Officers throughout the years, especially Ms. Greeny Joy Perucho, our proactive mayor who have gone extra miles for our class, we are not Victores Valetudinis without you. Thank you for being resolute and loving our class.
To all health workers particularly the medical doctors who died while in service attending to the needs of the people during the pandemic for being models and sources of inspiration to us.
To my parents, who are with me today, Papa Richard and Mama May and to all our beloved parents, guardians, relatives, and benefactors, we say ,’we appreciate you”. I believe some of you might have sold your treasured possessions and properties “nagbaligya sang ila duta, alahas, mga kasapatan o nangutang para ipaeskwela sa ila bata sa medicina”. Damo gid nga pasalamat sa inyo! Thank you is not enough to repay your sacrifices. You have sacrificed your gratifications for us. Our success is yours too. However, we know that our ultimate success is in passing the Physician Licensure Examination.
And above all, we give honor and praise to our Almighty God, who made all things possible. There are times we have doubted Him, but He has loved us deeply and unconditionally. The day after the announcement of the list of graduating students, one of our classmates shared in her Instagram story, “The sweetest thing about Jesus is that He knows that it’s been a while since you haven’t read your Bible. He knows you’re addicted to something. He knows you haven’t prayed for a long time already. He is aware of your sin and your past mistakes. He knows that you are doing something against His will when you’re alone, – but still loves you and wants you the same. Your sin doesn’t stop Him from loving you…This message personally struck me, and it is all true, a “shared testimony” for us all.
Now, as we are about to embark on a new phase of our lives after all that we’ve been through the past four years, we will now again go our separate ways for our internship program. To my classmates, let us perpetuate all the memories, experiences, and learnings we shared together as students of the CPU College of Medicine. Lest we forget, just check our social media platform. The corridors and doors of CPU College of Medicine are always open. This is it, we made it. Kudos sa tanan. Naka survive gid kita. Mabuhay Class 2022!
A meaningful and memorable day to all! Thank you and Godbless us!
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The ongoing CenVAS Summer Art Workshop at Robinsons Place Jaro.
The Centralian Visual Artists Society (CenVAS) Summer Art Workshop entitled ArtPack at the Robinsons Place Jaro, Iloilo City has been extended. Realizing that the workshop has created an impact on the need for alternative learning, the Robinsons mall management has allowed CPU CenVAS to extend the workshop.
Although Covid-19 mostly contributed to the depreciation of the normal way of life, the Summer Art Workshop continues to provide individuals and children a venue to appreciate art. Robinsons Place and CenVAS agreed that one of the objectives of the Summer Art Workshop at the mall is to allow participants to heal their vision; taking off their eyes from the constant strain of spending time with cellphones and computers.
“Participants have the opportunity to develop or revive their talent in painting or sketching”, according to one of the organizers and founding member of the CenVAS, Efraim G. Alfaras (CPU Employee). He said that, “This is the longest art workshop sponsored by Robinsons Place.”
The Summer Art Workshop provides assistance and training to poor but deserving students and talented out-of-school youths. One the beneficiaries of the workshop is 18-year old Ezra Nhiez G. Balano, who is now enrolled in CPU Grade 12 S.T.E.M.
One of her works of art on exhibit at the workshop is a customized painted pair of shoes (inspired by a new fashion trend), of which she said have been uploaded on different social media platforms. The business inclined young artist said that, “My designs are based on customer request. It can be minimalist, cartoon, anime or others. Any type of shoes – leather or canvas is okey.” Balano was invited by Alfaras to be one of the Assistant Art Instructors.
CenVAS is an art organization under the Cultural Affairs Offices headed by Mrs. Crista S. Huyong.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Antique Provincial Agriculturist ‘Nick’ Calawag in his office.
On the way to the CPU Alumni Homecoming 2022 in October, the Centralian Link is meeting Centralians in government, local executives, and elected public officials.
At the opening of the Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) of the province of Antique held at the Zuri Hotel in Mandurriao, Iloilo City on Tuesday August 9, there were Centralians who attended the event who are currently serving the Province of Antique.
Among them is DSWD Provincial Director Lazaro ‘Larry’ Petinglay who introduced us to another successful Centralian – Provincial Agriculturist Nicolasito ‘Nick’ S. Calawag, a graduate of B.S. Fisheries from the Polytechnic College of Antique (now University of Antique); he studied Master of Management in Public Management in UP Visayas. He attained a Doctoral degree in Public Administration from the University of Antique.
Before his appointment as Provincial Agriculturist in Antique, he studied in CPU College of Law from 2000-2003. During that time he was Executive Director of the Agri-Business Center for Western Visayas which was based inside CPU Campus. He was also Agricultural Development Project Manager from October 1990 to June 1992 in the Management Association of the Philippines, ABCD Foundation, Inc., and Sanguniang Panlalawigan Member of the Province of Antique from1992 to 1995.
Calawag recalled, “During our time in the CPU campus, we implemented the InLife (Integrated Livestock and Feedstaff) Program. The InLife program was in coordination with Nueva Swine Valley which provided piglets for fattening, while the farmers were encouraged to plant corn, cassava and camote as main ingredients for the feed.” He added that “The discipline and training I learned from CPU have contributed much to my career in agriculture.” Hoping that there would be a similar program to come back to CPU, he encouraged food production and agriculture.
The Executive-Legislative Agenda of Antique was a productive meeting where updates, proposals, and areas of concerns of the provincial government were discussed and listened to by Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao and other officials like Calawag.
“The ELA is a good strategic time to discuss and consider ideas like agriculture and development projects in Antique. It is a persuasive time to encourage workers to assess and help the province to progress,” Calawag explained.
By Christian Jones Clemenso BST-4, CPU CHM Ambassador
Participants in the RAFI-MFI -CPU Outreach program in Tiolas, San Joaquin, Iloilo.
Lao Tsu said that if you give a hungry man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.
This is precisely what the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI MFI) was doing last Saturday, July 16, 2022, during their Sustainable Livelihood Training program that was held in Tiolas, San Joaquin through the University Community Engagement Service Learning Center (CESL) headed by Dir. Levi de Los Santos, in collaboration with the Dr. Lucio C. Tan College of Hospitality Management.
The company is renowned for assisting people in creating a stable means of subsistence that could enable them to launch small businesses and generate income. The said initiative gave CHM Ambassador and Ambassadress (CHMAA) and Student Council members the chance to participate. The students had taken a two-day training where they learned how to make a variety of foods to assist the potential entrepreneurs under the supervision of Dr. Myrna Luceno who served as a resource speaker during the conduct.
They created a variety of Puto cheese, which are tasty and simple to make Filipino steamed cakes. It differs from a standard puto in that it offers healthy alternatives utilizing varied vegetables found in the locality. In addition, embotido was introduced, a traditional Filipino main meal. However, Milkfish or Bangus is the main component instead of pork and with the addition of camote as extender. This process is very meticulous since they needed to learn how to debone the milkfish.
The students had the opportunity to interact with these aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the entire day’s activity. It was a unique and wonderful experience where Dr. Luceño and Dr. Hisuan are in charge of the demonstration during the food presentation and the students’ together with Prof. Denie Erwin Tan serves as assistants, helping the participants measure the ingredients and follow the recipe. When everything was finished, Dr. Armando Hisuan Jr. discussed the product’s cost so they would have a general concept of pricing.
Being an assistant to these budding entrepreneurs has changed the moods of each and every one of us. The day was expected to be exhausting given that we traveled early in the morning and it was an all-day activity. Since they are engaged in the game and are highly participative, we have already developed relationships with them, and it is wonderful to work with them. According to Kent R’lau Labating, the Vice President of CHMAA “I’m so honored and grateful to be part of the outreach program last Saturday (July 16, 2022) at Tiolas, San Joaquin, Iloilo. We had so much fun. It’s tiring, but the most fulfilling part was really working with the organization called “RAFI-MFI” on how to help our mothers earn an income daily in order to support their households.”
We sincerely appreciate the CESL, CHM and RAFI MFI for giving us the chance to participate in the program. It enabled us to understand that it is preferable to support them in realizing their dream of starting a small business than to meet their immediate needs and participating in their achievement was a truly wonderful chance.
We will continue to do the same outreach program in many municipalities over the upcoming few weeks; last Saturday was just the beginning of it. This makes us eager to help these would-be mothers once more.