By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Don Ramon Lopez challenged Centralians to continue a legacy of faith, excellence and honor.
After World War II, there was one person in the history of Central Philippine University that became the prime mover that led to the opening of the school again. That person was Don Ramon Lopez who was later declared by Central Philippine College as its Chairman Emeritus.
On April 23, 1945, just after World War II, a Special Meeting was held at Jaro Evangelical Church. At about 4:00 PM, the meeting started for the sole purpose of opening the doors of Central Philippine College once again. Don Ramon Lopez presided over the meeting while Urbano Nequin served as the secretary. A few days later on April 30, Don Ramon Lopez once again presided over the assembly as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Baptist Center Church. Afterwards, CPC opened its doors for students and the classes were held at Baptist Center Church, La Paz. A year later in 1946 after the reconstruction of the campus, Central Philippine College moved back to its proper home in Jaro.
In 1946, Don Ramon Lopez wrote to the first graduates after CPC opened its doors: “For forty one years Central tried hard to merit the respect of the nation. Our emphasis remains unchanged—high premium on scholarship and character. We are committed to that ideal because we are committed to the training of national leaders. Central marches on!”
He also challenged the Centralians to continue the legacy of faith of those who gave their lives in Hopevale: “The American professors and missionary martyrs did not die in vain at Hopevale, for we now keep the torch of their vision burning to continue to make this institution count in the national leadership of the Philippines. We must all keep that faith.”
In 1947, Don Ramon Lopez was declared by Central Philippine College as its President Emeritus for the CPC Corporation. He also acted as the President of the Corporation during that time. He rallied the Centralians to excel in all matters. He said, “In a young country just born, we need more and more the kind of education Central has been giving…We need not fear competition from any quarters because competition merely accentuates Central’s distinctive quality. We must not ever retreat from that qualitative ideal. We must not rest on our laurels. We must constantly strive to excel ourselves.”
The Central Spirit, a driving force that propels every Centralian, is very hard to explain unless one becomes a Centralian. Don Lopez explained what Central Spirit meant to him: “The first two years of post-liberation has proved that the Central Spirit did not die when all else, less deathless, had died. That spirit performed miracles of achievement on a campus ruthlessly reduced by the war.” Indeed, with the grace of God and the Central Spirit that is with the Centralians, the campus was rebuilt. As Dr. R. Fred Chambers said, “From the ruins and ashes of war shall rise a greater Central.”
The alumni of CPU has always been loyal and passionate in serving their Alma Mater in any capacity. Don Lopez wrote about the role of Centralians: “The thousands of alumni now making their mark in the world are each the extension of what Central is. No wonder Central by intelligent consensus is awarded the honor of being the ‘foremost institution of higher learning in West Visayas.’” In 1950, CPC Chairman of Board of Trustees, Cenon S. Cervantes, pinned a Gold Medal on Don Ramon Lopez in recognition of his distinguished and meritorious services to CPC.
Don Lopez was passionate in his vision of CPC becoming a university. He wrote, “A greater college which will soon flower into a university—the dream of such great leaders and educators as Bigelow, Stuart, Rose—is bound to come. It is my all-consuming wish, before I die, to see this great college rebuild itself on a basis that will dwarf the past 42 years of excellent performance.”
His prayer was answered. Central Philippine College became Central Philippine University on April 1, 1953. But he was not able to see it happen. He died almost a month before, on March 10, 1953. The necrological service held at Rose Memorial Hall was packed as Centralians and friends paid tribute to Central’s great friend and patron.
Even though he died, Don Ramon Lopez already foresaw it. He was there when CPC applied for university status. In 1948 he wrote, “My greatest obsession is that I shall live to see an educational center in this region of the country to be known everywhere as Central Philippine University, dispensing truth, honesty, and scientific knowledge. I want to see it live, as now, a bulwark of liberty which is the heritage of the Filipino people.”
(References: Centralite 1946-1950)
By Keziah G. Huelar
Dr. Margen A. Java and Engr. Alberto A. Java together with their sons: Albert Jan Matthew and Pastor Albert Mark. Photo Credit: Matt Java
The dancing sunbeams filled the turquoise sky with glee as billows of clouds hang to and fro its blue canvass. Central Philippine University bears witness to another day. Centralians hurry to get to their classes, professors armed with class cards prepare their quizzes while kiosk owners at the Uy Building inch their way to every dish, filling the place with aromas sure to please the eye and the palette.
For Dr. Margen A. Java and Engr. Alberto A. Java, it’s more than just a beautiful day. Rather, it is another testimony of God’s goodness, not only to their marriage but to their God-given ministry serving the Centralian community as members of the faculty and staff of the university.
As a pastor’s kid, Dr. Java was a scholar of the University and graduated cum laude with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Religion from CPU in 1981: “I am the youngest in the family and my father really wanted one of his children to follow [in] his footsteps. I knew how difficult the life of a pastor was and so I took up AB Religion as a compromise… between my father and [me]. My stand was that I would be of help to more people if I would work in a school setting rather than a church setting.”
Leaving her hometown, Lambunao, Dr. Java transferred to CPU when she was in the fifth grade. Recalling fond memories, she shares that she spent her elementary and high school days playing in the Big Field and eating barbecue and spending afternoons talking with friends at the Half Moon Drive.
The Big Field, according to Dr. Java, holds a special place in her heart. There, her two sons, Albert Jan Matthew and Pastor Albert Mark also grew up playing, learning and discovering life in the process: “The Big Field is the playground of my children. It’s where my children learned their first steps, how to ride a bike, etc. Every weekend we spend a lot of time there, sitting and talking.”
Dr. Java first met her husband, Engr. Java, while studying in CPU. There being only two students studying AB Religion, Dr. Java joined other students taking different subjects: “We were mixed together with those taking Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology. I really just got into classes that accommodated my schedule since there was no block section back then so, I gained a lot of friends. [My husband and I] were classmates then in one of the education subjects.”
However it wasn’t until after college that they became acquainted with one another. In 1982, Dr. Java worked as a guidance counselor for CPU. During the same year, Engr. Java was employed as part of the teaching staff of the College of Engineering. Later, he obtained a scholarship and went on a study leave for two years for his master’s degree at UP Diliman.
Being part of the young crowd of employees serving CPU, Dr. and Engr. Java got to know each other deeply as friends before becoming a couple: “We were friends for quite some time, I had friends from the guidance office and he also had friends from the College of Engineering and we [went] out as a group. He informed his family that he was courting me after we both talked about it. Our older siblings gave [us] their affirmation.”
Highlighting her Christian upbringing, Dr. Java shares that her view on courtship and marriage has always been traditional: “I really belong to the old school so to speak and I’m a little bit [of a] conservative. When I had suitors back then, I really emphasized that even [if they gave all their efforts to show their affection], I would not brand it as courting until such intention is really expressed.”
She goes on to talk about how her parents molded her perception on love: “My parents had a really big impact on my perception on love. My father kept on reminding us… of the sacredness of marriage. When I was studying in CPU, my parents lived in Lambunao but every time my father visited us, he would always remind and assure us that whenever we would have problems we would always tell them first. Both of my parents really showcased the value of family in their marriage.”
From her parents’ example, Dr. Java learned to pursue God first. When her sons were still small, Dr. Java recalls her father asking her if she was still active in the ministry. His father significantly influenced her to love and serve the Lord: “Right now, if there’s a speaking engagement in the church or camp, I volunteer without pay as a speaker and my husband and kids [come] with me.”
One of the challenging phases in their relationship happened in January of 1987 when Engr. Java had a mild stroke. After spending 15 days in the hospital, Engr. Java spent most of his time at home. Eventually with the help of family, friends and colleagues, he was able to return to work and even obtain a doctorate degree in education.
Dr. Java shares about the love and support her family gave Engr. Java, which according to her attested to their love and faith in God and in one another: “Can you just imagine an engineer going literally back to his 123s and ABCs. When that happened, I wrote a letter to my parents telling them what happened. My father came the day after and prayed for Bert. Indeed God is the third party in the relationship. It’s the habit I established with my children—that God should always be present in the relationship.”
When asked what made Dr. Java fall in-love with her husband, she recounts Engr. Java’s faith in God and his devotion and hard work to support their family: “My father was a pastor, so my suitor had to be a Christian. We had to have the same faith. [My husband is hard working]. He doesn’t mind manual labor and he really made efforts to support our family.”
After four years of being in a relationship, Dr. and Engr. Java got married in 1989 at Baptist Center Church.
After 37 years, Dr. and Engr. Java continue to serve CPU, as Director of the Office of Student Development and Programs and as faculty of the Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, respectively.
Dr. Java talks about her husband’s dedication to help CPU work students, a ministry close to his heart: “To borrow the words of my husband, CPU is our mission field. Serving the students is our mission. When my husband became the Coordinator of the Work Student Study Program, [he felt fulfilled. It was really one of his long-term goals. When we serve students even our children support us.”
For Dr. and Engr. Java, marriage should be accompanied by strong family values and togetherness, a strong commitment to follow the Word of God and a complete submission to His will. With great joy, the couple takes pride on how their two sons emulate their love in reading the Word of God, sharing the Gospel to others and how they use the Central Spirit to proclaim the goodness of the Lord.
Their marriage is a testimony not only of perseverance and faith but of the greatest role of family in helping to bring two people together for the glory of God and for the advancement of His Kingdom.
By Nestle G. Taala
The Central Philippine Model United Nations aims to raise Centralian leaders that are aware of international trends and concerns.
Central Philippine University held the Central Philippine Model United Nations (CPMUN), a pioneering Model United Nations Conference in CPU on February 27-28 at Henry Luce III Library. It was organized by the Centralian Model United Nations Society (CMUNSOC) headed by its founder and Secretary General, Niegil E. Libo-on, in collaboration with the CPU Association of Political Science and Public Administration Students and Office of the CPU Republic President.
According to Philippine Model United Nations Community (2019), Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the decision-making processes of the United Nations. Delegates act as representatives of different countries and engage in diplomatic discourses through research, debate, speaking, and policy-making to discuss solutions to global issues.
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the decision-making processes of the United Nations, encouraging cooperation and social, political and economic partnerships.
The CPMUN was attended by 50 student diplomats from all around the Philippines. “We had attendees from Batanes, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete City, Aklan, and a lot more,” shared Mr. Libo-on, CPMUN Secretary General.
Since CPU has been sending a lot of students to both local and international MUNs already for the past years, Mr. Libo-on shared to his fellow MUNers the idea of having one as well. “CPMUN started only as a wild dream. It started with a simple, Hala, kanami sang MUN. Tani may ara man kita MUN no?” he shared.
The first CPMUN was made possible through the help of or partner organizations. Other partners included the Philippine Model United Nations Community (of which CPMUN is a founding member), the Silliman Model United Nations, the San Agustin Model United Nations, and the De La Salle Model United Nations.
Meanwhile, the CMUNSOC is grateful to the entire CPMUN staff, to the people in the board of Dais, the Philippine MUN Community, the CPU Administration and the delegates.
CPMUN aims to expand its network for the 2nd conference in order to accommodate more delegates.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico and CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia together with CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on and Student Development Programs Director, Dr. Margen A. Java led the ribbon cutting to officially start the exhibit.
The Annual Evaluation and Exhibits of Students Campus Organizations this year was held from February 6 to 7 at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. The committee, chaired by CPU Student Development and Programs Director, Dr. Margen A. Java, worked in cooperation with the leaders and members of different student campus organizations.
The opening celebration was held on the first day with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico; Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia; Director of Communications, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on; Cultural Affairs Office Coordinator, Ms. Crista Huyong, and Dr. Margen A. Java.
CPU SPED Society highlighted their advocacies in their booth.
The annual event requires each student organization to be accredited before joining the exhibit. The organizations are responsible for putting up exhibit booths at the Promenade and the Half-moon Drive. The display items include representations of academic, community, and civic organizations.
The displays made by the College of Engineering were interesting and aptly represented the Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software and Packaging Engineering.
The CPU Medical Laboratory Science Society showcased laboratory equipment and devices during the exhibit.
The Institute of Packaging Professionals’ booth highlighted ingenuity and creativity.
For Recel Joy Debil, booth manager of the Institute of Packaging Professionals-CPU Student Chapter exhibit booth, she enjoys having her concept included among the display. Their booth included various packaging materials and designs used by McDonalds.
A batch of students from the College of Hospitality Management, who appropriately presented themselves in suits, created an attractive hotel and resort setting in their booth.
The closing celebration was held at 4 in the afternoon of February 7, after the judges had decided on the winners for Best Exhibits, Best Student Organization, Best Adviser, and other consolation prizes.
By Nestle G. Taala
The CPU Cultural Groups aim to showcase Centralian talents and develop them for the glory of God and the pride of Central.
In line with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Arts Month Celebration, the CPU Cultural Group under Ms. Crista S. Huyong honored Central Philippine University’s history through live performances at Alumni Promenade Concert Park (APCP) on February 27. The primary aims of the event was to inform the students about CPU’s rich history and to awaken the artistic sensibilities of the audience and show that “art is alive.”
Art in motion – Centralians dance their way to deliver a socio-political message of being aware of what’s happening in the country.
Keep on keeping on – the cultural show depicted tales of young dreams persistently praying for change in the country.
The group which is composed of the CPU Hand Bell Ringers, the CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp., the CPU Excel Chorale and the Sari-Saot Dance Troupe showcased how the Jaro Industrial School which was founded in 1905 by American Baptist Missionaries became Central Philippine University. Through music, songs, dance, and drama, the production which was called “Forever CPU” also narrated the institution’s situation during World War II, the story of the Hopevale martyrs, as well as the life of CPU’s first Filipino President, Dr. Rex D. Drilon.
The event was graced with the presence of the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and his wife, Mrs. Angel Robles; Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard Gico; Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia; CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on.
By Nestle G. Taala
Ms. Tapasii Ranii Sinha (at the back, fourth from left) shares that she will give back the kindness CPU HS batch 1964 when she finishes college and finds stable job.
The CPU HS batch 1964 held their 55th Year Reunion at Damires Hills, Janiuay, Iloilo on February 4. Aside from the presence of the alumni of the said batch, the event was attended by Tapasii Ranii Sinha, the batch’s scholar.
Ms. Sinha is taking up Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology and is now on her 4th year. She was one of the three students who were nominated to avail of the said scholarship. For her, it was a blessing from God when she was chosen since the scholarship helped not only her but her family as well. Moreover, Ms. Sinha is grateful to CPU HS batch 1964 for their generosity. This is the reason why she strives to give back by passing on the kindness she has experienced from CPU HS batch 1964.
Meanwhile, the CPU HS batch 1964 is now preparing to support another student since Ms. Sinha will soon graduate from college.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Clem Marnel R. Burgos aims to inspire Centralians by encouraging them to pursue their passion for the arts.
Clem Marnel R. Burgos, a graduating Mass Communication student of Central Philippine University and a two-time CPU Republic senator, was the lone recipient of the Ani ng Dangal Award in the field of Dramatic Arts from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The awarding was held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on February 27, 2019.
It can be recalled that Burgos bested 44 other contestants from 12 countries around the globe to become the overall champion during the 5th International Competition of Arts and Culture held in Yerevan, Armenia on July 7-12, 2018. He was the only Filipino representative in the said competition.
In his video profile during the awarding, Burgos highlighted how God used his talent to inspire others and encourage them to pursue God’s purpose in their lives by developing their talent for the arts: “[I] don’t want to highlight the international win or being a national awardee, but [I would like to focus] on how God used a pastor’s kid, through His amazing love and wonder, better plans, overflowing blessings, and perfect timing, as long as one remains faithful to Him. I personally hope that this could be my platform to share more of God’s Word.”
Burgos, through a social media post, also challenged young people to be dreamers: “I dare you to dream. Dream big, bigger than you could ever imagine. Just offer your life to God and things like this, something you’ll never think that’s going to happen, can happen.”
He also thanked CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, the CPUAAI, CPUAAI- GMA Chapter, CCINAA, his family, friends the entire Centralian community for the support.
The Dangal ng Ani Awards recognizes Filipino artists who have earned honor and prestige for the country in international competitions all over the globe. Established in 1991, the said recognition has been supporting local artists and projects to showcase the best of the country in culture and the arts. It has seven art disciplines, namely: architecture and allied arts, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, and visual arts including multi-disciplinary arts.
Its notable awardees include Brillante Mendoza, Pepe Diokno, Lea Salonga, Kara David, Nora Aunor and many others. Ilonggo awardees include Jhett Tolentino, Eric Delos Santos and Jed Madela.
Burgos is the first Centralian and Ilonggo student to receive such award.
By Nestle G. Taala
CPU HS batch 1964 celebrates their 55th year reunion.
Honoring memories of their high school life, the CPU HS batch 1964 celebrated their 55th Year Reunion on February 4 at Damires Hills, Janiuay, Iloilo inspired by Psalm 92:14 (NIV): “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”
The event was graced with the presence of their classmates, both from here and abroad. There was a total of 21 attendees. The reunion started with a thanksgiving service where they recognized God’s faithfulness. Pastor Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes said that in a class reunion, participants “remember” and “re-member”: “The call to remember is to bring to mind not only the happenings of yesterday. To remember is to draw forth meanings that reshape us and make us better persons. We become who we are because of what we remember.” She added, “A reunion is an attempt to ‘re-member’ because the relationship that we built 55 years ago are too precious to be thrown to the dustbin of forgetfulness… and so at this 55th anniversary, we have come to remember in order to re-member.”
Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes leads the batch in their thanksgiving service.
Afterwards, the batch enjoyed each other’s company through fun games and the sharing of their life stories and things they look forward to in the years to come.
The organizers had prepared for this event since April 2018 through online communication. In addition, Emelda Frange-Valcarcel, a retired registered nurse and one of the organizers, said that after their 50th year reunion in 2014, the group had been meeting each other annually through their mini reunions.
The CPU HS batch 1964 enjoys the parlor games prepared by Emelda Frange-Valcarcel (center).
Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes, also their President, shared in an interview their memorable experiences and the great lessons they learned from CPU: “One of the most exciting… experiences is to challenge each one to do our best.” Moreover, she said that “trying to understand what Central Spirit is [is] to live out that spirit in our own daily lives.”
CPU HS 1964 is looking forward to another fellowship with former classmates, especially in the Grand Reunion at Central Philippine University in 2020.
“To God be the Glory for the Things He has done!”
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
God is faithful to the school since the time of Jaro Industrial School up to Central Philippine University.
Have you ever asked yourself, why our Alma Mater is named Central Philippine University? Where did it come from?
The American Baptist missionaries named our school Jaro Industrial School for it was a Christian institution that focused on the manual industrial training of young men and women. Rev. William O. Valentine, the first principal of JIS wrote, “The original purpose of the school was to provide opportunity for poor Filipino boys to receive a good Christian industrial education by working their way through school. Actual work experience and earnest study of the Bible were the core of the curriculum” (William O. Valentine, Moral and Religious Values of Industrial Education, 1916).
The pivotal year when JIS was changed to Central Philippine School was in 1923 when Dr. Harland Francis Chandler Stuart was the president. Dr. Stuart succeeded Rev. Dr. Alton Ezra Bigelow who was the president during 1918-1922.
In 1924, when the college courses were approved by the government, the name was changed to Central Philippine College. Later on, in April 1, 1953, the government approved the new status of the school and it was renamed to Central Philippine University in a Board of Trustees meeting on August 1, 1953. Why the change of name when they could have just called it Jaro College or Jaro University?
As of this time, there is no historical record that could explain the change of name. The oldest Centralite in the archive was published in 1930, and the earliest minutes recorded were those of the Board of Trustees from the year 1935. But gleaning from extant sources, here are some possible reasons why they used “Central Philippine.”
First, geographically speaking, the school campus is situated in the central part of the Philippines. The CPU Flagpole is 458 kilometers from Kilometer Zero (km 0) at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, Metro Manila. The Flagpole is also more or less of the same distance to Davao in Mindanao. Going back to their time in the 1920s, there was no song yet that mentioned “Aparri to Jolo” as the farthest points of the Philippines. Their points of reference before were Manila and Davao. Using this assumption, the American Baptist missionaries were right. From their perspective, Central Philippine School, Central Philippine College, or Central Philippine University is at the center of the Philippines.
Second, the school seal designed by Rev. Dr. Francis Rose in 1923 when it became Central Philippine College, and which was subsequently approved by the Board of Trustees in 1924, has “rays” that spread throughout the country. These “rays” that represent light emanate from the area in Panay where Central Philippine University is located. Dr. Rose made a bold declaration that from the center point of the country, Centralians must continue to bear witness that Jesus is at the center of our lives.
Third, the school song entitled “Central Spirit,” composed by Rev. Dr. Francis Rose, points to the perspective of the American Baptist missionaries that the school campus is at the center of the Philippines. One line of the song states, “Sweeps our Isles from sea to sea.” This line can be assumed to be talking about reaching the islands from the center towards the northern part and towards the southern part of the Philippines.
Hopefully, we can find more sources to corroborate the above assumptions, or better still, if we can find records that explicitly tell us the reason behind the change of name. If you can add more information or if you can point to some historical records, please do not hesitate to email us at communications@cpu.edu.ph.
Editor’s Note
An article published on February 15, 2019 misstated the names of Mrs. Angel Robles and Mrs. Lydia Robles.
Mrs. Angel Robles was one of the organizers of the reunion mentioned in the article. Mrs. Lydia Robles, on the other hand, is a member of the batch interviewed for the article.
Our heartfelt apologies for this oversight.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on (fifth from right) has made initiatives for CPU to partner with numerous universities around the globe.
Students of CPU Iloilo City and CPU Extension Schools abroad, Myanmar, Vietnam and Japan, among others, are highly satisfied with the quality of education that CPU Graduate School provides. Dean of Graduate Studies and Director of the Office for Transnational Programs, Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, announced this good news in a recent interview in CPU TV’s public affairs program, Looking Forward.
Moreover, government agencies like the Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam (MOET) recognizes the quality educational programs that Central Philippine University extends to their country. It is likewise satisfied with the relationship of their students and the well qualified Filipino teachers that CPU sends to their universities.
CPU’s transnational programs and scholarship exchanges, according to Dr. Libo-on, is well-coordinated with the Commission on Higher Education at the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam and with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs in CPU. The program provides good exposure for CPU teachers in other countries.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, was particularly mentioned by Dr. Libo-on as very supportive of the transnational programs.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Centralian Excellence – Rene Aventura is a testimony of the CPU brand of competitive nursing training.
Rene Aventura of CPU College of Nursing Class 1996 received the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses last February 19, 2019 at the Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park Medical Center, California, USA. Rene is a nurse assigned in the Step Down Unit of the medical center. This unit provides intermediate care or a transitional care unit between the Intensive Care Unit and the medical/surgical floor.
Rene was nominated by Dr. Vincenza D. Sorrells, Area Medical Director of Kaiser Foundation Hospital Medical Group, whose father in law was his patient. The physician’s recommendation said, “There was one individual that stood apart as going above and beyond in his level of extraordinary care and compassion to Walter, his patient, but also to Walter’s family. Rene is that individual.” The letter also mentioned how the family looked up to Rene: “It was absolutely our honor to be cared for by Rene who is not only a hero to us, but an American hero who has served at least 4 tours of duty as an Army RN.” As proof of the Rene’s compassionate care, he even presented his patient, who is a fellow war veteran, an American flag that had flown in the skies over Iraq during combat missions to defeat ISIS.
The CPU College of Nursing is proud that one of its graduates continues to uphold the mission of the University to produce exemplary and excellent nurses who live out their Christian faith wherever they are. In an interview with the Centralian Link, Rene said, “CPU has instilled to me the Christian values link integrity. I always try to do the right thing even if no one is looking.” Rene Aventura is already a four-time Daisy Awardee.
The Daisy Award was created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who received skillful and compassionate care from his nurses during his hospitalization. Its objective is to honor extraordinary nurses. According to the Daisy Foundation (https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award), the award started in 1999 and as of today there are over 3,400 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing in all 50 states of the USA and 20 other countries who are committed to honoring nurses with The Daisy Award. In order to receive the award, the “nurses are nominated by anyone in the organization—patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, other clinicians and staff—anyone who experiences or observes extraordinary compassionate care being provided by a nurse.”
By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Engr. Constantino M. Senon and Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean, CPU College of Engineering together with the students faculty and staff of the college.
Recollecting memories as CPU College students—The Central Philippine University College of Engineering held a talk entitled “If I were an Engineering Student Again” at the University Church on February 6, 2019.
The opening prayer was led by Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne, faculty member, Electrical Engineering Department.
It was then followed by the welcome remarks given by Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean, CPU College of Engineering. In his message, Engr. Molina highlighted the importance of reflecting on and learning from past experiences not only to apply its lessons to the present but to mentor future engineers that they too may gain a heart of wisdom.
Engr. Ceasar Rico S. Acanto, Chairperson, Electrical Engineering Department, introduced CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, as first speaker.
A graduate of the CPU Electrical Engineering program in 1964, Dr. Robles shared his journey as a working student. He encouraged aspiring Centralian engineers to tread their academic and professional journey with excellence, faith, and perseverance.
Engr. Jeriel G. Militar, Chairperson, Mechanical Engineering Department introduced Engr. Constantino M. Senon, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Batch 1967 and the current Senior Vice President Emeritus of Stantec, Washington, USA.
Engr. Senon, who is a frequent speaker of the college’s seminars and lectures, talked about the importance of pursuing knowledge and experience. According to him, it is a crucial skill to love learning and to be open to new ideas.
Both speakers shared their testimony and emphasized that one’s faith in God and surrender to His will that will make one not only a successful engineer but a happy and purposeful person.
After the talks, an open forum was held. After which Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo, Chairperson, Packaging Engineering Department gave the closing remarks.