By Cyrus A. Natividad
Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean, CPU College of Nursing, introduced the Guest Speaker.
Central Philippine University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Batch 2021 held its Capping, Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony at the University Church on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 3 in the afternoon.
The ceremony began with a processional of nursing students. It was followed by the Invocation, led by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for CPU Outreach. Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, then welcomed everyone on behalf of CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. He acknowledged the guests and congratulated the parents for doing everything for their children’s success.
After which, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean, CPU College of Nursing, introduced the guest speaker, Christine V. Eyler, who graduated cum laude from the College of Nursing at Central Philippine University in 2004. She finished her Masters in Nursing-Health Care Leadership from the University of Washington, Tacoma, Washington USA in 2013 and her Doctor of Nursing Practice- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington USA in 2018.
Guest Speaker, Christine V. Eyler encouraged Centralian nursing students to be positive thinkers, to have a reason in all that they do and to be great CPU Nurses.
Eyler has received various recognition and awards—among them, Outstanding Nursing Graduate of 2004, Philippine National Red Cross Service Excellence Medal in 2004, and she ranked top 10 during the Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam. She has also worked with different medical institutions as a registered nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. She is currently based in the United States.
Eyler encouraged the student nurses to keep learning, from their capping moment until they become registered nurses. She gave them four challenges: be positive thinkers, have a reason for everything, have the intention to help others, and, lastly, be great CPU nurses.
After the message, the history of the first nursing school in the Philippines was read by Elsie Italia. It was followed by an explanation of the Significance of the Lamp and Cap by Nancy Grace P. Del Socorro, faculty, College of Nursing. The candidates were then presented for Capping, Pinning, Candle Lighting and Confirmation of Class 2021.
The Central Philippine University College of Nursing continues its commitment to excellence and professionalism.
Maria Lourdes Sampiano, Clinical Coordinator, called the Lighting of the Florence Nightingale Lamp. The Gideons, an Association of Christian business and professional who distributes bibles around the globe, gave Lamps and nurse’s Bibles. The Florence Nightingale Pledge was led by Adelfa D. Dusaran, Levels 1 and 2 Coordinator. Angel Love Hontoria Dema-ala, CPU nursing student, led the BSN Class of 2021 in the singing of their class song, “One Voice.” The Recessional followed after Rev. Quimpo gave the Benediction.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean CPU College of Nursing, and Nicandro R. Fucoy Palm Concepcion Power Corporation President and Chief Executive officially sign the Memorandum of Agreement.
Central Philippine University signed a Memorandum of Agreement as a third party research consultant with Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC) on November 21, 2018 at the CPU Board of Trustees Conference Hall.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, Palm Concepcion Power Corporation conducts periodic studies on the impact that the coal fired power plant has on the health and socio-economic status of residents within the one-kilometer radius zone of the power plant in Concepcion, Iloilo.
Central Philippine University, through its College of Nursing and Nursing Graduate Program, will be conducting the study in collaboration with the PCPC.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Nicandro R. Fucoy, Palm Concepcion Power Corporation President and Chief Executive and Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President. Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean CPU College of Nursing, and the staff of both parties were also present during the signing.
By Nestle G. Taala
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomed guests and thanked them for their presence.
Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) welcomed Metro Pacific Water as its new partner for the Metro Iloilo Water Distribution and Wastewater Management Project during the Joint Venture Signing on December 6 at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City.
The said event was attended by the honorable Senator Franklin M. Drilon, the officials of Iloilo City, and other guests. CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, also the Chairman of the Metro Iloilo Water Distribution, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “We believe that with public-private partnership, we can do more and we can do it faster than if it is only the Water District that’s doing [the work].” Dr. Robles was confident to share that the first Joint Venture Agreement, which will last for 25 years, aims to expand and give solution to the problem in the water distribution system and the wastewater management facilities of MIWD.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Sen. Franklin M. Drilon, Cong. Jerry P. Treñas and the officials of Metro Iloilo Water District and Metro Pacific Water look forward to the implementation of the venture as a means of improving water services in Iloilo.
Dr. Robles has been very active in supporting partnership programs with corporations and organizations here and abroad which benefits parties involved.
Meanwhile, his leadership in CPU has also opened a lot of opportunities for the institution to widen its scope and connections such as partnerships with international universities.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Loretizo was hailed as the Grand Winner of National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius”.
Centralian leadership and excellence—John Elmer Loretizo, a graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, and John Christian Española, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate, were named as national finalists in the 57th Search of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.
They bested 19 regional awardees and national nominees during the national screening assembly on November 24, 2018 at the RFM Corporate Center in Mandaluyong City.
Loretizo was hailed as the Grand Winner of National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius.” He is also a recipient of the GMA Network Excellence Awardee-Technology Based Category and of the Top Ten Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines Awards.
Under Española’s leadership, CPUR was recognized as one of the student organizations embodying the vision of #NowPh, an advocacy campaign of the National Youth Commission.
Española, on the other hand, is the 2016-2017 CPU Republic President. Under his administration, the CPUR was hailed as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the country. Through his leadership, CPUR’s advocacy, “Recycling Paper, Advocating Development in Society (REPADS) Project,” was recognized as a program that embodied the vision of #NowPh, an advocacy campaign of the National Youth Commission and the Climate Change Commission aiming to promote environmental awareness and initiatives.
The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) is an annual project of RFM Foundation, Inc. with the help and cooperation of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), National Bookstore, The Rotary Club of Makati Central and the RFM Group of Companies.
Mr. Jose Concepcion, a prominent businessman, was inspired by the tenets of Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines and because of that inspiration TOSP was born. Concepcion’s desire to honor students who are exemplars and leaders in their own academic fields and in their contributions to society resulted to TOSP being established on June 19, 1961, the 100th birthday of Dr. Jose Rizal, the embodiment of a model student who not only achieves academic citations, but also gives of himself to those in need. (www.tospac.org).
By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU graduate Marc Louise M. Failon ranked 10th in the November 2018 Chemical Engineer Board Exam held at PRC Testing Centres in Manila and Cebu on November 24-26, 2018.
A Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholar, Failon graduated magna cum laude in March academic year 2016-2017. During the said examination, he obtained a passing rate of 81.80%.
CPU also hails its 12 new chemical engineers. The university got a 100% passing percentage in the said examination.
According to the Professional Regulation Commission, 737 out of 1,043 passed the exams.
Celebrating Christ, the light of life—The Central Philippine University is inviting all Centralians and guests to the switching on of the “Christmas Lights @ Central” at the Centennial Walkway on December 7, 2018 at 6:30 PM.
Bring your friends and family as we celebrate the tradition of welcoming the yuletide seasons by illuminating the entire CPU Campus with a spectacle of lights and fireworks. It will be a night of light and music as Centralian talents are also set to perform and entertain attendees.
This year’s theme “Celebrating the Light of Life” highlights the birth and coming of Christ as the hope, salvation and joy of mankind. Join us as we celebrate the reason for the season of Christmas. The CPU community is excited to share with Ilonggos and guests the testimony of God’s faithfulness to the university and the lights of Christmas.
The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineering CPU-Student Chapter was hailed Champion in the 14th Regional Student Conference Annual Math Wizard and Second Runner Up in the Professional Quiz Bowl held at the Western Institute of Technology on September 29, 2018.
The Math Wizard champions are composed of Von Kleo B. Marcuelo, Julienne Marie B. Silvederio, Wilfred O. Boron, James Andrew M. De Guzman, and Calvin John B. Lead. The Professional Bowl runners up are Ziber Jee T. Ysulat, Jaj H. Sentina, Theodore Dyme A. Almacen, Daniel John J. Mallorca, and Jila M. Pancho. Their coaches are Engr. Alberto A. Java and Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne, respectively.
By Keziah G. Huelar
The annual Thanksgiving Worship Service is CPU’s expression of gratitude and praise to God’s faithfulness to the university.
Celebrating God’s goodness—Central Philippine University held a thanksgiving worship service at the University Church on November 28, 2018.
For the welcome greetings, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, encouraged the faculty and staff to reflect on God’s goodness to the University throughout the years. “First, we are thankful that we are gathered here today and we can look back to what has happened to our university – we can say that by the grace of God we were able to accomplish a lot of things and overcome a lot of challenges.”
After Dr. Robles’ message, the CPU Kindergarten Pipers and the Rainbow Ringers performed a musical rendition of “God is so Good.” Douglas David Alabe, CPU JHS student, gave a song number while the CPU Elementary School Rondalla played “Give Thanks.”
For the thanksgiving reflection, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, talked about the Christ-centered definition of gratitude. According to him, true gratitude first emanates from our knowledge of the very nature of God—that He is good and His mercies endure forever. Second, gratitude is a choice of the heart. Although being grateful can sometimes be a challenge, Rev. Sian heartens the Centralian community to recall the traces of God’s mercy in our lives, reminding ourselves that God has always been faithful and devoted to those who trust in Him: “As a community of faith, we have a reason to be grateful. Gratefulness is not based on the circumstances but on the Word and promises of the Lord. As what the prophet said, it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, great is [His] faithfulness.”
After Rev. Sian’s message, a thanksgiving song was rendered by Centralians, Eleanel Ruthvirl Idemne and Julia Marie Quimpo.
A thanksgiving prayer was given by Rev. Samuel R. Escobin, Associate Pastor, University Church while the benediction was led by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
A Zumba session before the fun run.
More than 500 students and running enthusiasts participated in the Organic Agrifair Fun Run on Monday, November 26, at Central Philippine University, signaling the first day of the DA-CPU event and opening of the program at the alumni Promenade and Concert Park. It started at 5:30 AM with a short Zumba exhibition exercises held at the Big Field in order to energize participants before the Run began.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President, delivered a message before sending off the runners, thanking them for joining the Organic Fun Run in support of the 8th Da-CPU Organic Agrifair -opening on its first day.
Ready, set go! Runners await the go signal.
Zen Juvelyn Tormon Clementer, CPU Alumni and expert Zumba consultant, offered to bring her group to perform in support of the event. The Organic Agrifair Fun Run ended up shortly before 7:00 AM.
The event was also supported by the PE Department, CPU College of Education and the Philippine Extreme Sports Explorer Club, Inc.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
One of the interesting events held at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park on Tuesday, November 27, was the painting competition based on the theme, “Ang Duta Bugay sang Dios, Aton Palanggaon: Healthy Soil Produces Healthy Crops for Massive Food Production.” Ten participants, mainly students from Central Philippine University, joined using latex paint as medium for their artwork. Cash prizes ranged from PhP2,000 for first prize; PhP1,500 for the second prize; and PhP1,000 for the third prize.
Mr. Mark Ortaliz, Chairman of the painting contest submitted the following winners:
First Place: Feldianne S. Aragon (BSDMIA-1)
Second Place: Edel Lorraine Brasileño (BSIT-3)
Third Place: Jaycent Louise Suaberon (BSEd-4)
Consolation Winners:
1. Frenz Karryl Geroso (BSEE-1)
2. Hartt Angel Alfaras (Elementary)
3. Reynald Kim Librado (Senior High School)
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Promoting a sustainable environment, the seedlings encourage backyard fruit and vegetable gardening.
The Department of Agriculture Region 6 generously handed out free seedlings and vegetable seeds in a gesture of support for this year’s DA-CPU Agrifair held at the CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. The agency is the partner/co-presenter of the annual Agrifair in CPU.
As early as 9:00 AM on the first day, November 26 (event launching), visitors were given different seeds and seedlings by DA representatives at the Promenade. Sitao, mongo, squash, and other legumes were among the different vegetable seeds distributed. Seedlings of organic plants and trees—such as calamansi, guayabano, mango and many others—were also given as tokens to visitors and guests.
The seed-giving is a yearly activity of the Department of Agriculture during the launching of the DA-CPU Agrifair.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The wandering trail that leads to the Hopevale Memorial is visited every year by Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches members.
As of 2018, the trail to Hopevale, Tapaz, Capiz is still difficult. However, there are now ongoing efforts to make a Hopevale pilgrimage trail so that people can go there to contemplate and reflect on what happened there. Looking back, more than 75 years ago, one can only imagine the way to Hopevale as the American Baptist missionaries evacuated to that area to hide during the war. There were no trails yet, no pathways to lead them where to go. They were trailblazers who were walking with faith and hope that the war would soon end so that they could go on with their missionary work.
Reflection and remembrance – the trail is a reminder that God paves the way for those who trust in Him.
Jennie Claire Adams, a missionary nurse, evacuated together with 10 other missionaries from then Central Philippine College, Filamer Christian College, and Capiz Emmanuel Hospital between April to May 1942.
On July 12, 1942, Missionary Adams penned a poem relating the trail to Hopevale to her own life’s pathway. Here is her poem:
Life’s Trail on my Wanderings
Through all my wanderings
My Lord has cared for me,
Although the path ahead,
I could not always see.
What though my feet should slip
What though my strength should fail
My Savior holds my hand,
While climbing up life’s trail.
The rocks may bruise my feet,
The thorns may pierce and tear
And heavy seems the load
That I am called to bear
But O, the heavy load,
Christ bore on Calvary
His nail-scarred hands and feet,
Were wounded there for me.
Then I should not repine
A little grief to bear
While He walks by my side
And I am in His care.
His promise I will claim
And trust Him day by day,
He never will forsake
He leads me all the way.
More than a year after writing this poem, specifically on December 20, 1943, Adams and 10 other American Baptist missionaries were martyred because of their Christian faith in Hopevale, Tapaz, Capiz.
On December 17-20, 2018, the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches will spearhead the Hopevale Diamond Commemoration to be held at Central Philippine University, at Filamer Christian University, and in Hopevale, Tapaz, Capiz. If you attend, you will surely hear more stories about these American Baptist missionaries and their Filipino counterparts.