By Nestle G. Taala
Rev. Dr. Melvin M. Mangana, the Administrator of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital challenged the College of Medicine graduating class to become sterling doctors.
Central Philippine University College of Medicine held Baccalaureate Service for the graduating class of Doctor of Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy on June 23 at the University Church.
The University Church Administrator, Perla A. Suyo, delivered her words of welcome as the graduating students joined the whole congregation in the worship service. Thereafter, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President, also gave his own welcome message. He reminded everyone to always find hope in God’s faithfulness as the graduating students leave the institution.
This year’s baccalaureate speaker was Rev. Melvin M. Mangana, the Administrator of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, a corporation member of CPU and Iloilo Mission Hospital and a member of the Board of Trustees of Filamer Christian University and of the Convention of the Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc.
In his message, Rev. Mangana spoke about the “four essential components of a sterling doctor” associating Christ’s ministry and life as He came to the world not to save the “righteous” but the sinners. Rev. Mangana added that hence, it is not the healthy who needs a doctor, but the sick. A health professional comes to those who are in need, makes a reliable diagnosis, provides a cure, and he is paid the bill. “In the dynamics of your profession as health professionals, be there for a person who needs you, like Jesus. He was there to a person who needs Him, for it is paradoxical to say that people will stay healthy,” he told the batch.
Ramon S. Guelos, Jr. then testified for God’s faithfulness in the course of his journey as a medical student. After which, Rev. Dr. Nathaniel M. Fabula commissioned and prayed for the graduates as well as closed the worship service in prayer.
The event was also graced with the presence of Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Dean of the CPU College of Medicine, faculty and staff of the college, parents of the graduating students, guests, and visitors.
By Nestle G. Taala
The graduates of the CPU College of Medicine together with CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Dean Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Administration Officials, Guest Speaker and their faculty and staff.
Central Philippine University College of Medicine held its 13th Commencement Exercises for school year 2018-2019 on June 23, 2019 at Rose Memorial Auditorium. The said college hit a milestone as they also celebrated the 1st Commencement Exercises of the BS Respiratory Therapy Program.
The occasion began with the Entrance of Colors and the processional of the graduating students together with the Dean, Dr. Henry D. Gonzales; the administration officials; the guest speaker; and the faculty and staff of the College of Medicine.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, gave the welcome remarks. In his message, he hoped that the graduating class would never neglect the fact that “without God, we are nothing” since “He is the source of all wisdom and strength.” Dr. Gonzales then introduced this year’s commencement speaker, Dr. Mae Concepcion J. Dolendo.
The Commencement Speaker, Dr. Mae Concepcion J. Dolendo, challenged the graduating class to live out the values that they have learned.
Dr. Dolendo finished her elementary, high school and Medical Technology degree from CPU. She holds various positions in different institutions, such as Head of the Children’s Cancer Institute; Director of PayWard Services, Southern Philippines Medical Center; Medical Director of St. Jude Global, Davao, Philippines and Program Director of the World Child Cancer Mindanao Pediatric Cancer Care Network Project.
To inspire the graduates, Dr. Dolendo shared her life experiences as she faced her fears through the course her journey. According to her, “We must acknowledge our weaknesses and try to be better not only for ourselves but for the people we care for.”
She reminded the graduates, “Please choose not only to be successful but also to be significant. Please choose to walk your talk. Live your values—‘wag niyong sabihin; ipakita niyo. [Don’t just say it. Show it.] I am confident that with the Central Philippine University education, you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and values to make the right choices.” She then ended her message with the Bible verse, Romans 8:28.
After the message, the program went on with the conferral of degrees and investiture of hoods with Dr. Robles and Registrar, Miss Charissa June Deocampo, assisting. CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, led the graduates in making the Pledge of the Alumni. Meanwhile, Rev. Roger Quimpo, ended the activity with a prayer and the benediction.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Sharing her love for music – Princess Bales is one of the rising local artists in Iloilo City.
Her song broke the silence like sunrise piercing twilight. Every note was a reflection of something more profound than a memory; every word an opportunity to reveal a testimony far greater than joy or pain—the truth.
For Princess Bales, the truth of the songs she writes speak not only of the vulnerability of her soul but of the impact of her faith in God and the power of words to introduce beautiful melodies to the senses.
A storyteller by heart, Ces, developed a love for writing at an early age. It not only helped her to cope with life’s struggles but it also gave her a profound sense of purpose knowing that her talent can help empower others: “I wrote a lot back when I was in high school. It’s very therapeutic—It’s an avenue to share what I feel and I think it’s also a way for me to share what I love doing with others.” Coupled with her interest in music, Ces began to compose songs with the help of her brother JM Bales: “As a family, we really love music. We like to sing together. Especially with kuya, sometimes we would compose songs together. I would write the lyrics and then I [would] show it to him then we [would] work on the melody together.”
Ces is currently a second year Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications student of the University. She aims to use her skills in both traditional and new media to promote her music and her advocacy for mental health: “Mental Health is such a strong issue among the youth nowadays. My generation is dealing with pressure and anxieties that didn’t exist in the previous generations. I believe that music and communication can really help impact and encourage young people to take care of their mental health.”
When asked why she studied in CPU, Ces replied that it was the university’s reputation for quality education and Christian principles that convinced her to become a Centralian: “CPU is known in the regions as a university that offers high quality education. And it also has a Christian reputation—which is also very important [to] me.”
At the moment, Ces is working on pioneering a student based organization focusing on empowering women and taking care of their mental health.
Advising young people to pursue God and their passions, Ces encourages her fellow youth to persevere during life’s trials: “It’s always important to take care of yourself and to realize that sometimes you need to rest. Resting doesn’t mean your journey is over; it means that you’re working towards your next steps—bigger steps for that matter.”
By Keziah G. Huelar
Prof. Renia F. De La Peña together with fellow CPU Doctorate students Regie C. Regalado and Darnelle P. Moscoso sharing their research entitled “Level of Good Governance and Leadership Styles Among Punong Barangays in Iloilo.”
Central Philippine University and Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) conducted a joint workshop entitled “The Challenges in MSMEs, Economy, Governance and Leadership: Philippine and Vietnam” at TUEBA, Thai Nguyen City.
Doctorate students from both universities taking up Doctor of Management, majoring in both Public Administration and Business Administration, presented their research studies in the said forum.
Participants of the workshop were welcomed by the Dr. Do Anh Tai, Associate Professor and Vice Rector of TUEBA.
CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, gave the congratulatory address. He highlighted the importance of establishing research partnerships across the ASEAN Region to share innovations and knowledge gearing towards development.
CPU doctoral students, Ms. Jerelyn Joy G. Catadman, Althea U. Denuevo, Christine B. Gelilao, Joan A. Militar and Sheryll P. Saromines presented their study entitled “Business Performance of a Private Higher Education Institution’s Auxiliary Enterprise Focused on Dormitories: Basis for Operational Innovation”; Karenina P. Depamaylo, Jennefer N. Galarga, Marivic C. Santos, May Rose O. Suerte and Mary Ann B. Tagaytayan discussed their research, “Entrepreneurial Pursuits of Faith Based Organizations: Cases in Western Visayas”; Rhea V. Martesapo and Annaline L. Palmaira talked about the findings of their study entitled “Environmental Awareness and Practices on Recycling of Solid Waste Materials: Basis for Material Recovery Facility” while Prof. Renia F. De La Peña, Regie C. Regalado, and Darnelle P. Moscoso shared the results of their study, “Level of Good Governance and Leadership Styles Among Punong Barangays in Iloilo.” On the other hand, Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh from TUEBA presented his research entitled “Research on Public Health Services Quality: A Case Study at Thai Nguyen National Hospital.”
The workshop aimed at exposing doctoral students from both universities to international research fora.
According to Dr. Rio, both universities are working on two international collaborative researches: the first to be presented by CPU during TUEBA’s Foundation Day in October 2019 and the second, in February 2020 during an international business conference to be hosted by the CPU College of Business and Accountancy.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Mr. Mauro Somodio with his wife Cecilia J. Somodio. Photo Credit: Mr. Mauro Somodio
Centralian alumnus and Filipino-Australian Foundation President Mauro Somodio was with Prof. Necile Magno as guests in the special edition of Looking Forward—CPU TV’s public affairs program. Both were guests on Thursday, June 27, 2019. Magno gave updates on the activities she attended in Australia with observations on the lifestyle and relationships of Centralian alumni in Australia.
Meanwhile, Somodio, also known as “Mau” to his friends at Central, revealed some of the foundation’s plans that would benefit Central Philippine University’s global promotion and partnerships. These partnerships, according to him, include the educational programs with Griffith University—primarily the faculty/student exchange program, research collaboration, dual doctoral program partnerships, and New Colombo Plan Scholarships among others.
Somodio is a CPU graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1973. He Founded the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. in 1996 and is currently the foundation’s President. He was responsible of promoting the outreach project-grant-in-aid scholarship program.
By Sarla Ferrer-Duller and Emelda Frange-Valcarcel
CPU Batch 1969 at the Henry Luce III Library.
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 One: 7 February 2019 – CPU and IMH
Deafening laughter, bear hugs, and beso-beso filled the first floor of the Hence Luce Library Knowledge Development Center in CPU as the Jubilarians trickled in as early as 7:30 in the morning on the first day of the six-day class reunion. The Iloilo-based organizing committee was busy signing-in the attendees as they came in, handing out mini buri fans, made-to-order gold tees for the occasion, and the Jubilee mug adorned with each 69er attendee’s college graduation picture! Ahhhh… so young, innocent, and vulnerable-looking! How nostalgic—the image in the mug was taken at least 50 years ago!
CPU Batch 1969 met with Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, a member of CPU’s Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital
The venue was almost standing-room-only, and like clockwork, the Texas-based classmates led off the program: Elpa Lagora-Drooglever led the invocation and followed by Terry Camiña who sung her own rendition of one of the songs from the Sound of Music, “Climb Every Mountain.” Indeed, the song resonated the challenges and opportunities in climbing one’s mountain, in following the byways and rainbows until dreams were found! After 50 years, Terry could still deliver!
The next number was the welcome address by the CPU President, Dr. Teodoro (Ted) Robles. The emcee, Lydia Fernandez-Robles, an Iloilo-based member of the Golden Jubilee organizing committee, did the honor of introducing Dr. Ted Robles. Lydia admitted the task was easy since President Robles needed no introduction at all as the husband of a 69er, Angel Antonio. The introduction was sweet and succinct. After the warm welcome, the group was called upon to sing their class theme song, “My Task,” the hymn that buoyed them up through the years, throughout the world:
“To help a wand’ring child to find his way
To follow the truth as blind men long for light
To do my best from dawn of day till night
To keep my heart fit for His holy sight
And answer when He calls…”
Wow! The words were a power saw cutting through souls and tear ducts!
A video presentation followed the class song. Important class activities and memorable events flashed before their eyes. Just like the proverbial day of reckoning, the video accounted some of the things the 69ers did with their talent, time, and treasure for the last 50 years, including their pre-nursing and student nurse’s days. More silly laughter, ohhhs, and ahhhs reverberated around the room. Some classmates were amazed at how petite they were—30-40 lbs. ago. Oh well. Snacks and more snacks followed—rare native delicacies like ibus nga tapul (thank you Gretchen Martinez-West), Ilonggo favorites, and much much more. So irresistible!
As if trying to shed off the calories from the snacks, the group then walked a few meters to the Loreto D. Tupaz (LTD) Hall that houses the College of Nursing where the Dean, Atty. Salex Alibogha, was waiting right at the doorstep to personally welcome the Jubilarians. Beaming from ear to ear, Dean Salex led the group to an ocular visit of the classrooms, faculty offices, and the newly acquired high tech simulation laboratory (sim lab), among other activities. The sim lab is the first of its kind in the Iloilo region, which made the 69ers ooze with pride, considering that the class was among the firsts to remit its 100,000-peso contribution towards the fruition of the project. The sim lab was replete with tech-driven manikin that simulates the normal and abnormal heart, lungs, and abdominal sounds depending on the scenario appropriate to the students’ related learning experience. The group took the opportunity to take photos: with the manikins, with Dean Salex, with each other, in front of the LDT Hall, and under the tarpaulin proclaiming IMH/CPU as the first School of Nursing in the Philippines.
Moving along, the next stop was IMH. The Hospital Administrator, Dr. Elmer Pedregosa, welcomed the Jubilarians in the conference room adjacent to his office, and after a brief prologue, he walked with them to the Healing Garden, cutting through an all familiar-looking Department A. Once again, the 69ers were ecstatic with pride as the benefactors who made the installation of the waterfalls to add serenity to the landscape possible. Selfies and group photos here and there then ensued.
Strolling along, the group noticed a missing landmark. What happened to the Nurses’ Home, the home away from home when they were student nurses? And the garden? Dr. Pedregosa explained that the years had taken its toll on the aging building. He continued that with the changes in the curriculum, student nurses were opting to stay in off-site boarding houses of their choice. Oh, how they missed the Big Hall! It was there where sisterhood developed, was nurtured, and flourished! Where the Nurses Home used to be, now proudly stands the four-story Medical Arts Building housing the multi-specialty clinics/offices.
Lunch followed after Emelda (Daday) Frange-Valcarcel led the prayer. More photo shoots followed at every opportunity. The singing of “Blest be the Tie that Binds” signaled the end of the IMH sojourn.
Back to the waiting vans and on the way to the drop off point at CPU, the Jubilarians were treated to a tour of Iloilo City guided by Angie Majaducon in one van, and Lydia in the other. Iloilo City is oozing with progress; notably among the changes it its city-wide SMOKE FREE policy. Well, CPU has been a smoke-free campus for over a century. The city was finally catching up.
By Rinand C. Escuban
CPUFOAA President Mrs. Flora Cuadiamat visits the Centralians in Toronto.
On Saturday, June 9, members and friends of the CPU Alumni Association of Greater Toronto Area (CPUAAGTA) Chapter led by its President, Norma Van Dusen, gathered for a fellowship and some fun during its annual picnic at the Centennial Park in Etobicoke, Ontario. Flora Grace Cudiamat, President, CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association (CPUFOAA), flew all the way from Chicago, Illinois to attend the annual gathering of Centralians.
During the fellowship Ms. Van Dusen, touched on the recent success of the concert of the Bahandi Singers. The event raised funds for the Scholarship Program of the Association for the benefit of deserving students at Central Philippine University. She expressed the association’s gratitude to the Bahandi Singers who volunteered their time and resources to support the program. Ms. Van Dusen encouraged the members to plan for and attend the worldwide reunion of Centralians, which will take place at the CPU campus on February 5-7, 2020. Ms. Van Dusen informed the members that the election of the new set of officers would be on July 7. In connection with this, she read to the members the names of the nominees.
Centralians from the Greater Toronto Area.
Edwin Arroz, Vice-President of the association, gave a brief reflection and offered his thoughts on the significance of the association to the members and of how the Central Spirit had been kept alive among the members.
Ms. Cudiamat, on the other hand, shared with the members of the association the preparations being undertaken by Central Philippine University, led by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President, for the 2020 Grand Alumni Homecoming.
In the event, everyone enjoyed the potluck Ilonggo food prepared by the members. The games which brought laughter and fun to the fellowship was hosted by Rod Gonzales, Member, Board of Director.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Looking Forward host, Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad together with Prof. Necile C. Magno, Mrs. Cecilia J. Somodio and Mr. Mauro Somodio.
Former CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe leader and instructor Prof. Necile C. Magno was the invited guest speaker at the recently held Philippine Festival in Australia. The Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland invited Prof. Magno to the international event held from May 9 to June 8, 2019.
Magno also conducted a dance clinic and attended the Gala Night at the Sunny Bank State School. Magno is one of the recipients of the Filipino-Australian Scholarship (Grant-in-Aid).
This year’s theme of the Philippine Festival is “One World, One Spirit.” It was hosted by the Filipino-Australian Foundation whose current President is Centralian alumnus, Mauro Somodio (BSA, Batch 1973).
The festival included the showcase of Filipino dances and food, according to Somodio. Prof. Magno also observed that Filipino and Australian businessmen have given financial support for the success of the festival.
Somodio and his wife, Cecilia (Pre-Nursing, Batch 1971), are currently spending their vacation here. Somodio, along with Magno, was invited to this week’s Looking Forward, a CPU TV public affairs program.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The CPUAAI headed by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena aims to connect Centralians throughout the globe.
The committee for the 2019 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly held an organizational meeting last June 21, 2019, Friday at the Alumni Conference Hall.
Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, Chairperson, Steering Committee, announced, among others, the developments of the annual Alumni Night’s Search for the King and Queen for 2019. Assignments for the different committees were then given to the members; plans for the activities and venues were also discussed.
He encouraged cooperation and volunteerism among members of the Steering Committee. Developments and updates will be announced by the CPUAAI from time to time.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Consistent with its missions and vision – Central Philippine University continues to provide Exemplary Christian Education for Life.
As of the end of the college enrollment on June 26, 2019, CPU has 12,789 students in all levels. This is a 1% increase to that of the last school year. More increase is expected once the enrolment from the College of Law and Graduate School ends on July 6, 2019 and the College of Medicine on August 2, 2019.
So far, there are 7,673 college students, 812 elementary students, 1,600 junior high school students, 2,004 senior high school students, 135 kindergarten students and 565 graduate school students. The total number of students enrolled in the University will be known on August 2, 2019.
During the Faculty and Staff Conference on June 14, 2019, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles said that CPU is grateful to God because the University has survived the challenges brought about by the K-12 program. This school year, due to the K-12 program of the government, there are no regular 3rd and 4th year college students. It will take another two school years before the colleges will settle back to normal.
By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU faculty and staff together with the officials of Kawachinagano International Friendship Association.
Promoting Filipino culture through dance—Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Director, CPU Cultural Affairs Office; Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Dean, CPU College of Education; and Mr. Randy Lero, Artistic Director, CPU Dance Company, together with seven student-dancers from the CPU Sari-Saot showcased the Filipino culture to five schools in Kawachinagano City, Japan on June 6 to 12, 2019.
Together with the said CPU faculty and staff, members of the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Company namely: Shyra Thyryss C. Cerbas, Ronald Bryan G. Siao, Mizzy Kaye T, Rosaldes, Marjorie March A. Berso, Rizza Mae M. Genovata, Joe Francis L. Antonio and Jewellyn Imee O. Pediangco gave dance workshops to the students of Amami Elementary School, Seikyo Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, Osaka Chiyoda College, Nagano Senior High School and Kagata Junior High School.
A medley of Philippine dances was shown to Japanese students; among them are Cariñosa, Lo Jota Sevillana and Pansak sa Laley.
The group also highlighted Central Philippine University as a center of excellence and development in the region.
A video presentation of the university was also presented in each school. Dr. Junsay talked about CPU as a hub of cultural diversity and an educational institution that is globally competitive with various partnerships with academic institutions around the globe and locally rooted being a community-based academic unit that focuses on holistic training.
She also discussed the English language programs of the university, encouraging Japanese students to study in the university and avail of its academic services.
During the seven-day visit to Japan, the CPU group had host-families who catered to their board and lodging, local trips, and sightseeing in the city.
The said cultural-exchange was made possible through a partnership with Kawachinagano International Friendship Association. CPU and KIFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding for future cultural and academic partnerships.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Jeffrey P. Ganzon together with Senator-elect, Bato Dela Rosa. Photo Credit: Dr. Jeffrey P. Ganzon
Dr. Jeffrey P. Ganzon, a graduate of the CPU High School Batch 1969 will be serving his second term as Vice Mayor of Iloilo City next month.
Before becoming the Vice Mayor, Ganzon was elected four times as a City Councilor. He was even voted as the no.1 councilor during the 2016 election. He received an Asia Pacific Excellence Award in 2017.
Speaking at a banquet held in CPU on a previous special occasion, Ganzon emphasized his being a Centralian in spirit, claiming that, “I have benefited from the Christian education and discipline at Central Philippine University.”
Ganzon shared his first three guiding principles in life:
- Believe in the Divine Providence who guides the destiny of men and nations.
- Believe that education will free the country from the bondage of ignorance and poverty.
- For the growth of democracy, build an intelligent, strong and vibrant middle-class who shall bridge the wide gap between the rich and poor.
Ganzon’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6: 33. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added into you”.
Ganzon is the son of the late Rodolfo “Roding” Ganzon, who served as Senator from 1963-1969. He was also elected twice as Representative of the Lone District of Iloilo City and four times as Iloilo City Mayor. Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon’s grandfather, Leopoldo G. Ganzon, on the other hand, also served as Mayor of Iloilo City from 1931-1934.
The elder Ganzons left a legacy of excellence in public service that Dr. Jeffrey P. Ganzon vows to continue.