By Cyrus A. Natividad
Donors at the Registration Booth.
Central Philippine University Cultural Affairs Office and Central Philippine University Republic in partnership with Philippine Red Cross-Iloilo City, Western Visayas Regional Blood Center and CPU Red Cross Youth celebrate the 11th year of the CPU-PRC Blood Olympics last July 10-12, 2019. This year’s theme is “Dugong Central para sa nangangailangan.”
The activity began with a foot parade inside the campus. Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, and current OIC of the Office of the President welcomed the participants during the opening program and encouraged them to continuously support and contribute to the valuable annual blood donation of Central Philippine University and the Philippine National Red Cross.
A Red Cross volunteer extracts blood from a donor.
CPUR Prime Minister Richard Manolo recognized the Student Organizations and Colleges that actively participated during the annual CPU-PRC Blood Donation. The guest Speaker was Dr. Dennis Roy M. Pasadilla, Manager of the West Visayas Regional Blood Center and Director of PRC-Iloilo Chapter. CPU- Red Cross Youth Officers were inducted into office by Jojee Roy T. Juarez, Director, PRC-Iloilo Chapter.
The following are the mechanics of the annual Blood Olympics: 1) If the would-be donor is differed, the corresponding college will get 25 points 2) If the student/donor successfully accepted to donate blood, the College gets 100 points. 3) At the end of the Olympics, the points will be tallied and the college with the largest points wins.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
HRD Staff and Director Prof. Rodel Palomar with the Newly Hired Faculty and Staff.
The Human Resource Development Office conducted an Orientation Seminar for newly hired CPU employees for 2019 at the EMC Conference Room on June 27. Twenty faculty members and 24 staff attended the Seminar.
University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles delivered his welcome remarks to the participants through a recorded video. He thanked the newly hired employees for their decision to work in CPU and encouraged them to join the administration in the University’s goal of providing Exemplary Christian Education for Life.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications enlightened the participants on CPU’s culture, particularly in the workplace. The Mission, Vision and Core Values of CPU were explained by Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia. The Code of Ethics was also discussed by Prof. Janet P. Jaco, Principal, CPU Elementary School.
After lunch, Prof. Rodel C. Palomar, Director of HRDO, presented the Employee Benefits to the participants. The Retirement Policy was also explained to the newly hired employees by Jet Nillos, the Retirement Fund Officer. An Open Forum followed after it. After which, Prince Joash Dacles facilitated a Team Building activity with the participants.
To close the program, the University Church Outreach Pastor, Rev. Roger Quimpo gave the closing prayer and the benediction.
The program was hosted by Prof. Kay Arden Gallo.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
As we look forward to the Alumni Grand Homecoming on February 5-9, 2020, and the annual Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on September 28, 2019, it is also good to look back on the 50th Golden Anniversary Celebration of Central Philippine University in 1955.
Dr. Anatalio T. Viray, the President of the CPU Alumni Association during that time, wrote a message on why we love CPU:
“Greetings to Central Philippine University, the school we love because:
- “In our youthful days, she made our pathway clear…” F. H. Rose
- Aside from giving us the education of the mind, she has given us the education of the heart;
- Bethlehem has made its way to Central, so that it was at Central that so many of us have found our way to Bethlehem;
- In Central everyone is encouraged to search the truth, even the truth that makes the mind and spirit free;
- In Central, we find democracy at work and the environment conducive to good citizenship training and study.
Herein lie, we believe, the secret of our love and loyalty to her.
On this 50th year since her founding, we look back with deep gratitude in our hearts with the wish that she remain faithful to her Great Inspirer.”
The Alumni Grand Homecoming 2020 will gather with the Theme: “Central Spirit Leads Us Back Home.” Indeed, only a Centralian will know how the Central Spirit can bring us back to the campus and lead us to fellowship with Centralians anywhere in the world. In the same manner, Dr. Viray wrote in 1950 that every homecoming, the alumni are “eager to meet old friends and to get submerged again into the proverbial ‘Central Spirit.’”
Dr. Almus O. Larsen, President of CPU during the Golden Anniversary, invited everyone to visit the campus. He wrote, “I am sure that our alumni and friends will visit us again to see the change that has taken place since the time they were here. We are happy to welcome you all and to show you around. We hope that at the Alumni Homecoming Banquet a great many of you will be with us. Your presence will make this reunion the greatest in fifty years.” To re-echo President Larsen’s words, we, alumni and friends are all invited to come to CPU on September 28, 2019 and February 5-9, 2020. Let us make this reunion the greatest in the last 114 years of our history.
Dr. Viray added a prayer and that is also our hope that “those who have endeavoured to come and witness the various events and scenes on the campus could say ‘It is good to have come.’” Yes, let us come home to CPU!
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
The CMLS graduates together with faculty, staff and University officials.
The College of Medical Laboratory Sciences began its 2nd Commencement Celebrations with a Baccalaureate Service for the graduating students and their families last June 30, 2019 at the University Church.
Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, University Church Director for Christian Education led the invocation. Associate Pastor for Outreach, Rev. Roger T. Quimpo and University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles offered a welcome to the students.
“May you always find hope in God’s faithfulness. He has sustained you and your families all throughout your schooling. And surely He will be with you as you continue in your professional journey or advanced studies and with whatever you decide to pursue,” Robles said.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles welcomes the graduating students.
Dr. Robles also stressed the responsibility of helping others and giving one’s best for the glory of God. And that our true vocation and our deepest calling can only be discovered once we commit ourselves to the service of the common good.
The graduates were addressed by the Director of the CPU Office of Communications, Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on. He talked about servanthood and the importance of working for God.
“Jesus is teaching us to have a servant attitude. He is teaching us to ask this question: What can I give to my work rather than what I can get from it? We do not live in a society with a servant heart mentality most of the time but the Bible says fulfillment comes as we give our life away,” Jalando-on said.
Director, CPU Office of Communications Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on delivers the message at the 2nd CMLS Baccalaureate Service.
As the seniors prepare to make the transition from students to working professionals, Jalando-on reminded them to uphold the values of faith and excellence in whatever path they choose to pursue.
Imelu Leonor Raso, one of the six honor graduates gave a reflection in behalf of the CMLS Batch of 2019.
The service was followed by the Commencement Ceremony which was held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
The graduating students share a light moment as they pose for a commemorative photo.
A total of 124 graduates received their degrees during the 2nd Commencement Exercises of the College of Medical Laboratory Science held last June 30, 2019 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The graduates were addressed by Dr. Jeremiah Butch T. Gemarino, administrator of Palawan Baptist Hospital and a proud CPU alumnus.
In his speech, Dr. Gemarino challenged the graduates to be of service to the country and the community. He also emphasized the importance of Christian faith and values in one’s pursuit for excellence. And that we are all called by the Lord to be a channel of His love and kindness in our chosen endeavors.
Dr. Jeremiah Butch Gemarino delivers the commencement address to the graduating students.
Alfred Carado, one of the six honor graduates gives a response in behalf of the graduating batch.
“More than our personal desire to prosper and excel, our priority is to advance the Lord’s kingdom as vessels of healing and blessing to the patients we encounter,” he said.
Alfred Ceasar Carado, one of the six honor graduates gave the response in behalf of the CMLS Batch of 2019.
The graduates are set to take the Licensure Examination for Medical Technologists this coming September.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on with notes from Geoffrey Leysa
The College of Nursing Batch 89 is getting ready for the whitewater rafting.
The CPU College of Nursing batch 1989 had their 30th reunion at Glenwood Springs, a resort city in Colorado last June 27 to 30, 2019.
The Centralians who gathered for fellowship, recollection, and fun with their classmates and families first gathered at the house of their classmate and organizer of the group, Joy Obedencia. They then proceeded to Rifle Falls. The triple 70-foot waterfalls flowing over a travertine dam on East Rifle Creek is situated in a 48-acre park. After this adventure they checked in for the night at Glenwood Springs.
Live.Love.Laugh – a great theme for a reunion and a greater reminder for as we face life every day.
The CPUBSN 89 gathered for a reunion at Glenwood Springs, a resort city in Colorado.
They dared to enroll at CPU 30 years ago, and together they dared to row the rapids of Colorado.
The next day they hiked for 3 hours towards the Hanging Lake, an area in Glenwood Canyon which is rich with wildlife and striking turquoise waters. After the long hike full of stories about their time in the CPU campus and current events, they proceeded to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. They explored the ancient underground caves at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
On the third day, these Centralian nurses and their families decided to spend their day enjoying whitewater rafting on the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers in Glenwood Springs. After the exciting experience, they went to soak in the Iron Mountain Hot Springs while enjoying the company of each other.
Before they went their separate ways on June 30, the assembled Centralians had a photography session with a professional. It was indeed a reunion worth remembering.
By Sarla Ferrer-Duller and Emelda Frange-Valcarcel
The Golden Jubilarians are all smiles during their reunion at Pan de Azucar Island, Tambaliza, Concepcion, Iloilo.
Memory… just like the famous song from the Broadway musical Cats, the Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Nursing class of 1969, a.k.a. the 69ers, dreamed of the old days and remembered that life was beautiful then as they commemorated their Golden Jubilee from February 7 to 12, 2019. Attended by 25 69ers and some 12 husbands, the class reunion was celebrated in the provinces of Iloilo and Antique, and in six different venues: CPU; Iloilo Mission Hospital (IMH); Tambaliza/Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion, Iloilo; Dingle, Iloilo; San Jose, Antique; and Pavia, Iloilo.
Day Two: 08 February 2019 – Tambaliza/Pan de Azucar, and neighboring islands of Concepcion, Iloilo
The second day started earlier than the day before. By 6:30 AM, the convoy of two rented CPU vans replete with the CPU College of Nursing Golden Jubilee tarpaulins were ready to roll.
The road leading to Concepcion from CPU is 93.3 kilometers long, traversing through the municipalities of Pavia, Zarraga, part of Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Viejo, and Ajuy. The long drive was somewhat challenging to the group, so they had to take a few pee breaks on the way. Finally arriving in Concepcion, a pump boat was waiting at the pier to take the 69ers for a boat ride to Tambaliza/Pan de Azucar Island, one of the islands in the municipality of Concepcion.
The boat ride was reminiscent of a song 69ers sang on days off during a year of rotation in Capiz Emmanuel Hospital in Roxas City:
The boat rides we would take…
The early morning hike…
The looks we got when we got back…
How could a love that seemed so right go wrong?
The things we did last summer…
After about a 35-minute boat ride, the 69ers docked around noontime in Tambaliza/Pan de Azucar Island. The Arizona-based hosts, Erlinda (Arlai) Arlos-Zach and husband Ron were at the store to welcome the classmates. The most senior among the reunion attendees, Evelyn Berja-Lagarde (a.k.a. Manay) came all the way from New York City to join this once-in-a-lifetime event not minding her limited physical mobility at all, even if she had to be carried off the boat to disembark. Bless her heart!
From Arlai’s house, the island was a postcard-perfect picture of the sea meeting the sky in the east and the majestic Pan de Azucar mountain in the north. What a sight to behold! The medley of foods—fiesta-sa-nayon style—were served in a newly constructed nipa hut built especially for the occasion. Ahhh! Arlai and Ron must have stayed awake for days planning and mobilizing everything to offer such a spread. Well, another broken promise for weight-watchers!
After lunch, while others were enjoying the freshly-harvested young coconuts, Arlai led a small group on a trek up to a plateau of a small hill that cradles two institutions of learning in the island: The Deogracias G. Arlos National High School named after her father and the elementary school, Fernando A. Arlos Memorial School, named after her paternal grandfather. What we only knew was that Arlai lived in a pulo in Concepcion. However, humble and private that she is, it was unknown to most 69ers that her father and paternal grandfather used to own the land that was donated to the local high school and elementary school. What an honor to be a classmate belonging to a family of philanthropists!
The drive back to CPU was an uneventful denouement. However, the memorable trip to Tambaliza would surely run down in our class history.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Officer Cadets from PA Training Headquarters-Capas, Tarlac show discipline in a Silent Drill performed on July 2 at Central Philippine University’s Big Field.
The Class 52 contingent from the Philippine Army Training Headquarters in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac was at Central Philippine University on Tuesday, July 2, 2019. The military contingent led by Col. Ariel Reyes belongs to the Officers Candidate Course Batch 2019, and was in CPU to promote the training for the graduating students of ROTC Cadets of 2019-2020.
A silent drill exhibition was performed by the visiting Philippine Army officers at the CPU Big Field to showcase their discipline and training.
Aerial view of the Officer Cadets in their cross formation at CPU’s Big Field.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Officer Candidate School, a military school located at Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac, trains civilians and enlisted personnel holding a baccalaureate degree for one year for the officer candidate course (OCC) and for six months for the Officer Preparatory Course (OPC). The recruitment is based on a rigid selection process, according to Col. Reyes. Just about five percent of the 10,000 previous nationwide recruitment have passed the training, he added. “We go for qualified cadets who shall hurdle the training period, and be ready to serve the country,” he further explained.
By Anna May Y. Zerrudo
Students from Howon University in Korea and Central Philippine University learned from one another during an outreach activity at Asilo de Molo.
On June 28, 2019, 10 senior college students from the Social Work Department enrolled in Seminar in Social Work and Field Instruction joined with 25 university students from Howon University, South Korea in an outreach activity at Asilo de Molo.
The activity aimed at delivering social welfare services to around 50 residents of the home for the aged in Iloilo City. Prof. Carol Kay Blando and Prof. Joel Galicia, faculty members of the Social Work Department interacted with the professors from Howon University. Both expressed their gratefulness for activities such as this where CPU students are given the chance to interact with foreign peers.
These social Work students from diffrent races and diffrent languages are all in agreement to serve people with all their heart.
Similarly, Howon University is thankful to CPU, as well as Metro Korea Language Training Center, for the opportunity. The interaction with peers from South Korea continued where CPU students and faculty were treated to a dinner at a Korean restaurant.
By Nestle G. Taala
Everyone is smiling after CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mathias Hallerbach of Pro Civitate gGmbH signed an MOU that could help Centralian nurses work in Germany.
Central Philippine University entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Pro Civitate gGmbH. The document was officially signed by both parties on June 28 at the Administration Building.
CPU was represented by its President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles while Mathias Hallerbach signified for Pro Civitate gGmbH, a German health provider. CPU College of Nursing Dean, Atty. Salex Alibogha, served as witness during the signing ceremony. The MOU is a cooperative agreement relating to education, exchange of knowledge and related cultural and scientific matters.
Moreover, both parties agreed to work together in “conducting German language trainings for Filipino nurses in the premises of CPU, develop joint projects and establish cultural activities.” The parties planned to start classes on July 2019 and August 2019.
Pro Civitate gGmbH is a company that “offers elderly care, provides nursing care for the elderly, disabled, assisted living services, ambulatory care, and related medical services. Pro Civitate serves communities in Germany.” (https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/6282479Z:GR)
By Cyrus A. Natividad with notes from Nestle G. Taala
Mathias Hallerbach, Business Development Manager of C&C Human Resource Pro Civitate and his Senior Supervising Consultant during an interview with Mr. Natividad.
Mathias Hallerbach, Business Development Manager of C&C Human Resource/Pro Civitate (a German health provider) based in Germany and his Senior Supervising Consultant Kristine Brisenio, based in Metro Manila announced their commitment to recruit Filipino nurses particularly, CPU graduates.
In an interview on CPUTV public affairs program Looking Forward, Hallerbach and Brisenio detailed on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the German Agency and Central Philippine University at the CPU Administration Conference Hall on Friday June 28, 2019.
Hallerbach impressed upon the viewers that Filipino nurses are much needed in Germany. He also admired the attitude and quality of service of the Filipino nurses in several nursing care facilities in Germany.
The MOU was signed by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles for Central Philippine University, and Atty.Wolfgang F. Schutze for Pro Civitate gGmbH. CPU College of Nursing Dean, Atty. Salex Alibogha served as witness during the signing Ceremony.
By Nestle G. Taala
CPU joined the Adopt-an-Estero Water Body Program Orchestrated Cleanup last June 22 2019.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau orchestrated a clean-up drive called, Adopt-An-Estero or Water Body Program which is a “collaborative undertaking between and among communities along esteros or creeks and rivers, concerned local government units, private sector and the DENR to achieve a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.”
In line with this, Central Philippine University Republic, CPUR local government units, various CPU student organizations, and Centralian volunteers participated on June 22 at Dungon A and B (Dungon Creek), Jaro, Iloilo City. The CPUR dubbed the activity as “CPUR Environment Celebration Day.” The groups gathered and assembled at 5:30 A.M. in the CPU Big Field before their deployment to the venue.
Mr. Prim Vergara III, CPU’s Safety Officer and Chairperson of the CPU Sustainable Campus Committee, gave a briefing before the students dispersed in the clean-up drive.
CPU students helped in the clean-up of Dungon Creek, Jaro, Iloilo City.
Aside from the fact that the activity promotes environmental awareness, CPUR President, Riego Ferrer Garcia, saw the activity as an opportunity to create networks that would be beneficial to the upcoming projects of CPUR. “Building linkages with government agencies and [creating] an avenue to collaborate with school organizations is one way of helping and extending support to maintain cleanliness within the area (Dungon Creek) and to sustain its biodiversity,” Mr. Garcia shared.
Members of CPU Search and Rescue Team, CPU Red Cross Youth Medical Team and CPU Sustainable Campus Committee were also present during the activity to ensure and monitor the safety of the students in the whole course of the Adopt-An-Estero/Water Body Program.