By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Magno with her awards during the Search for Huwarang Guro 2022.
Dr. Necil C. Magno, BPED Coordinator CPU, is among the Top Ten Outstanding Global Educators for the Book Authors Category and sa Larang ng Inobasyon, in the Search for Huwarang Guro Award 2022. The Award was given on June 25, 2022 at the Century Hotel, Angeles City, Pampanga. Dr. Necil C. Magno has authored several Physical Fitness, Wellness, Dance and Sports manuals.
She has previously reaped several global awards of excellence in teaching and innovation. “I am proud first of all, for CPU’s Exemplary Christian Education for Life”, with which I have been molded and nurtured to be the best version of myself. Central Philippine University is true to her mission and vision in developing and nurturing the potential of her graduates by providing excellence and quality Christian Education that can be seen among her alumni.” She added that I am blessed to receive these awards for my hard work, perseverance and determination.
This time she received the following awards: Outstanding Global Educator Module Writer Category (Rank 1); Outstanding Proficient Educator (Rank 4); Outstanding Global Educators Book Author (Rank 4) Huwarang Guro sa Larang ng Inobasyon (Rank 2).
She thanked the Beyond Books Publication and the organizers of Global Leaders and Educators Awards, headed by Dr. Leonilo B Capulso for the recognitions. “I am very grateful for my parents and my mentors-my second parents: Jayna Acap, Evangeline Bajador Ybanez , Janet Paguntalan Jaco, Anita Illenberger, Humar Aberia, Rosario Sanico, Maridel Ambos, Cecilia Jumayao Somodio and Mauro Somodio; our beloved University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Central Philippine University.
“I dedicate these awards to my children Princess Sheane, Prince Sherwin, Prince Nesher, my husband Sherwin and to my parents. You are all the source of my strength and motivation,” Magno said. Also, she offers these awards to her mentors and teachers who molded and helped her to be the best educator she can be.
Magno expressed gratefulness to the Lord who she said, is the source of everything. “The goodness of the Lord is overwhelming and forever.” She added that, “I thought I won’t make it, but God is so good and great always and forever.” She shared an inspirational verse from Isaiah 41: 10 which says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
“To you Lord, I surrender All.” To God be the Highest Glory!
By Phoebe Key Cutaran
Salido, a graduate school student of CPU, receives a grant from the Democracy Grant of the United States Agency for International Development and The Asia Foundation.
John Marlou Salido, an active youth leader of Kalibo, Aklan, and a 2nd year student of CPU taking up Master of Science in Social Work, was recognized as one of the ten (10) recipients of the Democracy Grant of the United States Agency for International Development and The Asia Foundation amounting to Php 250,000.00. Salido is also a CPUR Representative of the School of Graduate Studies for AY 2022-2023.
Out of the thirty (30) youth fellows around the country who underwent the rigorous leadership and democracy training with esteemed institutions such as the Ateneo School of Government, Asian Institute of Management, and Ayala Foundation, Inc. for over one (1) year, Mr. Salido’s LOVE Project: LOan to saVE, was chosen as one of the recipients of the said grant.
According to Mr. Salido’s Facebook post “This will allow my organization, Project Kalibo, Inc. to start the LOVE Project: LOan to saVE. With this project, we aim to make lending accessible to our young indigent micro-entrepreneurs. Moreover, we provide a zero interest/collateral FREE loan, and at the same time, we encourage our beneficiaries to save.”
The awarding took place last June 17, 2022 at Rizal Park Hotel, Manila, Philippines.
Mr. Salido was one of the thirty (30) selected youth leaders from over 300 applicants nationwide, and the lone representative from the Province of Aklan to become a part of the first batch that underwent the Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Fellowship 2021 brought by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Asia Foundation.
Mr. Salido is a strong advocate of financial literacy, youth and economic empowerment. He is currently the co-founder and Executive Director of Project Kalibo, Inc., a part-time Senior High School instructor at Aklan Valley High School, and the incumbent Vice President for Internal Affairs of Junior Chamber International – Aklan Kalantiao.
By Anna May Yap-Zerrudo
Representatives from different institutions attended the Bootcamp for Educators via Zoom.
To strengthen its commitment for sustainable growth and development, Central Philippine University is participating in the International SDG Bootcamp 2022.
The bootcamp aims to respond to growing concerns on different contemporary issues related to the environment, education, peace building, and technology, among others. Organized by Tarlac Agricultural University, SEED4Com, and six other academic higher education institutions, the International SDG Bootcamp 2022 was officially launched via Zoom on June 25th. Experts on areas related to the different sustainable development goals delivered presentations to inspire participants as they conceptualize their respective group projects.
CPU representative, Prof. Kay Arden Q. Gallo, faculty of the Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities, will work with educators and professionals from other universities in the Philippines and abroad to propose solutions that could mitigate problems related to any of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
By Kianne Francine Duspar
Volunteers from Central Philippine University clear the area around Dungon Creek from inappropriate disposed trash.
Central Philippine University adopted Dungon Creek as part of the “Adopt an Estero Program”, a Clean-up drive organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VI last June 18, 2022.
Students from CPU Biological Society and other colleges partake in a collaborative undertaking together with the community, local government unit and officials, concerned settlers and the DENR to achieve a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for the communities along Esteros.
Volunteers from Central Philippine University were led by Mr. Prim Vergara III, Head, CPU Office of Safety and Health and Chairman of the Sustainable Campus Committee along with Engr. Levi de los Santos, Director of CESL.
The activity lasted for two hours in which volunteers were able to clear the area around Dungon Creek from inappropriate disposed trash. Since its launching in 2010, the “Adopt an Estero program” of the DENR has received appreciation and widespread support from the private sectors, local communities, local government units and volunteers, as well as environmental groups as it paves way to a safer and cleaner estero communities.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
VIPs in ‘hard hats’ got hold of their spades as they do the symbolic groundbreaking for the CPU ARUGA Technodemo Farm in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the 30 Sow-Level Multiplier and Tehnodemo Farm at Brgy. Talongadian, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo on June 27, 2022 was a success. Despite the ‘cloud of doubt’ on the weather, the CPU ARUGA ably organized the event, and celebrated God’s goodness.
The event turned out to be a recognition of brilliance for the initiative on the high-end project. It was really a gathering of the masters in agriculture for Western Visayas; the coming together of Retirees from one excellent Alumni Association – the CPU ARUGA. Among them, Former Department of Agriculture Executive Director, Region 6 and President of ARUGA Integrated Family System ATI Learning Site Larry P. Nacionales; Angel Supetran, Jr. COO-CPU ARUGA 30 Sow- Level Swine Multiplier and Techno-Demo Farm; Long-time DAR Regional Director Alexis Mirador Arsenal, and former CPUAAI President Dan Dorillo (both were classmates from CPU Agriculture ‘Batch ‘70). Other members as well as adopted professionals of ARUGA were present.
The program started at 11:00 AM with an invocation led by Rev. Roger Quimpo, Senior Pastor University Church, CPU. Mr. Supetran welcomed everyone and gave an insight on the valuable farm project by CPU ARUGA. Outgoing Municipal Mayor of Sta. Barbara Rema B. Somo thanked and appreciated CPU ARUGA for the initiative and realization of the special farm project. “Moreover, I am so happy about the project implemented during my administration,” Somo said.
Mr. Glenn Mariano (Regional Livestock Head) who represented Regional Executive Director, Department of Agriculture Western Visayas (Centralian) Remelym R. Recoter, also thanked the CPU ARUGA for the project, which would benefit not only Sta. Barbara, but the rest of the province in the future.
The CPU ARUGA project was appreciated twice over by the Honorable 2nd District Congressman Mike Gorriceta. In his message, Gorriceta acknowledged the hard work of the CPU ARUGA and the value that the Technodemo farm will bring to Sta. Barbara. He added, “It will not take long before the project could benefit also other municipalities, the province and to a certain extent, capably serve the country.” Mr. Nacionales made the response for the recipients, and also asked the congressman for possible feeder roads construction in the area. He shared how their efforts and determination in CPU ARUGA paid off, as the project proposal was approved shortly, by the government.
The Ground Breaking activity was carried on near the shelter where the program was held. The symbolic tilling of the soil was done by the guests wearing the hard hats. A tree planting activity followed, with each one planting a ‘catmoon’ seedling around the marker. Dr Eden DLR. Bautista, Center Director of the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center VI, delivered her Closing Remarks. The program was hosted by Ms. Blessie Luzarita.
As has been locally said, “Wala gutom sa uma” (there is no hunger in the farm), tables of native ‘snacks (kakanin)-suman, latik, bayi-bayi, puto and many others were served. At lunch Sinugba, Fried and Sinabawan dishes were savoured by everyone with banana, salad and other fruits.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Former DAR Region 6 Director Alexis Mirador Arsenal.
Alexis Mirador Arsenal was an important guest at a Ground Breaking Ceremony in Sta. Barbara on Monday June 27, 2022. The younger generation of Centralian Agriculturists would not have known how influential Arcenal is in agriculture until they’ve talked to him.
He was answering curious questions from fellow guests during the ceremony. He was with his batch mates from CPU College of Agriculture circa 1970. He was President of the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association from 2018 to 2020, and has been awarded Outstanding Alumnus of the CPU College of Agriculture.
Much of his experiences with the Department of Agrarian Reform (including being the Regional Director of Region 6 and Region 8) were important pieces of history during the implementation of the DAR Program. He was employed by the Department during the administration of the late President Marcos, the father of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. in 1973.
Arsenal was responsible in implementing the essential Land Reform Program in Western Visayas. After only 6 months of working with the Department, he was given the Outstanding DAR Extension Supervisor Award by the government. The conversion of agricultural lands for commercial or housing purposes according to Arsenal, was his major task in the DAR. It was interesting to learn from him that he was part in the conversion of a parcel of agricultural land into a subdivision, now known as the CPU Centennial Village.
He said, “I was confronted with the difficult task of investigating and reconciling issues between farmers and powerful land owners. Many cases were thrown on my desk, as a result of defending the poor; I never backed out and I never gave up. I know I was doing the right decisions. That is the essence of working for God.” God guided and protected me. As it went on, I was absolved of the cases filed against me. I stayed in the DAR for 40 years before retiring.
“I enjoy more, now that I’m back with Centralians in the CPU ARUGA organization.” I also hope to help more in the development of CPU College of Agriculture,” Arsenal said. When asked about the Central Spirit, he said, “I think it is in the heart and mind of every Centralian. The Central Spirit is the glue that binds CPU alumni together in any event, activity and prosperity.”
Arsenal studied Advanced Land Reform Program and Rural Development at the Land Reform Training Institute (LRTI) in Taiwan. The government also sent him to study at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati, Metro Manila to take up a Program for Development Manager.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Beliran is a member of the CPU Golden Lions Basketball Men’s Team.
Name: Jean Raven B. Beliran
Nickname: Binoy
Height: 5’8″
Grade/year: 2nd Year College
Team: Men’s Basketball Team
Playing Position: PG/SG
Coach: Mathew Jan Montalvo
Hometown: San Jose, Antique
Achievements:
2015 NBTC League (1st runner up)
2016 milo Paserelle (1st runner up)
2016 ISSA (Champion)
2016 ILOPRISAA (Champion)
2017 SBP 3×3 Regionals (Champion)
2017 SBP 3×3 Nationals (champion)
2018 ILOPRISAA (Champion)
2018 Integrated meet (Champion)
2018 WVPRISAA (Champion)
2018 WVRAA (Champion)
2019 ILOPRISAA (1st runner up)
Hobbies: Basketball and watching movies
Favorite Player: Dywane Wade
Most Memorable Game: 2017 SBP Nationals where we played in MOA arena.
Principle in Life: “Have faith in everything you do.”
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I am so thankful for the coaches who accepted me in the team and gave me an opportunity to represent CPU.
Why did you choose CPU:
CPU has very good academic and sports program. Studying in CPU will help me strengthen my faith and build up my character.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Velario is a member of the CPU Men’s Football Team.
Name: Antonio C. Velario IV
Nickname: “Yanyan”
Height: 5’8”
Grade/year: 3rd Year College
Team: CPU Men’s Football
Playing Position: Left back/ Center back
Coach: Bob Rommel Javellana
Hometown: Leon, Iloilo
Achievements:
CHAMPION PRISAA 2015-2019
SILVER PRISAA 2020
SILVER REGIONAL PRISAA 2016, 2019-2020
SILVER INTEGRATED MEET 2015-2018
CHAMPION WVRAA MEET 2018
CHAMPION JR ROBLES CUP 2017
SILVER NATIONAL PRISAA 2019
3rd RUNNER UP PALARONG PAMBANSA 2018
Hobbies: Playing football and having fun with friends
Favorite Player: Matthijs de Ligt
Most Memorable Game: National PRISAA 2019 in Davao, semifinals game
Principle in Life: Character is more important than reputation.
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I am so blessed and grateful to be an athlete at the same time having the opportunity to study.
Why did you choose CPU:
I chose CPU because this University is capable of molding student athletes to excel in different areas of life. Central Philippine University is a social enterprise that has a heart of helping less fortunate individuals and studying here is our stepping stone to achieve our goals in life.
By Sharlene G. Gotico
CPU officials received a grant from DOST-PCIEERD last June 23, 2022 at the World Palace Hotel in Davao City.
CPU places fourth among 27 universities that were granted a grant under the Higher Education Institution Readiness for Innovation and Technopreneurship (HeIRIT) program of the the Department of Science and Technology -Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD). This was announced during the HeIRIT 2.0 Kick Off Program held at the World Palace Hotel in Davao City on June 23-24, 2022.
The top five universities are the following:
1. De La Salle University -College of St. Benilde
2. Ateneo de Manila University
3. Philippine Women’s College of Davao
4. Central Philippine University
5. University of the Philippines – Baguio
In her message during the Kick Off event, Dr. Lyre Anni Murao, Chancellor of UP Mindanao, said that these university-based TBIs help shape their respective regions’ innovation landscape and help shape the country’s economy. Moreover, she challenged the TBI teams to “fashion a new breed of entrepreneurs who will champion ‘Filipinnovation’”.
As part of the acceptance into the HeIRIT 2.0 program, the CPU team will undergo a training program and will receive a grant from PCIEERD in preparation for the setting up of a technology business incubator (TBI) to nurture local start ups in Region 6.
The members of the CPU TBI Team are the following: Prof. Ma. Rhea Rizza Melliza (TBI Manager), Prof. Sharlene Gotico (ITSO Manager), Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa, Engr. Gelvie Lagos, Engr. Yeseil Sacramento (Technical Members), and Prof. Renjo Debil (Entrepreneur-in-Residence). The application to the DOST PCIEERD HeIRIT program was initiated by the dean of the College of Engineering, Engr. Dany Molina, who also serves as the team’s consultant/adviser.
It was in February 2022 that the CPU team, together with University President Dr. Teodoro Robles, underwent a panel interview with DOST PCIEERD as part of the application process. Rating criteria used for selection included technopreneurship program; support laboratories and infrastructure; active research and development; team composition/gender balance; and university support, among others.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The new Centralian Lawyers with the Faculty and Staff of the College of Law, and University officials.
The CPU College of Law tendered a testimonial dinner in honor of the successful Centralian Bar Passers on June 16, 2022 at the Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
The program started with an invocation and playing of the National Anthem. CPU College of Law Dean Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila gave her welcome remarks. In her message, she thanked the CPU Board of Trustees and its Chairman Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, and Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President for their big support to the College of Law. She also expressed gratitude to the CPU Vice Presidents, and the professors and faculty who untiringly helped the bar examinees during their review.
Endonila said, “I stand proud of the achievement of the College with 102 bar passers in 2019 and in 2020/2021 bar exams.” She thanked the successful examinees who took up the Bar Exam under the worst condition during the pandemic. She mentioned how the examinees patiently took fourteen days of review in isolation. The bar examination was held at Central Philippine University last year.
Atty. Corvera challenged the new lawyers and reminded them that “Passing the Bar Examination is a huge accomplishment, but your journey has just begun…Our lawyers aside from the skill and competence, will imbibe and live out the Christian values for which this university stands for – honesty, integrity, uprightness and honor. Remember that in your dealings and practice, you do not carry only your family name but also the name of the very institution which trained you and educated you.”
Dr. Robles congratulated the successful bar examinees and recognized the efforts of the Faculty of CPU College of Law. He said “I am thankful that during my time as President of the University, we attained the average, higher than the national average”. He thanked the faculty and the hard work of the graduates. He added that, “We have to continue the good work and hope that we have more successes as the days come; to continue to shine for Central Philippine University. We shall have future lawyers who will be able to be what we want them to be – lawyers with integrity and honesty who will practice with Christian values.”
Exemplary Bar Passers, Atty. Ronil G. Arbis, Atty. Jikko S. Belejerdo, Atty. Neslie Vic L. Bibera and Atty Robespierre S. Tersol shared their experiences from the review period to examination time. Other congratulatory messages were also delivered by PAO Regional Director Jose Edmund Guillin, City Prosecutor Peter Baliao, Retired Judge Nery D. Duremdes, Judge Globert Justalero, and CPU College of Law Faculty Atty. Rodolfo V. Cabado.
Immediate Past Dean of the CPU College of Law Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona Jr. led the toast for the successful bar examinees and for the Testimonial Dinner. Rev Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church led the prayer to send off the new lawyers. Acting Asst. Dean Atty. Liza Lyn Lamason-Garcia delivered her closing remarks.
Ms. Carmelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer, Office of the President was the host of the event.
By Nizee Jea Salinas and Kenneth Sumbo
The College of Engineering is where ideas are turned into reality.
Agrisistance creates a digital space for the agricultural social enterprise
With its feature of using a mobile application to advertise farmer’s products, Agrisistance had successfully captured the interest of the investors and garnered a cash prize of 200,000 Won during the 2021 International Student Startup Conference held via Zoom conference last Dec. 12, 2021. The event is sponsored by LINC+ project group of Tongmyong University, Busan, South Korea.
“Agrisistance” came from two words namely “agriculture” and “assistance”. It is a startup business developed by a team of five students from Central Philippine University (CPU)-College of Engineering (COE). The team is composed of Jesse Lemuel Dellova (EE), Sheen Melendez (EE), Jesus Rulen Franco (ME), Marsry Sevilla (SE), and Tristan Iguidez (PkgE).
The combination of students hailing from different engineering departments worked hand-in-hand in developing a social enterprise that aids the agricultural sector to catch up with today’s technology. Aside from offering advertisements of the produce of farmers, Agrisistance also offers door-to-door delivery of products as well as rental of agricultural equipment.
According to Dellova, every engineering department has its own strengths and weaknesses. He also pointed out that it is necessary to point out the strengths so that they can contribute effectively to their team.
Consequently, he also enumerated the strengths of every department such as Mechanical Engineering (ME) which possess strength in the business aspect, Software Engineering (SE) which possesses skills in developing mobile applications, Packaging Engineering (PkgE) which has a background on graphic design, and Electrical Engineering (EE) that was tasked to plan, lead and, manage the team.
“We made this possible because of constant communication and I think that’s very important to the team since we can only hold our meetings virtually,” Dellova said as he described the team dynamics.
Moreover, the team also expressed their gratitude for their mentors who also contributed to their success. Their mentors include Engr. Gelvie Lagos who lended his expertise in the conceptualizing of the startup business, Christina Gaston, CEO of Hacienda Crafts Company, who offered additional insights, and Honey Guardialao, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) staff, who offered expertise in the making of their financial plan.
To Dellova, the showcasing of the various business ideas of the students from different universities in the world that have the potential to contribute to the world’s betterment was the highlight of the conference.
“This event is not just a contest but an avenue to show the world the country’s major problem and how this startup business idea will solve the problem,” Dellova conveyed.
Currently, Agrisistance has already been validated by both farmers and consumers. As of the moment, the team behind the startup business is waiting for its implementation.
Lastly, Dellova encouraged students aspiring to begin their own startup business to watch the Korean Drama entitled “Startup,” because it can motivate them to create their own business startup.
Team PAniNDA to engineering students: ‘Let us turn our ideas into reality’
“Together, let us turn our ideas into reality,” five civil engineering students of Central Philippine University (CPU) stated as they bagged the excellent award during the 7th International Student Entrepreneurship Conference held via Zoom Conference last December 12, 2021 sponsored by LINC+ project group of Tongmyong University, Busan, South Korea.
Out of all the participating teams from various universities around the world, the team from the CPU College of Engineering (CPU-COE) composed of Paul Christian M. Alado, Faye Abbie D. Pedrosa, Fedie F. Tabaquirao, Romulo D. Tindoy, and Jan Van Rey D. Villarmino, received a certificate of award and a cash prize worth 300,000 Won due to their mobile application, PAniNDA.
The business proposal, PAniNDA, was conducted as part of the course requirement in Technopreneurship 101, but the business idea has eventually piqued the team’s interest to help their target beneficiaries, especially in the middle of a pandemic.
PAniNDA aims to bridge the gap between the producers and consumers of the local market. It provides a new approach to accessibility and food security.
The mobile app offers three categories: Wet Market, Dry Market, and Groceries, providing a wide variety of fresh product options for the consumers. It also features “online puwesto” where producers can directly deliver their fresh produce and where vendors can sell their products.
Additionally, the PAniNDA addressed the underlying problem of accessibility between market vendors and local farmers or producers who have a hard time transporting their products to the urban areas.
Moreover, it outlined the inconvenience and inaccessibility of some consumers to local food markets, which was aggravated by community restrictions and transportation issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With PAniNDA, we are revolutionizing everyone’s market experience as the first online palengke application in Iloilo City,” the team emphasized.
Nevertheless, the team would like to express their gratitude to the course instructor: Engr. Caesar Rico S. Acanto, for the guidance and constructive suggestions throughout the making of the business proposal.
“Thank you for the opportunities that you have given us along with the help of Engr. Dany Molina, Engr. Gelvie Lagos, and Engr. Bernie Cangrejo, for us to pitch our business idea on both local and international levels,” they added.
Furthermore, the team encouraged the engineering students to think outside the box and not settle for less.
“As engineering students, let us use our innovative ideas not just for mere compliance, but also with the intent to help others and create a significant impact,” they stated further.
By Sarex Dipol
The CPU Department of Life Sciences conducted a curriculum review and an R & R at the same time.
The faculty members of the Department of Life Sciences of Central Philippine University conducted a curriculum review of the Bachelor of Science in Biology program at Sinoguora Beach Resort, Brgy. Sinapsapan, Jordan Guimaras. The curriculum review in the program of BS Biology was based on the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 49 Series of 2017. To assure the mandatory courses required by CHED are totally integrated in the curriculum. Aside from the required courses being reviewed, the faculty member also reviewed the number of units of the courses, the prerequisites and co-requisites of the courses and among others.
The BS Biology program has two (2) tracks introduced, namely: Medical Biology and Microbiology. The Medical Biology track is a track intended for aspiring students to proceed in Medicine. On the other hand, the Microbiology track is designed for students whose interests are bacteria, virus, parasites, and immunology. Further, this three days review of the curriculum made a BS Biology program of the University address the needs of stakeholders, such as, the students, communities and the industries.
The three (3) day curriculum review headed by Dr. Nicolas G. Guazon, Head of Department of Life Sciences and Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and faculty members of the department are the participants.
Aside from the curriculum review, the faculty members enjoyed various water activities, such as island hopping, swimming, caving and among others.