By Cyrus A. Natividad
The CPU ROTC Unit in one of the tactical drills competition.
Many Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) graduates were admittedly disappointed when Congress moved to repeal the program. It has been a long period of time since ROTC was made optional in college. In a dialogue with Ret. Col Peter C. Bedoña, CPU ROTC Commandant, he referred to House Bill No. 8961- that seeks to revive mandatory ROTC for Grades 11 and 12; the ROTC training will be required for both male and female students.
Bedoña explained, “The goal behind the proposed 2-year mandatory ROTC is to produce well-trained and prepared reservists for military and civic service. The ROTC training is aimed to install patriotism, love of country, moral and spiritual values, respect for human rights, and adherence to the constitution (spirit of nationalism, nation-building and national preparedness).
The proposed measure will also reinforce the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserved Force as well as the capacity of the government to respond to threats on national security and during emergency. Furthermore he clarified that under the bill, only students deemed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines or his/her medical doctor as physically or psychologically unfit for the ROTC Program in accordance with the recommendation of the educational institution where the concerned student is enrolled will be exempted.
Bedoña who is a graduate of Advance ROTC in CPU, emphasized that “the aim is to safeguard students from recruitment by unscrupulous groups inside the school campus. By this measure, students will be guided accordingly on what is happening around them and not succumbed to deception.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Derutas is a member of the CPU Golden Lions Football Team.
Name: Jarlson Roy Derutas
Nickname: JR
Height: 5′ 5”
Grade/year: 3rd Year College / BPED
Team: Football Men
Playing Position: Right/Left Wing
Coach: Bob Rommel J. Javellana
Hometown: Barotac Nuevo , Iloilo
Achievements:
Champion INTEGRATED MEET 2011-2012
Champion REGIONAL MEET 2011
Champion INTEGRATED MEET 2015
Champion INTEGRATED MEET 2016
Champion INYEGRATED MEET 2017
Champion REGIONAL MEET 2016
Champion REGIONAL MEET 2017
REGIONAL MEET 2012 1st Runner Up
REGIONAL MEET 2015 1st Runner Up
PALARONG PAMBANSA 2016 3rd Place
PALARONG PAMBANSA 2017 1st Runner Up
Hobbies: Football
Favorite Player: Neymar Jr.
Most Memorable Game: PALARONG PAMBANSA 2017
Principle in Life:
“Be humble and always keep your feet on the ground.”
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
Being a member of the CPU Golden Lions is a great privilege and a good opportunity. I’ve met a lot of great players and coaches not only in terms of ability, but also in terms of character and personality.
Why did you choose CPU:
We all know that CPU is one of the prestigious universities in Iloilo with a lot of outstanding students and professional graduates. CPU has been my dream school since I was a kid and it is a great opportunity to be able to enter and represent my dream school. Aside from football, I chose CPU because I know that CPU will hone my talents and skills, help me grow and improve as a person academically and spiritually.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Some members of the faculty and staff led by CPU President Teodoro C. Robles attended the necrological service in honor of Dr. Agustin A. Pulido.
A necrological service in honor of Central Philippine University’s beloved Dr. Agustin Aguilar Pulido, Jr. was held on May 12, 2022 at the University Church, CPU. Dr. Pulido returned to his creator on May 7, 2022.
Dr. Pulido served Central Philippine University as President from 1971-1996; as Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees from 2009-2013, and as BOT Member from 2007 till his passing. After 25 years as CPU President he moved to Dumaguete City to become the 11th President of Silliman University (his Alma Mater), from 1996 to 2006. Dr. Pulido also served UP Iloilo in different positions as Dean, Secretary, Instructor and professor from 1962 to 1971.
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Chemistry at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA in 1961. He graduated from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City with the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree, magna Cum Laude, at Silliman University, Dumaguete City in 1953.
The necrological service started at 3 in the afternoon, with the Handbell Ringers playing a meditative music “The Sanctuary”.
The Call to Celebration was done with a responsive reading and thanksgiving for the blessed life of Dr. Pulido. His selfless and genuine acts of love and generosity; his exemplary contribution and committed service to CPU and Silliman as President of both universities, and his involvements with many socio-civic organizations were evoked.
An Invocation led by Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco followed the singing of the song “Great is thy Faithfulness”. Tributes were delivered as treasured memories with Dr. Pulido were lifted by Silliman University Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Ricardo A. Balido, Jr.; Central Philippine University Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa; and CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
Mr. Balido regarded Dr. Pulido as a ‘gift of life’ for his invaluable service to Silliman University. “He commands high respect from members of the Board of Trustees; the man was an institution himself.”
Remembering Dr. ‘Gus’ Pulido, also for his haircut and the white Mercedes Benz (service car of the University President during his time), Dr. Pedregosa called Dr. Pulido as a dedicated University President who’s always willing to serve. He added that, “Dr. Pulido has a penchant for details; full of wisdom and practicality. He was a great man for his simplicity and honesty.”
Dr. Robles in behalf of the CPU Administration, faculty, staff and students expressed his deepest sympathy to the Pulido family. In his tribute, he recounted the buildings constructed in CPU during the presidency of Dr. Pulido – including among others, the Engineering Building, the Rose Memorial Auditorium, the Henry Luce III Library and the Elementary School Building which was later named Dr. Agustin A. Pulido Hall- in his honor. Dr. Robles emphasized that, “Dr. Pulido will be our inspiration as we move on.”
An audio-video presentation showing the late University President deliver his thanksgiving message in a testimonial dinner given by the CPU Board of Trustees was played.
In addition, “Making Meanings of Death” through an Anthem was rendered by the Bahandi Singers. A Comforting Word was given by CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on. He shared that Dr. Pulido is teaching us to live a life of faith, and to ready ourselves to the mission that God has entrusted to us. A prayer for the family was given by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church. A response from the family was delivered by Deneel Pulido Enriquez, one of the daughters of Dr. Pulido.
The Committal followed at Christ the King Memorial Park, Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City.
Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, Jr. was born on March 20, 1932 to the late Mr. Agustin Rivera Pulido and Mrs. Sol Vasquez Aguilar Pulido, in Cadiz, Negros Occidental. He was married to Dr. Dorothy Ann Bermejo Pulido.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
On April 24,2022, Dr. Maredil R. Ambos, CPU’s Multi Awarded Faculty (International and Educator Awards), successively received another 2 Outstanding Educator of the Year Awards; the first on April 24, 2022 at the Okada Hotel, Manila for the Asia Pacific Most Outstanding Educator & Outstanding University Professor 3rd APAETI GURO Excellence Award, and the 2nd Instabright International Awards for Educators Instabright International Guild of Researchers and Educators Inc. at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City May 07, 2022, respectively.
The criteria for Asia Pacific Most Outstanding Educator & Outstanding University Professor Award are as follows: The awardee must have a published study, an article or he/she must be an author of the book; must have created innovations, attended seminars and conferences; must have received awards and recognitions from other professional organizations; must have performance in teaching and be an affiliate member of APAETI.
For the Instabright Outstanding Educator of the Year Award; he/she must achieve a percentage criteria of 20% for Education, 15% for Research and Publication, 15% Innovation in Teaching; 20% for Recognition/Awards as Educator; 10% Performance Rating (3 years); 10% Community Outreach/Linkages, and 10% for other Outstanding Accomplishment.
Asia Pacific Association of Educators Training Institute is an institution that provides training/workshop to professionals and short courses with CPD UNITS. It also recognizes outstanding educators and other professionals for his/her unparalleled performance and ardent dedication as public/private servant in leadership, education and outstanding service. On the other hand, Instabright International Guild of Researchers and Educators Inc. recognizes the outstanding contribution, efforts, dedication and passion of the teachers who work hard to serve the country, the world and its people.
Dr. Ambos is BEEd Program and Professional Education Subjects Coordinator at Central Philippine University.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
International Ministries has appointed Rev. Dr. Nestor Bunda to serve in the Philippines as a global servant. (Photo from IM).
Rev. Dr. Nestor D. Bunda, an adjunct professor of the CPU College of Theology, was recently appointed by the International Ministries to serve as a global servant assigned to the Philippines.
According to IM Mission Mobilization Director Rev. Dr. Rodney Ragwan, “International Ministries is very pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Nestor Bunda as a global servant. We are confident that many will be blessed by someone with such a rich lived experience, academic background, skills, and his strong faith in God. It has been a pleasure discerning with Dr. Bunda.”
The International Ministries explained that “as an IM global servant, he will be working to generate resources for scholarships and partnerships that will equip disciples of Christ to flourish in ministry. He will develop a team-teaching program to mentor pastors and laypersons called to the ministry. This will include mentoring a small group of spiritual care providers toward professional board certification for hospital chaplaincy.” (www.internationalministries.org)
Dr. Bunda is a Retired Pastoral Care Manager, Baylor Scott & White Health and Adjunct Faculty at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas teaching clinical pastoral education (CPE). He is mentoring chaplains and CPE students toward professional board certification. When he retired in August 2021, Baylor Scott & White Health gifted him a Life Membership with the Association of Professional Chaplains for exemplary dedication and commitment to professional chaplaincy.
Dr. Bunda finished his Bachelor of Divinity degree at Central Philippine University and was hailed as the most outstanding graduate of CPU class 1980. He later proceeded to finish his Doctor of Theology at the University of Hamburg, Germany.
Upon coming back to the Philippines after his studies, he served CPU as a faculty member of the College of Theology and also as Chairperson of the Religion and Ethics Department. His book entitled, “A Mission History of the Philippine Baptist Churches 1898-1998” is the textbook of Baptist Heritage classes in the theological institutions of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
The International Ministries is formerly known as the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society. The ABFMS sent missionaries to the Philippines starting in 1900. Central Philippine University is one of the institutions that ABFMS started.
By Lindsay Marie Borres, BA ELS-4, OJT
CPU students helped GMA station during the May 9 elections.
As part of their On the Job Training or OJT, the fourth year students of Bachelor of Arts in Communication of Central Philippine University were requested to become help desk volunteers of GMA Regional Tv One Western Visayas during the Eleksyon 2022. As stated in the Memorandum of Agreement of Central Philippine University and GMA, CPU was the only University in Iloilo city that was given the privilege to collaborate with the event.
Kathrine Licerio, one of the interns is still astonished by what she had witnessed inside the studio. According to her, contrary to what we see on television-the presentable auras of the newscasters, the polished background, the meticulous order of events- when you are there watching in the front row you can feel the tension inside the room. Everyone as part of the set shall fulfill their roles excellently. From the cameraman, director, floor director, technical men, to the news casters, all of them should be versatile and should have an intense presence of mind because relaying information to the mass media is no joke- as it should be appropriate and factual all the time.
The graduating students were able to witness a live newscasting production firsthand and through that, they were reminded of the pressure and the beauty of the field that they have chosen to be their career as they will soon embark on that journey.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CESLC Director Levi Delos Santos (right) with benefactor Ann Seisa, facilitator Joan Cataluña Sabran and Dr. Pedregosa.
Central Philippine University has been carrying out one of the Higher Education Institution (HEI) functions; that is Extension. For the last several years including the pandemic period, the University has committed to serve and respond to the needs of the community.
Thru its outreach center- the Community Engagement and Service Learning Center (CESLC), the University has effectively established linkages with national government agencies (NGAs), local government Units (LGU’s), non-government organizations (NGOs), and people’s organizations (POs).
Recently, five volunteer groups from CPU have worked hand in hand with CESLC in providing needed food and relief goods to victims of calamity; the University Church, the College of Education, the College of Medical Laboratory, the CPUR and the University Library.
On top of the valuable programs and projects of CESLC, is the focal person who makes sure that objectives for partnership with communities are realized. Levi O. Delos Santos –CESLC Director said, ”We operate in line with the Vision and Mission of Central Philippine University which is our commitment to respond to the needs of the community.”
He dded that, ”In collaboration with the University, CESLC provides integrated community development programs of social responsibility to partner communities. Our mission promotes Self-reliance, Empowerment, Resource development, and Volunteerism under the influence of EXCEL,”
CESLC programs and services include: Training Programs, Technical Assistance and Advisory Services Communications/ Information Services, Community Outreach Services, and Techno-Transfer, Utilization and Commercialization.
Engr. Levi O. Delos Santos, Jr. is a Professional Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer (PAE Philippine Regulation Commission, 1986); graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, CPU 1984, (completed the academic requirement for Master of Agriculture (Specialized in Business Management) from WVSU, Iloilo City and his Master in Management in Business Management from UP, Iloilo City in 1999.
His engagement in community service has grown through his experience in different companies and agencies, among them, Department of Trade and Industry Region 6, World Vision, Micro Ensure Philippines, Phil. Coconut Industry Region 6. He has also served as consultant to several funded programs and projects.
Delos Santos emphasized Service and Commitment as the enduring values “nurtured at Central and which I always applied in my projects.”
By Lindsay Marie Borres, BA ELS-4, OJT
Centralian Atty. Belejerdo took his oath as a lawyer before the Supreme Court Justices at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 2, 2022.
People may probably never forget him as someone who ran three times in the CPU Republic Elections and never won, but now everyone can finally remember him as a CPA Lawyer with exemplary performance! He is Attorney Jikko Solano Belejerdo.
He passed the February 2022 BAR exam which was also dubbed as the Best BAR ever along with other 87 Centralians, and he was one of the four newly Centralian passers with a grade of 85 percent and above. A true Centralian, he finished his pre-law in CPU with a degree in BS Accountancy and immediately proceeded to the College of Law while working and leading.
Along with his batchmates, this 27-year-old native of Sambiray, Malay, Aklan waited for almost two years before he was able to take the BAR. They graduated in 2020 and endured numerous postponements patiently that only prolonged the anxiety. It was a phase of his life where he was most challenged. He admitted that he has set very high expectations for himself, something that made it so difficult for him to deal with as the review day progressed. However, God is extremely good that He surrounded this man with people he never knew he actually needed. A journey of learning and relearning. Learning new things to help him cope with the challenges brought by the pandemic and relearning things, things that he has already forgotten but became significant in his journey in overcoming every single day.
When asked about the things that he learned in his experiences, he highlighted that it was three things. First is learning how to wait. Second is, that God is in the waiting and of course, thirdly, trust the process. These major lessons led him to become the person that he is now.
This Koalisyon alumnus is remembered by his fellow leaders and mentees as someone who is passionate about helping others especially in producing excellent and emerging leaders in his Alma mater. He dedicated so much time serving the Centralians and inspiring young leaders in the University.
Attorney Belejerdo’s message to the youth who aspires to be lawyers someday is “Always make your journey and your dreams meaningful. Seek and re-evaluate your purpose on why you want to become a lawyer; that sense of having a purpose will help you through. You also have to find inspiration from a lot of things. They need not be grand and learn the art of getting fueled by trivial yet meaningful things. Lastly, offer your endeavors to God. He should be the center of our dreams. And it is in His will that we flourish the most.”
Perhaps the Almighty has denied him those titles in the past because He is preparing him for this one. Indeed, it was a journey of being patient and trusting that God is walking with him.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Cudo is the tekong of the CPU Golden Lions Sepak Takraw Team.
Name: Jose Glenn Cudo
Nickname: Thunder
Height: 6′ 2”
Grade/year: 4th year college/BSBA Business Management
Playing Position: tekong
Hometown: Poblacion Jordan Guimaras
Achievements:
2 times Regional PRISAA Champion
Champion WVPRISAA 2019, Bacolod City
Champion WVPRISAA 2020, Roxas City
2 times Silver Medalist in Regional WVRAA
3 times champion Provincial MEET.
Hobbies: Playing basketball and Sepak Takraw
Favorite Player: Jay-ar Galia
Most Memorable Game:
Championship Game during the Regional WVRAA Iloilo vs Guimaras
Principle in Life: Aim High and Hit the Mark
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I’m thankful to be chosen as one of varsity players of this institution. It’s my privilege to represent the name of our University in every game.
Why did you choose CPU:
I chose CPU because of the good quality education. CPU has good facilities and competent professors. I also believe that being an athlete, I can improve and develop my skills and abilities in any sports I want. I really believe that studying in CPU will make me successful.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Joseph is a member of the CPU Golden Lions Table Tennis Secondary Boys Team.
Name: Joseph Christian Vito
Nickname: Jc
Height: 5’0”
Grade 8
Team: Table tennis Secondary Boys
Playing Position: Singles
Coach: Jun Gayoso
Hometown: San Pedro, Buenavista, Guimaras
Achievements:
Champion Team Guimaras Sports Council Meet 2018
Champion Doubles Guimaras Sports Council Meet 2018
Qualifier WVRAA Doubles 2018
2nd Place Super League Isabela Negros 2018
Champion Team Guimaras Sport Council Meet 2019
Champion Doubles Guimaras Sport Council Meet 2019
1st Pavia Regional Table Tennis Tournament 2019
Champion ILOPRISAA meet 2019
Champion Integrated meet 2019
Qualifier WVRAA 2020
Hobbies: Playing Table tennis and watching movies
Favorite Player: Ding Ning
Most Memorable Game:
When we played Doubles against Negros during WVRAA 2018
Principle in Life: “Put God first.”
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I am very thankful for the opportunity that CPU has given to me.
Why did you choose CPU:
CPU gives us quality education. CPU develops the attitude and character of every student athlete.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Jonathan Anotado Gapilango, MSN RN OCN CCRP NE-BC (CPU BSN 1993), is the President Elect of the Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey, U.S.A for 2022-2024. He was inducted on April 30, 2022 at the Pines Manor by Current President of Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) Mary Joy Dia. Outgoing PNANJ President Jackie Baras turned over the award as Recruiter of the Year to Gapilango as well.
Gapilango received 56.4% (303) votes amongst the 3 candidates. The election was conducted through online voting – by a Third Party Election America from March 21 to April 15, 2022. The turnout of voters was at an all- time high in the history of PNANJ.
Gapilango shared his mantra: iCARE (innovation, Collaboration, Advocacy, Resiliency, Engagement & Empowerment). As member of the Advisory Board of PNANJ Chapter, he partnered with the Filipino- American Community & Development Center of Ocean County, Inc. (FCDC) in many different fundraising events and cultural awareness activities. He is a member of FCDC for 10 years.
A very successful Centralian, Gapilango treasured this verse in Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
By Lindsay Marie Borres, BA ELS-4, OJT
Dr. Juanito M. Acanto with wife Ruth, and CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and the editor of the book, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on.
The launching of the book entitled “The story of Juanito M. Acanto, the Centennial President of Central Philippine University” was held at the University Church on April 29, 2022. It was shown all over the world through its live coverage on Facebook by the Central Philippine University TV Channel.
The author and editor Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director for Communications, in his speech commended Dr. Robles for allowing him to write the story of Dr. Juanito M. Acanto and for placing the heritage of CPU in such great importance. He hopes and prays that the next president of CPU will also embody such remarkable values and respect for history.
Rev. Jalando-on also mentioned two things that stood out for him while he was writing the book. He said, “First, the Vision and Mission of CPU were written down during his time as president. We are all familiar with EXCEL which is Exemplary Christian Education for Life. It was in the early days of his presidency that the need for a vision and mission was discussed, and eventually written down. Second, the Core Values of CPU which are Faith, Character, Justice, Stewardship, and Excellence were written down when he was the president. It is now mandatory, as per the memo of Dr. Robles, that all teachers from kindergarten to graduate school should discuss the core values of CPU.”
He also thanked the 14 contributors that made the book possible upon its completion. He recalled that Dr. Acanto himself asked him if he could write his story and he immediately said yes. In his message, he also mentioned that the next day would be the wedding anniversary of Dr. Acanto and his wife Ruth — a double celebration indeed for the blessed month of April.
A video about the cardinal milestones in Dr. Acanto’s life was also shown. He was CPUR President (1960), a board member in the province of Iloilo from 1980 to 1997, a President of CPU alumni association Inc. (1989-1991), and one of the CPU Board of trustees (1991-1993). He is also the 3rd Filipino President of CPU (1998-2003). Some of his speeches were also shown highlighting his trademark message of making CPU “as a beauty to behold, it should be a beauty to think and feel about so that everybody who pass this way will say, “that is beauty to be remembered.”
Without a doubt, the man has achieved so much in his life that he only deserves recognition as monumental and honoring as a book written about him.
Seated in his wheelchair, the quintessential man of the hour, Dr. Acanto himself was present at the book launching. He delivered a speech and highlighted the three miracles of God in his life. The first one was about his studies, Dr. Acanto jokingly mentioned that he was a “lousy” student. He admitted that he was not a model student and child because of his multiple vices way back. The miracle was how he managed to push through in the academe despite his struggles in life. He tried his best and finished associate in arts and proceeded to law school at CPU. The second miracle was when he assumed the position of the OIC President, when the president who was hired by the CPU did not sit as president. He felt that it was ordained by God that he would take that path. The third one was when he became the regular president of CPU. It was unexpected again but God through His mysterious ways made it happen. He became the Centennial President of CPU and led the institution into many successes during his term.
In the middle of his speech, coughing interrupts him but the discomfort did not stop him from resuming his message, thus only mirrors how he also continued to push through in every opportunity, every goal, and every plan that the Lord has prepared for him.
The book is 194 pages and will soon be available for sale. Everyone present at the book launching received a free book. The attendees were encouraged to donate to the fund that will benefit the work students as request by Dr. Acanto and Dr. Robles. The book launching donation drive resulted to more than P20,000 of donation.