By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Mario Tajanlangit (far right) with his graduate students.
On March 18, 2019 the International Marketing Class (D. Mgt. 736) of Dr. Mario Tajanlangit made an in-depth study of two prominent industrial enterprises in Bacolod City and Bago City, Negros Occidental. They studied the silkworm textile production of the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) in Bago City and the timeline of development and production of Bacolod City’s popular product BongBong’s piaya.
OISCA is a Japan-Philippine cooperation enterprise originally established to educate and train young people in agriculture. Later, it developed a silkworm production laboratory in a 20-hectare lot in Brgy. Tabunan, Bago City. The property was donated by the governments of Japan and the Philippines. The integration of silk production created a demand for local consumption and indirect exportation of silk. The industrial development grew as employment progressed with the out of school youths and jobless folks in nearby communities.
The group of CPU graduate school students was shown how the valuable textile is produced. From the production of the silkworms, to the release of white silk substance, and to the making of artistic and colorful textiles. The students made observations and asked questions of the trainees and operators of the facility to get an understanding of the whole operation.
OISCA’s enterprise also produces medicinal and beauty products from organic plants grown by the students. Silk sandals and ternos are elaborately produced with silk materials from OISCA’s production labs.
According to one of the technicians, what sets apart OISCA is its practice of social responsibility: “Social entrepreneurship is complimentary to social responsibility.”
On the other hand, Bong Bong’s Pasalubong Center produces the delicious piaya which is supplied all over Bacolod and Panay. Remarkably, they produce 35,000 piaya daily, not counting the pastries, barquillos, and other bread products.
The piaya factory also prides itself with three more facilities in the outskirts of Bacolod. They also serve tourists and students, and they have their own training center for their staff and marketing representatives.
The visiting group was allowed to cook their own piaya and they were then given the product they produced for free.
BongBong’s Piaya can be considered as the fastest growing delicacies enterprise in Bacolod City. The family enterprise started with very small capital of 1,600 pesos. Because of the family’s dedication and determination, the small bakeshop became what it is today—the BongBong’s Pasalubong Center. However, the company has decided to not branch outside of Western Visayas. They wish to adhere to the concept of selling their products to tourists from coming from the other parts of the Philippines and the world.
BongBong’s Piaya’s marketing mantra is “Ikaw lang, wala nang iba.” This expresses their dedication to serve the best products to their customer, and thereby gain their customer’s loyalty to buy only from the best.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Maxine Angela Acejo, SHS Vice Governor , talked about the programs of the SHS Student Council. Photo Credit: Maxine Angela Acejo
Maxine Angela Acejo, Senior High School Vice Governor and Anne Nicole Tulayba, SHS Board Member guested Looking Forward, CPU’s public affairs program to share primarily about the week-long Hinampang 2019 and share their thoughts on some issues concerning senior high school students.
Tulayba shared that Hinampang 2019 is CPU Senior High School’s first sports festival. The event includes basketball, volleyball, futsal (indoor football) and e-sport involving two popular online games. Hinampang 2019 was conceptualized by Tulayba and she served as the chairperson of the event, with the support of the governor and vice governor of the Province of Senior High School. She shared that there were other events scheduled in the evening, such as a singing competition on March 25, a dance competition on March 26, spoken poetry on March 27 and Mr. & Miss Senior High School Republic on March 28. A music festival will then be held on Friday, March 29, to cap the event.
When asked why e-sport was included among the events when addiction to online gaming is an issue among the youth, the event chair explained that the e-sport event was a tribute to all the students who have done their best to make everyone aware of the trend which actually facilitates camaraderie and sportsmanship. These kinds of events gather students, and even faculty members, together, creating enthusiasm and cooperation. Furthermore, she pointed out that although some people may be critical of online games because it encroaches on students’ study time, students actually learn to work together by sharing strategies, not just when they are playing but even on how to manage their time so they could cope with their studies.
When questioned about their parents’ opinion on having to study for two more years in high school, Acejo shared how they and their parents were looking forward to the results of their extended studies on their performance in college: “It is actually in preparation for our college. The strands are all related to our future chosen courses.” Maxine and Anne are planning to take up courses in medicine and engineering in college, respectively.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Participants and speakers of the post-evaluation program for the project Capacity Building through Service-Learning for Teacher-Librarians of Antique and Capiz.
Central Philippine University, in cooperation with the United Board for Christian Education in Asia (UBCHEA) held a post-evaluation program for the project Capacity Building through Service-Learning for Teacher-Librarians of Antique and Capiz. The program was held at the Knowledge for Development Center (KDC), at the Henry Luce III Library, on March 27, 2019.
Prof. Ma. Cynthia Peleña, Acting Director of Libraries and Project Coordinator, and Prof. Ana Mae Cantel, Asst. Project Coordinator, identified the need for training teacher-librarians of the Department of Education (DepEd) on the core competencies of basic library organization of information resources, and skills training, such as cataloging and other library training. The project seeks to train librarians by using tailored instructional materials that are basic, simple and adoptable. Clusters of teacher-librarians from Capiz and Antique were given training on basic competencies and familiarization of Henry Luce III Library system and set up.
Prof. Ana Mae Cantel, Asst. Project Coordinator, identified the need for training teacher-librarians of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Agricultural Engineer Levi O. De Los Santos, Director University Outreach, welcomed the participants and thanked the University libraries for partnering his office to the program. The overview of the project was presented by Prof. Peleña while Prof. Cantel presented a video of the overview of service-learning. BLIS/MILS-TL Students of CPU then gave their reflections on service-learning. A response was then given on behalf of the DepEd Roxas City and DepEd Antique Province.
Towards the end of the program, a manual for cataloging was formally turned over to the Henry Luce III Library. Pastor Ruth Tamonan, Coordinator, Gender and Development Office ended the event with a prayer.
Brig. Gen. Ezra James Palomero Enriquez with his wife Deneel Pulido-Enriquez and sons: Mark James and Joshua James.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recently 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.
Brig. Gen. Ezra James Palomero Enriquez dedicates his life in service of the country and for the glory of God.
BGen. Enriquez and his wife are blessed with two sons, Mark James who is married to Dr. Fiona Bianca Velasco-Enriquez and Joshua James. He is a graduate of the MBA for Executives from Southwestern University, Cebu City and Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University of Canberra, Australia. He is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program from the National Defense University in Washington D.C., USA.
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
Cyndi Diasnes is scheduled to train for the Philippine Team in Manila on April 10, 2019. Photo Credit: Cyndi Diasnes
Junior High School varsity athlete and CPU Golden Lions member Cyndi Diasnes is scheduled to train for the Philippine Team in Manila on April 10 this year. She has been a consistent Poomsae gold medalist of Central Philippine University from the PRISAA to WVRAA 2018. She will again represent Western Visayas and CPU in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2019 in Davao City.
A Grade 10 student of the CPU Junior High School, Cyndi is a representation of faith and determination to succeed. She is inspired by her parents Mr. & Mrs. Ariel and Nannette Diasnes, who always remind her to be on top.
She adds her own daily wisdom, especially in her daily fitness program: wake up early, have a good attitude towards exercise, and maintain weight. She shares, “Whatever others say about me, I maintain my principles. Yung iba sabi nila sa ‘kin na chill lang daw ako sa lahat ng ginagawa ko at walang problema na pinagdadaanan, which is kabaliktaran lahat (Others think that I have no problem, but it is actually the opposite of what I am going through).”
She further explains, “I need to be [in] top shape every time, and get up early to exercise and practice even on school days; Yes, I admit that there are times when I am about to give up, but God gives me a reason [to] not to give up.”
She says that although she’s experienced some losses, what she has so far accomplished is enough for her to represent her school, her region, and even her country. This is thanks, of course, to the people who support her and train her—her coaches and teammates. She adds that above all, God is always on her side and that everything that has happened is according to “God’s will and plan.”
Congratulations Cyndi! CPU is proud of you!
By Keziah G. Huelar
For the glory of God and the pride of Central – the CPU Golden Lions aim to represent the best of the university during sports events and competitions.
Celebrating the testimony of sportsmanship and honoring its athletes—Central Philippine University held the “Golden Lions’ Day” at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park on March 22, 2019.
The event started with a parade of sports teams from the CPU Gym leading up to the APCP.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications and Coach of the Golden Lions Table Tennis Tertiary-Women, led the devotional and opening prayer. In his message entitled “Let Us Play,” Rev. Jalando-on encouraged the athletes and coaches to be passionate and persevering: “Let us continue to play for God and for Central Philippine University.” His message highlighted the acronym PLAY which meant: be Passionate, Love life to the fullest, Allow God to shape your life and Yearn for more.
Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, Officer-in-Charge, CPU Office for Sports and Athletics congratulated the athletes and coaches for a successful school year.
After the devotional, Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator, Cultural Affairs, led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Alma Mater Song. It was then followed by the welcome greetings of Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, Officer-in-Charge, CPU Office for Sports and Athletics.
Mr. Laru-an congratulated the athletes and coaches for a successful school year: “We are the overall champion in the Iloilo PRISAA with the highest number of championships in the elementary, high school and tertiary level.”
He also thanked all those who supported and rooted for the CPU Golden Lions: “Every team has its own story. We are here to celebrate our victory—and we share the glory to God Almighty, to the CPU Administration, alumni, parents, benefactors and to all Centralians and dedicated coaches.”
Ms. Cara Nicole Vidallon encourages her fellow athletes to use their talents for the glory of God.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, in his message, he encouraged the athletes and coaches to use their victory as a testimony of faith: “We have all the reasons to gather, to rejoice, and to be thankful to the Lord for all the blessings we have received.”
For his inspirational message, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the coaches and athletes for representing the university in various events and competitions: “We should thank God for giving you this talent that you share with the rest of the Philippines and, for sure, with the rest of the world eventually.”
The CPU Golden Lions coaches with Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, Officer-in-Charge, CPU Office for Sports and Athletics, former CPU Sports Director, Mr. Alejandro S. Somo. CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico.
Dr. Robles encouraged the athletes to utilize every experience to glorify God and to inspire others: “We hope that you will continue in your participation. Win or lose. It does not matter. What is important is that you learn from your experiences.”
After the message, a plaque of appreciation was given to Dr. Robles by Mr. Laru-an, Rev. Gico and former CPU Sports Director, Mr. Alejandro S. Somo.
After this acknowledgment, Mr. Laru-an read the team accomplishments. The athlete’s response was then given by Ms. Cara Nicole Vidallon from the Taekwondo Tertiary Women’s team.
The closing prayer was led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Rev. Sian with his fellow participants during the Asian Campus Ministry Forum.
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, CPU, presented a paper in relation to the CPU campus ministry during the Asian Campus Ministry Forum (ACMF) last March 11-15, 2019 at the International Christian University, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. The forum was co-organized by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) and International Christian University (ICU) and jointly sponsored by the Foundation for Theological Education in Southeast Asia (FTESEA).
The theme of the forum was “The Role of Campus Ministry in a Multi-religious Context” and it was attended by 33 Christian Universities from Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and South Asia. Aside from CPU, the schools from the Philippines that sent participants were De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, Silliman University, Ateneo de Davao, University of Saint La Salle in Bacolod, Pilgrim’s College in Cagayan, and Trinity Christian University in Quezon City.
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church presents his paper in relation to the CPU campus ministry during the Asian Campus Ministry Forum.
Before the event, the participants were required to pass a write up on their perspective on and challenges and strategies in doing campus ministry in their context. When the selection process was over, Rev. Sian was chosen to be one of the three case presenters, alongside Ateneo de Davao University and Duta Wacana Christian University in Indonesia. Rev. Sian was able to highlight CPU and its campus ministry program, especially the Christ Emphasis Week convocations every semester, and the weekly convocation and Bible study of students and faculty and staff.
Indeed, campus ministry is crucial to the well-being of a university. As mentioned by UBCHEA, “the Campus ministry, also known as chaplaincy in other places, has been traditionally understood as serving the university’s core mission through care of persons in its constituency and through creating and nourishing the overall campus climate that builds up holistically each member of the community. Hence, it is not only the work of a chaplain but requires the help of a thoroughly trained team, including the faculty and staff. More than conducting official religious ceremonies, campus ministry is expected to provide the holistic care of members of the institutions to inculcate a sense of mutual respect and social responsibility for the community.” (https://unitedboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Reminder_Call-for-Application_ACMF.pdf)
By Keziah G. Huelar
Albert Jan Matthew Java encourages Centralian to be united as the university ushers in a new set of CPUR officials.
Together in sea of tarpaulins and placards, Centralians, with their cheers, filled the Rose Memorial Auditorium with the Central Spirit—the 2019 Central Philippine University Student Republic Election Grand Rally is a spectacle of the supremacy of the student body in the voting process and their involvement in the future programs and initiatives of the next set of CPU Student Republic Officials.
This kind of exhibition has been witnessed by the university for 113 years. Being the oldest student republic in South East Asia, the CPU Student Republic has been an emblem, inspiring young leaders not only to serve Centralians but the community at large.
Throughout the years, the CPUR Elections have been dominated by two student parties—the Reform Party and Koalisyon Party. Both are veteran student institutions celebrating a deep commitment to student leadership and community service.
Koalisyon takes pride in its 35 years of history in the university. According to Albert Jan Matthew Java, CPUR President 2012-2013, Koalisyon’s beginnings started within the CPU College of Theology: “The real name of our party is Koalisyon ng Demokratikong Mag-aaral Para Sa Sambayanan, Our origins are really from the College of Theology. It [was] actually a coalition of two parties. Koa is a pro-student political party that pushes for the rights of the students. It has withstood the Martial Law; it [has] survived throughout the years.”
Jothamme Enriquez highlights that principled leaders are those who stand for what is right rather than what is popular.
Java became a part of the Koalisyon Party in 2006 when he ran for Board Member of the CPU High School Student Council. His journey with the party has continued to the time when he became the CPUR President until after his graduation as he mentors the next generation of Koalisyon leaders: “The vision [that has] passed on from generation to generation is that Koalisyon is for the students and by the students. Koalisyon advocates for servant-leadership. Being founded by theology students, Koa dwells on the leadership style of Jesus—which is servant-leadership. In order to be first, you have to be last—you have to serve first before you can lead.”
The Reform Party, on the other hand, was established in 2002. It was formed by five Totoong Partido ng Mag-aaral members, who decided to dissolve TPM and instead organize the Reform Party. According to Jothamme Enriquez, CPUR Senator, 2011-2012, Reform offers a liberal approach in its leadership style: “Ever since I became part of Reform, the party really believed in a more liberal approach [to] student government. We want leaders that are firm in their beliefs but open to new ideas.”
When asked what makes a good CPUR leader, Java highlights the importance of intentions not only in serving the students but in committing oneself to the cause of uplifting and protecting the welfare of Centralians: “For me it’s pure intentions; if you have any other ulterior motive aside from the pure intention of serving the student bod, at the end of the day, when you are stuck with all that you have to do, you will always go back to your motivation and intention. And if there’s just one, slight malice in your motivation, you will get tired of serving. If you have the purest of intentions in serving the students, whatever color you represent, whatever party you come from, whatever course you may be, I tell you, you are right for that position.”
Enriquez, on the other hand, shares that one’s principles are the backbone of serving the studentry: “Principles are important. We need student leaders that disregard the colors of the party and work for the entire studentry—even [for] those who did not vote for them. The moment one wins, the colors you represent don’t matter. I hope you do not forget why you are there in the first place. It’s cliché but it’s all about service and [the] principles you stand for.”
Sharing the challenges that come along with being a CPUR officer, Java and Enriquez agree that it is about handling expectations and implementing their events and advocacies successfully that keep them on their toes. “Just like any other person up in a position, there are always expectations. It’s a challenge because it’s always there but you don’t have to be stressed about it. It’s just a challenge; you can do something about it. At the end of the day, it’s how you manage those expectations and criticisms. You are in control of how you react. You have to react out of love,” Java says.
For Enriquez, the success of every activity depends not only on the CPUR officials. It is the entire student body participating and helping one another that ultimately determines how efficient the CPUR programs and initiatives are: “I hope we help the CPUR Officers because it’s a two-way street. Their activities won’t be as successful if we do not participate. I hope that students will also give credit to their CPUR officers because it’s motivational on their end and encourage them to do more—when [they] see the students enjoying or benefiting from what [they] did, even if [they] just work on the sidelines; when people remember [them] as a student leader serving and giving [their] best for CPU. Being in the CPUR means working behind the scenes most of the time—and it entails a lot of work.”
Emphasizing the Central Spirit, both student leaders share how their fellow CPU alumni mentors help them in their leadership journey. “We have that feeling of interconnected-ness with our alumni and [the alumni] always do what we can to mentor the next generation. We don’t just want to prepare them for the CPUR positions, we want to prepare them for the real world,” Java shares. Enriquez adds, “Until now, we still communicate with our adviser and other fellow alumni who are also part of Reform. We have developed a strong sense of commitment of serving the studentry and along the way, we also gained strong connections and friendships with one another that really embody the Central Spirit.”
As for their message to the Centralian community as the CPUR transitions to new student leadership in the next school year, Java and Enriquez encourage Centralians to be united and set aside party colors. “Let’s forget about the red and the green and go back to the blue and the yellow,” Java urges.
Enriquez also encourages those candidates who did not win to continue serving Central in their own capacity. According to her, the opportunity to serve is not limited in being a CPUR official: “There are so many ways to serve Centralians. You don’t have to be in the CPUR to serve. It’s a wrong notion to believe that you have to be in position to help your fellow Centralians. At the end of the day, yes, the CPUR primarily serves the students but behind the CPUR are also volunteers and willing Centralians, [who] help. The CPUR officers cannot do the task alone.”
As CPU welcomes a new era of student leadership, both the Koalisyon and Reform are united in serving Centralians. At the end of the day it is not the colors they represent during the election but the service and commitment they offer to Centralians for the pride of Central and, most importantly, for the glory of God.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Rev. Joseph Morris Forbes encouraged Centralians to establish a legacy of excellence and faith.
Social media nowadays has a feature which shows your “memories” or enable you to “rediscover your day.” This is because we love to dwell on the fond memories that we have. Along this vein, Central Philippine College President, Rev. Joseph Morris Forbes, wrote to Centralians in 1949, “As one of your teachers and counsellors, I hope and trust that you are happy in your memories… But I hope that they are not too satisfying. Those who do not have some inter-mixture of disappointment in their memories will never press on to a higher achievement. As true Centralians, you consider life as an ascending pathway; thus, tomorrow must be better than today.
Rev. Forbes became Acting President of Central Philippine College on September 19, 1947. He handled the tremendous job of rehabilitation, reorganization and administration. He also taught philosophy, the subject nearest to his heart; English; sociology; education; and Bible. As a pastor, he emphasized the Christian education that Central offers. He said, “There is a great place for the kind of Christian education that is being offered here at Central. More and more, the Philippine government will need good Christian leaders of faith and integrity.”
As we face a world today in which success is sometimes defined by the amount of material resources that we have, we have to be reminded of the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10 that says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
In the same manner, Central Philippine College President, Rev. Joseph Morris Forbes, wrote to the class of 1950, “May every sacrifice that your parents and you have made bear some very real fruitage in providing you a means of success, and as Centralians, you know success to be measured in terms of spiritual values, rather than in material emoluments.”
However, Rev. Forbes was not just a philosopher. He was also “a doer, an indefatigable worker, a man of action.” The 1955 CPU Golden Book of Remembrance says this about him: “He would often be seen not only directing, but also working with the road workers. He was just as friendly with them as with the faculty and students. When walking the campus, he can be seen setting a stone in its right place or pulling out some unsightly weed or picking up pieces of paper. Rev. Forbes bending over a hoe, or carrying some stray piece of lumber or scrap iron, or pushing the lawnmower, was a common sight.”
All throughout these years, Centralians from 1905 up to the present, are challenged to excel in every endeavour that they face, and to become exemplary in their actions. Rev. Forbes has left us a challenge to make a lasting mark in this world—“As Centralians, each of you must make a worthy achievement in the realms of service to our present day community life. The College program has endeavoured to make you aware of the standards of Christian citizenship in a deeply troubled world. It has sought to inspire you to commit your life to that valiant struggle for a world of justice and brotherhood (sisterhood).”
(References: Centralite 1949, 1950, Golden Jubilee Year 1905-1955 Souvenir Program)
Prof. Sharlene Gotico and Prof. Mellianne Mangana stayed for one year as exchange professors at the Korea University of Media Arts (KUMA) in Sejong-si, South Korea.
Prof. Sharlene Gotico of the Department of Languages, Mass Communication and Humanities (DLMCH) and Prof. Mellianne Mangana of the Senior High School Department are back at Central Philippine University after completing a one-year Exchange Professor Program at Korea University of Media Arts (KUMA) in Sejong-si, South Korea.
Prof. Gotico and Prof. Mangana left for Korea in March 2018. While at KUMA, they handled English language credit courses for university students. At the same time, they also taught English classes for the university’s after school program and during the summer and winter language camps. They also had English enrichment classes for dormitory residents.
This Exchange Professor Program is one of the activities undertaken by CPU and KUMA as stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities. For many years now, CPU has been sending teachers to KUMA to teach English classes in the said university. A few years back, KUMA students were at CPU to participate in the short-term English classes facilitated by the Office for International Relations and Cooperation and taught by professors from the DLMCH.
By Keziah G. Huelar
RV E. Esgrina and Ren Lurenz B. Madrilejo (both left) hopes that the CPU Mobile Info app will promote the university here and abroad.
After re-launching The Centralian Link, the official publication and media forum of Central Philippine University, the Office of Communications, headed by its Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on has been exploring initiatives to further improve the efficiency of delivering news and information to Centralians here and abroad.
Thus on January 14, 2019 with the guidance of University Webmaster, Mr. Mark Clemens J. Ortaliz, Office of Communications on-the-job trainees RV E. Esgrina and Ren Lurenz B. Madrilejo took on the task of developing the “CPU Mobile Info” Application – a downloadable android mobile app for the public to give them real-time information and announcements of university events, entrance examinations, etc. It is also user-friendly version of the university website.
Esgrina and Madrilejo are both senior students taking up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at the CPU College of Computer Studies. According to Esgrina, the purpose of developing the app was not only to keep up with the technological trends but to make it easier for Centralians to navigate the CPU website through their mobile phone. “The app will give Centralians easier access to information and announcements through their mobile phones which is more convenient. It will also give other people a chance to get to know the services offered by the university in a user-friendly portal.”
Madrilejo shares that the task of developing the app wasn’t easy but with the guidance and support of the Office of Communications they were able to come up with an interface that responsive to the needs of the community-at-large. “At first we doubted if we can really make the app but Sir Mark encouraged us in every step of the making the app.”
The app provides simple mobile navigation for easier access.
As a tag-team, Esgrina was responsible for the mobile interface while Madrilejo took on the task of developing the content. Madrilejo shares that while developing he learned new things about the university such as its history and other significant events. “The app will really help you get to know CPU.”
CPU Mobile Info provides a simple platform that will help users know more facts about the university, its job openings, school calendar, etc. It also provides a feedback mechanism to provide an on-line assessment of the services and programs offered by CPU.
One salient feature of the app is its easy access to Seeds of Faith, a daily devotional guide for readers. Such feature highlights CPU’s commitment in sharing the Word of God not only to Centralians but to the world-at-large.
According to Rev. Jalando-on, the Office of Communications is set to launch the said app in Google Play Store on April 2019. Meanwhile, you can download the latest beta version of this Android app in https://www.dropbox.com/s/z4355mttlvqvlxb/cpu_app_m_v14.apk?dl=0
By World Bank
Ms. Rong Qian, Senior Economist, World Bank, highlights the importance of working together to move forward economically.
ILOILO CITY, March 21, 2019 – To propel shared growth and prosperity, the country needs to focus on creating more and better jobs, upskilling its workforce, investing in health and nutrition, focusing development efforts in Mindanao, and managing disaster risks. Further, policy reforms are needed to remove constraints in domestic and foreign competition, regulations that stifle entrepreneurship and small and medium-enterprises and restrictions on foreign participation in the economy.
These are among the highlights of the discussions during the multi-sectoral forum on Making Growth Work for the Poor held March 21, 2019 at Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City.
The forum—jointly organized by CPU Knowledge for Development Community (KDC), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the World Bank—focused on growth and productivity as milestones for achieving AmBisyon Natin 2040, the country’s long-term vision of matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay.
It sought to generate discussion of development issues using the World Bank’s poverty assessment and productivity reports, engage with stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector in the regions, provide input to the World Bank country partnership framework for fiscal year 2019 to 2022, and provide input to NEDA’s upcoming regional consultations for the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Midterm Update.
Ms. Teresa Guadalupe, Senior Economic Development Specialist of NEDA Region 6 discussed the economic and social progress in Western Visayas.
Mr. Reynaldo Cancio, NEDA Director of the National Policy and Planning Staff, said, “We have taken major strides in our reform agenda but more is needed to keep growth working for the poor.”
Ms. Teresa Guadalupe, Senior Economic Development Specialist of NEDA Region 6, presented the region’s progress toward AmBisyon based on PDP and the Regional Development Plan.
As input to the discussion, Ms. Rong Qian and Ms. Sharon Faye Piza, Senior Economist and Economist respectively of the World Bank, presented the highlights of two reports: Making Growth Work for the Poor: A Poverty Assessment for the Philippines and Growth and Productivity in the Philippines: Winning the Future.
KDCs comprise 19 universities, policy and research institutions in the Philippines that promote knowledge sharing about development issues, in partnership with the World Bank Group.
The KDCs nationwide include Asian Institute of Management in Makati (Makati city); Ateneo de Naga University (Naga City); De La Salle University – Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (City of Manila); House of Representatives KDC (Quezon City) National Economic and Development Authority (Pasig City); Notre Dame University (Cotabato City); Palawan State University (Puerto Princesa City); the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (Quezon City); Saint Paul University Philippines (Tuguegarao City); Silliman University (Dumaguete City); the University of San Carlos (Cebu City); University of Southeastern Philippines (Davao City); University of the Philippines Los Baños (Laguna); University of the Philippines School of Economics (Quezon City); Western Mindanao State University (Zamboanga City); Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan; and the World Bank Office in Manila.