By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU Republic President together with Cong. Gary Alejano.
Exchanging insights—Cong. Gary Alejano of the Magdalo Party-List held an open forum discussing the pertinent issues regarding the West Philippine Sea at the Conference Room, Henry Luce III Library on November 26, 2018.
The said forum was attended by Centralians, primarily students of the CPU College of Law. Cong. Alejano discussed sovereignty, national territory, and other crucial topics together with the students.
According to John Michael Suelo, CPU Republic President, the aim of the forum is to promote awareness among Centralians about the many national and international issues affecting the country’s interest.
Centralians together with Cong. Gary Alejano.
A member of the climate change, health, higher and technical education, housing and urban development and national defense and security, Cong. Alejano has co-authored the following bills in congress: “An Act Establishing Marine Protected Areas In All Coastal Municipalities And Cities And For Other Purposes”; “An Act Establishing Special Education (SpEd) Centers For Children With Special Needs In All Public Schools Divisions”; “Providing For Standards And Guidelines, And Appropriating Funds Therefor”; “An Act To Regulate The Rational Exploration, Development And Utilization Of Mineral Resources, And To Ensure The Equitable Sharing Of Benefits For The State, Indigenous Peoples And Local Communities, And For Other Purposes”; and many others.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with CPU College of Nursing Dean, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha and BSN Class 1979 Member and Donor Ms. Rossini Gayares-Jovero.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, received several manikins and equipment in support of the Virtual Laboratory of the CPU College of Nursing from BSN Class 1979 President, Rossini Gayares-Jovero, on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. The turnover, held at the Board of Trustees Hall, was witnessed by CPU College of Nursing Dean, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha; Iloilo Mission Hospital Director, Dr. Wilmer Pedregosa; and other members of CPU BSN Class 1979.
Among the donated items endorsed to Dr. Robles for the virtual laboratory are Peritoneal Dialysis Simulator, 4 in 1 Adult CPR Manikins, 4 Incentive Spirometer, assorted drapes, dressing packs, and other items.
The donated laboratory equipment will be placed in the Virtual Laboratory of the CPU College of Nursing in the Loreto D. Tupaz Building.
In their endorsement letter to the University President, the benefactor nurses expressed delight to learn about the significant improvements in their Alma Mater, particularly in the College of Nursing. They assured the Dr. Robles that their class will be very supportive of the efforts of the Administration.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, Chair, 8th Organic AgriFair Seminar and Exhibits thanked the participating farmers, exhibitors, and guests for their continued support.
Promoting strong partnerships for massive food production—Central Philippine University and the Department of Agriculture held the 8th DA-CPU Organic AgriFair Seminar and Exhibits 2018 at the CPU Campus on November 26-29, 2018.
With the theme, “Ang Duta Bugay Sang Diyos, Aton Palanggaon: Healthy Soil Produces Healthy Crops for Massive Production,” this year’s AgriFair highlights the importance of sustainable farming practices in promoting a healthy soil.
For the opening program, Centralians and guests were welcomed by a medley of instrumental music using bamboo instruments by the students of Layog National High School.
The students of Layog National High School performing a medley of songs using bamboo instruments.
The opening prayer was led by Rev. Samuel Escobin, Associate Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
Dr. Reynaldo Dusaran, CPU Director of Accreditation and Instructions acknowledged the participants, guests, and accreditors.
For the welcome remarks, Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, Chair, 8th Organic AgriFair Seminar and Exhibits, thanked the participating farmers, exhibitors, and guests for their continued support to the AgriFair Seminar and Exhibits. He also emphasized the need of protecting the soil and the environment in these changing times: “[Our theme] places emphasis on the value of the soil as a God-given resource. We are living at a time when land for agriculture is continually decreasing while the need for food production is astronomically changing. This puts greater pressure on making the soil more productive. However we need to continually apply and promote sustainable [agricultural] methods.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the importance of public-private partnership in promoting and protecting industry. He also talked about organic farming as a sustainable way of protecting the environment and of producing vigorous and ample food supply: “It is important for us to develop strong partnerships in orders to strengthen farming. There is also the need for us to promote and to practice organic farming not only to protect and make our soil sustainable but to produce healthier produce.”
This year’s AgriFair celebrates the contribution of farmers and exhibitors in promoting organic farming.
For the keynote message, Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture Region VI, discussed the programs and the endeavors of her office in strengthening and empowering farmers in the region.
After her message, Dr. Robles led the ribbon cutting together with Engr. Recoter; Mr. Manuel O. Olanday, Regional Technical Director for Operation, Department of Agriculture Region VI; and Dr. Peter S. Sobrevega, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulation.
After which, Mr. Richard Geganzo, Science Research Specialist, Department of Agriculture Region VI, gave a lecture on “Soybean Production and Utlization” while Ms. Gevi Mae Tuburan, Supervising Science Research Specialist talked about “Field Verification, Testing of Carrageenan PGP for Enhanced Growth and Induced Pest and Disease Resistance in Rice and Corn in Region VI.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture Region VI, Dr. Reynaldo Dusaran, CPU Director of Accreditation and Instructions, Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, Chair, 8th Organic AgriFair Seminar and Exhibits, Engr. Amy Castigador, Director, CPU Office of Institutional Advancement and Prof. Levi O. De Los Santos, Director, CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning Center.
The 8th Organic AgriFair Seminar and Exhibits also featured talks on “Public Lecture Promoting Indigenous Weather Forecasting for Community Based Food Security” by Dr. Joyce Wendam, Wendam AgriBusiness Management and Consultancy Services; “Health and Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming” by Ms. Glenda Tupas Dee, Proprietor, Roselle Food Products; “We Are What We Eat: Tanan Nga Pagkaon Gikan sa Duta” by Dr. Hector Peñaranda, faculty of the CPU College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences.
By Keziah G. Huelar
The Himatuod Productions Team accepting their award for “Best Short Film.”
Celebrating the power of stories—Himatuod Productions of the Central Philippine University Masscom Circle was hailed as the winner of the 2018 CineMAYBANK National Short Film Festival at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on November 17, 2018.
The Himatuod Production Team is composed of Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, Director; Jonas Raphael Chan, Scriptwriter; Gail Alexie Tigley Rivera, Cinematographer; and Gabrielle Marie Perez, Production Designer.
Their entry Dribol, bagged the Best Cinematography award while its director, Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, received the Best Director award.
Dribol centers on the story of a basketball team hailing from the Aeta community of Nagpana, Barotac Viejo. The short film showcases the importance of resilience and determination which is brought about by celebrating friendship and identity.
Apart from a trophy, Himatuod Productions received 50, 000 pesos from Maybank Philippines.
A free screening of the 2018 CineMAYBANK Short Film Festival entries will be held at the Cenimatheque Center Manila, Film Development Council of the Philippines in Ermita, Manila on November 27, 2018, 1:00 PM.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with the Himatuod Productions Team.
The AdCom Production Team’s entry Kasing-Kasing was also hailed as finalist. The team is composed of Julie Ticar, Director, Jhet Zamora, Scriptwriter, Ronan Solas Dumaguit, Cinematographer and Rylestar Fortit, Production Designer.
Kasing-Kasing showcases the perseverance and unwavering love of a father for his family. The film was inspired by the story of Allen Llanera, who has Tetralogy of Fallot and his father Ed Llanera.
Watch their stories here and don’t forget to share it with your family and friends to showcase the talents of Centralian filmmakers!
Dribol: https://youtu.be/x_nyMEJzjEY
Kasing-Kasing: https://youtu.be/FY8HL73W3XE
By Keziah G. Huelar
Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an at the Asian Football Confederation Local Media Seminar 2018 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, CPU Sports Director, attended the Asian Football Confederation Local Media Seminar 2018 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 19-20, 2018.
The said seminar aims to establish the best practices and adherence to the media regulations of the AFC. It also seeks to highlight the role of local media in encouraging participation of local players and coaches to uplift the said sport.
A former media practitioners himself, Mr. Laru-an aims to use the learnings of the said seminar to promote football across the region through the influence of both traditional and new media in sharing the local stories and triumph brought about by the sport.
AFC was founded during the 2nd Asian Games held in Manila in 1945. Today it has 46 member associations.
According to its website (http://www.the-afc.com/about-afc/visionmission/): “The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has signalled its intent to become the world’s leading football confederation with the launch of its Vision and Mission. The new vision will see the AFC focus on the success of Asian teams on the world’s biggest stages and strengthen the level of fan engagement to ensure football is the number one sport throughout the continent.”
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Where safety and quietness reign, with room for thoughts and dreams and hopes, of peace on earth again – the poetic words of Jenny Claire Adams describing their refuge in Hopevale.
On April 10, 1942, Mrs. Ruth Meyer, wife of Dr. Frederick Meyer, wrote on her diary, “Bataan has fallen.”
The night before, April 9, 1942, 3rd Lieutenant Norman Reyes read the announcement written by Captain Salvador P. Lopez. The opening sentences read, “Bataan has fallen. The Philippine-American troops on this war-ravaged blood-stained peninsula have laid down their arms. With heads bloodied but unbowed, they have yielded to the superior force and numbers of the enemy.”
Six days later on April 16, 1942, the diary of Mrs. Meyer had this entry: “The enemy invaded Capiz and occupied the Mission compound. Frantic times. Night of the bodega looting.” On the following days, the missionaries and nurses in Capiz decided to evacuate and escape to the interior towns or into the mountains. They decided to scatter. On April 25, 1942, Mrs. Meyer wrote, “Evacuated our group to the Ula-ugan River. A new experience to live in grass huts—a feeling of safety in our seclusion.”
Later on, when the American Baptist missionaries settled in Hopevale, Tapaz, Capiz, they built grass huts as their home. Dr. Francis Howard Rose made a pencil drawing of their grass hut. The original drawing of their home in Hopevale is preserved in the Archives Section of the CPU Henry Luce III Library.
Jenny Claire Adams, a missionary nurse in Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, was with Dr. Frederick and Mrs. Meyer when they evacuated to Hopevale. Upon settling in their place of refuge in the mountains, she wrote a poem, dated May 23, 1942, describing the grass hut of the Meyers. She gave this poem to Mrs. Ruth Meyer on the occasion of her birthday on November 19, 1942.
Hut in the forest
By Jenny Claire Adams
There’s a little grass hut in the forest
Where the trees stand stately and tall,
Lifting their leaves to the sunlight
And catching the raindrops that fall.
Entwined by garlands of verdure
And flowers fragrant and fair
Boughs decked with clinging orchids,
Like flowers in the hair.
O little grass hut in the forest
Where birds gay-feathered and free
Join their sweet songs in medley,
Sharing their joy with me!
Bright fireflies flitting at night time
Like twinkling stars in the trees
Give a cheerful glow to the darkness,
And life to the spicy breeze.
O quiet grass hit in the forest,
With a crystal brook running near,
Gurgling and tumbling over the rocks
Its water so cool and clear
Lovely green ferns grow unhindered
Along the moist rocky banks,
Begonias lift blossoms dew-covered
And offer their silent thanks.
O peaceful grass home in the forest
Where safety and quietness reign,
With room for thoughts and dreams and hopes
Of peace on earth again.
O lovely ravine in the forest,
Where we patiently wait for a while,
Till the noise of the battle is over,
And we end our long exile.
More than a year later after writing this poem, on December 20, 1943, the 11 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 in Central Philippine University, 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.
By Nestle G. Taala
Mr. Libo-on represented CPU during the International Model United Nations held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 15-18, 2018.
“Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an extra-curricular activity in which students typically role play as delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees. This activity takes place at MUN conferences, which is usually organized by a high school or college MUN club” (https://bestdelegate.com/what-is-model-united-nations/)
For Niegil E. Libo-on, a fourth year AB Political Science and Public Administration student, a leader, a work student, and a certified MUN-er, “MUN enables the youth to see the world in a whole new and [wider] perspective. Through the MUN, the youth are taught of the importance of diplomacy and collaboration in order to provide comprehensive and effective remedies to the problems confronting the global community. Most significantly, MUN develops [a] sense of cooperation even in small day-to-day [activities].” From his experience, MUN has widened his knowledge on how to create impact in the society and the world.
Join the CPU-MUN and be global changemakers and dimplomatic innovators.
Because of his experience in his first MUN, the De La Salle MUN held in De la Salle University, Manila, Niegil became eager to participate in other MUN conferences. On June 1-3, he attended another MUN, this time, in Bangkok, Thailand. During his latest MUN abroad, the Malaya MUN in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 15-18, 2018 he was recognized as Verbal Commendation Awardee for Malaya Model United Nations International Economic and Social Council.
In the 2018 MUN conference, Niegil was selected as a member of the Dais, “the group of people in charge of a Model UN committee. It generally consists of a Chair, a Director, and a Rapporteur.” Meanwhile, he was also chosen to be the Vice Chair for UN High Commissioner on Refugees for the San Agustin MUN Conference on December 6-7, 2018 at the University of San Agustin, Iloilo and to be the Chair for Economic and Social Council in the Silliman MUN Conference on February 6-9, 2019 in Siliman University, Dumaguete City.
Niegil concludes that through his experiences in these MUN conferences, he not only gained knowledge but he was also able to build networks and connections with the participants from other schools and universities which, he thinks, would be beneficial for future activities.
Niegil also observes that this University is as capable of hosting a MUN conference. As a consequence, he and his fellow Centralian MUNers founded the Central Philippine University Model United Nations Society in which he was chosen to be the Secretary General. After a couple of meetings, they decided to hold the Central Philippine University Model United Nations or CPMUN, which will take place on February 21-23, 2019 with the approval of the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
According to Niegil, establishing the CPMUNSOC and holding the CPMUN is his way of giving back this university for all the moral and financial support it has given him. Above all, in these undertakings and achievements, he acknowledges God as the One who sufficiently gives.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Agricultural communities, the academe, and the business sector celebrate a week-long Organic Agrifair at Central Philippine University from November 26 to 29, 2018. This is the eighth since a partnership was inked between the Department of Agriculture Region 6 and Central Philippine University.
We look forward to this annual event celebrating the Agrifair, which is also an opportunity for us to give thanks to the Lord for giving us food to feed ourselves—fruits and vegetables from the soil, meat and poultry from the farm, fish and seafood from the waters that God has created for mankind. The celebration is also timely as November is “Thanksgiving Month.”
The Organic Agrifair is centered on promoting agricultural practice that does not involve the use of chemicals. It highlights the production of growing crops that are safe and healthy.
The advancement in technology has helped farmers facilitate the growth of their crops and livestock and increase food production resulting to more income.
In hindsight, these developments and opportunities come with the responsibility of taking care of the environment and the soil for sustainable crop production. Thus, this year’s Agrifair theme is “Ang duta bugay sang Dios, Aton Palanggaon: Healthy Soil produces Healthy Crops for Massive Food Production.”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Engr. Bernie Cangrejo has been recognized by the CPU community as a passionate educator devoted in producing globally competitive Packaging Engineers.
Almost 10 years after Central Philippine University started implementing its program BS Packaging Engineering, Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo, has shared his knowledge in packaging and updates on the development in the field. It should be noted that CPU is the only school that offers this program in the whole of Southeast Asia.
The CPU Packaging Engineering program began when Dr. Lejo C. Braña, a Centralian alumnus who has worked as an executive in a big packaging corporation in the US, came home to the Philippines for his retirement. Braña set up some packaging equipment and donated them to the University, including his books and instruction materials in packaging. A building was then constructed for the equipment.
A series of meetings with the Board of Trustees and administrators of CPU led to the creation of curriculum for the Packaging Engineering course in the College of Engineering.
Dr. Braña started with around 40 students enrolling in the said course. The student population has grown since then. The building which housed the equipment donated by Dr. Braña has been utilized as laboratory by the Packaging Engineering students up to the present. The Department of Packaging Engineering also accepts consultancy services, and their laboratory offers packaging services and design.
Engr. Cangrejo was the first faculty to be trained in the management of the operations of the packaging laboratory. He explained in the CPUTV Program, Looking Forward, that “the curriculum in Packaging Engineering also specializes in marketing, advertising, and industrial outreach.” He also clarified that “it is not all about the product package or the box; it includes calculations, strengths, and measures which are crucial in the production and delivery of goods.”
Prof. Cangrejo also talked about their outreach project in a select community. The outreach is an important part of the curriculum of Packaging Engineering students as it is one of the requirement for graduation. Prof. Cangrejo and his students conduct packaging seminars on agricultural products in municipalities and local government units: “The services to outsiders has also become progressive.”
At the end of the program, Prof. Cangrejo concludes, “I am very optimistic about the opportunities that abound for CPU Packaging Engineering right now and in the future.”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Engr. Dany C. Molina and Dr. Cirilo C. Calibjo were elected as national presidents of the Philippine Association of Engineering Schools, Inc. and of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers, respectively. They are the first Centralians to head these national organizations. This is also the first time since 1955 that the presidents came from non-Manila universities.
Engr. Dany C. Molina has been passionate in taking the CPU College of Engineering to greater heights.
Molina is the current dean of the CPU College of Engineering while Calibjo was a previous dean of the College of Computer Science
When Molina earned his BS Mechanical Engineering degree at Central Philippine University in 1987, he was recognized as the Most Outstanding Graduate. In October 1987, he placed 11th in the National ME Board Examinations with a rating of 92.4%. He proceeded to take his Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City in 1995 and pursue his post-masteral study with specialization on heat and power at the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, Australia in 1997.
Engr. Molina has served Central Philippine University since 1988.
Dr. Cirilo C. Calibjo, CPU alumnus and Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture of Angeles University Foundation,
carries the CPU banner of excellence wherever he goes. Photo Credit: http://www.auf.edu.ph
Engr. Cirilo Calibjo, for his part, obtained his MS in Electrical Engineering and PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 1996 and 2011, respectively. He completed his postgraduate fellowships in Computer Information Systems and Engineering at the University of South Wales, Australia in 1997 and Milwaukee School of Engineering in the United States, 2002. In 2014, the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) named him as the Most Outstanding Electrical Engineer in the field Education. Currently, Dr. Calibjo is the National Treasurer of IIEE. He is a Professional Electrical Engineer, ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer and an ASEAN Engineer.
By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU Vice President for Student Affairs and Chairman, ILOPRISAA, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico highlights the role of the athletics and cultural competitions in showcasing the best of Iloilo.
Central Philippine University welcomed hundreds of athletes together with their coaches from 51 schools all over Iloilo City as they flocked to the Rose Memorial Auditorium to witness the opening of the 53rd Iloilo Private Schools Athletics Association Sports and Cultural Meet on November 15, 2018.
The invocation was led by Rev. Samuel R. Escobin, Associate Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, led by Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator, CPU Cultural Affairs Office.
CPU Vice President for Student Affairs and Chairman, ILOPRISAA, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, welcomed the athletes, coaches, and guests to the event. In his speech, Rev. Gico highlighted the role of Iloilo PRISAA in showcasing the sports prowess and competitiveness of the Ilonggo youth: “We are challenged to further develop the athletics skills and the level of performance of our athletes with the aim of training them to be at par to compete internationally… Indeed, this is a tall order but it is possible. This is because from the ranks of PRISAA we have produced athletes that can compete… globally.”
Centralian majorettes welcoming the athletes and coaches from the different schools and universities in Iloilo.
After which CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his welcome remarks, encouraged the athletes and coaches to exhibit sportsmanship and unity for the pride of the Province of Iloilo: “You are in the frontline in this competition. We are here because we want to experience sportsmanship, responsibility and interaction with each other because eventually we will be a team [representing the Province of Iloilo].”
It was then followed by the introduction of the inspirational speaker, Ms. Juliette C. Gayoso, by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications, coach of the CPU Golden Lions table tennis team and the recipient of the 2014 Most Outstanding Coach Award.
Gayoso is an alumna of the CPU High School Batch 2009. In 2013, she bagged the National PRISAA Champion for Table Tennis Individual Girls and in 2014, she was recognized as the Most Outstanding Athlete. Gayoso graduated from the university in 2014 with the degree of Bachelor in Elementary Education. In March 2015, she ranked eighth in the Licensure Examination for Teachers.
Inspirational Speaker, Ms. Juliette C. Gayoso, encourages the athletes to be grateful for the skills bestowed to them by God.
In her message, Gayoso shared her experiences as a student-athlete. According to her, the sum of her journey could be expressed as SAD, an acronym that stands for sacrifice, attitude and discipline: “[For] me, I sacrificed my social life for the sake of my sport and I never regretted any of it.” She went on to share about the importance of recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of the all coaches in shaping the attitude and skills of the athletes: “Our coaches are there for a reason. Bear in mind, your coaches have families too, they have a job, and some of them are also teachers. The times they should be resting or spending time with their family, they are at the court, at the table, at the pool, at the mat—at your practice. They are our parents in sports. They are to be treated with respect, gratefulness, and appreciation.”
Ending her message, Gayoso highlighted the importance of discipline: “What we learn here in sports, we carry on in life. What becomes of us because of sports, we become in life. It is a constant battle. We carry on… the value of sacrifice, attitude, and discipline [and they] will [later serve as] skills [when you] face the daily tournament of living.”
Mr. Alfie Ahmed Diasnes lighting the urn during the opening ceremonies of ILOPRISAA 2018.
After her message, an intermission was given by the E-Crew. It was then followed by the raising of the ILOPRISAA Flag by the ILOPRISAA officers and the singing of the ILOPRISAA hymn “Alay sa PRISAA” by the Kundiman Chorale of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University.
The lighting of the urn was led by Mr. Alfie Ahmed Diasnes, National PRISAA Champion, Taekwondo and Champion, 2018 Jeju World Taekwondo Hanmandang, Jeju Island, South Korea. The oath of sportsmanship was led by Ms. Glaudine C. Troncoso, National PRISAA Champion, Women’s Volleyball Team and MVP, National PRISAA 2018, Tagbilaran, Bohol.
Rev. Gico then declared the opening of the 2018 ILPRISAA Meet 2018.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, General Sports Manager, encouraged all the players and coaches to be united in the goal of showcasing the best of Iloilo: “We are here for unity. We are here to choose the best athletes to represent the ILOPRISAA in the higher level. We may be [adversaries] in the game but let us be friends again after the match. We are here to gain more friends.”
By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, ZUIT President, Dr. Yao Xiyuan and Filipino Chinese Youth Culture Promotion Inc. Co-founder, Mr. Xu Bin together with the universities’ officials, faculty and staff.
Strengthening global ties in research—Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology are partnering together to pioneer the first Filipino-Chinese international research collaboration in the Region.
The international research partnership was established through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; ZUIT President, Dr. Yao Xiyuan; and Filipino Chinese Youth Culture Promotion Inc. co-founder, Mr. Xu Bin on October 30, 2018 at ZUIT, China.
In the said MOA, both universities agreed to conduct research studies on four phenomenon of interests, namely: “A Comparative Study of Eco-Tourism Education at Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology”; “Street Food Culture in Zhengzhou City, China and Iloilo City, Philippines: A Comparative Study”; “Healing Practices Using Popular Herbal Plants in China and Philippines: A Comparative Study”; and “Pre-Hospital Duty Preparations of Nursing Students at Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology: A Comparative Study.”
The CPU faculty delegation from the College of Nursing, the College of Hospitality and Management, and the Life Science Department are headed by Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs as research mentor. Previously, Dr. Rio has met with some of the Chinese counterparts for three days in order to reach a compromise pertaining to the methodology without affecting the integrity of the research.
CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio gave a lecture to graduate students on “Autonomous Status in Philippine Educational System” at Henan University in Henan, China.
The study, “A Comparative Study of Eco-Tourism Education at Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology,” is headed by Prof. Ismael A. Almajar, Jr. together with Prof. Ely S. Lazaro. Their ZUIT counterparts include Prof. Gao Zhaoming, Director of the Tourism Management Department, School of Management; Prof. Wu Ke, Research Secretary of the School of Management; Prof. Zou Lei, ZUIT Tourism Management Department and Prof. Sun Xiaomei, Head of the Tourism Training Center.
“Street Food Culture in Zhengzhou City, China and Iloilo City, Philippines: A Comparative Study” is under the direction of Prof. Myrna T. Luceno and Prof. Armando S. Hisuan. Their partners at ZUIT are Associates Prof. Ma Jing, Director of Economics Teacher and Research Section; Prof. Shi Kaiyan, Deputy Director of the International Trade Teaching and Research Section; Prof. Miao Nana, a lecturer in international economics and trade; and Prof. Zhou Jie.
“Healing Practices Using Popular Herbal Plants in China and Philippines: A Comparative Study” is led by Dr. Stella G. Fernandez together with Dr. Nicolas G. Guanzon with ZUIT counterparts, Prof. Li Ke, Director of Biopharmaceuticals Research Office; Prof. Zai Guangyu; Prof. Li Meng; and Prof. Zai Guangyu, a profesor in Organic Chemistry.
The fourth study entitled “Pre-Hospital Duty Preparations of Nursing Students at Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology: A Comparative Study” is spearheaded by Prof. Nelida L. Lamasan with members Prof. Melba C. Sale and Prof. Marites L. Robleza. ZUIT partner-researchers include Prof. He Qunli, Deputy Dean of ZUIT Medical School; Dr. Zhao Xinyong; Prof. Wang Yan, Assoicate Dean of ZUIT Medical School; and Prof. Si Xuyan, Director of Clinical Basic Research Office.
CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio observing a laboratory class in Xinxiang University. CPU hope to further strengthen its educational and cultural ties with the said university.
The CPU faculty have already administered the jointly constructed questionnaires to the Chinese respondents and the same questionnaires will be administered by the ZUIT faculty when they visit CPU during their winter vacation.
Both universities also agreed to pursue the publication and presentation of their research in an international research journal and conference. The research collaboration commenced on November 1, 2018 and shall be completed by May 31, 2019.
Furthermore, in line with the said partnership, on October 27-November 10, 2018, a research group composed of seven faculty members of CPU together with Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, presented their studies in two Chinese universities.
CPU faculty also gave lectures to the different colleges at ZUIT:
Prof. Melba Sales from the College of Nursing: Core Competency in Nursing Education
Prof. Nelida L. Lamasa from the College of Nursing: Nursing Education in the Philippines
Prof. Armando S. Hisuan from the College of Hospitality Management: Hospitality Management at CPU
Prof. Ely S. Lazaro and Ismael A. Almajar, Jr. from the College of Hospitality Management: Eco-Tourism Management and Tourism Programs
Dr. Stella G. Fernandez Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences: Philippine Biodiversity Status
Prof. Nicolas G. Guanzon from the College of Arts and Science: Research of BS Biology Program of CPU
On the other hand, Dr. Rio gave a lecture to graduate students on “Autonomous Status in Philippine Educational System” at Henan University in Henan, China.
According to Dr. Rio, the research collaboration with ZUIT will open more partnerships for international research and exchanges: “ZUIT faculty researchers will visit CPU on February 2019 to conduct the comparative study. They will be using the same data gathering instrument that the CPU researchers used in ZUIT. This is just the start; we expect more exchange programs and faculty exchanges in the coming years.”
Dr. Rio also highlights that CPU aims to be at the forefront of research in the region. He further explains that the university is currently pushing for more research partnerships and exchanges with various foreign universities: “Internationalization is being vigorously pursued under the administration of Dr. Robles. We are maximizing our efforts to conduct more faculty and student research partnership and exchanges. This will help us establish CPU as a pioneer in international research collaboration in the region.”