By Cyrus A. Natividad
Living up to the title “Saludo 2,” the CPU Cultural Affairs Office made a bigger performance to realize the dream “To have the best presentation of Folk Dances for the Ilonggos and Filipinos here and abroad.” Prof. Crista Sianson Huyong (CAO Director), who made that promise, clarified that the presentation is a revival of Filipiniana folk dances — that can only be had with the involvement of traditional, creative concepts and indigenous outfits. She added that “We wanted to showcase not only the prestigious Ilonggo artistry, but to bring together the Visayan dances and graceful Ifugao and Mindanaonon troupes virtually to the world.”
The ‘folk dance galore’, a full-length Virtual Dance Concert was recently streamed online via Facebook. It was well organized and coordinated with local government agencies so that the folk dances were interestingly showcased with local tourist spots in the background.
The dances were actually shot on site in Guimaras, Iloilo and the Iloilo City Hall, parks and also landmarks of other provinces in Panay. The famous Esplanade and Megaworld Festive Walk areas were included in the shoot. Religious leaders and administrators were respectfully consulted in the use of facilities by the CAO prior to their production.
Much of the admiration for the Saludo 2 project were adequately expressed by tourism agencies to Central Philippine University. Even in the previous performances of CAO’s Dance Company, Dr. Robles specifically cited the creativity that contributed much to the prestige of the University.
By Lindsay Marie Borres
Their friendship helped them face the many challenges that they encountered along the way.
The friendship of Janna Rose Jamelarin, Taylor Amanda Bonite, Dainsyl John Janolino and Kirstel Joy Moreno started way back in 2015 when they were just first-year students. According to Janna Rose Jamelarin, maybe it’s because of the Kinaray-a factor of why they are friends. They recognized that it is quintessential to have friends who are also your classmates as your support system since no one understand the demand and workload of the program better than them.
They helped each other because they made it their goal not only to graduate but to graduate together, which they did last 2020. Their squad then decided to enroll in the same review center together and even rented a house in a subdivision in Pavia with a stable internet connection. When they started to live together, Dainsyl and Kirstel were the cooks, while Janna and Taylor were the dishwashers. When it comes to the bills like water and electricity, they also had to share. Jamelarin even recalled some jumpy but unforgettable moments such as when the electric power went out during their preliminary mock board exam but they resolved the problem by using data instead. They also experienced running out of LPG a week before the board exam so they resorted to using charcoal instead.
They also brought in a cat and named her “Ada” from the word adopted, and she became their stress reliever. The most fun part was when they had an idea to put up a business. They started a photocopying business, and Dainsyl started his organic eggs business as well. Their neighbors supported it and they are grateful that they have extra money to help defray their expenses.
One of the sacrifices they had to make was not to hang out. Janna mentioned that they never had a chance to even at least have coffee outside because they have to put their priority first, and that is to become a licensed pharmacist first.
Their lowest moment was their seemingly endless crying because of too much pressure when they see the piles of reviewers. Anxiety and doubts kept creeping in especially two weeks before the Board exam. They were sleepless like zombies, and it seems that worries and anxiety kept them awake. But what kept them sane was their goal to take the Board only once. They prayed hard as much as they worked for and asked God for wisdom and strength.
They took the exam on April 3-4, 2022 at Iloilo Doctor’s College. The Board exam was harder than they had expected. After the second day, they all went home to their own homes to reunite with their families after a long time.
Indeed, God never failed them, because four days after the board exam, results were posted by the PRC and they all passed along with 40 other Centralians.
They are all extremely thankful to their family and friends for giving them the support that they need, for providing food to nourish their minds, and of course, they are also grateful to CPU for providing them not only with excellent pharmacy education but for giving beautiful memories and a lifelong bond that they will treasure forever.
Taylor is as equally elated as her friends. Although she failed five subjects during her college days and was delayed for one year, the pandemic brought their timeline together and she was able to take the board exam with her friends after waiting two years. She testified that God held her hand when she can’t even pick up pieces of herself. Despite her doubts in herself, God sustained her.
“I share the faith that as long as you put your mind and heart towards a goal, you can overcome any obstacle that you will encounter. Faithfully, God will grant whatever you ask in prayer as long as you believe in it,” the Licensed Pharmacist added.
by Kimberly T. Gahilomo, BA Comm-4, OJT
The Miss Universe Philippines premiered its tourism videos last April 5, 2022. In this, two of our very own Centralians were featured as they represented the Province of Iloilo, and Iloilo City.
One of them is Dorothy Gemillan, a 3rd year Nursing Student in Central Philippine University. According to Gemillan, the tourism videos aims to encapsulate the culture, livelihood, and beauty of our city. She believes that it is the perfect opportunity to highlight Iloilo City.
As to what she felt when given this rare opportunity, she said, “Surprised and beyond humbled. Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined to be graced in this position. The weight of my sash’s honor overwhelms me at times, but I just consider myself blessed through it all.”
Also featured in another tourism video was Vanessa Ann Ka’ihilani Caro who was also previously a cover for CPU’s Central Echo Magazine. Vanessa (CPU BS BAFM 2017) represents the Province of Iloilo. She was crowned Miss Iloilo Dinagyang in 2016.
The Miss Universe Philippines pageant is on April 30, 2022.
CPU-COM representatives, Cojuangco, Vijar, and Dela Cruz, for NHCI.
Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Medicine (COM) students continues to excel as they bag several awards at the 5th Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network (APMC-SN) National Convention, April 9-10, 2022.
CPU-COM received a Seal of Governance – Silver Awardee while the COM representatives, namely Florenz Dean Cojuangco, Pamela Marie Dela Cruz, and Jasper Ruby Vijar, bagged 1st Place during the APMC National Convention Healthcare Innovation (NHCI) with their project “Botikab: Tsek-ap and Delivery.”
Dela Cruz said that they all brainstormed on how they can make their project better by consulting the mayor and the Municipal Health Office of Miagao, revising some of their plans in relation to the judges’ comments, and praying for greater outcomes in answering the judges’ questions.
“We felt really good after the interpolations with the judges, but we managed our expectations. We’re all still in such a shock that our simple project—Botikab: Tsek-ap and Delivery—won first place! It was such a journey, from getting a message from our Governor that we will be representing the CPU College of Medicine again in the same competition to emerging as victors in the NHCI,” Dela Cruz added.
Meanwhile, COM team for the National Medical Quiz Bee, in the persons of Maria Athena Monica Emancen, Anselm Raphael Garvida, Karll Denzel Lao, and Ellen Grace Valdespina, reached Top 6 in the said event.
Vijar, one of the representatives of the said college, was awarded Natatanging Mag-aaral ng Medisina ng Pilipinas (MNMMP) with another special award, Natatanging Mag-aaral sa Lanrangan ng Tungkuling Panlipunan.
According to Vijar, his experience being given the award was an honor and a humbling experience. “Truly unexpected. Since high school, I never applied or got nominated in these kinds of award giving institutions because only the cream of the crop are the ones who are qualified and prioritized. That’s why being nominated and eventually being part of the top 10 national winners has been very liberating for me because I felt that medical students like me feel represented.”
“That’s why this award is important because I share this award with all the medical students who have once thought they don’t belong in this profession, for the students who still pursue their passion and the love for the arts even if the medical degree demands so much time and to the students who think they have been spending time in the grassroots serving and doing average in their academics. If someone like me could be deemed Natatanging Mag-aaral, take it as a sign that you are doing just fine, that you belong in the path you’ve chosen and that there is a place for us misfits in the world of medicine and nothing could tell us otherwise.” Vijar added.
Vijar also said that if medical students want to be one of the Natatanging Mag-aaral ng Medisina ng Pilipinas, they must reflect on their core values and look into the reasons why they entered medical school. “Treat academics and research not as a chore but as an opportunity to learn every day, your extra-curricular activities not as wasted energy but an opportunity to enhance your skills outside the corners of your future clinic, and your community work not as wasted time but a reality check on the health inequalities people are experiencing in the grassroots and assess where you could contribute as a medical student. Continue soaring future doctors for healthier Filipino communities. Para sa ikaaangat ng buhay nating lahat.”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Col. Peter C. Bedoña (Ret) PA, CPU ROTC Commandant welcomes visitors to his office.
Former CPU ROTC cadet and now a Retired Philippine Army official, Col. Pedro C. Bedoña accepted the University’s invitation for him to manage the CPU ROTC Unit as Commandant in 2020. He was persuaded upon by his former fellow ROTC Officers who consider him as a transformational leader. Bedoña who is a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Graduate of Central Philippine University (1985) has undergone training in CPU Basic and Advanced ROTC from 1979 to 1983.
Immediately after graduation, he worked with the Philippine Army as Probationary in Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo. He had a short stint in the broadcasting company, IBC, as an Ad agent until he was employed by the Department of Public Works and Highways in 1986. He was called to active duty in 1989 and was certified as Officer in the Reserved Force.
He undertook rigid military training at Fort Ramon Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija in 1991. In 1992 as a 2nd Lieutenant, Bedoña joined the 3rd Infantry Battalion in a depressed Samar area – where military engagement with rebels is a daily operation.
Those experiences he said, made him stronger. “I pray all the time. As a Centralian, I lived the values of trust in God, self-confidence and patience. I developed leadership in me. I changed anything that I think is needed to improve myself,” he said.
The perception that the new commandant is a transformational leader, was shown when he initiated a physical change for the office of the ROTC Unit- to include database information system and orderly set -up of internal training facilities, desks and equipment.
Concrete finishing of the interior walls, new paints and lightings were done in the ROTC office. Fund for the partial renovation accordingly came from his pocket and honoraria, “…as my donation to the CPU ROTC Unit in particular, and to the University in general,” Bedoña said. He added that, “Upon my acceptance of the invitation to be the Commandant of our ROTC Unit, I was compelled to ask permission to renovate the office, thanks to University President Dr. Ted Robles for the support.”
“That moment made me feel totally committed to the service and love for my Alma Mater. Our staff cadets and tactical officers need a deserving place, conducive for office work. I dreamed of a big ROTC facility in the near future. I am very happy to help CPU ROTC Unit,” Bedoña further explained.
The cadet staff have already instituted systems for protocols and disciplines at their newly renovated office. A second renovation for ROTC is scheduled in May for the male/female comfort rooms, transient dormitory and military rifles room.
By Rhenjie Marie E. Calantas, BA Comm- 4, OJT
Central Philippine University (CPU) has achieved an 80% passing rate in the 2022 Bar Examination which was held on February 4 and 6, 2022 at Central Philippine University. This is another milestone that the CPU College of Law celebrated after the 2022 Bar Examination Result was released on April 12, 2022 produced 88 new Centralian Lawyers.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines announced that 8,241 out of 11, 402 examinees successfully passed the said examination which CPU had the Passing Rate of 84. 061% for first takers, and an Overall Passing Rate of 80%.
In addition, among the 88 new Centralian Lawyers who passed the bar examination, four of them had an exemplary performance in which their examination rating was from 85% to 90%.
When asked about the preparation, one of the bar passers with exemplary performance Atty. Jikko Solano Belejaerdo said, “As to preparation, I made sure that I was spiritually ready which was very helpful since few weeks before the bar I was already emotionally and physically unstable. But because of my faith, I was able to conquer it. And aside from prayers, I made sure also that I was on top of the situation. So, I chose good materials or books. And I had my calendar. I made sure that the number of days was well-distributed to my subjects. Few days before the bar, my schedule was specific as to how I would spend my every hour.”
Atty. Belejerdo also added when asked what he felt, “I cannot really specify if it was fear. But the emotions were really mixing. Four days before the bar, I can’t get enough sleep. But one thing that I am happy about is during the exam itself, I was at peace. Fides was at work that time.”
Furthermore, Atty. Jeraldine Mondia Dalupines, a member of the Indigenous People in Panay Bukidnon of Calinog, was one of the 88 new Centralian lawyers who will serve the public as one of their duties and responsibilities.
“My journey to be an attorney was never been easy, as working student it is hard to balance my time between work and school. After graduation, I thought, I’ll focus my time reviewing but another opportunity came until I decide to enter the world of politics but it was not a hindrance for me to strive for my dream,” Atty. Dalupines said in an interview. “Thank you Lord, my life is blissful and all credit goes to You. Thank You for all the countless blessings You have given me in every step of my life,” she expressed in gratitude and gratefulness.
Central Philippine University congratulates its new Centralian Lawyers with great pride and honor.
By Sandro Salazar, BA Comm-4, OJT
VP Leni delivers a virtual speech to the graduating class of the CPU College of Law.
The 14th Vice President of the Republic of Philippines Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo, a lawyer and public servant, was the Guest Speaker in the CPU College of Law Commencement Exercises for the School Year 2020-2021, held last April 17, 2022, via Facebook Live of the CPU TV Channel.
VP Leni Robredo is popularly known for working with the poor and the marginalized sector, an advocate of the less fortunate raising awareness about the rights under the law, and an empowered woman emerging into the national consciousness. The Office of the Vice President, on the other hand, has been given the merit of unqualified opinion by the Commission on Audit considered the highest rating from the state auditors on its financial reports in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
VP Leni in her speech extended her congratulations to the graduating class of Juris Doctor for their hardships especially this time of pandemic she said verbatim “Finishing a law degree is truly a milestone, it demands years of study, preparation, and focus which is challenging enough on its own that you prevailed under the cloud of pandemic is doubly impressive.”
She emphasizes the role of the soon-to-be lawyers in shaping our nation’s future. The generation has a call to rise in so many challenges to ponder, restoring the trust of the people in the government and our democratic and social institutions.
VP Leni states that “As future lawyers, you play an important role in this endeavor. More than ever transparency and accountability are paramount. Beyond fighting corruption and abuse, they show our fellow Filipino that our systems are oriented towards a common good”.
“As you take a step closer to becoming full-fledged lawyers, reflect not only on your personal horizons but on the value and purpose of law in society”, she added.
The Batch’s Cum Laude is Marlon Busaing Balberona who also delivered his Valedictory address to the graduating class of 2021
The candidates for the graduation class of the College of Law who has completed the degree of Juris Doctor conferred by the President of Central Philippine University Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
By Irish C. Del Rosario, BA Comm- 4, OJT
Kasanagan Organizers’ photo op after the webinar has successfully ended.
The election season is fast approaching so the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs organized a webinar that would benefit Central Philippine University students and the entire community by providing factual information about social issues, Philippine Election Laws, and Election Day Conduct. The webinar was titled “KASANAGAN: A Webinar Series on Current Social Issues Featuring Philippine Election Laws and the 2022 National Election.”
Ms. Irish Del Rosario from the Bachelor of Arts in Communication hosted and moderated the recently concluded webinar, which was streamed live on the CPU TV Channel Facebook Page on April 13, 2022. Pastor Neva Grace Fabila, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry, led the prayer, and Dr. Esther Rose Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs and an associate professor in the Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities, gave the opening remarks.
Ms. Antonette B. Eduardo, a networking and advocacy officer of Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), was the resource speaker in the aforementioned webinar, where she highlighted the critical information that voters and students should be aware of regarding the upcoming elections.
There was also an open forum session, which aimed to answer all questions from viewers or students about the discussion, but before it began, Ms. Charlotte Gadian from Bachelor of Arts in Communication 4 performed a special number for entertainment.
Finally, students raised their concerns by participating in an open forum session in which Ms. Eduardo, the resource speaker, addressed all of their concerns and the webinar concluded successfully with the awarding of a certificate to Ms. Eduardo for her invaluable service as the webinar’s guest lecturer.
By Audrielyn E. Ulloa, BA Comm-4, OJT
On April 20, 2022, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs held a lecture forum on Social Media Etiquette entitled, “Kasanagán” which is a webinar series on current social issues. It premiered via the CPU TV Channel Facebook Page and ran from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
The webinar began with a video presentation that discussed the importance on how to identify fake news. It then continued with the introduction of hosts, Vanaiah Psalm Gallinero and Danielle Sobremisana, Grade 10 – Sun students from the Junior High School Department. The opening remarks was done by Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, the Vice President of Student Affairs. She said, “Kasanagán is the Hiligaynon word which means “Explanation” or “Exposition.”” Followed after was the introduction of resource person, Atty. Kchyrziahshayne Dyñelle Dinopol. She handles courses such Media Law and Ethics, Insurance Law, and Natural Law. She currently serves as the Secretary of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Iloilo Chapter.
For her presentation, she talked about social media and the different laws that we have in social media which was entitled, “Think before you click: The Law and Social Media.” A special number was presented, followed by the open forum and awarding of Certificate of Appreciation. The event finished with the closing remarks by Prof. Charlette B. Dianala, the Junior High School Department Principal, and the closing prayer.
By Lindsay Marie Borres, BA ELS-4 OJT
The CPU Republic, the oldest student republic in the Philippines, opened the CPUR VIRTUAL WEEK CELEBRATIONS with a theme “L1M1TLE5S Transcending Boundaries with Science and Faith on its official Facebook page. On April 18, the PAMUKAW 2022 opening ceremony was shown live online.
CPUR President Gabriel Mico Bondoc presented the rationale of the virtual week and part of his statement was “The CPUR vows to provide inclusive and proactive governance ensuring that every student is well represented. All concerns are heard and are acted upon and that no student is left behind. With its vision, the CPUR remains limitless with the limitation in this new normal. The CPU republic will continue to be limitless. The CPUR virtual week will nourish the skills and talents of every Centralian. Allowing them to discover different facets of themselves and transcend boundaries with science and faith.”
The pandemic may have hindered a face to face interaction and live competition but it never impeded Centralians from providing platforms where they can still show their prowess and opportunity to innovate and contrive.
Whatever circumstance and setbacks, the creativity of Centralians is unstoppable, their DIYs cheers and yells videos will prove that as they hype their Colleges and teams to give motivation and drive to give their best in every competition.
Video compilation of last 2019’s University Day competition were also shown, highlighting the flair and adroitness of Centralians. It serves as a reminder of the Central Spirit to old students of CPU and an introduction to the new ones that had never experienced it Face to Face.
The audience then actively participated to the guessing game of the iconic photos during the past University Day’s competition.
As we continue to celebrate this significant event in our university, may this serve as an invitation for us to showcase our talents and witness the prowess of the Central Spirit.
By Princes Elaine Y. Espongja, BA-ELS 4, OJT
On April 20, 2022, the CPUR released a partial result for the CPUR Virtual Week for six events. The events tallied were the Taludturan, and Esports such as Chess, Pokemon Unite, League of Legends: Wild Rift, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Call of Duty: Mobile.
The frontrunners for this year’s CPUR virtual week are the Senior High School with 760 points, 810 for College of Engineering, and the leading scorer is the College of Business and Accountancy garnering 830 points.
The following are in 4th – 15th place respectively: College of Arts and Sciences (750), College of Computer Studies (740), College of Nursing (680), Junior High School (6220), College of Medical Laboratory Science (580), College of Hospitality Management (550), College of Pharmacy (440), College of Education (430) , College of Law (370), College of Medicine (310), College of Agriculture Resources and Environmental Science (260), College of Theology (0).
The theme of this year’s virtual week is ‘Limitless’ which signifies the interminable aptitudes of each Centralian to excel in all aspects of life.
Still, the result is yet to confirm who will be this year’s CPUR virtual week champion. Stay tuned for more updates of the different events at CPU Republic social media page.
The CPUR virtual week was made possible by its sponsor, Le Flamme Bleue Center for Culinary Arts – Iloilo City.
By Rhenjie Marie Calantas, BA Comm- 4, OJT
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence Bodacia, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Mr. Prim Vergara III, CPUR Prime Minister Quimba, and numerous Metrobank Scholars.
Central Compost is a project of the Central Philippine University Republic. Its main purpose is to promote environmental sustainability and for the proper management of biodegradable waste inside the university campus.
Last March 26, 2022, the Project started and had a groundbreaking ceremony which was attended by University Officials: Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence Bodacia, and the Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Mr. Prim Vergara III.
The said project spearheaded by the Committee on Social, Environment, Health, and Safety, where biodegradable wastes inside the campus will be collected and utilized into something productive. Besides its help in solid waste management in the University, it will also produce revenue from the selling of its vermicompost and vermiworm products for the Republic to be utilized for more projects.
In addition, the stated general objectives of this Central Compost Project are the following: to promote environmental sustainability inside the campus, to build a compost pit inside the university, to make use of the biodegradable waste inside the campus, and to raise fund for the project partner’s selected donation drive.
CPUR Officials who were present were Prime Minister Quimba and Committee on SEHS, CARES, Ricardo Sumpay III. Also, numerous Metrobank Scholars attended the event.
“As a student this will be a beneficial project for our environment and solid waste management here on the campus, especially with all that is happening in our environment, we should help in mitigating the causes of climate change even in our micro ways. As the Prime Minister, it does not only help our environment, it is also a source of revenue for the Republic, which it can redirect to its beneficiaries like the work students, its own scholars, or its adopted communities. We are expecting its first operation this May and I am hoping that the next CPUR Administration can continue and expand on what we have started,” said CPU Republic Prime Minister Quimba.
This project will be managed by the Committee together with the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences and the Metrobank Scholars. The location of the project is on the backside of the APPROTECH Center.