By Cyrus A. Natividad
The CPU College of Agriculture Class’78 at the Punta Villa Resort during their 3rd Grand Homecoming.
Forty years after graduating from Central Philippine University College of Agriculture, the CPUCA Class ’78 came together to celebrate their Alumni Association on their 3rd Grand Homecoming. It was held at the well-known Punta Villa Resort in Arevalo, Iloilo City on July 8-9, 2022.
Despite the drizzly weather, many of them were able to arrive from Manila, Mindanao and places where they have mostly employed or established businesses. Some have checked-in the day before. ‘Hi’, ‘hello’ and lots of stories come readily with snacks served after their arrival and registration.
The invocation and singing of the national anthem and “Central, My Central” was followed by a welcome address by Class Chairman Eugene Glen Paraico. Agnes Martines Caliza made a roll call and recognition of new attendees.
A slide presentation of the departed Batchmates was followed by a moment of silence, and Marieta D. Temporal read ‘’The Empty Chair’’, an inspirational poem about life and reality.
Dr. Blanquita S. Garcia, CPU Cares Alumni President delivered a message to Class ’78 Alumni. In her message, Garcia recalled how agriculture was once a progressive economic foundation of the country (even mentioning Masagana ‘99), a program of the elder Marcos administration); then “as the technology was left to the latter generation-the bountiful basic rice production was taken over by other Asian nations. The country even suffers until now as rice importation is the order of the day.”
“Whatever happened to the development in rice production is a responsibility of the next generation – or what the agricultural technicians and agencies did after that?” She challenged the CPUCA Batch ’78 to continue on promoting Agriculture and make its group a catalyst of change in rice production and technology.”
Lunch was served while the songs “Then and Now”, “Yesterday When I was Young”, and “Batch ’78 On Lock Down” were played in a Video Recall. It was hosted by Josefina A. Magno.
The Business Meeting that followed included a financial report by Merlyn S. Teodoro; Election of the new set of Officers, and “What’s next for Batch ‘78”. Snacks were served at 3:00PM. There were parlor games by Mila Layog. Genedina S. Serofia was the Emcee during the activity.
The dinner was started at 5PM while old favorites of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s were played. There was a live band and cocktails that followed later on.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU-RCJC President Jec Dan Borlado(2nd to the right) with fellow Rotarians during the Handover and Induction Ceremony at Iloilo Convention Center.
Members of the CPU-Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline and other Iloilo City based Rotarians made a courtesy visit to Iloilo City Councillor Johnny Young on July 12, 2022. A newly elected city councillor, Young is Chairman of Public Works and Budget Committees in the Iloilo City Council.
The cordial visit by the Rotarians was a chance to discuss proposals on visible Rotary projects with the City Councilor. A Rotary Marker was one of the project proposals for the Council of Presidents from Zones 1-4. A blood donation drive and some Rotary Sports Tourism Events were also discussed.
Earlier, CPU–RCJC was also represented by Club members and Chapter President Pastor Jec Dan Borlado during the Handover and Induction Ceremonies on July 9, 2022 at the Iloilo Convention Center. John Michael “Kano” Ng is the new Governor of Rotary District 3850 for RY 2022-2023. He is Centralian who earned a Bachelor degree in Management from the College of Commerce in 2003.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Redosendo, a member of the CPU Golden Lions Badminton Team, will graduate as Magna Cum Laude on July 24, 2022.
Name: Jane Francis G. Redosendo
Nickname: Raprap
Height: 5′ 6”
Grade/year: BSBABM-4 Magna Cum Laude
Sports: Badminton
Playing Position: Singles
Hometown: Estancia, Iloilo
Achievements:
PRISAA Gold medalist 2016-2017
Integrated Gold medalist 2016-2017
Regionals Silver medalist 2016-2017
PRISAA Gold medalist 2018-2019
Regionals Silver medalist 2018-2019
PRISAA Gold medalist 2019-2020
Regionals Silver medalist 2019-2020
Hobbies: Playing badminton
Favorite Player: Lee Chong Wei
Most Memorable Game: PRISAA 2018-2019
Principle in life: Wherever your career takes you, always remind yourself to keep your feet on the ground.
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions: It is a great honor to bring glory to this university who dedicates every achievement back to the Lord Almighty.
Why did you choose CPU?: I’ve chosen this institution for I believe that this is the place where I can harness and develop my skills and abilities to the fullest, not just in the field of sports but also in the career I’ve chosen, and by gladly doing these all for the glory of God.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The CPU Dance Company with Prof. Randy A. Lero, Director (in black shirt -front row).
Central Philippine University Dance Company will perform anew representing the Philippines in the international Music Exchange Program for Peace. The Kagata Junior High School of Osaka, Japan initiated the event with the participation of Japan, Taiwan, Nepal, Indonesia, Great Britain, India, Vietnam and the CPU Dance Company for the Philippines. This program is dedicated to the world to promote peace especially to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine. The event will be held on July 22, 2022 at 4pm (JST).
Each group will perform a 3 to 5-minute dance number. Prof. Randy A. Lero, Overall Director of CPUDC was asked by Kagata organizers to give a 3-minute Message that talks about Peace. This is now the 3rd time that CPUDC participated in the International Music Exchange for Peace. The first 2 programs was organized by Kawachinagano City Media Office in Kawachinagano City in Osaka, Japan and the Othani University in Tondabayashi, Osaka Japan.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Proud graduates of the CPU College of Medicine throw their caps up in the air in celebration.
The 15th Commencement Exercises of the CPU College of Medicine was held on Monday, July 4, 2022 at the University Church. The program started with the processional at 2:30 pm. The normal face- to-face procedure was observed, with everybody wearing facemask. Some parts of the program were done virtually.
Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church led the Invocation. The singing of National Anthem was followed by the Welcome Remarks of University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. He acknowledged the Guest Speaker Dr. Romeo Y. Enriquez, the CPU Corporation, and the Board of Trustees with its Chairman Atty. Peter Irving Corvera.
In his message Dr. Robles congratulated the graduates who will soon become “Centralian Doctors”; their parents, and the Faculty and Staff of the College of Medicine who despite the challenges of the situation did not waiver in their commitment to educate the students. He encouraged the graduates by telling them that “It is the Lord who shields us from hurt and heals us from sickness.” Quoting from a book author, Dr. Robles said to the graduates that, “God has placed you right where you are to best glorify Him. He shared a verse from Proverbs 17:22 that says: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Dr. Robles thanked the Commission on Higher Education for approving the College of Medicine to have a limited face to face instruction.
Dr Elmer Q. Pedregosa, M.D., Vice Chairperson, Board of Trustees, and Administrator of the Iloilo Mission Hospital sent greetings to the graduates in behalf of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Dean of the College of Medicine introduced the Commencement Speaker.
Dr. Romeo Yu Enriquez is a Philippine Medical Association Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial awardee for the Academe, 2021; Former Dean School of Medicine, Angeles City; Former President, Philippine Psychiatric Association, and the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges, Inc.
Dr. Enriquez made an awareness to the graduates. He said that, “There are 3 important challenges of the times, namely: Surviving the Pandemic, Learning despite the Pandemic, and Serving despite the Pandemic. He challenged the graduates by telling them that, “Despite the Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes you learned from to your mentors, they have prepared you to face all the challenges that lay ahead of you; to excel in any field you may wish to be proficient with; to be of Service to others, to be of Service to our country, and to be of Service to God.”
He shared many other values and reminders to be successful in the field of Medicine. He recalled that he has now “the chance now to serve your country through the Commission on Higher Education and the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges” because he persevered the challenges of medical education, even up to the first few years of his medical practice. He also told the graduates, “as you go on to serve your country, remember the Challenges of the Times: Surviving the Pandemic, Learning despite of the Pandemic, and Serving despite of the Pandemic.”
A group of selected CPU Alumni rendered a musical number- “For the Glory of the Lord”. Dr. Japhet Fernandez de Leon, Section Head- Section of Psychiatry read the Class Commitment. The Presentation of Awards for Valedictorian and Salutatorian was led by Dr. Diadem Pearl S. Equiña, Associate Dean of the College of Medicine.
Dean Gonzales presented the candidates for Graduation. Dr. Robles, assisted by Miss Charissa June G. Deocampo, Registrar conducted the Conferral of Degrees and Investiture of Hoods.
Junelyn M. Tado, Class Valedictorian made the Response in behalf of the Graduates. The Physicians Prayer was led by Denise Jann S. Agum, Class Salutatorian. Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, made the Charge to the Graduates and Prayer of Dedication. Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II- CPUAAI President led the Pledge of The Alumni.
The singing of the Alma Mater Song was followed with a benediction by Rev. Sian. The commencement program ended with the Recessional. Dr. Equiña served as the Master of Ceremonies.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Maredel R. Ambos, EdD, DHum, FOPd has been awarded “Asia’s Most Outstanding and Leading Educator of All Time.” CPU’s BEEd Program and Professional Education Subjects Coordinator of the College of Education has achieved a hundred percent for the criteria given for the award at Asia’s Golden Icons Awards 2022 at the Grand Ballroom of the Okada Hotel, Manila on June 28, 2022.
Dr. Ambos achieved 60% – for receiving awards and special citations referred by clients, institutions or community, 20% for empowerment and bringing positivity and measurable change for institutions, communities or individuals. He also achieved 10% for customer relations – for nurturing positive relations with clients, customers or to any individuals in the institution or community, and 10% for Influencing and Trendsetting – giving high connection with brand, imposing opinions, high degree of credibility and confidence from friends and followers.
According to Dr. Ambos, Asia’s Golden Icons Award aims to celebrate the achievements and recognize the contributions of outstanding individuals and organizations in public service, business, academics and entertainment.
Its mission is to give recognition and appreciation to outstanding individuals and business entities for their significant impact, achievements and contributions to society. It creates a network for promoting their brand, inspiring growth, cooperation and development of the community economically and socially.
He said that, “This accomplishment is a significant milestone in my life. I am truly overwhelmed by this chance to receive another honorable award. It truly sets a memorable event for my teaching career to remind me of the importance of consistency, dedication, diligence, and love for work in my profession.”
Dr. Ambos has been awarded several times for excellence in the field of education, leadership and knowledge. “I am very thankful for all these awards, first to God who gives me opportunities, to my family, my mentors and to Central Philippine University. To our University President Dr. Ted Robles and my CPU Family, Madamo gid nga salamat.” To God be the glory!
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
CPU Golden Lions Table Tennis player, Leeve Oliva (right), is a member of the Philippine team that competed in a recent event in Bangkok, Thailand.
Levee Marie Oliva, a graduating Senior High School student of Central Philippine University, recently participated in the 26th South East Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships. The event was held at Fashion Island, Bangkok, Thailand last June 17-22, 2022. She was part of the Philippine Team that competed in various events.
The Philippine Team brought home 1 silver and 3 bronze medals. Oliva, together with teammates Kheith Rhynne Cruz, Althea Jade Gudes, and Jelaine Monteclaro won bronze in the Junior Girls Team Event.
Oliva is grateful to the CPU Golden Lions Team in which she is a member since her elementary days. She credits Coach Jun Gayoso for constantly encouraging her and providing opportunities that she can excel in her chosen sports. She will continue her studies at CPU despite the many offers from other universities. She is thankful to Director Edwin Laruan and CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles for the scholarship that she got since she started studying at CPU.
By Prof. Jayvee J. Jore
Participants in the PSM Visayas Webinar on Agriculture and Veterinary Microbiology.
The Philippine Society of Microbiology (PSM)-Visayas Chapter held its 2nd Regional Webinar via Zoom hosted by Central Philippine University, in cooperation with the Life Sciences Department, last July 1, 2022. The PSM-Visayas tackled topics on agriculture and veterinary microbiology giving emphasis on nitrogen fixing bacteria, fermentation and the risk of rabies infection to humans.
The invited resource speakers who are experts in the field of microbiology were retired professor and multi-awarded researcher, Dr. Crisanto S. Lopez and Dr. Maryneth B. Barrios, a professor from the College of Veterinary Medicine of Capiz State University.
Dr. Lopez discussed, “Some Microbial Processes: Impact on Some Microbial Endeavors”. Dr. Lopez is previously a faculty of West Visayas State University and now working as a part-timer, teaching graduate school programs and as a research expert on the said university.
Dr Barrios tackled the risk factors, prevention and mitigation of rabies infection to humans.
PSM- Visayas Chapter is on the zone of providing information that is timely and relevant to answer questions concerning agriculture, food, veterinary, plant and aquatic microbiology as it plans to spread information, knowledge and awareness through conducting a series of webinars and inviting experts, researchers and professors to discuss topics, experiments and studies relating to different areas of microbiology.
The organization is set to conduct their 3rd Regional Webinar between the months of July or August with focus on food and aquatic microbiology.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Centralian Maria Lucy U. Muralla won multiple medals in various arnis competitions.
A Centralian, Maria Lucy U. Muralla, recently won three gold medals in the Philippine Idol – National Battle of Arnisadors – Battle of Champions held last June 19, 2022. She is finishing her two doctoral studies at CPU taking up Doctor of Management with concentration in Business Management, and Doctor of Education with concentration in Guidance and Counselling.
Muralla, who is 52 years old, is an arnis martial arts blackbelter. She got the gold medals in the Above 40 female Largo Strike (1 meter), Traditional Anyo Double-Bladed Weapon and Continuous Strike (Redonda) categories in the June 2022 competition. Last April, she also won two gold medals.
In an interview with Panay News, she said, “I am happy that, at my age of 52, I can still compete and capture gold medals in National Arnis Martial Arts Championships…I was told that, here in the Philippines, I am the most senior arnisador to join these tournaments and to achieve a gold medal is a feat. Even my coaches are saying that this is a rare achievement and we were surprised that I can still move very fast and even do the perfect split stance at my age.”
In an interview with the Centralian Link, she said, “My winning reminds me that Faith in God can move mountains. You can just do anything and nothing is impossible in His Power. I achieved it because God allowed it.” Furthermore, she added, “My winning is the result of humility amidst persecution. I embrace all my sufferings with humility and gratefulness that in the end, God will always give justice to my sacrifices and hard work. As the Bible says, “When you are humble, God will exalt you.”
This is her advice to student-athletes, “sometimes, students who excelled in sports would think that they are not good in academics. And those that excelled in academics would think that they can never be good in sports. I want them to change their mindset through my example. When you believe, when you have faith, you can excel in both academics and sports.” Her grades showed that indeed you can excel in both.
She is thankful to CPU for the lessons she has learned in school. She remarked, “CPU has given me a very strong foundation in my spirituality. Faith, be good, and doing good and choosing always what is right in all circumstances are the values I learned from CPU.” She was the former Governor of the School of Graduate Studies last 2010. It was during her time that the department joined the debate and Mr. and Miss CPU contest.
Muralla is currently working as a Regional Labor and Employment Officer in the Department of Labor and Employment – Region 6.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Former CPU Alumni Association President and Chairman, Alumni Homecoming 2022 Awards and Recognition Committee Dan Dorillo with CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles.
The May 9, 2022 national and local elections have represented the will of the people. Winners in the local elections proudly signified to serve their government units; municipalities, districts and provinces. Their leadership deserves the admiration and trust of the people in general, and their community and institutions in particular. For the excellent performance resulting to victory and success, the CPU Alumni Association will recognize Centralian candidates – winners, during the CPU Alumni Homecoming on October 1, 2022.
The newly elected Centralian public officials who bring honor to Central Philippine University will contribute much in the promotion of the institution. They reflect excellent education, training and leadership found in CPU. They carry the name of their Alma Mater, as such, they can help the University in creating alliances and projects with the community and local government.
It was learned from former CPUAAI President and Chairman of the Awards and Recognition Committee, Mr. Dan Dorillo that “The recognition of newly elected public officials will be a special part of the program during the Alumni Homecoming.” The committee has started its search for those Centralian candidates who won with the help of CPU alumni associated with them.
In a meeting with Dorillo he recalled, “Most of the Centralian alumni who ran for public office, have experiences in the CPUR Republic during their College days.” “Some of those incumbents or newly elected public officials in Iloilo to name a few, are Matt Plagata Palabrica , SP Iloilo 4th district and his brother Mark Palabrica incumbent Mayor of Bingawan, Iloilo; Millard Villanueva, Mayor, Conception, Iloilo; Ronaldo Golez, Vice Mayor, Dumangas, Iloilo and Atty. Plaridel Nava, Iloilo City Councilor,” Dorillo pointed out.
If you know any Centralian in your area who had won in the national and local elections 2022, we would like to request you to submit their name(s), address and contact number (if any) to the CPU Alumni Affairs Office, Central Philippine University –Lopez Jeana St., Jaro Iloilo City; Email: cpuaai@gmail.com or call Mrs. Tina Marie Hortelano at 3291971 local 1033. Your referral or information shall be highly appreciated. Thank you.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Pillora is a member of the CPU Golden Lions Football Team.
Name: Pillora, Jil Sander D.
Nickname: Negs
Height: 5′ 5”
Grade/year: 1st year College
Team: Football Men
Playing Position: Midfield, Right/Left Wing
Coach: Bob Rommel J. Javellana
Hometown: Guimaras
Achievements:
British Council-Philippine Football Federation Under 11 UK Football Training Programme 2013, United Kingdom
Champion ILOPRISAA 2019
Champion ILOPRISAA 2018 Champion
Champion ILOPRISAA 2017 Champion
Champion ILOPRISAA 2016 Champion
Integrated Meet 2019 3rd Runner Up
Integrated Meet 2018 1st Runner Up
Integrated Meet 2017 1st Runner Up
Champion WVPRISAA 2020 Champion
Regional Prisaa 2019 1st Runner Up
Regional Prisaa 2018 1st Runner Up
Hobbies: Reading and singing
Favorite Player: Paul Pogba
Most Memorable Game: WVPRISAA 2020, Roxas City Capiz
Principle in Life: Trust the process
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
As a player for the CPU Golden Lions, I am thankful to the coaches who taught and molded me into what I am today, not just a good athlete, but also a good person. It is also an honor to play and represent this school.
Why did you choose CPU: I chose CPU because it has excellent program in academics and sports. I envision myself here in the coming years as someone who excels in both academics and sports.
By Princes Elaine Y. Espongja, BA-ELS 4
Representatives of CPU and NITS during a consultative meeting.
Engr. Dany Molina, Dean of the College of Engineering facilitated a meeting with the National Institute of Technology, Sasebo College, Japan last June 13, 2022.
The National Institute of Technology, Sasebo College is a partner institution of Central Philippine University. In the MOU, both institutions have agreed to establish a mutually cooperative relationship in science, technology, and culture specifically in student/faculty/staff exchange, joint education and research activities, and other activities agreed upon.
During the meeting, Dr. Yoshihito Yagyu and Dr. Kazuhiko Mitsuhashi proposed two projects for a start. The first, which had been initially planned before the pandemic was the Sakura Science Exchange Program which will focus on “Learning of renewable energy by floating offshore wind power system for island countries”. Selected students from CPU’s College of Engineering will participate. The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) started the “Sakura Science Program”. This is a short-term visit to Japan with the opportunity to experience both Japan’s cutting-edge science and technology and culture.
The second is JASSO Program which will focus on “English and communication training for future global engineer learning at Central Philippine University”. Selected Engineering students from Sasebo College will get the chance to visit CPU for one month.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles was at the helm to accept the proposals made by the NITS team. He emphasized the importance of student exchange as well as the cultural and educational exposure of students from both institutions.
The collaboration meeting was participated by the following: from CPU, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, President; Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean College of Engineering ; Dr. Bernardo G. Cagasan, Officer-In-Charge Department of Languages, Mass Communications and Humanities; and, Prof. Leilani Fatimah Ledesma-Trompeta, Director, Office of International Relations and Cooperation. From Sasebo College (NITS), Dr. Kazuhiko Mitsuhashi, Executive Officer of the International Exchange Program; Dr. Yoshihito Yagyu, Chairman of the Philippines and Kosen Collaboration; Ms. Ernie A. Kakehashi, Co-chairman of the Philippines and Kosen Collaboration.