By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Mario A. Tajanlangit together with his wife Nenita Tajanlangit. Photo Credit: Dr. Mario A. Tajanlangit
On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, the guest in CPUTV’s public affairs program Looking Forward was Dr. Mario A. Tajanlangit, a professor at the CPU School of Graduate Studies.
Dr. Tajanlangit has a doctorate degree in management. He is also a social entrepreneur and a management consultant among several local and international business and enterprises. He is a former Director of the Department of Trade and industry in Guimaras. He also operates some acres of land planted with trees, a lumber enterprise and a diagnostic center in Iloilo City. Moreover, he has foreign partnerships with distributions, export and import companies. These experiences and business ventures enabled him to be proficient in teaching business and management as well as a valuable resource for his students.
He attributes his successful management, entrepreneurship, and teaching careers to how he was educated. “Education is a matter of choice,” he emphasized. He also considers a degree in post graduate education as very important in today’s socio-economic environment. “Many of our students would abandon the idea of proceeding to a [master’s] and [doctorate] degrees after graduating from college,” he added. He further explains that out there, in the search of a good job, an “undergrad” realizes that the first base occupation is good enough to sustain primary needs or financial requirement—until his/her achievement level is no longer competitive for executive or higher positions. Business, as an alternative, requires good family support, wealth and entrepreneurial background. Dr. Tajanlangit reiterated the value of excellence, pursuing higher education as a matter of commitment, “with determination through and through “.
Dr. Tajanlangit also shared some insights on business trends particularly on operating a business abroad. He said that “most of the difficulties in the import-export industry are brought about by barriers in local and international customs.” In addition, Dr. Tajanlangit said, “Foreign trade requires educated and expert entrepreneurs.”
He also suggested that the BPO industry (call center jobs) are, at the moment, the most progressive industry Filipino college graduates can be employed in, but maintained that a rather competitive chance at landing a good job is having a post graduate degree.
Central Philippine University has, among others, a good educational ground for training in post graduate education. He cited the quality of students who enjoys the prospect in career excellence through CPU’s post graduate studies.
By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU “Ironwoman” Jacqui Rosee Lamparero, bags 3rd in the Women’s Elite Standard Distance Category during the NAGT Subic Leg 2019.
Central Philippine University “Ironwoman” Jacqui Rosee Lamparero, a 1st year BS Psychology student, placed 3rd in the Women’s Elite Standard Distance Category during the National Age Group Triathlon Subic Leg 2019 held at San Bernardino inside Subic Bay Freeport on January 27, 2019.
Lamparero finished the 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride and 10 km run in 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 32 seconds. She is a member of the CPU Golden Lions Varsity Team in Athletics.
It can be recalled that Lamparero grabbed the top spot during the Sprint Distance 16-19 Age Group Female Title in the National Age Group Triathlon 2017 Subic Leg on January 29, 2017 at ACEA Subic Bay (formerly Sands of Triboa) with a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 45 seconds. The Sprint Distance includes 750 m swim, 20 km bike and 5 km run.
In 2016, the 17 year old athlete topped the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Leg 4 Women Sprint Distance in Cagayan De Oro besting 30 other contestants from all over the country. She also won first place in the Sprint Distance 16-19 Age Group Female Title in the National Age Group Triathlon 2017 Subic Leg at ACEA Subic Bay.
The National Age Group Triathlon-Subic Leg is organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Green Triathlon.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Former Department of Agriculture Region 6 Technical Director, Dr. Joyce S. Wendam, expressed admiration for the initiatives of Central Philippine University College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CPU-CARES) for their outreach and educational extensions related to organic food production.
Dr. Wendam has consistently supported projects that have contributed to the development of agriculture, especially in organic farming, organic vegetable gardening, and agri-business in region 6. She has consistently promoted organic food production and has, for several years, helped CPU in its annual agrifair. The DA has been a partner in the annual regional agrifair held in CPU.
In an interview on CPUTV’s public affairs program Looking Forward on February 12, 2019, Dr. Wendam acknowledged that CPU agriculture students have many opportunities that can prepare them for their future—in agriculture and in business.
Dr. Wendam teaches agro-economics at CPU-CARES and at the CPU Graduate School. She was once the representative of the DA at the Bio Industry Expo in Osong, Korea where Philippine products were being showcased.
To her credit, Dr. Wendam was able to help a rural family in Baranggay Igtuble, Tubungan Iloilo improve their living standards.
“I consider agriculture a big help to all Filipinos in times of food shortage, and in strengthening the family through economic development in agriculture”, Wendam said.
By Prof. Sharon Rose G. Munar
Major General Samuel G. Gotico (left) continues his service to God and country now as a the 72nd Air Force Inspector General of the Philippine Air Force. Photo Credit: Philippine Air Force
Major General Samuel G. Gotico, a CPU alumnus, was recently designated as the 72nd Air Force Inspector General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) effective November 7, 2018.
Gotico received Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting at Central Philippine University, graduating in 1985.
He served as the corps commander of the CPU Army Citizen Military Training Unit in 1984-1985 and was a graduate of the ROTC advanced course. In the same academic year he was corps commander, he was also a senator of the CPU Republic. For the entirety of his college life, from 1981-1985, he was a member of numerous organizations.
Gotico was a recipient of the CG, PAF Award for graduating number one among Philippine Air Force General Staff Course students in 2006. In 2008, he was conferred the Bene Meritus Award, a gold medal, for graduating at the top, with an overall average grade of 1.05 in his Masters in Business Administration at San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite. In all the military courses he took, he remained among the Top 10 of his class.
He is a multi-awarded and decorated officer, with over 100 medals, awards, and commendations. Some of his accolades include 3 Distinguished Service Star Medals for outstanding military service, 3 Distinguished Aviation Cross medals for outstanding airmanship, 2 Bronze Cross Medals for conspicuous heroism, 27 Military Merit medals for his meritorious achievements, and 11 Military Commendation Medals for his commendable performance among others.
Aside from being awarded 2 Kahusayan Awards for his outstanding feat of airmanship, one of which was because he safely landed his aircraft which encountered engine failure while on flight, he was also given 2 Haribon Awards for exemplary and outstanding Operations Management as Director for Operations of 15th Strike Wing during the conduct of Operation Lighting Sword against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and for his performance as Assistant Chief of Command Staff for Operations of the 3rd Air Division during the Zamboanga Crisis.
He was also awarded the Military Police Officer of the Year of the Philippine Air Force in 1996, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Military Police Officer of the 1997 due to his outstanding leadership and management when he was the Squadron Commander of the 594th Air Police Squadron, 15th Strike Wing.
Some of his notable assignments include the following: Squadron Commander of the 16th Attack Squadron and the 17th Attack Squadron, Wing Inspector, Director for Operations of the 15th Strike Wing, and Group Commander of Tactical Operations Group 6 based in Dingle, Iloilo. He was also Chief of the Air Force Modernization Projects Management Office in 2011, and the Assistant Chief of the Division Staff for Operations, 3rd Air Division in Zamboanga City in 2012-2014.
He momentarily left the PAF when he was assigned as the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations (U3), then the Chief of Unified Command Staff of Central Command in 2015. Later, he became the Deputy Wing Commander of the 520th Air Base Wing stationed at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City and in 2016, he was designated the Deputy Commander of Air Education, training and Doctrine Command where he got his promotion to Brigadier General. He was the designated as Wing Commander, 520th ABW prior to his assignment as the Air Force Inspector General where he was promoted to Major General.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Technology in action – The CPU Community is a witness of how technology shapes university programs and events.
Some thirty years ago, people started saying goodbye to their Remington and Underwood typewriters. Correction fluids also started losing business as typewriters became obsolete. At the same time, computers and electronic gadgets began to dominate offices and businesses. Computers did everything: from encoding to storage and retrievals; one is able to format and edit documents in minutes—sometimes, with just a touch of a finger.
The early desktop or personal computers (PCs) were popularly known as the IBM PC and its clones. It was followed by Apple Macintosh and later the Commodore Amiga throughout the ‘80s and the ‘90s. Those were all programmable computers equipped with a keyboard, a monitor, and drives for floppy disks. These computers were sold mostly for business and scientific operations.
It didn’t stop there. Innovation continued and the transition from one innovation to another got faster and faster. New computer models were produced one after the other, modifying the old office with sleek portable units. Excess items included boxes of floppy disks for operating and storing data. These were disposed of or discarded when operating disks and software were later imbedded in the system.
Laptops, notebooks, and tablets, smartphones equipped with user-friendly interface and programs, came later. New models arrive with new systems. Smart companies use computers and electronics technology including the internet to create a whole new way of doing business.
People enjoy the convenience that computer technology brings to individuals, the family, and the community. Now, where does this end? It was once said that “the trouble with our age is all signposts and no destination.”
The problem lies in how the users act as catalysts in making the computer and the internet trends work towards a unified system for human beings and society. We are glad to know that there are geniuses lending themselves to the community to ultimately create newer technology that will lead up to another period of ease and betterment for humanity.
CPU has also invested much in new infrastructures in relation to the software development and the internet. All offices are connected with a LAN. The university website, www.cpu.edu.ph, is one of the top websites in Western Visayas for the last 2 years. The social media accounts of CPU are always buzzing with posts. Soon, the university will have an RF ID System at the CPU Elementary School, and then for the whole university for security purposes. There are also plans for an online enrolment system and payment.
It is best to keep in mind though that at stake is not the equipment but the person behind it.
For Central Philippine University, personnel development comes ahead. Most of the trainings for employees are designed to provide or improve their skills, expertise, and attitudes. Suggestions and proposals on procurement of needed tools and equipment come from the end users. The University Computer Service Center (UCSC) are on hand in helping the departments and units in the University.
The transitions are fast but the university is ready to keep abreast with technology.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Clem Marnel R. Burgos visits the Philippine Consulate in Armenia after his win in the 5th International Competition of Arts and Culture.
Clem Marnel R. Burgos, a graduating Mass Communication student of Central Philippine University and a two-time CPU Republic senator, was hailed as one of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Dangal ng Ani Awardees for dramatic arts.
The awarding will be at the Manila Diamond Hotel on February 27, 2019, in line with the celebration of the National Arts Month.
Besting 44 other contestants from 12 countries around the globe, Burgos was the over-all 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 Facebook post, Burgos expressed his joy and thanked his family, friends, and the CPU community for their consistent love and support. He also highlighted his love for the arts as a platform for his faith in God: “Let my life be a testimony on how God uses the most ordinary person like me [for] something. Never ever have I imagined [that I would receive this award].”
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 are 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 Paul Christian M. Alado from the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) CPU Student Chapter,
3rd Place during the Student Campus Organizations’ Evaluation and Exhibit Result for School Year 2018-2019 Essay Writing Competition
Paul Christian M. Alado hails from the Roxas, Capiz.
An organization is synonymous to a family. It is where an individual can develop holistically. Central Philippine University does not only provide quality education, but [is] also a training ground for everyone to learn beyond the four-corners of the classroom… through different student organizations. Every single individual that consists an organization and the organization itself, is an asset in its own special and meaningful way. But what does it really take to be an asset?
Sometimes, we are blinded by the mere definition of an Asset—Assets are… only people or groups valued by society because of their contribution to the attainment of our goals as a nation. We have missed to look [at] the value of an individual beyond his contribution.
It is my humble belief that every person becomes an asset not just only because of what he can give, but greatly because of what he is—a dignified created being of God. A valuable asset is Christ-like, a being created in the image of God.
Today, we are faced by a challenge. CPU Student Organizations: Accountable to self, society, and environment today and beyond. This challenge is [not] simple. It is a challenge that [springs] from the overwhelming love of country and fellowmen. Amidst diversity in various student organizations in CPU, they are all united by one goal: To be an ASSET.
Every individual in CPU student organizations is God’s instrument to create a significant impact for the greater good: that every student organization [is] made possible by God and [that] they will all work as one. This God-centered principle strengthens our identity as true-blooded Centralians—God-centered individuals committed to serve for God’s greatest glory, regardless of our origins, beliefs, norms, and even group or organizations we belong.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man and CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with CPU Administration officials and CPUAAI officers.
Promoting Philippine-Korean friendship—The Republic of Korea ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man, visited Central Philippine University on January 28, 2019. Ambassador Han paid a courtesy call on CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; after which the ambassador spent time with CPU faculty, staff, and students in an open forum at the 4th Floor Henry Luce III Library.
For the welcome remarks, Dr. Robles talked about CPU’s growing partnership with numerous South Korean universities and its cultural and academic bond through the hundreds of South Korean students studying in the university.
According to Ambassador Han, 2019 marks the 70th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea. Thus, it is important to look back on the breakthroughs and the future opportunities and partnerships in store for both countries: “This year marks the 70th year of establishing our diplomatic ties. It’s quite fitting and timely to elevate and deepen our ties in many different areas including the academic sector.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles with CPU Administration officials talk with Ambassador Han.
In his message, Ambassador Han discussed about the milestones of the inter-Korean summits between North and South Korea, the US-DPKR Singapore Summit joint statement, and the bilateral relations of the Philippines with South Korea. He also talked about the impact of the ASEAN Chairmanship of the Philippines during the ASEAN 2017 Summit and the possible cultural, academic and people to people exchange and opportunities in tourism, education, and employment.
Partnering with various government agencies, Ambassador Han aims to encourage 2 million Koreans to visit the country this year. He highlighted the potential of Iloilo City to be a tourism hub in the region.
Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man highlighted the strong bond of South Korea and the Philippines.
Expressing his optimism in the relationship between the Philippines and South Korea, Ambassador Han looks forward to more partnerships and exchanges in tourism and research.
After his message, Centralians asked about his stand on climate change, the diplomatic relations between South Korean and the Philippines, and the economic, educational and cultural partnerships both countries can look forward to.
by Joshua Van Lorilla Faala BSABE 1 from the Janitorial Student Assistant,
2nd Place during the Student Campus Organizations’ Evaluation and Exhibit result for School Year 2018-2019 Essay Writing Contest
Joshua Van Lorilla Faala is an active member of the Janitorial Student Assistant.
Good Morning! [I started] the day, waking up at four in the morning. Duty and school calls. Time in, then, responsibilities. Tidying up rooms, cleaning toilets, segregating trash, and dealing with people. [Difficult tasks] at first but it has to be the routine. After duty, school has to be prioritized too. We [are] even called “multitaskers”; well affirmative, but we call ourselves “models.” Models because, for those who feel down [on themselves], we know we can do things that even ourselves [didn’t know we could do]. It corresponds to this encouraging question “why can’t you?”
What is amazing with this organization is the people comprising the group. Everyone’s unique and skillful. We do so much being an ASSEST… Together with our code of ethics, we set ASSET in simple terms.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT—We learned to appreciate even trivial things, from simple greetings to bringing small trash [inside] your pockets to arranging seats and turning off the lights and fans after use. SINCERITY—We learned to value things as their owners [did], with things left [in] the rooms or even the hallways, we make sure to bring it to the office to be labeled as lost and found. SOLIDARITY—Because we, dreamers helping dreamers, builders supporting builders, and a community molding a community full of responsibilities and love. EXCELLENCE—Engagement with activities, physical, academic and spiritual. We do believe that as… multitaskers, we push [the] limits [for] ourselves to get out of our comfort zones. And TIMELY—We consider ourselves responsible and disciplined with our Daily Time Record because it simply shows [that we are] responsible student assistants.
We work for ourselves, the society and environment.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Local and provincial officials together with the delegates during the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 6 Barangay Summit on Good Governance for Iloilo City and the Province at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 6 held its Barangay Summit on Good Governance for Iloilo City and the Province at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, Central Philippine University on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. The convergence of barangay captains (Punong Barangay) was intended to make an assessment of the lowest units of government and to give Barangay executives updates and new guidelines on local governance.
City Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III and Province of Iloilo Governor Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. took turns in delivering their messages to the barangay captains, giving them assurance of support towards the future. OIC- Regional Director Engr. Ariel O. Iglesia, CESO V, DILG Region 6, was the keynote speaker.
Among the topics delivered to the participants were the barangays’ role on the prevention of illegal drugs, on the campaign against criminality, and on the prevention of violent extremism. The duties and functions of barangay captains were also discussed.
by Arem Jay Badajos from the Junior Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers
1st Place during the Student Campus Organizations’ Evaluation and Exhibit result for School Year 2018-2019 Essay Writing Contest
Arem Jay Badajos represented CPU during the International Court of Justice of International Model United Nations 2018. Photo Credit: Arem Jay Badajos
At some point in our lives, we have pushed ourselves to the extent of our own fractures just to live up to other people’s expectations. We have focused on giving importance to what they say, unknowingly losing our own identity—who we really are, what we really are made of, and what exactly our purpose is.
Central Philippine University takes pride in giving holistic Christian education for its students. It teaches its students the interconnecting values of Knowledge & Faith. It guides its students to grow to their fullest potentials and to inculcate in their minds and hearts the Central Spirit—the spirit that binds Centralians together, the spirit that dwells in and connects every student organization at Central Philippine University.
Through the years, student organizations at CPU have always stayed true to their missions and visions—they have always stayed true to the prime reason of their existence—that is, to be an asset, being accountable to themselves and their society, today and beyond the days that would come—be it inside or beyond the walls of the said prime institution.
CPU Student Organizations have been accountable to their own structure and society without compromising one of those mentioned. They have immersed themselves [in] societal issues without compromising their own viewpoints. They have reached [out] and helped the people in the grassroots level without prejudice [and] towards their own benefits, and above all, they have lived up to other people’s expectations without losing their identity. With CPU’s mantra, “Scientia et Fides,” student organizations were able to uphold their purpose—that is to help and be helped.
With confidence and pride, CPU student organizations bleed the colors Gold and Blue and have heard the Master’s Words “Well Done!”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Bobby Cheng (right), is a CPU MBA student from Chengdu, China. He is grateful for having studied the English language at Central Philippine University. Photo Credit: Bobby Cheng
Filipino Chinese Youth Culture Promotion (FCYCP), Inc. is a brainchild of Xu Bin, a Chinese chemist who came to study English at Central Philippine University. Xu Bin and twenty students from China in his FCYCP group are enrolled in CPU in the Doctoral Graduate Program in Education and Public Management.
Like most foreign students in CPU, Xu Bin’s group started with English language courses in CPU. Two years after, Xu Bin is grateful for having been to CPU and learned English. He acknowledges that these lessons were very important so that he could continue with his studies: “I could not have enrolled in the Graduate School’s Doctor in Management/Public Administration course at present [if not for these lessons].”
Mr. Xu Bin and his wife, Huili Chen has been part of the CPU family for two years. Photo Credit: Xu Bin
Asked who advised him to study in CPU, Xu Bin declares, “It’s God who guided me here.” A Christian convert, Xu Bin attends the University Church with his family every Sunday. Furthermore he explains, “I like CPU very much; Centralian students, faculty and staff are very nice people”.
Bobby Cheng, a CPU MBA student from Chengdu, China is grateful for having studied the English language at Central Philippine University. Admitting that he could speak English when he first enrolled in CPU seven years ago, Bob attributes his current proficiency to the excellent language learning program given to foreign students: “I would like to thank the people who helped me much here in CPU, particularly the faculty and staff at the CPU Department of Languages and Mass Communication. I enjoy studying here in CPU.”
Bob took up his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in CPU and currently in his last year in Master in Business Administration Graduate Studies Degree. He is the only child as a result of his government’s One Child Policy in China. He is staying in Iloilo City with his mother who takes care of him while he is on his thesis dissertation and until he graduates. Bob wishes to work in business back in his country as soon as he graduates.