By Cyrus A. Natividad
On March 19, 2022, Central Philippine University Alumni Association will be One Hundred One years old. The Association then, the “Jaro Industrial School Alumni Association” was organized by the first High School graduating class on the evening of March 19, 2021 under the auspices of Mr. Bigelow, Miss Houger, Mr. and Mrs. Stuart and Mr. Dineros. The objective found in its Constitution was “to keep all High School graduates in close contact with one another and with the affairs of the school.” High School graduates could be elected as members of the association, including both those who have graduated from Jaro Industrial School and those former students of the school who had graduated from some other High School, before there was a complete high school department at J.I.S.
In the revision of the Constitution in 1927, the name was changed to the “Central Philippine School Alumni Association.” The alumni association’s activities started mostly with ‘getting in touch’ with former students of the school whether members of the association or not; keeping them informed of the affairs of the school.
During that time, the Alumni Adviser has a card catalogue (long before we have the computer data base) where information concerning all former students is filed. Alumni were appreciated when they send in information about themselves and about others whom they know. Alumni in other places in the Philippines and abroad progressively organized their Chapters. These chapters then celebrate College Day wherever they are and send greetings to the Central they love.
Since their early beginnings, the alumni are imbued with responsibility to help the school to the best of their ability – including the capacity to comparatively donate amounts of money for campus projects, construction of buildings and increasing student population thru scholarships with allied support.
Today, the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. has more than One Hundred Fifty chapter- associations worldwide. It has a comfortable head office for all visiting alumni, with a lounge, conference room and a veranda at CPU. It is situated beside the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. It has been working with the school, students and alumni in support of developments and programs in the University, scholarships and outreaches.
Centralians from abroad have come home to their beloved Central during the Grand Alumni Homecoming in February 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic. The most memorable event in CPU was attended by CPUAAI Chapters from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe and the Middle East among others.
The Centennial Celebrations of CPUAAI supposedly held last year, was put off due to the pressing situation brought about by the effects of Covid-19 Pandemic. CPUAAI Immediate Past President, the late Atty. Joshua C. Alim has been succeeded by former Vice President Dr. Florentino P. Alerta, Director – CPU Lifestyle Center and Professor- CPU College of Medicine who was replaced by former Secretary Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.
One of the Past Presidents of CPU Alumni Association, the late Dr. Anatalio T. Viray , Chairman of the Board of Trustees (a.k.a. ‘The Grand Old Man of Central’), was an alumnus who was thought to have Central for breakfast, lunch and dinner; one who had a heart of endless compassion and uncorrupted virtues. He was a Work Student. His love and loyalty to CPU and the alumni association was never-ending. He sent this greeting to his Alma Mater during its 50th year.
It reads: Greetings to Central Philippine University, the school we love because:
1. “In our youthful days, she made our pathway clear…”Francis H. Rose.
2. Aside from giving us education of the mind, she has given us the education of the heart.
3. Bethlehem has made its way to Central, so that it was at Central that so many of us have found our way to Bethlehem.
4. In Central everyone is encouraged to search the truth, even the truth that makes the mind and the spirit free.
5. In Central, we find democracy at work and the environment conducive to good citizenship training and study.
As we celebrate the 101st Birthday of Central Philippine University Alumni Association, Inc., let us pray with gratitude for our beloved Alma Mater and CPUAAI.
By: Nicola Bangsil, BA Comm-4 OJT
Photo credit to The Educator, The official publication of CPU – College of Education.
For the second consecutive year, the College of Education held its Handuraw Kag Padya virtual awarding ceremony on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Handuraw Kag Padya, Hiligaynon for “remembering and merit” in English, is a ceremony that recalls the achievements of students and staff from the College of Education and gives rightful recognition through award merits, such as medals and certificates, to its deserving participants.
Dr. Maredil R. Ambos gave the opening remarks and encouraged to provide and sponsor recognition for the best performing organizations mainly composed of the five majors. The college dean, Dr. Merle L. Junsay, also expressed her congratulatory wishes in her inspirational message to students and staff.
Awards included various categories such as the Dean’s Listers, Student Council, and LET 2021 Top Notchers Bryan Paul Espinosa who bagged 6th place and Shenry Esparagoza in 10th place. Other sponsored awards included the Outstanding COED Organization in which the Bachelor of Elementary Education BEED Generals placed first, Outstanding Mayors Award, Outstanding in Extracurricular Activities, Outstanding in Community Service, and many more.
A newly established award called the Dr. Nelson A. Pomado Excellence in Leadership Award was given to Heber Paul C. Dalen from BSED in Science, who also received the Outstanding Leadership, Outstanding in Community Service, Outstanding in Extracurricular Activities, and Outstanding Editor-In-Chief Awards.
In an interview with Dalen, he was stunned and honored to receive the newly mentioned award and highlights the sense of inspiration for college students. Dalen states, “College trains [students] not only to excel, but also in real life to be motivated with intrinsic motivation.” When asked about the essence of Handuraw Kag Padya, he exemplifies the importance of showing appreciation to hard work, likewise, as what Dr. Ambos mentioned with regards to the virtual awarding ceremony, “It is a culmination of hard work and a celebration that one can say, I’ve done it!”
By Chris Dale Peñacerrada Patriarca, BA Comm 4 OJT
College of Computer Studies volunteers smiled for a photo with some students from Mandurriao Elementary School.
(Photo by CPU – College of Computer Studies Provincial Council)
Despite the pandemic and sudden changes with the quarantine protocols, Central Philippine University’s College of Computer Studies (CCS) found its way through by successfully conducting an outreach program for young learners from Mandurriao Elementary School, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
CCS conducted its Adopt a School: Seminar/Workshop on Basic Computer Fundamentals which aims to connect with young pupils who have limited access to computer resources.
The program offers virtual classes for approximately 300 students from different grade levels who can join every Saturday after it kicked off on Friday, February 4, 2022.
Topics that would help students familiarize using a computer system are being discussed, such as basic computer parts, basic office applications, and some games as well.
All sessions are conducted virtually and are being facilitated by volunteers from the student council, college organizations, and graduating students from CCS.
The participants and the lessons being discussed are grouped according to grade levels: Grades 1 and 2 are participating in the 8 am – 10 am class, Grades 3 and 4 are joining the 10 am – 12 noon workshops, and Grades 5 and 6 are attending the 2 pm – 4 pm sessions.
The outreach is an initiative led by the College of Computer Studies in partnership with its student council and different college organizations, namely Computer Science Society (CSS), Information Technology Students Organization (ITSO), Library and Information Sciences Student Organization (LISSO), and Modern Interactive Digital Artists Society (MIDAS).
Joshua Johnson L. Ong, a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, governor of the Provincial Council, and one of the volunteers for the outreach, expressed his fulfillment from their previous sessions saying, “It’s exhausting but definitely worth it!”
Ong also stated that not only you get to help students but you can also see that they are enjoying the sessions as they are really attentive.
“You can really feel their excitement to see you every Saturday!” he added.
The College of Computer Studies’ Provincial Council also shared their gratitude for being able to help these young learners through their Facebook Page.
“We are humbled and grateful that We, the College of Computer Studies continue to inspire the younger generation” the post stated.
They also highlighted that in their unrelenting quest for excellence, they impart their knowledge in technology, enlightening those children that there is more to computers than just playing games.
They emphasized that, “It is also a learning avenue for them to grow and develop themselves. We will inspire, impart and teach to the future generation.”
As stated on their Facebook post, “Adelante, Little Warriors!”
By Princes Elaine Y. Espongja, BA ELS-4 OJT
Another milestone for CPU College of Engineering is celebrated after the Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination Passers were released on March 7, 2022, which hailed four new Centralian Engineers.
The new Centralian Mechanical Engineers are: Engr. Marc Francis Estepa Fernandez, Engr. Kevin Oliva Jimenez, Engr. Charles Marc Louise Monticado Novo, Engr. Ray Tillo Peregrino, Jr.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 2,121 out of 3,780 passed the Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination which CPU had the Passing Rate of 66.67 % (4/6) for first takers, and National Passing Rate of 56.11% % ( 2,121 out of 3,780), respectively.
The members of the Board of Mechanical Engineering who gave the licensure examinations are Engr. Leandro A. Conti, Chairman; Engr. Jerico T. Borja and Engr. Lorenzo P. Larion, Members.
While the examination took place in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Rosales, Tacloban and Zamboanga last February 27-28, 2022.
By Lindsay Marie Borres, BA ELS-4 OJT
Hitomi Okido and Koki Higuchi are two exchange students from Fukuoka University.
Pre-pandemic Central Philippine University is swarming with exchange and international students from Asian countries like China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and more. Covid-19 hindered potential exchanges and decreased the number of foreign students.
For the school year, 2021-2022 Central Philippine University accepted two students from Fukuoka University, Japan in the exchange student program for 1st semester, and it is one remarkable event of how CPU is slowly rising up from the crisis taking baby steps while adjusting to the new normal. Fukuoka University is an active partner institution of CPU and part of the Memorandum of Understanding is the student exchange. The pandemic has made an impact on student exchange programs. Despite this, Central Philippine University and Fukuoka University had agreed to let the students take courses online. Dr. Masahiro Abiru, a Professor of the Faculty of Economics of Fukuoka University, recommended two of his students for this program.
The students were enrolled for one semester in the College of Business and Accountancy, BSBA Marketing Management course. Mr. Koki Higuchi, who is interested in International Business, took two subjects (1 English, 1 Business) Com 2101 (Intro to Communication Media) Mktg 310 (E-Commerce & Internet Mktg). Ms. Hitomi Okido on the other hand took GEHum 1. This gave them the opportunity and experience to join regular classes and interact with their Filipino teachers and classmates as well as for cultural enrichment. The student exchange program is facilitated by the Office of International Relations and Cooperation of CPU.
Koki Higuchi said that he learned about marketing strategies that he didn’t know and it was an exciting course for him. “If I have a chance to learn in CPU again, I’d love to take it in a face-to-face class next time,” he added.
According to Hitomi Okido, she said that it was a great experience since she never studied in other countries before. Although she couldn’t speak a lot in her class because of the language barrier, she still enjoyed the times spent with her classmates and teacher.
By Irish C. Del Rosario, BA Comm-4 OJT
Centralian Kwesi Pearl Faith Yee Magdato, a graduate of College of Computer Studies.
Kwesi Pearl Faith Yee Magdato, a graduate of the College of Computer Studies at Central Philippine University’s College of Digital Media and Interactive Arts, was recently featured by the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) as part of their celebration of International Women’s Month, where they featured all-female artists who are part of the IRAYA: Beyond Limits Exhibit.
Kwesi is a visual artist from Antique who specializes in traditional painting and digital art. She was exposed to many local art exhibitions and events throughout the Panay Islands and Negros, from which she received insight into local art scenes, prompting her to begin participating in various art organizations and group displays. She was a part of the Hubon Ilonggo, an Iloilo Visual Art Organization, and in 2018, she became a member of RAHMAG, Antique’s local visual art group in her hometown. And in October 2021, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts granted RAHMAG, a visual art group, their first national group exhibition at NCCA’s Gallery.
In celebration of Museums and Galleries Month and National Indigenous Peoples Month, the IRAYA: Beyond Limits Exhibit received national attention and was even featured on ABS-CBN News (ANC). After the exhibit ended, the proud local government of Antique requested that it be continued at the new Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art on Panay Island.
Currently, Kwesi is employed as a part-time instructor at DMIA and is preparing for her master’s degree in Italy, which she will begin next month, as well as working as a Digital Portrait Artist. She was also a former museum associate in ILOMOCA before she left the Philippines to study a foreign language in South Korea.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2016 Vanessa Ann Ka’ihilane Caro during her visit to the Provincial Capitol.
It is time for Vanessa Ann Ka’ihilani Caro (CPU BS BAFM 2017) to represent the Province of Iloilo in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant-Philippines on April 30, 2022. Vanessa who was crowned Miss Iloilo Dinagyang in 2016 is billed to represent Iloilo in national beauty pageants such as Bb. Pilipinas, Miss World and Miss Universe- Philippines.
Vanessa dedicated her title Miss Dinagyang 2016 to some outreach projects like Bantay Bata 163. She provided gift packs and other necessities to children one year old to 17 years old- diagnosed with cardiovascular heart disease at the West Visayas Medical Center. She organized a Tahitian Fitness Dance Workshop which provided high cardio and aerobic workout. The proceeds were also directed to Bantay Bata 163.
“Being a pageant titleholder is not just being an eminent person during events, it does not just revolve around glitz and glamour, but it revolves around the duties one has to fulfil,” Vanessa said. Vanessa also stressed that “inner beauty is more important than outer beauty. I never focused on outer appearance because my parents instilled in me that inner beauty conquers all.”
Strong and independent, Vanessa tells other women “We should not be afraid to fight for things we know we can accomplish. We have one life, therefore we have to live it well. If you have a dream, strive to reach it, achieve it, and look even further past what you think you can do. Be kind, humble and stay grateful. You can accomplish all of these with strong faith and trust in the Lord.”
In her visit to Provincial Capitol last March 7, 2022, she said in her Facebook post, “A fulfilling morning was spent yesterday as I finally had the chance to reconnect with some of the most inspirational and hardworking leaders of Iloilo Province, Governor Arthur Defensor alongside Tourism Officer Bombette Marin and the MUPH Iloilo Province Accredited Partner, Sir PJ Arañador. Iloilo comprises 42 vibrant municipalities and one component city, all grouped into five congressional districts.”
“The Governor and I had the chance to talk about upcoming projects, as he highlighted the importance of our textile and weaving industry.”
“It is so surreal to know that I am representing our prosperous province, and it is an honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Padayon kita, mga Ilonggo!”
By Chris Dale Peñacerrada Patriarca, BA Comm-4 OJT
LoveCon participants singing Bethel Music’s, “Homecoming.”
The University Church Youth along with the Young Professionals Church members conducted their 23rd Love Concert (LoveCon) last Sunday, March 06, 2022 with the theme, “Breakthrough,” held at the University Church, Central Philippine University.
LoveCon, debuted in 1998 to celebrate and testify God’s love, is usually celebrated in February, but was pushed back to earlier this March because of the pandemic.
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, graced the program by welcoming the audience, which was then followed by a prayer led by Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, Director of Christian Education of the University Church.
The event proceeded with the University Church Youth singing their hearts out to the Lord with praise and worship songs, which included their renditions of, “On Earth as in Heaven,” “Mercy,” “Reason to Praise,” and a lot more. The Church’s dance group, Praise in Motion, also accompanied the youth group’s song performance for “Hymn of Heaven,” and, “The Lion and the Lamb,” with a dance.
Charlotte V. Gadian, one of LoveCon’s singers and a 4th year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student, delivered Brian Vee’s spoken word poetry, “Tapos na,” in which she described as, “Overwhelming but super worth it gid kay damo ang nag feedback sakon after the concert nga na touch gid sila sa message. The fact that I can deliver it well means that I’m connected with it and I can also reflect sa mga gin panghambal ko on stage, not only the audience.”
Gadian also shared that her Love Concert experience last Sunday was different from her past participations and that she felt more connected with the songs, saying, “I was more connected sa songs and naga speak gid ang messages sang songs sa akon especially that I am going through something gid. The bond with my fellow Love Concert members was also much deeper than before.”
Another singer who performed during the event, Julia Marie G. Quimpo, a 4th year student of Bachelor of Special Needs Education, shared how she was influenced by her older siblings to join LoveCon when she was only 10 years old, expressing that, “I became a part of LoveCon because halin sang gamay ako, amo na nakita ko, nga gina enjoy sang mga mga manong and manang ko sa Church and sa teenage years ko, nabalan ko na ang reason ngaa gina enjoy nila: it’s not just performing, it’s always worship, even when practicing. Also, ang friendships nga ma build mo kay LoveCon is open to everybody.”
For Quimpo, choosing to be a part of LoveCon is the blessing of fulfillment after singing for the Lord and being instrumental for random persons who go through challenges in life and also saying yes to serve the Lord.
“Because in LoveCon, we sing, we lead people in worship and we always pray that people will leave the concert blessed and hopeful again despite sa mga circumstances in life,” she added.
Social distancing and health protocols were observed during the program.
The event was also live-streamed via The Centralian Link’s and CPU TV Channel’s respective Facebook pages to accommodate those who want to experience the LoveCon 2022 in their own homes.
The program ended with a closing prayer and benediction by Reverend Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach of University Church and a reprise of Bethel Music’s, “Homecoming,” where the audience joined in worshiping and praising God.
By Ivan Anthony D. Sapio, BA Comm-4 OJT
The students who will undergo their virtual OJT had an orientation with their teachers and the Director of the Office of Communications.
Central Philippine University’s (CPU) Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities (DLMCH), in partnership with the CPU Office of Communications, launches its first virtual practicum for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BACOMM) and Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (BAELS) degree programs on Tuesday, March 7.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the implemented health protocols in the new normal, the DLMCH under the College of Arts and Sciences will be conducting the internship course online with 11 4th year students from the BA COMM and two from the BA ELS. As interns, these 13 students will be under the supervision of Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, CPU Office of Communications Director, and Prof. Sharlene Gotico and Prof. Leilani Fatimah Trompeta, Com 4224 (Internship) and ELS Prac 1 (Internship) teachers, respectively.
Prof. Gotico said that on-site internship is still not encouraged given the threat of the pandemic, but the need for students to learn and be trained should continue, so they opted for online/virtual internship.
Nicola Bangsil, a 4th year BACOMM student who finds it hard to travel from Roxas City to Iloilo City due to travel restrictions and personal concerns emphasized that conducting the internship virtually is not any less important as the face-to-face practicum and that being healthy in times of pandemic should always come first.
“I think working virtually is efficient as organization is quite established. I believe that virtual practicum can be as beneficial as face-to-face practicum. It really contends your range of skills and how well-prepared you are to adapt to various situations,” Bangsil added.
The students’ internship under the CPU Office of Communications will mainly focus journalism-related activities including writing articles about CPU events which will be later published in The Centralian Link. Student interns will also have the opportunity to work on book editing and other communication-related activities.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
This year CPU Kindergarten has more enrolees than the previous year. The newly opened Junior-K (Nursery) Class have added more pupils, according to Prof. Praise E. Glory Junior-K Teacher. “There are new activities this year and these are lively, virtual activities for the children. We have seen the extent of energies of the parents which tells us that virtual activities done live via Zoom is possible,” Glory said.
Asked about her observations on the children’s behaviour as an effect of the pandemic, she said, “The children are very resilient. They easily adapt to changes and thrive despite of difficulties; more than what we expected them to show.”
Glory added that, “We actually learn from these children. They smile their way through internet disruptions, power outages and even through uncooperative conferencing softwares. I check on how my pupils are doing. Sometimes they behave braver and better than I do. They give me the motivation and affirmation that I am doing just fine, because if they can do it, surely I can.”
By Kathrine A. Licerio, BA Comm-4 OJT
Rogen Aguirre is proud to be a member of the CPU Golden Lions.
“I feel blessed and thankful gid kay God nga amat-amat ko na nga naabot ang akon nga handum.” A student-athlete, Rogen Aguirre, once said, after he got an invitation from (PATAFA) Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association to join the 2022 SEA Games Performance Trial in Baguio City Athletic Bowl on February 23-24, 2022.
Rogen Aguirre, a varsity and a member of Central Philippine University Golden Lions Athletics team, is 21-year-old taking up Bachelor of Physical Education. From the City of Sagay Negros Occidental, he is the 10th among the 11 children of Mrs. Teresa and Mr. Roberto Aguirre. Being raised by a food vendor and a truck driver, his parents had still managed to provide their basic needs. Rogen, at 9 years old, started to earn money by helping his parents selling “kakanin” (Filipino’s delicacies, made of sticky rice) outside the malls. Strolling around the plaza while carrying the basket full of delicacies on his head has been part also of his daily life which this little boy enjoyed a lot. According to him, life has not been easy at all but he still chooses to enjoy every moment of it. But who would have taught that his daily strolls around the plaza brought him in becoming a big dreamer?
He is on his 5th grade when he discovered joining track and field sports. His interest on this field started when his father who just passed away told him to join the men who jog at the plaza every afternoon. He was exposed every day of his life by these people, running, until he decided to become one of them. Later on, track and field sports specifically running has been his passion. Although he received many discouragements from other people, his love for it continues and grows until today of his college life.
Being a student-athlete, Rogen also lives his college life independently. To make his dream come in to reality of studying in Central Philippine University, he enrolled and became a working student. His first step on the campus was because of all his hard work. By entering part-time jobs such as selling doughnuts and frozen goods, being a Pedi cab driver, and a construction worker, he was able to survive his everyday life as a student.
To continue his passion in athletics, Rogen applied for tryouts. Fortunately, he was qualified and became a varsity player of the campus. With all his extra-curricular activities and part-time jobs, Rogen still managed his time wisely. Academically, Rogen is also performing great as he maintained being on the dean’s list. For him, education is still his top priority.
“Priority ko gid gyapon ang akon pag eskwela kay mas nami gid nga may gina uyatan ka nga diploma. Gina enjoy ko lang and positive lang gid bisan ano kakapoy.”
With all his determination and positivity, Rogen was the only member of Central Philippine University Golden Lions Athletics team who was given an invitation by (PATAFA) Philippine Athletics Track Association on February 8, 2022. With the help of his coach, Lester Jan Cayabyab, and the support he received from his family and other people, he was able to grab the opportunity and finally arrived in Baguio on the 18th of February.
The 1st league of SEA Games Performance Trial was held on February 24 at Baguio City Athletic Bowl. Rogen performed in the 3000m steeple chase event, and luckily, he was qualified on the top 6 among the 9 participants from other provinces and cities while the 2nd league will be held on March 24-25, 2022, the final qualifying games. Rogen then was advised by the Philippine team coach to stay in Baguio for more trainings since it would be more advantageous for him to train in a high altitude place. And because of his determination to be qualified in the SEA Games, he willingly extended his stay in Baguio. Now, he is strongly preparing with the Philippine team coach and other national athletes to be qualified for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam from May 12 to 23, 2022.
According to him, one of his greatest dreams is to become a professional athlete and to represent his country in the international game. While waiting for the final qualifying games, Rogen is extending his appreciation to all the people who made his dream becoming a reality.
“First, kay God, sa opportunity nga gin hatag niya para maipakita ang akon talent and capabilities, sa akon family, sa unending love and support. Kay Ma’am Santos, Central Philippine University, especially kay Dr. Teodoro Robles, Sir Edwin Laru-an, College of Education, CPU Athletics Team, Coach Lester Jan Cayabyab kag sa More Power.”
Rogen also believes that with determination and discipline, you will be able to achieve great things.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Lasquite is a member of CPU Golden Lions Volleyball Team.
Name: Jerson Lasquite
Nickname: Jers
Height: 5′ 8”
Grade/year: 3rd year BSTM
Team: Volleyball Men
Playing Position: Libero
Coach: Arnel Amadeo
Hometown: Cabatuan, Iloilo
Hobbies: Singing, dancing, playing volleyball
Favorite Player: Jenia Grebennikov
Achievements:
Bronze Medal ILOPRISAA 2019
Bronze Medal CDSA 2016
Silver Medal CDSA 2017
Most Memorable Game: CDSA 2017
Principle in Life: “With God, nothing is impossible.”
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I am grateful to be part of CPU Team. It is an honor that I was given this opportunity to represent our school.
Why did you choose CPU:
I chose CPU because this is one of the best schools in Iloilo and has a good quality education.