Prof. Leilani Fatimah Ledesma Trompeta, Director of the office of International Relations and Cooperation and Prof. Kay Arden Q. Gallo, Assistant to the President on Special Projects at the 1st China International Import Expo 2018.
Central Philippine University, represented by Prof. Leilani Fatimah Ledesma Trompeta, Director of the office of International Relations and Cooperation and Prof. Kay Arden Q. Gallo, Assistant to the President on Special Projects, joined the 1st China International Import Expo held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China on November 3-10, 2018.
Gallo and Trompeta showcased CPU’s academic and cultural programs, most especially the English curriculum of the university. They visited the Alibaba Campus and met with the Hangzhou Business Group and also discussed possible partnerships with East China Normal University, Shanghai Normal University, and Shanghai University.
CPU is one of the 10 universities featured in the Philippine National Pavilion during the said expo. The university’s participation was made possible through the help of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Commission on Higher Education.
The Central Philippine University Review Continuing Education and Consultancy Center in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Region VI will be holding the 8th DA-CPU Agri Seminar 2018 at the Knowledge for Development Center, Henry Luce III Library, CPU Campus on November 27-28, 2018.
This year’s theme will be “Agripreneurship: Turning Producers into Business Managers.”
The following are the seminar topics, dates and venues and registration fee:
If you have further queries, please feel to contact us at CPU RCCEC at telefax no. 329-0265 or 329-1971 loc. 1008, or cellphone no: 0945-321-4335. You may also email us at rcecc-cscec@cpu.edu.ph.
Bryan Paul L. Espinosa, magna cum laude, BSEd Major in English, encouraged his fellow graduates to excel for the Lord.
To our University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, our guest speaker, Dr. Rumalie Corvera, all members of the Board of Trustees, the administrators, the deans, our professors, the staff, our parents, family, friends and most especially, my dear beautiful and handsome graduates, hello! Good afternoon! How are you?
Today is 11.11. In the field of numerology, 11.11 is an auspicious sign, a sign of enlightenment and insight, a way for the Universe to tell us that we are on the right path towards growth and development. Among the Chinese, 11.11 is that one day in a year for people who can’t find true love to celebrate being single by wallowing themselves in online shopping. But to us, midyear graduates, 11.11 means a celebration of success. Reaching this point was not easy, and I am sure that we all share common stories. We all had days when we walked like zombies towards school for lack of sleep just because we stayed up in the wee hours of the morning to comply with a requirement. We also experienced having to see our friends graduate ahead of us because we failed a subject although we tirelessly did our best. Whatever the case was, for a moment, remember what you have gone through to reach this point. Indeed, it was not easy but it was worth it.
My journey towards this point was not a walk in the park either. I had to go to school in the daytime and to avoid adding burden to my parents, I have to go to work at night as an online English teacher from 6 till around midnight. Thank God, I didn’t have 7AM classes or I’d be dead. Because of my hectic schedule, the only time I really had to study was at school. I’d go to the library or find a room in OV or NV to study during my vacant periods. I promised to do my best in my studies even if that meant being awake for 24 hours—which happened only twice. However, despite how strong my spirits always were, I could never evade exhaustion. I remember while waiting for my next class, I would go to the Half-moon field, find a bench, and ask a friend to watch over me as I nestled comfortably with my bag as my pillow.
I was also a board member of the student council in my third year, a team captain of the COED debate society for two years, and thank God, I am still alive. I was relentless and still very healthy. I had goals and I was ambitious. I worked hard and it paid off. But mind you, I didn’t accomplish what I did on my own.
You see, I have amazing, great friends who are mostly work students; they added color to my stay here in Central. I have passionate teachers who inspired, motivated, and encouraged me—the faculty of the College of Education and our dean, Prof Junsay, the faculty of the English Department, and the other departments. Outside Central, I have my ever-supportive parents, my siblings, my Uncle Leo, the Espinosa and Landar families. I also have my Chinese students who have become my friends. Definitely, I thank the heavenly Father for giving me the best opportunities and for preparing me for them by sending me these amazing people. Indeed, I didn’t reach this far on my own.
Graduates, we didn’t reach this far on our own. So, on behalf of all the graduates, dear Central Philippine University, I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have been our home for the past three to five years. The memories we shared will always be here in our hearts. To our parents, teachers, and friends, do know how much you all mean to us.
Dear Graduates, God sent many wondrous people who shaped us and fostered in us values and principles to live by. So, as we go on our way and dance to the hymn of life and ascend towards success, let us not forget to breathe a prayer of gratitude for those who helped us get here and there. When setbacks and failure drop by however, let us embrace them and hear their whisper. Listen to what failures have to say, and drop them to your feet as fertilizers to help your branches bear flowers and fruits. Life was never easy and it will never be, but when we plant seeds of faith and hope in our hearts, we’ll grow wings and fly. As we take flight, remember not to compare the span of your wings with others, for you will wither in vain, because there will always be someone better and lesser than yourself. Fly at your own pace and at your own time. Enjoy the view. Appreciate. Love. Live. Always affirm that as we glide through the skies, God sends the wind, both cold and warm, to prepare us for a journey farther from where we are now. We have braved many storms, but we have also witnessed many rainbows. We have been prepared for many great things like gold molded in a burning furnace into precious jewelry. Now, we emerge victorious as instruments of God’s divine will.
Dear graduates, with everything that we have gone through, and now finding ourselves here, we deserve a loud applause! Do tell yourselves and your seatmates, “You are glorious.” Remember to embrace every single person who helped you find your pedestal and who helped you stand where you now find your feet. Let us remember to keep alive and burning the spirit for learning that Central has nurtured in our hearts, and let this burning fire be like a star that reaches and guides many people. Let us fill our cup to the brim with optimism and gratitude, with love and faith in the Lord. Let us carry Central in our hearts, and wherever our wings may bring us, let us remember God.
We are here because of Him. He has always been here. Right now, He is here, celebrating and enjoying this victory with us.
Congratulations, dear Centralian graduates! Let us all spread our wings and fly!
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Manny Palada (center) together with Pastor Jonathan Española and Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad.
Last Monday, November 5, Dr. Manny Palada visited the Good Shepherds Fold Academy, a former American School in Buenavista, Guimaras, where he met with a long-time, Centralian friend, Thelma Pagsuberon, who is a member of GSFA’s Board of Trustees. The meeting with Pagsuberon was joined by other members of the GSFA Board of Trustees: GSFA Chief Operating Officer, Pastor Jonathan Española; Pastor Roberto Tabuena; Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad, the President of the GSFA Alumni Association. The meeting resulted to a possible partnership on sustainability, development, and outreach. The Good Shepherd’s Fold Academy has more than 200 orphans who can benefit from this partnership.
Dr. Palada looked into the possibility to produce vegetables crops in a few hectares of arable land within the GSFA property. The produce will be shared by the stakeholders with possible income to be shared for the orphanage and campus development.
Manny, as Dr. Palada is known to friends and associates, is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Major in Plant Science from Central Philippine University. He earned his Master of Science in Agronomy from U.P. Los Baños, and his Doctorate in Horticultural Sciences-Vegetable Crops from University of Florida, Gainsville, Florida, USA. He is a visiting professor and a member of the Board of Trustees of Central Philippine University.
Manny has become an authority on moringa research, production and marketing. As such, he has earned the moniker “moringa man from Central.” As an organic agriculturist, Manny is dedicated to promoting malunggay (Moringa oleifera), which abounds locally and has been found to be a good source of anti-oxidant, vitamins, minerals, and the like.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Centralians Baek Sangmin, Juan Martin Montoya, Ric Louie Arroyo, Yanyan Gaitan, and Ralph Steven Legaspi will represent the Philippines in the International Esport Federation, League of Legends Tournament to be held in Langfang, China on December 2018.
According to its website profile (https://www.ie-sf.org/iesf/), the International Esport Federation aims to works consistently to promote esport as a true sport beyond language, race, and cultural barriers.
It can be recalled that the team also represented the country in the International Collegiate Cup SEA Qualifiers held at Xi’an, China on August 2018. They also represented the university in various competitions like the Visayas Conference Series, the Visayan Spring Finals 2018, and the Garena LoL Collegiate League PH Visayan Conference.
With the rise of esports, the university recognizes Centralian talents who are representing the university in various events in the era of the digital and electronic age.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Dr. Frederick Willer Meyer – a devoted friend, a faithful servant and a Hopevale martyr.
Dr. Frederick Willer Meyer, a medical doctor, his wife Ruth Violet Schacht Meyer, and a nurse, Jennie Claire Adams, were assigned as missionaries in the province of Capiz, specifically, to the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital before World War II broke out.
In one of Dr. Meyer’s letter to Dr. J.W. Decker of the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society based in 152 Madison Avenue, New York, dated May 17, 1943, he described with a hopeful spirit the underlying foundation as to why they continued the healing of ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ even in the midst of war. He wrote, “Our hospital—therefore—with no equipment, hardly any medicines with its missionary residue of personnel in grass hut buildings in jungle, sends our home folks loving greetings. We carry on—because of Emmanuel—God with us.”
Ruth Violet Schacht Meyer, the devoted wife of Dr. Meyer.
The American Baptist missionaries who chose not to surrender during World War II fled to the mountains of Tapaz, Capiz in a place they later called Hopevale. Dr. Meyer acknowledged Dr. Francis Howard Rose’s creativity in finding a place of worship. He narrated, “Dr. Rose’s beautiful outdoor cathedral is the Sunday meeting place.” In a separate letter dated May 18, 1943, Dr. Rose wrote that it was Mrs. Ruth Violet Schacht Meyer who would always sing during the Sunday worship service, and it was Dr. Meyer who provided a folding organ for their music.
Dr. Meyer recounted that due to the scorched-earth policy of the Japanese Imperial Army, their place was burned, some buildings, as well as, sadly, also their library, were destroyed. He likewise wrote that their compound (Capiz Emmanuel Hospital and Filamer Christian Univerisity) were used by the Japanese forces as a fort. Because of this, the hospital was evacuated into the interior parts of Capiz. Despite all these, the healing ministry continued. They scattered the hospital beds to different hill clinics and Dr. Meyer and Ms. Adams would do a lot of consultations after some long hikes. Dr. Meyer reported that the “residue of Emmanuel have been of daily service to the district; medical missions can carry on even in very trying surroundings.”
An old picture of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital.
A physician-surgeon by profession, Dr. Meyer was the Director of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital in Capiz from 1919 until 1943 with furloughs between 1924 to 1925, 1930 to 1931, and 1937 to 1938. He performed as a one-man physician-surgeon-administrator every day. In 1938, he was adopted by the Capiz Provincial Board as “a worthy son of Capiz.” He also founded the Capiz Medical Society.
Despite of the war, the missionaries found peace and calm assurance because of their faith. Dr. Meyer described their life in Hopevale: “The forest is a wonderful residence, monkeys, gaily colored birds all around us; sympathetic mountaineers, loving barrio folks, make our lives happier… We are very poor in earthly possessions, but God inspires our neighbors to be of great help, so there has been plenty of food.”
At the end of his letter, Dr. Meyer hoped that when peace would come, he could bring the whole story to the world. He assured his son, Milton Frederick, Jr., that they are praying for him and his brothers and that the couple missed and love their children very much.
Sadly, a few months later, on December 20, 1943, the 11 American Baptist missionaries, including Dr. Meyer and his wife Ruth Violet, were martyred because of their Christian faith in Hopevale, Tapaz, Capiz.
On April 12, 2002, Capiz Governor Vicente Bermejo, posthumously gave a plaque to the Meyer family for Dr. and Mrs. Meyer’s “selfless service” to the province of 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 Keziah G. Huelar
CPU’s newly-licensed Medical Technologists with Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church and the faculty and staff of the College of Medical Laboratory Science.
Honoring God in the lives of our newly licensed Medical Technologists—The College of Medical Laboratory Science held a Thanksgiving Service at the University church on November 13, 2018.
The invocation was led by Valnne Esther Billiones while the Prayer of Gratitude and the Litany of Gratitude were led by Gayle Dominique Calizo and Keanna Sina-on respectively.
It was then followed by the reflection given by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian. In his message, Rev. Sian talked about the importance of gratitude as a requisite in living a life of faith. Reading Luke 17:11-19, Rev. Sian encouraged the newly licensed Centralian Registered Medical Technologists to reflect on the story of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed. The account in Luke highlighted that only one out of the ten lepers came back to Jesus and thanked Jesus for the healing he had received.
According to Rev. Sian, beyond the success to be experienced by the new RMTs, the burning desire of the university is for them to pursue their profession for the glory and honor of the Lord. In order to do this, it is important to be grateful. “Gratitude is a choice,” Rev. Sian emphasized.
After the message, Rev. Sian led the Thanksgiving Prayer and the Benediction.
Ninety-five (95) Centralians passed the MedTech Board Exams held on September 22 and 23, 2018 in various venues in the country. CPU got a passing percentage of 86.79%.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Young.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Reflecting according to the verse, Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Young, president and founder of Living NEW Ministries International based in Florida, USA, said that we eat the fruit that the words we speak bear—both the good and the bad.
Rev. Young was in CPU on Friday, November 9, 2018, as speaker-lecturer for the one-day pastors’ seminar held at the CPU EMC. He was introduced by Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II, Coordinator, Health Fitness and Lifestyle Management. The theme of the seminar was “Say What? Your Words are Powerful”.
Rev. Young began the seminar with a challenge to the pastors—to preach from a new perspective—“like the Father in heaven telling his people how to live.” It was the objective of the seminar, he said, “to take a look at God’s Word with an unbiased and non-traditional perspective.” Furthermore, Rev. Young pointed out that “regardless of how we see God’s Word, due to our training or perspective it doesn’t change the truth of His Word.”
He encouraged the participants to open their ears to hear with a fresh attitude what God is saying to His church, reminding them that according to the Gospel, “we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak.”
The Seminar was organized by Central Philippine University College of Theology and the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc. It was attended by Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean,CPU College of Theology, Rev. Joniel Howard Gico, VP for Student Affairs and Pastor Jec Dan Borlado in behalf of CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Gerson Narciso.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Filena “Pani” Peñacerrada was a active member of the Baptist center Church Choir.
The late Filena “Pani” Peñacerrada, an alumna of the Central Philippine University High School Batch 1974, donated $100,000 for the construction Christian Education Building of the University Church this November 2018.
A loyal friend, Centralian, and servant of the Lord throughout the years, Nang Felina Peñacerrada, has been a supporter of the many programs spearheaded by the University Church.
According to Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, the said donation is of great contribution to the projected construction of the Christian Education Building. “The assistance extended by ‘Nang Felina Peñacerrada is a big help. Our projected budget [for the Christian Education Building] is 14 million pesos. Almost half of that [amount is already guaranteed because of that donation] and that is of great help… in the implementation of the Christian Education Program, not only for the church, but also members of the [CPU] community and [our] students. The building [could] also serve as a venue for fellowships, small group [meetings] without hampering activities inside the church,” Rev. Sian further explains in Hiligaynon.
Filena “Pani” Peñacerrada devoted her life in serving God by helping people.
The Christian Education Building will be erected at the back of the parsonage facing the left side of the University Church. It will be a multi-purpose building which will house the Christian Education Program office as well as function rooms for different activities and programs of the University Church. Rev. Sian clarifies in Hiligaynon and English, “[The building] will be a big help. Although the University Church is quite big, we still do not have enough room… [For example] our Sunday School is conducted in the lobby while preparations for worship service goes on [and that] creates a disturbance. [Or] when there is an activity in the church, small gatherings have no venues. [Also,] when we haves guests, for example, stranded pastors, we can offer our facilities to them. [The building] will be a big boost for the Christian Education Program.”
The Christian Education Program has always been an integral part of the University Church ministries. This program includes the children’s ministry, the youth ministry, the family ministry the community ministry, and, mainly, the student ministry.
The University Church and the Christian Education Program is forever grateful for the donation of ‘Nang Felina Peñacerrada and others who have also contributed greatly to helping expand the CPU ministry. Rev. Sian expressed his gratitude in Hiligaynon and English: “I’m very grateful to those who support the Christian Education Program. ‘Nang Felina Peñacerrada had always been a great supporter when she was alive. Even when she passed away, she left us with a great gift. We feel very blessed that we were included in her last will and testament. The Christian Education Program is flourishing because of the presence of volunteers and families who are involved in the ministry… That is why I am very grateful for people who possess the spirit of volunteerism.”
Rev. Sian believes that the completion of the Christian Education Building will soon become a reality because of the testimony and generosity of people like Nang Felina Peñacerrada: “All of this has been realized because of the generosity of those who believe in our Christian Education Program as well as the construction of the Christian Education Building… I’m very grateful for the full support of the administration for this project [especially that of Dr. Robles and the Board of Trustees]. Because of this support, we may be able to gather enough funds by January so that we can [immediately] start the construction even if [we don’t have the whole budget yet]. It’s a leap of faith on our part, but we have seen in the past that God is able to raise up in our midst generous people who believe that by giving to the program of the Lord, they are investing in spreading the [Gospel of the kingdom of God]. We are building lives here. [We believe], in God’s perfect time, it can be completed.”
For donations and inquiries regarding the construction of the Christian Education Building, please call (033) 329-1917 loc. 1013.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The CPU Henry Luce III Library is home not only to Centralian scholars but to different activities and programs that cater to holistic learning.
In recognition of the need to focus public awareness to the invaluable service that libraries and information centers render, the Henry Luce III Library of CPU celebrates Library and Information Services (LIS) Month. It joins the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Libraries and Information Services (NCCA-NCLIS) in the celebration with the theme “Ang Kulturang may Malasakit, sa Silid-Aklatan ay Makakamit.” The celebration will take place all throughout the month of November.
The University library’s activities include conducting and developing its services and promotion; producing and disseminating information, education, and communication materials for the 28th LIS Month through a campaign and photo booth at the CPU Scale Model area; conducting on-screen campaign through our CPUTV Channel and Facebook account thread about the observance by uploading photos, news features, and other information relative to the 28th LIS Month using the hashtag: #28thLISMonth; and setting up an exhibit of LIS student organization’s activities undertaken.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Strengthening global ties in research—Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology are partnering to pioneer the first Filipino-Chinese international research collaboration in the Visayas Region.
The said 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 study, “A Comparative Study of Eco-Tourism Education at Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology,” is headed by Prof. Ismael A. Almaja together with Prof. Ely S. Lazaro. Their ZUIT counterparts include Prof. Gao Zhaoming, Director of the Tourism Management Department, School of Management; Wu Ke, Research Secretary of the School of Management; Zou Lei, ZUIT Tourism Management Department and Sun Xiaomei, Head of the Tourism Training Center.
“Street Food Culture in Zhengzhou City, China and Iloilo City, Philippines: A Comparative Study” will be spearheaded by Prof. Myrna T. Luceno together with Prof. Armando S. Hisuan. They will partner with ZUIT Associate Prof. Ma Jing, Director of Economics Teacher and Research Section; Shi Kaiyan, Deputy Director of the International Trade Teaching and Research Section; Miao Nana, a lecturer in international economics and trade; and Zhou Jie, a student taking up Master’s Degree with a Major in Finance.
“Healing Practices Using Popular Herbal Plants in China and Philippines: A Comparative Study” is led by Dr. Stella G. Fernandez together with Prof. Melba C. Sale and Prof. Marites L. Robleza. Their ZUIT counterparts include Li Ke, Director of Biopharmaceuticals Research Office; Prof. Zai Guangyu; and Li Meng.
The fourth study entitled “Pre-Hospital Duty Preparations of Nursing Students at Central Philippine University and Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology: A Comparative Study” will be spearheaded by Prof. Nelida L. Lamasan with members Prof. Melba C. Sale and Prof. Marites L. Robleza. Their ZUIT partner-researchers are composed of Prof. He Qunli, Deputy Dean, ZUIT Medical School; Dr. Zhao Xinyong; Wang Yan, Assoicate Dean of ZUIT Medical School; and Si Xuyan, Director of Clinical Basic Research Office.
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.
At ZUIT, Prof. Melba C. Sale from the College of Nursing discussed her study entitled “Core Competency in Nursing Education”; Prof. Nelida L. Lamasa also from the College of Nursing, presented her study, “Nursing Education in the Philippines”; Prof. Armando S. Hisuan talked about his study, “Hospitality Management at CPU”; Prof. Ely S. Lazaro and Prof. Ismael A. Almaja discussed their study, “Eco-Tourism Management and Tourism Programs”; Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, discussed her study entitled “Philippine Biodiversity Status” while Prof. Nicolas G. Guanzon from the College of Arts and Science talked about his study, “Research of BS Biology Program of CPU.”
On the other hand, Dr. Rio presented his study entitled “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.”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulates the graduates and their parents for another milestone in their lives.
About 359 graduating students attended the first semester College Baccalaureate Service for the School Year 2018-2019 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on November 11. The processional of the candidates for graduation, faculty, staff, administrators, and participants of the worship service started at 8:30 AM.
The program started with the Welcome Remarks from the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. He welcomed everyone and shared that the turnout of graduates is a “shower of blessings.” The president encouraged the graduates to “always seek the Lord first,” referring to Psalms 37:4: “Delight thyself in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Youth and Family Ministries Coordinator, Pastor Lovejoy Franz Hestia Leysa, led the Call to Order after the Choral Introit. It was followed by the Invocation, led by Rev. Samuel R. Escobin, Associate Pastor, University Church. The Reading of the Word was led by Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, Christian Education Director, University Church. The Baccalaureate speaker for this semester, Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Young, was then introduced by Pastor Mary Grace F. Labis, Associate Pastor, University Church.
Baccalaureate Speaker, Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Young, encouraged the graduates to be awakened by the Word of God.
Rev. Young is the founder and president of Living NEW Ministries and is considered a pastor for pastors. In his message, “Awakened: What Now?” Rev. Young reminded the graduates that we are “awakened everyday by the question, ‘What’s next?’” He talked about one’s relationship with Christ, about being consumed by Christ, and about being a prisoner of Christ. He challenged the graduates: “What you are going to do with the gift you receive from God today?”
Aimee Rose U. De La Cruz, BSChem, Magna Cum Laude gave the response in behalf of the graduates.
After the message, the Prayer of Thanksgiving was offered by Pastor Leysa. Rev. Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, performed the Act of Commissioning. In response, magna cum laude awardee, Aimee Rose U. De La Cruz, BSChem, encouraged her fellow graduates to “Rejoice in the Lord… We are on to the next chapter of the journey with new trials instead of new exams and surprising quizzes”.
“Here I am Lord” was sung by the graduates for the Hymn of Commitment. Pastor Roger T. Quimpo, Outreach Pastor, University Church, gave the Benediction. Lastly, the Bahandi Singers rendered a send-off song for the graduates.
The Baccalaureate Service ended with a recessional at around 10:00 in the morning.