CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

By Keziah G. Huelar

With its unwavering commitment to excellence and faith, CPU is set to make history in the upcoming years.

Central Philippine University’s 113 years of existence hold a rich testimony of historical breakthroughs. A center of academic, cultural excellence, and faith, the university holds true to its mission of producing Exemplary Christian Learners for Life throughout the years. Here are some notable facts from CPU’s establishment to the present:

• Central Philippine University was established in 1905 through a grant given to the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society by business magnate and philanthropist, John D. Rockefeller.
• CPU is the first Baptist university and the second university established by Americans in Asia (the first being Silliman University in Dumaguete City).
• In 1913, CPU (previously known as Jaro Industrial School) began to admit female students.
• Iloilo Mission Hospital, the university hospital established in 1901, is the first hospital and nursing school in the Philippines.
• Dr. Henry S. Waters is the first dean of the CPU College of Nursing from 1947-1948.
• The CPU Republic is the oldest student government body in Western Visayas.
• On April 1, 1953, through a charter, Central Philippine College was named Central Philippine University.
• CPU’s first Filipino president is Dr. Rex D. Drilon.
• CPU is recognized by the Iloilo City Government as a tourism site.
• Dr. Linnea A. Nelson is CPU’s first female president.
• The CPU Library is one of the biggest libraries in Asia.
• The Valentine Hall used to be the administration building of the university.
• CPU currently has the most number of Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development in Western Visayas.
• CPU is the only fully autonomous university in Iloilo.
• The first Filipino anthropologist, Felipe Landa Jocano (1920-2013), is a Centralian.

by Cyrus A. Natividad

Let us claim 2019 as a year of gratitude and blessing – looking forward to experience the faithfulness of God.

My father gave us a lot of meaningful advice before he left for the afterlife. They’re practical—relevant for today as we set our minds for the New Year 2019. One of those was “yesterday is already a dream, tomorrow is only a vision; but today, well-lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope”.

He always reminded us not to live in the past, nor think about the future in excess—over or beyond what normal human beings can expect from the future. Of course, he said, “It is always good to learn from our mistakes in the past; correct it and live with it; enjoy with it as well. The enjoyable moment is at the present, not in the past or the future.”

According to a psychologist who said “health is in our head,” the cause of depression is mostly the recollection (thinking back) of bad things that happened to us in the past. Depression is only felt in the present. With lack of assurance and feelings of insecurity, what we feel for the future is anxiety. The present is very important when we speak of health. Enjoying the present is relevant; it should prepare us and put us in the best condition when crossing over to another year.

The year 2018 has ended and our minds are now set for 2019. Let us forget the unpleasant past. Instead, let us enjoy the achievements of yesterday. Remember this from an unknown author: “What you are today is a result of what you have done yesterday.”

A good reference verse for this is found in Philippians 3:13, 14: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Planning ahead is also important as we approach this New Year. Our attitude in the present will impact our situation or success tomorrow. Do not be afraid of what will happen to us in 2019. Look forward and be confident in yourself as God has plans for us. Just read what He said in Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The prevailing evils of society today are hatred, envy, and lack of love (HELL). On the other hand, understanding and kindness will bring goodness to humanity in the New Year. As Paul wrote, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”

Welcome 2019!

By Cyrus A. Natividad

There are three important celebrations in the Philippines during the holiday season in December. These are the Christmas Eve, the Christmas Day, and the New Year’s Eve. Filipinos being closely knit, more often than not, celebrate with family, relatives, and friends. Even when they’re in other countries or places, they always find a way to get together and celebrate though away from home.

Social media provides the means for many to reach out to their loved ones around the globe through pictures, videos, and greetings posted online.

Here are some of the greetings of Centralians around the world:

Greetings from Centralians in Australia headed by Mauro Somodio.

Greetings from Maynard Fernando, Sherwin Banusing, Pinoy and Roy Libatique in Houston, Texas. Pinoy Gonzales is the President of CPUAA South Houston and Regional VP of CPUAAFOA.

Greetings from Mrs. Lulette Libo-on Carne, CPU Political Science Batch 83. She celebrated Christmas with her family in Christchurch New Zealand.

To all fellow Centralians worldwide: Wishing you God’s best in the New Year. Happy New Year from Dr. Manny Palada (Member, CPU Board of Trustees) and family here in Gainesville, Florida USA.

By Keziah G. Huelar

The CPU College of Engineering Batch 2003 celebrating 15 years of the friendship and camaraderie.

‘Tis the season to hold alumni reunions—Centralians all over the globe gathered together to celebrate the Central Spirit and to thank the Lord for His faithfulness. The holiday break gave members of the CPU alumni time to reflect and rekindle their days in the university as well as to make new memories with fellow Centralians.

Remembering and making memories last, the CPU College of Engineering Batch 2003 held their Grand Reunion at Diversion 21 Hotel on December 28, 2018. A homecoming of engineers, the event celebrated 15 years of friendship and recollections.

Work students who worked at the Rose Memorial Auditorium held a mini-reunion during the Christmas holidays.

Centralian work students also met during the holidays and recalled their days at dear Central. Their reunion was one of thanksgiving and praise, highlighting the Central Spirit of excellence and perseverance and, above all, gratefulness to Christ.

An ode to Central, reunions are not only celebrations of friendship, they are also gestures of love, highlighting the importance of friendship and camaraderie. As our CPU alumni celebrated the yuletide season by meeting together with Christ in the center, the Central Spirit is ignited and connected across the continents.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

The CPU Rose Memorial Auditorium has hosted various local, national and international competitions and programs throughout the years.

Central Philippine University is once again the venue of the Finals Night of the popular Bombo Music Festival on January 12, 2019. Original music composition and performances of local singing contestants will again fill the prestigious Rose Memorial Auditorium inside CPU.

Twelve Bombo Music Festival finalists will compete for the second time at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, according to the organizers. Consequently, the Finals Night of the Bombo Music Festival is expected to be crowded with spectators.

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

A testimony of faith – Central Philippine University stand witness to 113 years of Baptist heritage and perseverance.

The birth of Central Philippine University is connected to the beginnings of the Baptist mission in the Philippines.

In 1898, Rev. Dr. Eric Lund, a Swedish Baptist missionary, baptized Braulio Manikan, a native of Aklan, Panay, in Barcelona, Spain. Manikan became the first Filipino Baptist. The two soon planned to undertake mission work in the Philippines. While waiting for that opportunity, they embarked on translating the Gospels and Acts into the Hiligaynon language.

Their opportunity was materialized when the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS) commissioned and financed their mission work. They arrived in Iloilo City, Philippines in May 1900.

The Philippine Baptist pastors and American missionaries developed a three-pronged mission work, patterned from the ministry of Jesus Christ—preaching, healing and teaching. This pattern was developed as a means to minister to the “whole man” and not just his spiritual needs.

The preaching ministry resulted in organizing churches in Iloilo, Negros, and Capiz. For instance, Jaro Evangelical Church was organized in September 1900, Bacolod Evangelical Church in 1902, and Capiz Evangelical Church in 1908.

As to the healing ministry, the Philippine Baptist mission established two hospitals in the Panay Island. In Iloilo, the Baptists partnered with the Presbyterians in operating the Iloilo Mission Hospital (IMH) in 1901. Later, the IMH became an exclusive Baptist institution in 1925 when the Presbyterians turned over their mission work to the Baptists. In Capiz, a medical mission was started in 1902 which later became the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital in 1912.

The Philippine Baptist mission soon started a Baptist Home School in Capiz in 1904. Later, this became known as the Filamer Christian University. In Iloilo, a Bible School for women was established in 1904 through the leadership of Anna V. Johnson. This later became the Baptist Missionary Training School (BMTS).

In June 1905, the Bible School for men was also opened. A few months later, in October 1, 1905, another school was opened—the Jaro Industrial School. The Philippine Baptist mission commissioned Rev. Dr. William O. Valentine, a pastor and teacher, to head both schools.

CPU, in its core, is a product of the Baptist mission in the Philippines as can be seen in its history. This is the reason why the CPU Constitution and By-laws stipulates that 33 out of 65 of the members of the CPU Corporation and at least 10 out of 15 of the CPU Board of Trustees should come from member churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.

By Keziah G. Huelar

May the New Year be a celebration of God’s faithfulness and a commitment to His purpose.

Celebrating the Lord’s faithfulness to Central Philippine University, let us recall the highlights and accomplishments in 2018, looking forward to the another year of His goodness and grace.

June

Centralians Khent Brian Valenzuela and James Carl Tuazon qualify for the Philippine Football Team Under 15

Centralians Jan Christian Española, John Elmer Loretizo and Charles Arthel Rey hailed TOSP, Western Visayas

Centralian Fiona Geeweneth Guirhem ranks first during the 19th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championship

July

CPU and Myanmar Institute of Technology explore MBA partnership

CPU CARES ranks 10th in highest passing rates for ALE

CPU celebrates 10th Global Reunion

Centralian Clem Marnel Burgos hailed over-all champion during the 5th International Competition of Arts and Culture in Yerevan, Armenia

Dongduk Women’s University and CPU discuss future academic partnership

CPU Elementary School alumna Danielle Liza G. Molina attends 2018 HPAIR Harvard Conference

CPU Elementary School hailed over-all champion during the Regional Cluster Journalism Workshop and Golden Pen Awards

Centralian Peter John B. Abaygar receives Diplomacy Award in 2018 ASEAN Foundation Model

CPU TV goes Global

August

Centralian Eagle Scout Vance Raphael Anthony S. Praire ranks no. 1 in the 2018 Search for Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Western Visayas

Centralin John Elmer Loretizo tops the 2018 GMA Network Excellence Award, Technology Based Category

Centralian April Joyce C. Catalan 5th in the 2018 Pharmacy Board Exam

CPU TV launches Jamming at Central

CPU TV airs President’s Time

CPU tops IECEP Regional Quiz Show

Centralian Susie Jennings receives the Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest Awards from the Southwest Jewish Congress

September

Centralian Cindy Joy Diasnes represents the Philippines in the 2018 Poomsae Championships held in Taiwan

Centralian Jeff Huinda named Executive VP of Administration, Chief Financial Officer of Drury University

BSP awards CPU Outstanding Regional Partner

Centralian Iñigo D. Garingalao named “Dangal ng Bayan” awardee by the Civil Service Commission

Royal Institute of Singapore confers CPU College of Nursing Dean, Atty. Salex Alibogha, with titles Fellow of Royal Institute of Nurses and Fellow of Royal Institute of Lawyers

CPU American Corner holds SCS Certification Workshop

CPU holds 11th Genaro “Totik” D. Diesto Jr. Memorial Lecture

Centralian Audery Dusaran-Albason showcases designs in Lodon Fashion Week

Dr. Robles officially signs Contract of Renewal as University President

October

CPU holds 113th Foundation Day

CPU College of Nursing holds 2nd Natividad C. Caipang Memorial Lecture

CPUAAI holds 2018 CPU Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly

CPU CHM hailed 1st Runner Up during the 5th Tabuan Ilonggo Heritage, Cooking Competition, Dessert Category

CPU signs MOA on Social Welfare Outreach with DEMInc.

Malacañang posthumously hails Centralian alumnus, Atty. Ramon Muzones, National Artist for Literature

Centralian Jynea Baldevarona wins Best Paper in 7th Annual International Conference on Journalism and Mass Communications in Singapore

November

CPU holds 91st Commencement Exercises and Baccalaureate Service

CPU Iron Women, Jacqui Rose V. Lamparero, clinches top spot during the Black Arrow Express 5150 Triathlon, Female 15-19 Category held in Subic

CPU joins 1st China International Import Expo 2018

CPU, ZUIT pioneer 1st Filipino-Chinese International Research Collaboration in Visayas Region

Centralians bag top spot during 2018 CineMAYBANK Short Film Festival

CPU, DA hold 8th Organic AgriFair Seminar and Exhibits 2018

Centralian Marc Louise M. Failon ranks 10th in the 2018 Chemical Engineering Board Exam; CPU garners 100% passing rate

Centralians John Elmer Loretizo and Jan Christian Española named TOSP National Finalists

CPU signs MOA with Palm Concepcion Power Corporation

Central Echo bags awards at COPRE 2018

20K+ attend switching on of “Christmas Lights at Central”

Centralians Jeziel Kuan Wong Vargas and Mae Anne Kristel Casco Depra rank 7th and 9th respectively in the 2018 Nursing Licensure Exam; CPU garners a passing percentage of 81.33%

CPU commemorates 75th Hopevale Memorial

By Keziah G. Huelar

CPU gears up for greater heights this 2019.

With the New Year fast approaching, it’s important to reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness this 2018. But, equally important to remembering is learning to “forget”—to overlook an offense, to move forward without the burden of the past, and most importantly, to surrender to Christ whatever the future holds.

In Genesis 18, the Bible talks about how God is heavily displeased with Sodom and Gomorrah. In the next chapter, before destroying the city, God sends two angels to warn Lot (Abraham’s nephew) and instruct them to leave the city immediately. Together with his wife and two daughters, Lot flees the city. One crucial instruction the angels give them is to “not look back.” However, while escaping, his wife turns towards the burning city and as a consequence, she is turned into a pillar of salt.

Perhaps, while fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot’s wife thought of the riches they left behind, the life they’d established, and the plans they had for their family. Her doubts made her think that staying behind was better than trusting God.

She chose to look back rather than to look forward to the plans God had for her and her family.

Quite true to all of us, there are moments in our lives when our past holds us back. Pride, heartache, a missed opportunity, a mistake, an insecurity, or a hidden sin can hinder us from becoming who God wants us to be.

Like Lot’s wife, we often go about our own way, looking back, thinking of the could-have-been’s and the should-have-not’s, not knowing that what lies ahead of us is the perfect plan of God.

This 2019, let us choose to trust God, to receive His forgiveness, and most importantly, to not look back on the things that hinder us from pursuing His purpose in our lives.

Whenever pride creeps in, know that in James 4:6, God “opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” If a missed opportunity haunts us, declare Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to those who love God and work according to His purpose.”

Whenever a past heartache comes knocking, remember that in Psalm 34:18, The Lord promises that He “is near the broken hearted; He delivers those who are discouraged.” If a past mistake or sin condemns you, Isaiah 43:1b tells us, “Do not fear for [God has redeemed us]”; Hebrews 8:12 further encourages that if we ask for forgiveness from God, “[He] will forgive our wickedness and will never again remember [our] sins.”

When our insecurities belittle us, declare Jeremiah 29:11: God knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us—plans to give us a hope and a future. Moreover, Philippians 1:6 says, being confident in this, God, who began a good work in you, will carry it to completion until Jesus Christ returns.

Just as God puts new wine on new wineskin, may we also have a new mindset of hope and optimism in the New Year.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

The 2018 CPU Christmas party with a retro theme was well-attended by the Faculty and Staff.

Registration began at 2 PM until 3 PM. Latecomers were not allowed to join the raffle draw. Everyone was required to observe courtesy and discipline. Participants had to fall in line while entering the University Covered Gym where the faculty and staff Christmas party was held. This year, the committee laboriously prepared with the theme “retro” in mind.

Inside, the stage and dinner tables were already set. A wide screen was set up so that the audience would be able to see all of the performances of the faculty and staff. Dinner followed after a short invocation and some singing.  Departments and offices then gave their presentations. There were 13 participants who did their best to win an award. And for this year, the College of Engineering emerged as the winner followed by the Office of the President.

Names were called to receive prizes as they were randomly picked out of the tambiolo, in between numbers in the program. Appliances and cash were given away to the winners.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico highlights the faithfulness of God in the lives of the service awardees.

CPU employees who had served the University for a prescribed period of time received their Service Awards on December 21 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The 2018 Service Award program was held at 2 PM, prior to the faculty and staff Christmas party at 5 PM in the University Covered Gym.

The annual ceremony is an awaited moment for the deserving awardees. While they consider it an incentive, many of those who still have to receive the awards consider it a challenge to continue their service in the University with patience, courage, and determination.

A plaque of recognition and some cash were given to the awardees. Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, on behalf of CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, congratulated the awardees, thanking them for their service and steadfast support to Central Philippines University.

Prof. Ma. Rosalene J. Madero, Director, Quality Assurance Center, and Prof. Ernesto S. Elefan, Faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences, both Service Awardees, spoke on behalf of the staff and faculty, respectively.

The awardees are classified into faculty and staff, and grouped into 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 35-, 40-, and 45-year categories.

The following is the list of Service Awardees:

10-Year Category

Staff:

Cañas, Myla C.

Espinosa, Stephen John P.

Jalando-on. Francis Neil G.

Salimbot, Eddie A.

Samulde, Joemarie D.

Faculty:

Parreño, Margee Rose B.

Raso, Joy G.

15-Year Category

Staff:

Agriam, Hermel G.

Calinao, Manuel Jr. S.

Castigador, Dimpna C.

Catoli, Jose Wdwin C.

Forteza, Russell A.

Golis, Isidro A.

Javellana, Bob Rommel J.

Juarez, Jojee Roy T.

Pauya, Roderick G.

Salazar, Freya Grace B.

Soldevilla, Nathaniel V.

Vergara, Prim III C.

Lagulao, Sharton D. (Posthumous Awardee)

Faculty:

Alguidano, Ann Marie P.

Bermejo, Ghia Jay B.

Boteros, Julieta H.

Buenvenida, Jonah-El E.

Castor, Sonnie T.

Desamero, January Love A.

Doroteo, Hipolito C.

Española, Mary Janr I.

Espinosa, Sandraliza D.

Gales, Josephine P.

Giron, Linena O.

Gonzales, Henry D.

Java, Shiela A.

Jereza, Sampaguita M.

Lacson, Joy B.

Lazaro, Ely S.

Madlangbayan, Josephine, C.

Mendame, Alex Andrew C.

Ojacastro, Rose Lea Joy A.

Pamocol, Darill F.

Penaso, Rita E.

Pet, Arlene D.

Pillado, Jobert H.

Puertollano, Mae Ann B.

Sale, Melba C.

Sampiano, Ma. Lourdes N.

Siosan, Hannah C.

Suyo, Desssie C.

Villalobos, Mizpah, C.

Villareiz, Bernaldo B.

Zata, Lizel D.

20-Year Category

Staff:

Capangyarihan, Policarpio Q.

Caniel, Ma. Ligaya V.

Cortun, Edwin C.

Escobin, Samuel R.

Gayotin, Mary Bethany L.

Guillem, May M.

Lebrilla, Donald, G.

Lumawag, Winefredo D.

Faculty:

Bedona, Zacarias Jr. D.

Eriman, Edgar E.

Ermitaño, Betty C.

Gallos, Orlie R.

Grio, Mary Earl Daryl A.

Narciso, Jerson B.

Sapul, Ma. Shiela C.

Somosierra, Prel Faith V.

Talha, Samuel G.,

25-Year Category

Faculty:

Alibogha, Salex E.

Gerada, Edgardo P.

Juarez, Jennifer T.

Penetrante, Mary O’ T.

Sabid Ranier S.

Somo, Lily Lynn V.

30-Year Category

Faculty:

Equiña, Limuel R.

Gasataya, Elda P.

Jornada, Natividad S.

Molina, Dany C.

Porras, Ma. Corazon P.

Romarate, Esther Rose A.

35-Year Category

Faculty:

Garganera, Ma. Gina F.

Diesto, Valerie Ruth D.

Salaño, Ma. Nilfa S.

Valdez, Luis Jr. G.,

40-Year Category

Staff:

Felarca, Gloria C.

Madero, Ma. Rosalene J.

Faculty:

Armadillo, Ruben M.

Elefan, Ernesto S.

Java, Alma S.

45-Year Category

Faculty

Navigar, Joemarie P.

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

The ownership of the 24-hectare campus was transferred to Central Philippine University on December 25, 1969.

On December 25, 1969, Christmas Day, the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS), or what is now known as International Ministries (IM), turned over the entire university property—land, buildings, and equipment—to the Filipino Corporation of Central Philippine University.

However, before this Christmas gift to CPU was given, some historical developments first took place. In 1965, Russell Brown, a representative of the ABMFS, arrived in the campus and asked if the “safeguards to ensure Baptist control” was in place. The CPU Administration explained , that the provisions of the amended By-Laws of the Corporation as voted by the CPU Corporation on January 22, 1965, approved by the Board of Trustees on May 21, 1965, and ratified by the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches in its May 1965 Assembly, made “safeguards against CPU ever becoming non-church related” in the By-Laws.  The policy of CPU in its Constitution and By-laws stipulates that 33 out of 65 of the members of the CPU Corporation and at least 10 out of 15 of the CPU Board of Trustees should come from member churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. Thus, the founding philosophy was concretized and made into law.

Because of the changes to the Constitution and By-laws of CPU, the transfer of properties and leadership to the Filipinos materialized. On May 10, 1966, in the historic meeting of the CPU Board of Trustees, the University’s first Filipino president, Dr. Rex D. Drilon, was elected. Years after, in 1968, another momentous event followed. The ABFMS, in a meeting of its Board in the USA, approved the transfer of properties to the CPU Corporation. This paved the way for the Christmas gift to CPU on December 25, 1969.

From then on, CPU has continued to be true to its founding vision of EXCEL—Exemplary Christian Education for Life. This drive for excellence is evidenced by CPU being granted an autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED Memorandum Order No. 32, s. 2001). This status has been maintained by CPU since 2001. The most recent autonomous status granted to CPU is effective from April 1, 2016 to May 31, 2019. As of 2018, CPU is the only university in Iloilo City granted this autonomous status.

For SY 2017-2018, www.localpulse.net ranked CPU #18 in the country and #1 in Western Visayas with two CHED Centers of Excellence and four CHED Centers of Development-designated programs.

Meanwhile, UniRank (https://www.4icu.org), as of October 2018, ranked the CPU website (www.cpu.edu.ph) #1 in the whole Western Visayas. Furthermore, CPU was ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 Certified, and currently, ISO 9001:2015 Certified. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies.

Indeed, CPU should celebrate Christmas with a thankful heart not only because the American Baptists had given the whole campus to CPU on this day but, more importantly, we received the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ through the missionaries who came and served.