The university congratulates Mr. Jeremiah Joy Zaldivar Peniano for successfully passing the April 2019 technical evaluation for the upgrading as Professional Electrical Engineers given by the Board of Electrical Engineering.
Central Philippine University hails its 35 new Centralian Civil Engineers who successfully passed the Civil Engineer Licensure Exam held on May 2019.
According to the Professional Regulation Commission, 3,372 out of 8,855 passed the said examination given by the Board of Civil Engineering.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Rebecca C. Tubongbanua showcasing McNester products. Photo Credit: McNester
Centralian entrepreneur Rebecca C. Tubongbanua is again a big winner in the Guimaras Manggahan Festival 2019. Tubongbanua has received awards from the Department of Tourism and the local government (LGU) of Guimaras.
Tubongbanua is the founder of the McNester Food Products, which process sweet Guimaras mangoes, calamansi juice, and other food products. It also brought Guimaras island province international recognition especially with their mango products.
Tubongbanua is recognized for her business acumen and expertise in food processing. Student entrepreneurs attend her motivational business lectures at the McNester factory in Buenavista, Guimaras. In these lectures, she also shares the essence of trust and recognizing that one is indebted to the Lord. She shared these principles last Saturday, May 18, 2019, when she was visited by the entrepreneurship class under Dr. Mario Tajanlangit of the CPU Doctor in Management program. Tubongbanua not only focused her discussion on entrepreneurship, but also on the idea of “Christ at the center of her business.” She attributed the following for her success:
The 9 Elements of Being an Entrepreneur
S – Self confidence
U – Untiring
B – Boldness
S – Skill
T – Tolerance
A – Attitude
N – Never gives up
C – Christ must be at the Center
E – Essence of encouragement
Tubongbanua was a Chemistry teacher at Good Shepherd’s Fold Academy in Guimaras before working as a domestic helper in Hongkong. She believed that this was how God provided her the opportunity to earn capital for the small enterprise she was planning to put up.
Tubongbanua was able to startup her business in 2003 with a modest capital of 7,000 pesos. She shared space at her sister’s house in Brgy. San Isidro, Buenavista, Guimaras. For her untiring efforts, she was able to provide employment for her community, as well as economic support to the indigents. Tubongbanua received the Magsasaka Syentista (MS) award from DOST.
She has since then built up the business. Developments included building a laboratory and a mixing and production plant as well as a product display area and a small audio-visual hall where lectures and demonstrations are held for entrepreneurs and guests.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Concepcion Vice Mayor elect and CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter Vice President Millard Villanueva (center) and CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter President Ninfa Zarriz Esteban (right) with host, Mr. Natividad in CPUTV’s Looking Forward.
Fresh from his victory as Vice Mayor-elect in the last mid-term elections, Millard Villanueva, the current Mayor of the Municipality of Concepcion, Iloilo, recalled his student days in CPU at CPU TV’s weekly public affairs program, Looking Forward. He remembered, among other things, how CPU prepared him to become the Centralian who would be Mayor and public servant of Concepcion. The Mayor especially recalled the Christ Emphasis Week: “The Christian fellowship has influenced my life in a manner that it [has] encouraged me to rely on God, practice integrity, and inculcate service in my career.”
Villanueva finished his high school in 1970 and earned his BS Electrical Engineering degree in 1975, both at CPU.
After working in the corporate world for a while, Villanueva ran for office as a municipal councilor of Concepcion. Due to his exemplary performance and contribution to the development and progress of the municipality, the people of Concepcion voted him as Mayor after six years as councilor. For three consecutive terms, Mayor Villanueva was able to increase the municipal revenue, implement infrastructure projects and create livelihood for his constituents. He implemented valuable projects for a sustainable industry, such as fishing, in the coastal town of Concepcion.
Villanueva is currently the Vice President of the CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter. He was a guest in Looking Forward last Wednesday, May 22, 2019, along with Ninfa Zarriz Esteban, President of the CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter, With Esteban and Villanueva leading a newly inducted alumni chapter, Centralians can look forward to an active civic-oriented alumni chapter.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The PACUCOA Accrediting Team with CPU administrative officials, faculty and staff.
The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Higher Education (PACUCOA) held an orientation on accreditation at the CPU Knowledge for Development Center, Henry Luce III Library on Monday, May 20, 2019. The event was led by Dr. Belen Tanco, Chairperson, of the accrediting team. She was accompanied by seven other members of the accreditation commission. Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs, attended the event along with several department heads of the University.
On behalf of Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President, Dr. Rio delivered the opening remarks. He acknowledged that the goal of seeking accreditation is stated in the COE (Center of Excellence) and COD (Center of Development), both of which CPU has achieved.
The PACUCOA Accrediting Team answers queries from CPU faculty and staff.
Dr. Tanco, in her message, emphasized the benefits of accreditation as the furtherance of excellence, the allocation of resources, and the provision of society with reliant information. According to Dr. Tanco, the institution initiates innovative and modern methods of pedagogy: “On the other hand, accreditation leads the institution to identify areas of planning and allocating its resources; provides society with reliable information on the quality education offered, and provides employees reliable information on the quality of education offered to prospective recruits.”
The attendees agreed that accreditation is the formal recognition of an educational program or an institution as possessing a high level of quality or excellence based on the analysis of the merits of its educational operation.
Prof. Anna Mae B. Cantel is the coordinator of the CPU Knowledge Development Center.
The University is now accepting nominations for the search of the Grand Alumni Homecoming Queen 2020.
To know more about the guidelines please click here.
Search for a cause – 100% of the proceeds of the search of the Grand Alumni Homecoming Queen 2020 will be go to university projects namely: the, Nursing Virtual Laboratory Phase 1, the Nursing Virtual Laboratory Phase 2, ECG/EKG Machine for Medical Clinic and an Anatomage Table for the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science.
The Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020 will be held at the CPU Campus on February 5-9, 2020.
A time for rekindling friendships and recalling fond memories, the Grand Alumni Homecoming will be a celebration of God’s faithfulness to the university and of the ties that have united Centralians all over the globe.
Come home to CPU and be part of this momentous occasion!
For questions and inquiries please don’t hesitate to contact us at:
e-mail: homecoming@cpu.edu.ph
contact numbers (CPU Alumni Office): (033) 329 2904 or 329-1971 to 329-1979 loc. 1033
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Rebecca Castro Tubongbanua (first from left) continues to promote Guimaras products through her innovation and passion.
Every month of May, tourists and entrepreneurs flock to the annual Manggahan Festival in Guimaras. Guimaras is known for its sweet mango the world over. Festival organizers bring together farmers and entrepreneurs involved in the mango industry. They set up a big area in Jordan where the fruit and various products derived from it (jam, candy, cookies, etc.) may be displayed and sold at an affordable price.
At the center of interest for mango products is the display booth of a Centralian chemist known for her ingenuity and admirable entrepreneurship. Rebecca Castro Tubongbanua (CPU BS Chemistry, Batch 1982) has been awarded many times as agricultural entrepreneur, farmer scientist, and excellent product entrepreneur for processed mango in the country.
Tubongbanua is the genius behind the McNester brand. Their products range from mango ketchup to mango serafina and dried mango among others. At the CPU TV weekly public affairs program, Looking Forward, Tubongbanua discussed and promoted Guimaras products as well as its socio-economic impact to the community.
Tubongbanua’s education from CPU has given her the training so that she was able put up a thriving business and bring honor to her humble island by producing excellent products.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Empowering the Filipino youth, the webinar aimed at providing for opportunities for academic and cultural exchange. Photo Credit: EducationUSA
EducationUSA, in partnership with Central Philippine University American Corner, held a webinar entitled “Strengthening My College Application” at the CPU American Corner, 3rd Floor, Henry Luce III Library on May 15, 2019.
The seminar featured a U.S. Admission Officer from the University of Chicago.
Said webinar aimed to enlighten Filipino students on the application processes, requirements and possible scholarship opportunities when applying to American Universities.
The Admission Officer gave tips on how to make application letters, personal statements, how to use extra-curricular engagements to help with the admission, and overall, how Filipino students can start preparing themselves for the admission process. He also answered questions regarding visa applications and funding aids.
With its established partnership with the U.S. Embassy, Central Philippine University, through its American Corner, is creating opportunities not only for social and civic engagements but also for cultural and academic exchanges that cater to the current trends of both nations.
According to its website (https://educationusa.state.gov/), EducationUSA is a “U.S. Department of State network of over 425 international student advising centers in 178 countries. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States. EducationUSA also provides services to the U.S. higher education community to help institutional leaders meet their recruitment and campus internationalization goals. EducationUSA is your official source on U.S. higher education.”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The ATESEA Office headed by Rev. Dr. Limuel Equiña is located at the Henry Luce III Library.
The second batch of Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA) scholars Bachelor of Library Information Science Major in Theological Librarianship (MLISTL) who graduated from Central Philippine University on April 20, 2019. The two-year scholarship program for theological schools in Southeast Asia is under Rev. Dr. Limuel Equiña, Director, ATESEA Four of these scholars were Filipinos while the rest were international students: four came from Myanmar, two from Indonesia, one from Taiwan, and one from Thailand.
Professors Cynthia Peleña and Ana Mae Cantel are the coordinators of the MLIS-TL program.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Prof. Anna Mae B. Cantel (first from left) continues to represent the best of CPU to international fora.
Professor Anna Mae B. Cantel, CPU Faculty and Coordinator for Bachelor of Library Information Science Major in Theological Librarianship (MLISTL) and Knowledge for Development Center (KDC), was invited to be a speaker at the 2019 ATESEA Special Conference for Librarians in Myanmar. The conference was held from May 1-4, 2019 at the Lisu Theological Seminary in Pyin Oo Lwin. There were 32 participants from 18 Theological Schools in Myanmar.
Topics at the Sessions included Library Management Review, Library Standards, Library Acquisition Programs, Networking and Consortium; Importance of Libraries in Theological Education, Information Literacy Programs for Theology Libraries and Emerging Roles of Theological Librarians in the 21st Century Libraries among others.
In view of the opening of the MLISTL course in CPU in 2020, Prof. Cantel also introduced and endorsed the course to Myanmar students during her trip.
By Nestle G. Taala
Executive Vice President of the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA), Mr. Ricky Cheng and CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with CPU administrative officials, faculty and staff.
Executive Vice President of the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA), Mr. Ricky Cheng, and Central Philippine University officials held a meeting at the Knowledge and Development Center (KDC), Henry Luce III Library on Thursday, May 16.
Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs opened the session with a prayer which was then followed by a welcome address given by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President.
According to Mr. Cheng, the purpose of his visit is to help the university find ways on how to raise funds to the further development of the institution.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles highlights the strong partnership of UBCHEA and CPU.
In his speech, Mr. Cheng discussed his experiences as a fundraiser and former UBCHEA Vice President for Development. “Development is more than just asking for money. It’s about looking for some extra resources but there is still a lot of work that is involved,” Cheng shared.
He also added that the United Board’s New York and Hong Kong offices could help in generating donations from alumni and friends of CPU in both areas. Mr. Cheng also had a short talk about leadership programs and faculty scholarship program under UBCHEA.
CPU officials, faculty and staff listen intently to Mr. Cheng’s talk.
Meanwhile, Engr. Amy Castigador, Director for Institutional Advancement, presented CPU’s strategic plan and resource generation initiatives while Dr. Robles shared its infrastructural plans.
Aside from Dr. Robles and Engr. Castigador, CPU was represented in the meeting by Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, VP for Finance and Administration; Dr. Ananias Sabijon, Director for CTLE; Dr. Rowena Libo-on, Director for Transnationals Programs; Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, CPUAAI President; and Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, CPU College of Nursing Dean; and other members of CPU faculty and staff.
By Nestle G. Taala
Celebrating the tradition of faith and excellence – the CCINAA alumni homecoming is a time of sharing testimonies and celebrating the goodness of the Lord to CPU nurses.
The CPU College of Nursing, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses’ Alumni Association (CCINAA) celebrates their 94th Alumni Homecoming and 30th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City on May 8 with the theme, “Synergizing Human and Technological Competency in Nursing Care: THE CCINAA WAY.”
CCINAA President Cynthia J. Mendoza formally set off the program through her opening message. She gave a brief explanation about this year’s CCINAA theme: “We [are] nurses of different generations, beliefs, [and] backgrounds. Hence, our acceptance of the application of technological advancement in nursing care varies. It is undeniable, however, that we encounter and use technology in nearly every aspect of our profession.”
The program was also graced with the presence of Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President; Atty. Salex A. Alibogha, CPU College of Nursing Dean; and Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, CPUAAI President. They all warmly welcome and congratulated the BSN batches for conducting such event. Meanwhile, the director of IMH, Dr. Elemer Q. Pedregosa, sent his earnest greetings through a letter since he was unable to come to the event.
BSN batch 1974 representative, Elsie S. Italia, then rendered a tribute to the late Loreto D. Tupaz through a binalaybay which recalled Ms. Tupaz’s humble beginning as a nursing student and how her influence was passed on from generation to generation. At the end of the tribute, Italia encouraged the nursing fresh graduates to aspire for greater heights as what Ms. Tupaz would do.
Mary Ann Rico Jamandre, BSN Batch 1971 receives a plaque of appreciation as speaker during the 30th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture from CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena.
The memorial lecture was given by Mary Ann Rico Jamandre, BSN Batch 1971. She worked as a nurse in the United States, particularly in California. In the course of her lecture, Jamandre talked about the advantages of technology in nursing. “Every nurse today is expected to use their knowledge to maximize their nursing care and [to] improve [their efficiency] of working in the health care system. Emerging technologies are being integrated in our practice for reasons such as reducing medication errors, improving safety and efficiency, freeing workers from tasks, providing evidence for care plan decisions, making health care information accessible to patients, monitoring workforce, empowering patients to be involved in care and coordinating care across settings.”
After the Jamandre’s lecture, the CCINAA elected new board members. Engr. Jalbuena then inducted the seven new members of the CCINAA Board of Directors as well as the newest alumni members, the BSN Batch 2019.
The said alumni night and memorial lecture concluded with a class song, bestowed by BSN Batch 2019, and a message from Mrs. Annalie D. Gilongos, Batch 1995.
















