By Keziah G. Huelar
Commencement Speaker, Dr. Rumalie Alparaque-Corvera, President and CEO of the Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Hospice Care encouraged the graduates to make Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of their lives.
Excelsior!
Central Philippine University held its 91st Graduation Ceremonies of the University Colleges of the first semester, school year 2018-2019 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on November 11, 2018.
Welcoming the 359 graduates with an overture is the CPU Symphonic Band with Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista directing.
The Invocation was led by Mr. Roger T. Quimpo, Outreach Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the Alma Mater Song with Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Director, CPU Cultural Affairs, conducting.
Celebrating the goodness of the Lord in the lives of our graduates.
For the Words of Welcome, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, commended the graduates for their hard work and perseverance. He also encouraged the graduates to recognize the role of God in all their success: “You have completed your college education and will now embark on your professional journey. This graduation ceremony is indeed a wonderful event to celebrate your achievement. This is now your reward for committing yourself to completing the task at hand even if it meant a lot of sacrifices and hard work, but let the recognition of your achievements be tempered with the realization that without God, we are nothing.”
After Dr. Robles’ message, CPU Vice President of Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, introduced the commencement speaker, Dr. Rumalie Alparaque-Corvera, President and CEO of the Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Hospice Care and a Centralian alumna of the CPU BS Medical Technology program in 1986.
Sharing her testimony, Dr. Corvera talked about the importance of making Jesus the cornerstone of her life: “Choosing the Lord as the cornerstone of my life has been the most important decision that I have ever made.”
Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, introduced the commencement speaker, Dr. Rumalie Alparaque-Corvera.
In her message, she highlighted that making decisions should be based on what one has chosen to be the cornerstone of his/her life: “We could choose the cornerstone of wealth and power, others the amassing of knowledge or maybe some decide to build their life on the foundations of relationships, or maybe, some haven’t decided on their cornerstone yet, perhaps the reason for having no clear direction. Some even think of becoming their own cornerstone, thinking that they will get through life on their own.”
Dr. Corvera shared her life in the US and her passion and experiences. One such experience was being diagnosed with dengue in 2009. That experience taught her to conquer her own fears: “I can conquer because He is my cornerstone. Because the Lord is my cornerstone, I have been empowered to live a life of purpose beyond myself.”
After the commencement address, Dr. Robles, assisted by Miss Charissa June G. Deocampo, Acting Registrar, and Miss Emerald Joy E. Perucho, Assistant Registrar, led the Conferral of Degrees and Investiture of Hoods.
After receiving their diplomas, graduates will receive a token from CPUAAI members.
Graduates from the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Computer Studies; College of Education; College of Hospitality Management; College of Medical Laboratory Science; College of Medicine; College of Pharmacy; College of Engineering; College of Theology; and School of Graduate Studies received their diplomas and hoods.
For the response on behalf of the graduates, Bryan Paul L. Espinosa, BSEd Major in English, magna cum laude, encouraged his fellow Centralians to appreciate their difficulties and to listen to the people who have helped them in their journey. He also highlighted the importance of being hopeful and obedient to the promises of God: “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 dropped 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.”
The Charge to the Graduates was then given by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Psator, University Church. It was followed by the Pledge of the Alumni led by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPU Alumni Association Inc.
The hymn “Central Spirit” by Dr. Francis Howard Rose was then sang. After which, Rev. Sian led the Benediction.
Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
American Baptist missionaries and CPBC members visited the “Cathedral in the Glen” after World War II.
In a letter dated May 18, 1943, marked “Strictly Confidential,” addressed to a certain “Dr. Decker and all at the Rooms” of the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society, Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose described their situation in the mountains of Tapaz, Capiz after 13 months.
Dr. Rose, a gifted artist, described the setting of the “Cathedral Glen Community Church”—a label that he himself made. He wrote, “Near our camp there is a beautiful deep dry gorge with giant trees growing in it. Here during the first weeks of our pilgrimage I built seats, altar, pulpit and lectern, all of wild or uncut stones and small rocks and we have conducted worship in this place every Sunday…” Furthermore, he narrated, “Several missionaries take their turns at conducting worship and the doctor’s wife sings solos frequently. A folding organ is provided by the evangelistic missionary from the Doctor’s compound.”
As a pastor, Dr. Rose continued his pastoral ministry in “Hopevale.” He recounted, “One Easter Sunday, I had the joy of baptising a thirteen year old boy, son of one miner couple here, in a beautiful shady pool in a little mountain river that flows by not far from our camp. About a hundred attended this Easter service.” He even visited some nearby churches: “Church work is going on in town and country with remarkable fortitude on the part of pastors and congregations. Last Sunday I preached at a country church about eight miles from the nearest enemy outpost and a half mile from the provincial highway; eighty people present, mostly women and children, however.”
This pathway and lush forest stood witness to the testimony and faith of the Hopevale martyrs.
As the American Baptist missionaries were with fellow evacuees, Dr. Rose praised the generosity of the Filipinos who were with them. He wrote, “They have proven to be very helpful to us and all are of a disposition pleasing to live with even in such trying circumstances. Some of them have lent us money liberally to help us along until we are able to draw our salary again… The national protestant Christians near here have been extremely helpful in getting supplies for us… Some have risked their lives for us, not once nor twice, but some several times.” He described what they were eating: “We have always had plenty of food here; some canned goods, but mostly native things, with plenty of good fruits in season, pork and carabao meat occasionally, as with sweet potatoes and sweet corn.”
The letter signed by Francis and Gertrude Rose ended with these words, “God be praised it so well with us to date. Love to all.”
Seven months after the letter was sent to New York, USA, the 11 American Baptist missionaries, including Dr. Rose and his wife Gertrude, 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 will attend, you will surely hear more stories about these American Baptist missionaries and their Filipino counterparts.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
RCJC President Evelyn Rose A. Catilo (right) and RCJC Auditor Rtn Dolores Mendiola at the Tree Planting site in San Dionisio, Iloilo.
The CPU-Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline once again showed its commitment to serve. On Tuesday morning, November 6, CPU-RCJC, in partnership with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO-Sara Center), carried out a tree-planting activity in San Dionisio, Iloilo at Barangay Pangi. The youth organization, CPU-RCJC Rotaract, was also involved in the said activity. Seedlings were provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The tree-planting activity is in response to the government’s reforestation program. More than 800 hectares is dedicated for the project of reforesting and generating income for several community volunteers including the Pangi Active Community Development Association (PACDA).
DENR provided seedlings to the volunteers who will receive PhP 25.00 for every tree that grows in 10 months. The CPU-Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline waived the incentive and instead asked that it be awarded to PACDA.
The successful activity was fully supported by Mr. Rene Grande Abordo, Officer in Charge of CENRO Sara Area of Operation.
CPU- RCJC President Evelyn Rose Abordo Catilo promises more such programs and projects to be pursued this year. “The CPU-RCJC will have more community service activities since the partnership of our club and Central Philippine University has benefited many communities in Iloilo,” Catilo said.
CPU-RCJC has been reaching out to recipient communities and organizations on projects such as medical and dental missions, education, and other advocacies.
The university hails its 33 new Electronics Technician who successfully passed the October 2018 Electronics Technician Licensure Examination.
According to the Philippine Regulation Commission, 2,944 out of 3,605 passed the said examination. CPU got a passing percentage of 97.06%
Central Philippine University congratulates its new 19 Centralian electronics engineers who successfully passed the Electronics Engineer (ECE) Board Exam on October 2018.
The university got a passing percentage of 54.29% in the said examination. According to the announcement of the Philippine Regulation Commission, 2,326 out of 4,700 passed the said examination.
Central Philippine University hails its three new Centralian chemists who successfully passed the Chemist Licensure Exam held on October 2018.
The university got a passing percentage of 66.67%. According to the Philippine Regulation Commission, 496 out of 1,101 passed the said examination.
CPU congratulates Mr. Lemuel Alorsabes Biñas for successfully passing the technical evaluation as Professional Electronics Engineer held this October 2018.
As announced by the Philippine Regulation Commission, 69 individuals passed the Technical Evaluation.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Excellence and wit—The Central Philippine University College of Engineering bagged the second and third spots in the 1st JPIChe Junior Chapter Visayas Quiz Bowl held at the University of San Agustin on September 14, 2018.
CPU Team 1 composed of Renan Bilan, Asheirra Salde Torre, Liezl Chan, and Froiland Decoriña placed second while CPU Team 2 composed of Ivan Jan Romero, Shienel Casite Salvador, Ernest Troy Saquibal, and Cedric Fritz Biso got the third spot.
The said competition was held in-line with the 1st General Assembly of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers, Junior Chapter, Visayas.
By Keziah G. Huelar
The CPU Golden Lions Volleyball Team with coach Mr. Giovanni Yu.
The Central Philippine University Golden Lions was hailed as Champions during the Wilson 3×3 Basketball Challenge and 2018 Hukbong Dagat Volleyball League held at PAREF-Westbridge School for Boys Gym and Iloilo Doctors’ College Gymnasium respectively.
On November 3, 2018, the CPU Golden Lions Basketball Team led by Victor Demadara, Christian Caturas, Elcyd Pascual, and Jose Glen Cudo bagged the Wilson 3×3 Basketball Challenge championship, 19 and Under Category.
They will represent Iloilo in the national level in May 2019.
CPU Golden Lions Volleyball Team Tertiary Men claimed the 2018 Hukbong Dagat Volleyball League championship on November 5, 2018.
The CPU Golden Lions Basketball Team receiving their certificates for being hailed as Champions in the Wilson 3×3 Basketball Challenge. Photo Credit: Tobbe Diaz De Leon-Abad
CPU was represented by head coach, Giovanni Yu and players Dan Miguel Yu, Harry Flores, John Reece Infante, John Paul Guzman, John Paul Guzman, Joven Malihan, John Peter Orbina, John Louie Sorgon, Deo Ampardo, Kian Royce Andrade, Gifred Caoyonan, Jason Lloyd Dadivas, Paolo Doronila, and Francis Michael Espinosa. They were led by team captain, Jason Gabo.
They defeated the Hukbong Dagat team, ending the game with 21-23, 21-15, 15-11.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The Enhanced Feasibility Seminar aims to enhance private and public services.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 6 has requested three expert professors from Central Philippine University for help in conducting an Enhanced Feasibility Seminar held at the Smallville 21 Hotel from October 29-31, 2018. Prof. Patrocenio “Pat” Pudadera, Prof. Gilda Monsale, Dr. Jun Gallos, and Dr. Jessica Chin served as resource speakers.
The goal of the three-day seminar-workshop was to prepare LGUs in the concept of public-private partnership. The event included a business matching forum. It was attended by possible private partners that could fund viable proposals from identified LGUs.
The four CPU faculty members shared their expertise in helping check the viability and feasibility of the project as proposed by the LGU or private/business sector (solicited or unsolicited). The seminar-workshop was the second time for DILG to request faculty resource speakers from CPU.
By Mysel E. Taladhay, BSAE 4
CPU delegates to the 1st PSABE-PPG Regional Convention.
Another success was brought to Central Philippine University by BS in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering students after they were declared as overall Champion in the 1st Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE)-Pre-Professional Group (PPG) Western Visayas Regional Convention held on October 25-28, 2018 at Central Philippine State University (CPSU) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
With the theme, “PSABE-PPG: With full responsibility, comes greater PSABE-lity,” the four-day event served as a venue for learning and camaraderie amongst the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE)/Agricultural Engineering (AE) students in Western Visayas.
The said event officially opened on October 25, 2018 and was attended by four student chapters in Western Visayas coming from Central Philippine University (CPU) with 39 student delegates and 2 advisers, Central Philippines State University (CPSU) with 85 student delegates and advisers, Capiz State University (CapSU)-Pontevedra Campus with 49 student delegates and 2 advisers, and CapSU-Burias Campus with 2 student participants. The CPU team was led by its program Chairperson, Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, and new faculty member, Engr. Dee B. Lucena.
The second day focused on lectures and actual learnings from the invited resource persons, namely: Engr. Imelda Fernandez, Mr. Carlo Willisfer Jontilla, and Engr. Roy Villarin who shared their expertise on topics Value Chain Analysis, Introduction to Applied Geotagging Tool Technology (AGT), and Basic Operation on Drone, respectively.
Trophy, medals and certificates received by CPU delegates.
The knowledge and skills competition of the students were conducted on the third day. Contests include Mr. and Ms. PSABE 2018, Got Talent, Poster Making, Computer-Aided-Drafting (CAD) Challenge, ABE Quiz, Surveying Challenge, and Tractor Parts Identification. Except for the first four, the contestants per team/chapter were selected randomly after registering to allow all participants to prepare well for the competition.
The winners in the different contests which made CPU the overall champion were Richard Manolo and Chiara Alexandra Gualin, who were judged as Mr. and Ms. PSABE-PPG 2018. The pair also won other awards like Best in Production Number, Best in Talent, and Best in Formal Wear. The other winners were Joesan Marie Ferasol, Chiara Alexandra Gualin, Dece Rae Arostique, Richard Manolo and Jan Michael Suropia-first place, ABE Quiz; Mark Gio Solar, Bryan Jy Laos and Sheralaine Briones-first place, CAD Challenge; ABE Team-second place, PSABE-PPG Got Talent; Arnel Decretales-second place, Tractor Parts Identification; Emheryn Grace Calitisin and Mysel Taladhay-both tied in third place, Tractor Parts Identification; and, Van Sumalde, Ara Kaye Arguelles, May Joy Sombiro, Cherryl Perra, and Nestlie Arcos-third place, Surveying Challenge.
Furthermore, Richard Manolo, Emheryn Grace Calitisin and Jirah Mae Cataluña were elected as the new PSABE-PPG Western Visayas Chapter President, Secretary, and member of the Board of Trustees, respectively.
“I have learned that even though we are small in number, we were able to compete and showed them what we got. Through unity, cooperation, and, most of all trust in God, nothing is impossible,” Joesan Ferasol, a graduating BSAE student, claimed when asked what they had learned in the event and how they brought CPU to the top.
The First Place winners will represent and compete for the Western Visayas Chapter during the PSABE-PPG National Convention which will be held on the fourth week of April 2019 in Bacolod City.
The PSABE-PPG Western Visayas Regional Convention is held every two years and CPU was chosen to host it on October 2020.
By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU “iron woman” Jacqui Rose Lamparero dedicates her victory for the glory of God and the pride of Central.
CPU “iron woman” Jacqui Rose Lamparero, a 1st year BS Psychology student bagged the top spot in the Black Arrow Express 5150 Triathlon Subic Bay, Female 15-19 Category held at Subic Bay on November 4, 2018.
Lamparero was able to finish the 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km course in 2:36:16, bagging first place in the said category. She finished 62nd out of 594 contenders around the globe.
Previously, Lamparero ranked No. 1 in the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) Leg 4 Women Sprint Distance in Cagayan De Oro, besting 30 other contestants from all over the country. She also won first place in the Sprint Distance 16-19 Age Group Female Title in the recently concluded National Age Group Triathlon 2017 Subic Leg on January 29, 2017 at ACEA Subic Bay (formerly Sands of Triboa) with 1:19:45. The Sprint Distance includes a 750 m swim, 20 km bike and 5 km run.
She also joined the 2017 Triathlon Asian Championship held at Jakabaring Sport City, Palembang, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The race was organized by the Asian Triathlon Confederation. Lamparero was able to finish the 750 m swim, 20 km bike and 5 km course in 01:21:31 placing 22nd among international contestants in the Junior Elite Female category. The winner, a Japanese, finished the race in 01:05:43.