By Cyrus A. Natividad
The Senior High School building is a testimony of God’s favor and CPU’s commitment to provide quality and effective senior high school education.
The five-story Senior High School Building was dedicated to God at 4:00 PM on April 25, 2019. This marks another milestone in the history of Central Philippine University’s educational development.
The building contractor first turned-over the building to CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. Dr. Robles then led the ceremonial cutting of ribbon with the Vice Presidents and members of the Board of Trustees. Faculty and staff and other guests also attended the dedication ceremony.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Robles expressed his satisfaction over the completion of the building: “This building is greatly needed in view of the increase of Senior High School students now and in the coming years.” He added that the building is well ventilated and purposely constructed with natural light to reduce the cost of electricity. An elevator is also included for the convenience of everyone who will be coming to and using the building.
University Senior Pastor, Rev. Amorsolo V. Sian, shared his reflection. Rev. Roger T. Quimpo led the dedicatory prayer and benediction.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Prof. Edgar A. Eriman, Director, University Senior High School with the faculty and staff.
The Central Philippine University Senior High School held their Excellence Awards to honor and recognize their students’ achievements at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on April 11, 2019.
Rev. Zeus M. Familiaran, faculty, SHS, led the opening prayer. It was then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem with Mr. Gabrielle Fran C. Domingo, Grade 12, NMPLR-2 conducting.
For the opening remarks, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, thanked the parents and the guardians of the awardees for trusting the university with their children’s education: “Foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the parents and guardians for entrusting your children’s education to Central Philippine University.”
Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, congratulated the students, parents and SHS faculty and staff for a job well done.
Dr. Rio goes on to talk about how excellence is a matter of choice: “You are here this morning because you made a choice—a commitment [to place] a high priority on your studies. Graduating with honors is not a matter of luck or chance but a matter of choice through the grace of God.”
Mr. Ferdinand T. Monoso, faculty, SHS, introduced guest speaker, Pastor Normandy S. Notes, Head Pastor, Ikthus Nextgen.
Pastor Notes’ message shared two testimonies: the first was that of a college dropout and the second was that of an academic achiever: “I have a friend who has been an academic achiever since his elementary days. He also graduated top of his class in high school and in college. But in spite of his achievements, it seems that he didn’t know what he wanted to do in life. He can’t decide to marry or not marry or what career path to [take].”
He continued, “I have another friend, who was a college dropout. He also studied in CPU but along the way, for some reason, he dropped out and started his way out [into] the world. He got married early and started his own business. By God’s grace and providence, he was blessed with a wonderful family and became one of the most successful businessmen in our city. Now, he is a billionaire.”
Pastor Normandy S. Notes, Head Pastor, Ikthus Nextgen, encouraged awardees to pursue a personal journey with God.
According to him, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and 11-12 highlight the beauty in diversity by excelling in many fields: “My friends, especially students and parents, I want you to see success from a different perspective. I want you to see success from a different vantage point. I want you to know that being at the top of your class academically does not always equate to happiness and success in life or if you don’t finish your formal education, you have a slim chance of succeeding in life. In Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, he tells us that it is not wise to compare one’s definition of success from the other because while it is the same God and the same Spirit who gives us all these talents, gifts and skills, not all of us have the same talents, gifts and skills. Some excel in academics and some excel in sports.”
A celebration of God’s faithfulness in the lives of our awardees -the Honors and Awards Program is a culmination of a fruitful school year.
As a CPU alumnus, Pastor Notes emphasized that the university’s goal is to create a spiritual and academic environment that caters to all: “This is what CPU is seeking to achieve—unity in diversity, quality education for all. CPU aims to raise students who not only excel in academics, in sports, but also in music and in the arts. But at the end of all this excellence in these fields is not self-serving or self-seeking glory, but for the good of everybody.”
After the message, the awarding of certificates for academic and non-academic awards were given by Dr. Rio and Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Prof. Edgar A. Eriman, University Senior High School Director, assisting.
The closing prayer was led by Pastor Michael Catamora, faculty, SHS. It was then followed by the singing of the Alma Mater Song with Mr. Domingo, conducting.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Prof. Edgar A. Eriman, Director, University Senior High School with the graduates.
An ode to our graduates—The Central Philippine University Senior High School held its 2nd Commencement Exercises at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on April 12, 2019.
The invocation was led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem with Mr. Gabrielle Fran C. Domingo, Grade 12, NMPLR-2, conducting.
For the words of welcome, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked the parents and guardians for partnering with the University for the senior high school education of their children: “We are thankful that your parents have partnered with Central Philippine University for your senior high school education. This is the end of the third phase of your life as a student and by the next school year, you will be ready to proceed to another four or more years of college.”
Commencement exercises are reminders of God’s favor and promotion.
Dr. Robles goes on to highlight the importance of the graduates’ trust in the university, their parents’ support, and most importantly, their faith in God in their success: “We are thankful that you are here because you believe in Central Philippine University and your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has sustained you all these years through the many challenges you have encountered, and with great success, you have [finished] the two years of your [senior high school] life. We are also thankful that your parents and family members are always supportive of what you are doing. We know that they will continue to support you as you march to the next phase of your life.”
Ms. Karmida Paz D. Narciso, faculty, SHS, introduced guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, General Secretary, Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
Rev. Dr. Narciso, in his message entitled “Be All God has Created You to Be,” talked about the importance of knowing one’s purpose in the Lord: “In our journey, it is important for us to know and remember who we are, who we are becoming, why we are here, and where we are headed to. These questions are necessary because they remind us of what is most important and they keep us focused on our deepest goals.”
According to Rev. Dr. Narciso, to be all God has created one to be, one must, first, know oneself. To succeed in life, there is a need for a sense of self-understanding and purpose. Second, one must know that the journey requires, on his/her part, a clear and God-centered vision. And lastly, to be successful in the journey, one needs to learn how to walk harmoniously with significant others: “As you go forward from here, may you be assured that the Lord of the journey is always with you. Perhaps, at times you might be overwhelmed by the trials and difficulties of life. But faith in God can help you look at life positively and give you hope and joy in the midst of challenges.”
After the message, Prof. Edgar A. Eriman, Director, University Senior High School, presented the graduates. Dr. Robles led the confirmation of the graduates and the awarding of diplomas. He was assisted by Prof. Eriman; Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs; Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, CPU Vice President for Student Affairs; and Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Danniella Grace M. Payo, with high honors, gave the response on behalf of the graduates. In her message, she especially honored her parents, the parents of the graduates, and the faculty and staff of the University Senior High School for their sacrifices to get the graduates to another milestone in their lives. She likened their time through senior high school to riding on a bus, with friends, family, and teachers who lend color and wisdom to their journey. At the end of her message, she challenged her fellow graduates to think about who should be driving the bus. She acknowledged that for her, it is the Lord Almighty.
Following the response was the prayer of dedication for the graduates led by Rev. Gico. CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena then led the induction of the graduates to the CPUAAI community.
Ending the ceremony, Mr. Domingo led the singing of the Alma Mater Song. After which, Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church gave the benediction.
Commencement Address delivered by Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, CPBC General Secretary, during the CPU Senior High School 2nd Commencement Exercises held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on April 15, 2019
CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso encouraged Centralians to a life that glorifies Jesus.
“I beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:1-3
Our University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, members of the CPU Corporation and Board of Trustees, CPU Faculty and staff, parents, guests, honoured graduates, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I am indeed honoured to have this wonderful privilege to speak on this very important occasion in the lives of our graduates. First and foremost, allow me to congratulate you, your parents and families for this very significant achievement in your life. You have passed one of the many road marks set before you in this life and we are all very proud of you. We seek God’s guidance and blessings on you as you move forward to pursue your dreams.
Yes, I supposed the journey was not easy. But you have grown in different and beautiful ways. You have learned so many things that otherwise you may have not learned under comfortable conditions and circumstances. Indeed, making it through 6 years of high school took a lot of toil, time, money, and hard work on your part. It involves dealing with some very real and difficult challenges. And as we all can testify, making it through life will include continuous struggles and challenges that we must have to deal with. But the wonderful thing about facing all these challenges is that God has endowed us with gifts and power to overcome and succeed.
Today, you will begin another chapter in your life’s journey. And usually, this is the time where we, as adults, place the burden of high expectations upon your backs and watch to see you succeed. We usually put so much, and sometimes unfair, expectations on our graduates by wanting all of them to become leaders of our industries and institutions. But the reality is that God has not created every person to be a leader, and in placing unrealistic expectations on these graduates, we are actually setting them up for failure. Today, I suggest that we place but one expectation upon these graduates. “To Be All God Has Created Them To Be.” Some of them may be created by God to be leaders of the industry, or to be doctors, nurses, engineers and some other specific vocations. But we as a community must support them in whatever direction and vocation God intended them to be.
Our dear graduates, we look at you this morning as young men and women who have been blessed with life, wholeness, vitality and promise. But remember, the journey that you are about to take is long, dusty, even dirty at times. They are filled with adventures and wonders, challenges and triumphs. Your feet will get dirty along the way. It is the human condition that we all have to bear and share. As someone said, “As you walk down the road of life, watch out for traffic!” There is the unknown future in front of you.
And so, as you embark on a new journey, I’d like to share some principles which I hope would serve as your guiding light in your pursuit of a meaningful, enriching and fruitful life ahead.
The first principle is, Know Yourself. To succeed in life we need to have a sense of self-understanding and purpose. The stoics believe that the first and cardinal rule in leading a successful life is “know thy self.” It is based on the assumption that one could not make any significant progress in their lives unless they understand and know themselves. This first rule is implicit in what we read in Ephesians 4:1-3. It says, “I beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” In this passage, the Apostle Paul admonishes us to understand ourselves in relation to what we have been called for because our vocation in life is better understood in the light of how we assess and look at ourselves. Vocational identity is found in discerning who we are. We need to understand how God has made us, how we are unique, how God has enabled us to serve, what are the abilities God has endowed us with, and where is God calling us to make a difference in the world.
I understand that many of us hesitate to hear this call to self- knowledge; something blocks us. We have been taught all our lives to ignore ourselves and to focus our attention on others. Well, don’t get me wrong. I’m not telling you to become selfish or to adopt the “mind your own business” mentality. Yes, we need to be concerned about other people’s lives. But you know, we cannot serve with love and we cannot make a difference in the lives of others if we refuse to understand ourselves. To know ourselves and to be true to ourselves is to be true to God and others. To be true to ourselves is to be true to how God has made us, how God has crafted our personalities, how God has given us ability and talent. God calls us to make a difference in the world. However, this calling should always be consistent with who we are. I think it is helpful to think of self-knowledge as something that we gain when we respond to four questions:
- What are my gifts and abilities?
- What is the deepest desire of my heart?
- Where do I personally sense the needs of the world?
- What is my unique personality and capability?
Knowing ourselves does not only include identification of our abilities and talents but knowing our heart’s desires. What is it that I long for? What brings me joy and a sense of fulfilment? Yes, the desires of our heart matters. We always think of our hearts desire as evil. But the Psalmist assures us that God longs to give us our desires: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). Our desires can be twisted and self-destructive when they are shaped by greed, insecurity, a longing for comfort and ease, or an inclination to control or manipulate others. They can be rooted in pride rather than humility, love, and kindness. But when we are right with God and genuinely long to respond fully to him in a way that is consistent with his call on our lives, then we must acknowledge the desires that he has placed in our hearts.
Now, let me ask you, what do you long for more than anything else? Do you aspire to that which is noble and honourable? If you could only be one thing and do one thing in your life, what would you want it to be? When you set aside your longings for security, wealth, comfort, fame and even acceptance, what do you long for? It is worth noting that we will only be effective in fulfilling our vocation if we joyfully do what we are called to do. Without joy we cannot be effective. It is therefore important that we come to terms with what it is that gives us joy, even if it means giving up comforts or wealth, fame or power. Today a lot of people are complaining about their job. For them, work has become a drudgery, a mere compliance, a mere source of income or for a living. It is not uncommon to hear about employees who are always absent, always late and some are even sleeping on their job! Why? The reason is simple. They don’t find joy and meaning in what they do.
In our journey, it is important for us to know and remember who we are, who we are becoming, why we are here and where we are headed to. These questions are necessary because they remind us of what is most important and they keep us focused on our deepest goals. Today, people are motivated by a misguided sense of significance that makes them think that if a person is highly educated and well informed, he or she must be wise and important. And yet, if we are honest, we will see that underlying all our so-called amazing human achievements in the field of education lies an inevitable awareness that we have begun to lose a sense of what our actions mean and ultimately what our lives mean.
You see, this generation has more access to information about the universe, human personality and about anything than all previous generations combined! High school graduates have been exposed to more information about the world that Plato, Einstein and all other great men in human history were deprived of. But with all of our knowledge, society today is peopled with a bumper crop of brilliant failures. You may begin to plot out your goals and figure out things you want to pursue in college. You may get yourselves busy accumulating a lot of information about anything. You may become more concerned about how you can get a high grade and a scholarship or whether you are going to graduate with honors. But if you fail to understand the meaning and purpose of life, you will end up achieving nothing. Skills and knowledge are not enough to face life’s challenges and problems. We need wisdom and discernment to understand who we are and what God wants us to be.
Second, the journey requires on our part a clear and God-centered vision. You know, the most valuable thing that I have learned from CPU can be summarized in the word EXCEL. For me, this word stands out quite prominently and this has been the driving force that prompts me to achieve my goals. I think every normal person desires for excellence. Here at CPU this desire for excellence is embedded in our vision of excellent Christian education for life that caters to the total development of every person, that every individual will become mature person who lives fully Christ’s life in the world. Now, if we want to excel and if we want to become successful in life then we must put God at the center of our goal and in all our endeavors.
I know of a man in the Bible with a clear and Christ-centered vision. His name is Apostle Paul. Paul’s dream was to live for Christ alone and for him—the somum bonum or the highest goal in life is to know Christ. In Philippians 1:21 he says, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Oh, what better goal there is than to live for Christ, our Saviour, the one who died for our sins? As the saying goes: “Only one life ‘twill soon be passed, only what’s done for Christ will last. Everything we do for ourselves won’t last for eternity. Even heroes and heroines and their heroic deeds will soon be forgotten. Only things done for Christ will last for eternity. Very often, our goals are self-centered rather than Christ-centered. Instead of making him the center of our lives we push him aside. Instead of being the director of our plans we simply ask him to put his stamp of approval to things that we have already decided. We treat God as a spare tire
The book of Proverbs reminds us of the futility of planning and doing things apart from God. Proverbs 16:1-3 says, “Man makes his plans but it is always God who has the last words. Commit your plans therefore to the Lord that he may bless and make it successful. And then Proverbs 3:5, 6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not in your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him. You see, regardless of how much experience and knowledge we have, there’s still a lot we don’t know, and when it comes to God, there are things we will never know or understand in this life. In going forward, humility will be absolutely necessary.
And so, we must submit our lives to God, and as we come to Him, we need to honestly admit our limitations, our brokenness, our pains, our doubts, our fears and our frustrations, allowing Him to mould us and shape us according to His perfect plan and purpose for our lives. Yes, here we are reminded of how much we need God to sustain us, and we come with open hearts and minds to be nourished and strengthened by God.
Third, to be successful in our journey, we need to learn how to walk harmoniously with significant others. We are part of a larger community. There are others who are also journeying with us. It is important to stress that our self-knowledge and self-awareness happen in community. We come to know ourselves not in isolation from others but as part of the body of Christ. Saint Paul wants us to realize that we will see who we are within the context of the community of which we are a part. We all fulfil our vocations as members of a community. It is in our communal associations with others that we find ourselves. It is in community that we come to an appreciation of our gifts and abilities. It is in community where we share our gifts and talents for the well-being of others. It is in community that we see how we are unique and how the desires of our hearts are different from but complimentary to the desires of others. It is in community that we grow in appreciation of the needs of other people.
This crowd here is very diverse. We come from different places representing different cultures, traditions and perspectives. We are uniquely different one from the other and yet, we are one. And if there is one common thread that binds us as one, it is God’s love and our common calling to serve him and our fellow human beings. Here, we are united by God’s call in loving and serving others. As we seek to serve and encourage one another, the Gospel image that should motivate us is that of Jesus kneeling on the floor, towel wrapped around his waist, as he washes the feet of his disciples.
My friends, I want to let you know that my hope and my commitment to respond to God’s call to love and serve others is strengthened and sustained by the awareness that I have known you, and that I have co-travelers in this journey. They are there to support and encourage me along the way. To become successful in our journey, we need to support, sustain and nourish one another. Being mutually dependent, brought together, and sustaining one another in love is the characteristic of our calling, and that is what we are experiencing here at CPU. That is how I understand the Central Spirit that we always orient ourselves to. It should give us hope. Yes, we have different personalities, different backgrounds and perspectives, endowed with variety of gifts and talents. Yet, it is the same Spirit that works in us and we are called to work together as members of the same body, the body of Christ, growing together toward unity of faith. Paul admonished, “I beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”(Ephesians 4:1-3)
We are called to build together the body of Christ, a community of faith where healing occurs, strength is renewed, and new growth takes place until each individual bears the fruit of the Spirit. Remember, we are called for a purpose. We are called to serve God and humanity. And so we are expected to translate our skills and knowledge into concrete actions in a way that our lives would become a blessing to others.
As you go forward from here, may you be assured that the Lord of the journey is always with you. Perhaps, at times you might be overwhelmed by the trials and difficulties of life. But faith in God can help you look at life positively and give you hope and joy in the midst of challenges. Stay strong and keep the faith. If you do so, the word of God in Isaiah 52:12 gives you the assurance that “you will go out in confidence and joy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you will burst into songs, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” So go on your way, with open hands. Follow God’s leading as you continue your journey of life. And may the God of ultimate power, grace and love bless you on your journey. Again, congratulations and God bless!
By Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
As we reflect on the suffering of Jesus may we also celebrate His victory over sin and death.
During the Holy Week we see familiar scenes in television, and even re-enactments that are all about the passion of the Christ – His sufferings and crucifixion.
Jesus actually told His disciples that He will certainly suffer: “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Luke 9:22)
We can notice in this verse the word “must.” It was a certainty that He must suffer. Let me share 6 things why Jesus must SUFFER?
S – Show God’s love for sinners.
“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
U – Unite all people.
Jesus “has broken down, the dividing wall of hostility…making peace…through the cross” (Ephesians 2:14-16).
F – Fulfillment of prophecies.
Here is a prophecy that took a thousand years to fulfill.
Isaiah prophesied Jesus’ suffering: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:3, 5).
F – Final sacrifice.
The Old Testament says that “It is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” Hebrews 9:22 affirms that “without the shedding of the blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Jesus had to suffer and die. He is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
E – Eternal security.
Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane – “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). The cup of suffering was drank by Jesus. Jesus did it for our eternal security.
R – Reconcile us back to God.
Jesus removed the barrier between God and people. We are now reconciled back to God through Jesus – “While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10).
The next time we are reminded of the sufferings of Jesus on the cross, let us be thankful that He bore the pain and suffering for our sins and let us rejoice because He has overcome the cross and that he rose to life in the fullness of His glory.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPUR President, Riego Ferrer L. Garcia aims for a unified Centralian community.
Riego Ferrer L. Garcia, CPU Student Leadership Awardee and newly elected CPU Republic (CPUR) President, was guest at the weekly CPU TV program, Looking Forward, on April 12, 2019.
His talking points on how CPUR should move forward during his watch are Unity, Cooperation and Trust.
Garcia considers cooperation as an inclusive factor for success. Cooperation is important according to Garcia, “not only with students but with the CPU faculty, staff and the administration as well.” He was grateful for the involvement of his predecessor, whose programs were already approved and applied in the initial stage. “I need to get the trust of the Administration and the students, and I need to keep in touch with the CPUR finance officers and the Administration office for finance as well.” Garcia said.
Garcia is studying the CPUR budget as much as he is studying law. He is currently a second year student at the CPU College of Law. Garcia is interested in discussing socio-economic issues that are relevant to his administration. “I’m ready for the opening of classes and the operations of the CPUR for the First Semester, 2019-2020,” Garcia reiterated.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena together with the COCOFED scholars.
After 30 years, CPU’s “cream of the crop,” former COCOFED (Philippine Coconut Producers Federation, Inc.) scholars gathered together at Central Philippine University on Friday, April 12 not only to look back to campus memories, but see how CPU has evolved over the years.
The Centros Cocos alumni converged at the Half-Moon Drive. They then visited the CPU Alumni Office where they met and posed for pictures with CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, and Liaison Officer, Tina Hortelano, before proceeding to the Office of University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
The cordial meeting with the President took place at the Board of Trustees Conference Hall. Dr. Robles welcomed the group and updated them on University developments and plans—including the fact that some departments have been recognized by CHED as Centers of Excellence.
In return, it was awe-inspiring to hear from the group’s leader about their achievements, positions they’ve attained both in public offices and private companies. Notable among these accomplishments is that of Director Remelyn Ricoter (CPU Engineering, Batch 1984), who is the current director of the Department of Agriculture-Region 6.
The COCOFED scholarships were subsidized by the Coconut Industry Federation. The scholars where given many privileges by the government, including free tuition, board and lodging, books and school supplies and travel expenses, aside from their monthly stipend.
The scholars are sons and daughters of coconut farmers and planters from all over the country. Zaida Navarro Layog and Victorio I. Nabor, both graduates of BS Agriculture, noted that there were around 40 of them who graduated from different courses in CPU. They were mostly graduates of agriculture and engineering courses.
One of the group’s prospective projects is a scholarship for poor but deserving students at Central Philippine University. Centros Cocos will be registered as another Alumni Association- to participate in next year’s Global Reunion in CPU.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Central Philippine University is inviting family and guests to join in celebrating God’s faithfulness in the lives of Centralians during the Baccalaureate Service to be held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on April 28, 2019, 8:30 AM.
The Baccalaureate speaker is Rev. Wella L. Hoyle-De Rosas, Minister for Students and Campus Chaplaincy, Silliman University.
The graduation ceremonies will follow 4:00 in the afternoon of the same day at the CPU Big Field. The commencement speaker will be Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, President, Silliman University.
Let us witness this grand event of another milestone in the lives of our Centralian graduates!
By Keziah G. Huelar
A fruitful 2018-2019, the Parents and Pupil’s Recognition Day is a memorable event of recognizing the hard work of the parents, pupils, faculty and staff.
Celebrating God’s faithfulness and recognizing the hard work of our parents and teachers – the Central Philippine University Kindergarten Department held their Parents and Pupil’s Recognition Day at the University Church on March 22, 2019.
The opening prayer was led by Marian Elaine Rose A. Quijano, K2, Mercy Pupil while the Pambansang Awit was conducted by Ms. Joyce Guides, K2 Gentleness Parent.
For the greetings and welcome, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo I. Rio congratulated the parents, pupils and faculty and staff for the new milestone in the lives of the Kindergarteners. He also highlighted the importance of moving forward and excelling for the glory of God. “Children, I just want to remind you to be humble in your achievements. You are about to move to the academic next level. God wants you to move forward.”
The inspirational message was given by Dr. Carmen Pama-Santos, Basic Education Consultant, Central Philippine University. In her message Dr. Santos encouraged the parents to take heart and trust in the promises of God as their children move forward into the elementary level. She also highlighted the university’s dedication in providing the best methodology and instruction for Kindergarten education.
In recognition of their achievements, the students received their awards from Dr. Rio and Dr. Santos assisted by Prof. Hannah C. Siosan, CPU Kindergarten Principal.
The closing remarks was given by Prof. Siosan. It was then followed by the prayer and benediction by Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado, Nursery Charity Parent and the singing of the Alma Mater Song by Mrs. Vina Luz P. Lopez, faculty.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The legacy and testimony of Anna V. Johnson continues to echo in the lives of CPU students and alumni.
All Centralians after World War II have had their share of stories about Johnson Hall, the home of the BMTS, the Religion and Ethics classes (which was previously called Bible 101), and also, the College of Theology. Johnson Hall was constructed in 1939 and reconstructed after the war in 1950 in honor of Anna V. Johnson, a visionary missionary who helped in the theological education of women pastors. Most graduates call Johnson Hall as “House Beautiful.”
In 1904, Missionary Anna V. Johnson began teaching Bible to women in her own living room. On October 20, 1905, Missionary Johnson started the Baptist Missionary Training School (BMTS) for women. The school was housed in the spacious residence of Missionary Briggs. From 1908 to 1914, 229 women were trained as “Bible Women” in that school.
The Bible Women played a key role in evangelizing people and organizing churches in the rural areas of Western Visayas. Feldman reported that “the Missionary Training School is the place where the Bible Women and Kindergarteners are trained and prepared for their share of work in the Islands. In addition to the classroom work, they are given the practical experience, which takes the shape of Kindergartens and Sunday Schools in the nearby barrios. Sunday Schools are conducted in this way in eleven different places, and there are seven Kindergartens within the radius of one-half mile from the Missionary Training School.”
The women spent six months in the school and six months in the field with different missionaries. While in the field, Missionary Forshee reported that the women “sold more books with less loss than any men whom I have ever had working for me, which I believe is a good testimonial to their training. In evangelistic service they also made a good showing.” Missionary Munger testified that “these nut-brown maidens in their cheap patadyongs, their colorful kerchiefs confining their jet-black hair, carried their tracts and Bibles carefully wrapped in white cotton handkerchiefs… trudging along the country lanes in rain or shine on their errands of Light, bearing their torches… they were earnest, faithful workers who brought light to many a darkened mind and life to numberless sin-sick souls.”
On June 7, 1930, Miss Anna Johnson, who served for 25 years as a missionary particularly in teaching “Bible Women,” died at Iloilo Mission Hospital and was subsequently buried at the American Cemetery in Jaro. Because of this, the BMTS was transferred to Burgos St., La Paz. Later, in 1936, the BMTS was moved again to the Baptist Student Center Dormitory in La Paz. After a few years, in October of 1938, the BMTS was merged with Central Philippine College (CPC) as the Women’s Division of the College of Theology.
Gregoria Jaime was the first “Bible Woman” who taught at the BMTS. Jaime was also the first woman to be baptized by immersion in the Jaro River in February 1901 after she was examined on December 9, 1900, one among the first 30 candidates for baptism in Iloilo. In 1915, it was reported that Gregoria was still active in the ministry.
Another teacher of BMTS was Simprosa Sobremisana. Her death in 1910 was described as “a serious loss” for she was “a valued helper in the school and one of the earliest converts in the mission.” Simprosa was remembered as a courageous “Bible Woman” who preached in front of a band of outlaws who were accused of burning a village and killing several people. These outlaws repented and corrected their wicked ways.
The “Bible Women” became involved in the mission work in many ways. They were both teachers and evangelists. Their work included Christian education, house to house visitation, and personal evangelism. They opened Sunday Schools in rural areas and diligently taught children about Jesus. They also preached in public places amidst prejudice. They even risked their lives evangelizing in areas where the American missionaries could not go because of the war. Some of them established local churches. They also taught women simple home industry and how to read the Bible in their own language.
Munger bore witness to their earnest, faithful, conscientious work. They often put to shame male preachers by their activities and zeal and the results of their mission. Such was the case of Listina Alabi. In 1917, Alabi organized a church in Libakaw, Capiz. At first she started a kindergarten school which won her friends. By the time Missionary Anna V. Johnson visited her, two baptisms had taken place and a young woman from Libakaw decided to study at the Baptist Missionary Training School.
Women in the ministry should be considered as pastors not only because they were trained, earlier than men in a missionary training school starting in 1904, but also due to their contributions towards the growth of local Baptist churches.
After 80 years of Baptist mission in the Philippines, the “Bible Women” were finally ordained in the Baptist ministry. Bible Woman Angelina Buensuceso was given her proper recognition and proclaimed by the Bakyas Evangelical Church and Cosmopolitan Evangelical Church, Bacolod City as Reverend on March 22, 1980.
The ordination that happened in 1980 is a significant milestone that awakened the consciousness among CPBC member churches of the role of Filipina pastors in history and their right to be recognized as pastors and not simply as “Bible Women.”
Today, we do not call women in the pastoral ministry as “Bible Women” but as pastors. We thank the Lord for women trailblazers such as Missionary Anna V. Johnson.
By Keziah G. Huelar
A testimony of faith and discipline – BGen Tyne Bañas, BGen Reuben Basiao and BGen Ezra James Enriquez are inspiring a generation of Centralian military servicemen.
Pastors Kids and CPU High School Batch 1981 Alumni, Tyne Bañas, Reuben Basiao and Ezra James Enriquez have been promoted to Brigadier General by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Basiao and Bañas were promoted on 2017 while Enriquez was promoted on 2019.
BGen Basiao took up his Kindergarten, Elementary and High School Education at Central Philippine University. He thereafter pursued Chemical Engineering in the same university but stopped on his 2nd year to pursue his love for military service.
During his stay in the Philippine Military Academy, he became the Class Baron. He graduated in 1988. In January 20, 2017, then Col. Basiao assumed leadership of the Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade from Brigadier General Bienvenido R. Datuin Jr., the change of command was held at the 701st Brigade Headquarters in the City of Mati. He also served as the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché in Thailand.
Known as a man of peace and prayer, BGen Basiao has carried the Centralian spirit of camaraderie and faith. He is the son of the late Rev. Melecio T. Basiao, former Head of the CPU Religion and Ethics Department, Mrs. Esther S. Basiao, a long time University Registrar of CPU. BGen Basiao has made the Centralian community proud.
On the other hand, BGen Bañas is one of three sons of a former CPU teacher – Rev. Prudencio Bañas. He studied at CPU Kindergarten School in 1977 and finished his High School in CPU in 1981. He spent 2 years in Mechanical Engineering in CPU before he was admitted to the Philippine Military Academy. He graduated in the PMA class of 1987 and was deployed to several assignments before becoming a Brigade Commander at Camp Agaab in Sarangani Province, Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City. He also served as an Army Officer in General Santos City for 18 years.
He attributes part of his military success to the ROTC training he underwent in CPU – where he imbibed Christian values and integrity; two important pillars in living a Christian life. Bañas recalled the knowledge he earned from spiritual convocations and Sunday Schools in CPU. He would share these to his officers and men; encouraging them to do it on regular basis. Love, friendship and generosity are important ingredients in his career as military officer. His group has volunteered in extending humanitarian missions to Panay Islands, especially during disasters and calamities. These, he considers as Christian missions.
About the Central Spirit, Bañas believes that it’s there when there is something in common, “I often observe in times when other people learn that I am a Centralian. Anywhere they go, Centralians are accommodated and welcomed”, he added.
Asked what he could extend to the CPU ROTC Unit in view of the decrease in enrolment brought about by a new military curriculum, he suggests that there has to be more exposure to the cadets in terms of advocacy programs and information dissemination. He would like to include the cadets in a complimentary study program which he is going to prepare for the CPU ROTC Unit.
B.Gen Tyne Bañas is presently based in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila with his family. His 3 sons TJ, RJ and EJ are all professionals, and one of them following the military footsteps of their father.
On March 4, 2019, Pres. Duterte promoted Ezra James Palomero Enriquez, (CAV) MNSA to the rank of Brigadier General effective March 4, 2019. BGen Enriquez is currently the Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Lanao del Norte. He hails from Cateel, Davao Oriental and Badiangan, Iloilo, and is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988. He is a graduate of the Central Philippine University Development High School (CPUDHS) batch 1981.
He is happily married to Deneel Pulido-Enriquez, his classmate in the CPUDHS ’81 and AB English ’86 of the CPU College of Arts and Sciences. Deneel is the youngest daughter of Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, former President of CPU from 1971 to 1996 and former President of Silliman University, and Dr. Dorothy Bermejo-Pulido, former director of the Iloilo Mission Hospital.
He served as the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and was the National Contingent Commander of the 7th Philippine Contigent to the Golan Heights in the Israel-Syria border in 2014. He was also directly involved during the Marawi Crisis in 2017, serving as the Task Group Commander and Deputy Commander of Task Group Bakal, providing armor support to the Philippine Army units fighting the Maute-ISIS.
BGen Enriquez had undergone the following military courses: Basic Airborne Course (1988), Special Operations Team Training (1988), Air Intelligence Officer Course (1993), Armor Officer Basic (1994) and Advance (1999) Courses, Command and Staff Course (2005) at the Australian Command and Staff College. He is a trained pilot and a Private Pilot License holder.
BGen Enriquez is a recipient of 2 Distinguished Service Star awards, about 60 military medals, badges and ribbons and about 50 Letters of Commendation for his combat and administrative accomplishments and achievements. His latest Distinguished Service Star was conferred to him by former President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III last October 1, 2014 in Malacañang Palace for his outstanding service rendered in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Golan Heights. He was also a recipient of the Order of Lapu-Lapu (Kamagi) Medal which was personally awarded by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on the occasion of the 12th Activation Anniversary of the Mechanized Infantry Division last September 20, 2018. The award is for his outstanding participation in the successful liberation of Marawi from the Maute-ISIS elements.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
A night of fun, food and friendship, the Faculty and Staff Summer Fun Night 2019 is a celebration of God’s goodness to CPU.
The Faculty and Staff Summer Fun Night 2019 started at 4:00 PM on Friday, April 5 at the CPU Big Field. Everyone dressed in their attractive summer wear—mostly, Hawaiian-inspired outfits. This year’s theme is appropriately called “Aloha.”
University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, welcomed the faculty and staff with an inspiring message for the employees—reminding them of the importance of cooperation and relaxation. He expressed his appreciation for the organizers’ hard work in putting the event together.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, thanked the CPU faculty and staff for their service to the university.
CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on highlighted the essence of celebrating the CPU faculty and staff Fun Night.
Before offering a prayer, CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, impressed upon the employees the essence of the evening celebration. He reminded them that “It was on April 1, 1953 when the Department of Education approved our request for university status.” He added that it was but fitting that the historical changing of Central Philippine College into Central Philippine University be celebrated.
The winning performance of the CPU Elementary School faculty and staff during the dance competition.
The host, Engr. Bernie Cangrejo, enjoined everyone to join the contests—the Hawaiian dance competition, hula-hoop and videoke challenge.
It was a night filled with joy and fun—a memory that will probably stay with the faculty and staff of the University for a long time.