Central Philippine University hails its 13 new Chemical Technicians who successfully passed the Chemical Technician Board Exam held in Manila, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu City on October 11, 2018.
According to the Professional Regulation Commission, 1,673 out of 1,916 passed the said examination. CPU got a passing percentage of 100%.
By Nestle G. Taala
Jynea receiving her award Best Student Paper from Prof. the Hon. Dr. Stephen Martin, Chairman, Board of Governors, Global Science and Technology Forum (GSTF).
Jynea Baldevarona, a first year student of Master of Arts in English Language and Literature (MAELL) at Central Philippine University, won Best Student Paper in the 7th Annual International Conference on Journalism & Mass Communications (JMComm) at Hotel Canning, Singapore on October 22-23.
The JMComm 2018 was organized by the Global Science and Technology Forum and was attended by 19 delegates across the world.
Baldevarona presented her undergraduate research paper entitled “The Unique Features of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Public Statements: An Assessment” during the fourth session (“Involving Citizen”) in which she bested two other presenters in the same category.
Jynea presenting her undergrad research entitled The Unique Features of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Public Statements An Assessment.
Baldevarona, also a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from this university, cum laude, expressed her surprise when her name was announced in the awarding ceremony of the said event: “I came to Singapore just to present my paper. But I was [so] shocked that I didn’t move for a while because I was waiting and confirming if it [was] really my name being called.”
The researcher is thankful since this success would not be made possible without her research adviser, Prof. Anna Mae Zerrudo; the Department of Languages, Mass Communication and Humanities (DLMCH) family; Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; her fellow presenters; family and friends; and the Lord, who became her strength and guide in her journey to JMComm 2018.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Atty. Ramon Muzones devotion to uplift Hiligaynon literature has earned him the distinction of National Artist for Literature. Photo Credit: Philippine Cultural Education Online
Centralian excellence—Atty. Ramon Muzones, a former Iloilo City Councilor and a graduate of the CPU College of Law in 1952 has been posthumously hailed as National Artist for Literature by President Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañang Palace on October 24, 2018.
During his lifetime, Muzones wrote over 62 novels, most of them in Hiligaynon. His popular works in include Kuting-Kuting sa Kudyapi, Tibud nga Bulawan, Maambong nga Sapat, Bagong Maria Clara, Margosatubig , which became the first Hilgaynon bestseller, and many others.
In 1988, Muzones received the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas ng Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas, Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in1989 and the Gawad Bonifacio sa Panitikan Centennial Award granted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 1997.
He co-founded Sumakwelan, a pioneering organization of Hiligaynon writers and poets promoting Hiligaynon literature. Hailing from Molo, Iloilo City, he wrote works depicting the rich culture of the Ilonggos, their strength and values.
Muzones is the second Centralian to receive such prestigious award, the first being Leonor Orosa-Goquingco, the valedictorian of CPU Elementary Batch 1929. She was hailed summa cum laude when she received her diploma in Education majoring in English literature from St. Scholastica’s College Manila. In 1976, she received the coveted title of National Artist for Dance.
Insight
by Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU’s United Nations Celebration highlights the value of respect and appreciation of all cultures.
Before we had the parade of nations—the parade of costumes and international flags to celebrate the United Nations—there was the League of Nations. The League of Nations differed from the United Nations in that the former was consisted of European countries. Due to its inefficiency, most of the small member nations pulled out of the organization, which was formed after Word War I and whose main objective was only to prevent war.
On October 24, 1945, in San Francisco California, the United Nations organization was founded. Its aim, among others, is to prevent another international conflict after World War II.
One of the aims of the United Nations is the United Nation’s Development Plan (UNDP), which focuses on issues relating to poverty. UNDP understand poverty as “not having education.” As of late, the UN reports that about 1.3 billion all over the world are affected by multi- dimensional poverty, which includes education. According to the report, half of them are kids or teenagers.
This understanding of poverty is one of the reasons why we celebrate the United Nations with the representations of colorful costumes and flags of different nations. Through these symbols, we wish to espouse solidarity for world peace and eradication of ignorance.
No only these celebrations but through the University’s overall mission and vision, CPU wishes to take part in providing workers and citizens who are educated and contribute to the development of the world and of humanity.
Keziah G. Huelar
PinasForward aims to create social change by empowering the Filipino youth. Photo Credit Pinas Forward PH.
Celebrating Bayanihan—PinasForward, a community-based organization aiming to empower the Filipino youth, held a forum at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park on October 9, 2018.
Welcoming students and guests, CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, highlighted the importance of forums in promoting awareness and education. He also commended PinasForward for starting such information campaign.
Speakers of the event included Mr. Gian Paolo Dingcong, former GK Movement Building Team Leader for Region VII and Special Projects Team Head for PRO-Friends and GK Partnership in Iloilo Province; Myra Ortega-Coco, former GK full-time worker and currently the Branch Operator of Human Nature Iloilo and Wealth Management Consultant for PRU Life UK; and Kim Nabo from GK Movement Building Iloilo and Antique.
According to its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/story/reader/?page_story_id=531771930577860), PinasForward is “an advocacy for nation-building by Barangay Walang Iwanan. [It] aims to hold talks and forums to stimulate discussion about how we can use technology to achieve national progress through ordinary acts of community engagement and volunteerism. Through these activities, PinasForward will serve as a platform to reinforce the Filipino’s innate capacity to dream, lead and pioneer social change by harnessing Filipino ingenuity and creativity.”
by Keziah G. Huelar
The life of Tatay Cyril reminds us that beyond success, a man of good character is more worthy of praise. In Photo: Tatay Cyril together with James Estinico, Head, Grounds Department, returning the lost cell phone to its owner, Leo Torres, a CPU BS BABM student.
Despite being 64, the only crease one can see in Tatay Cyril’s face is a friendly smile, greeting teachers and students in the campus. One could always see him cleaning the College of Engineering Building, even the Big Field. Simple these tasks of cleaning the school campus may be, but they have contributed to CPU being named as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country by www.buzzfeed.com in 2015.
Tatay Cryil started serving Central Philippine University in 1985 as one of its grounds personnel. For 33 years, Central Philippine University became his second home. Here, he labored for the dreams for his children and for his love for Christ, believing that all things work together for good to those who love God and to those who work according to his purpose.
“Una ko di nga ubra sa CPU pamanday, ilis sang mga sin sang atop, pang- lawn mower,” Tatay Cyril shares. According to him, he chose to work at CPU because the University was known to be a good employer: “Ang mga opisyales sa CPU mahapos isturyahon. Gapasalamat guid ko okay anom ko ka bata diri nag-graduate sa CPU. Biskan ang apo ko gani diri na naga-eskwela.”
As part of the ground personnel, he has seen how students would be negligent in throwing their garbage: “Hambal ko gani sa mga upod ko dapat malipay kita kay tungod gapang-haboy ang mga estudyante. Amo na nga may ubra kita. Pero dapat man nga maging responsabli kita sa kung ano nahaboy ta.”
Of his six children, three graduated from the College of Hospitality Management, two from the College of Business of Management, and one from the College of Education. Tatay Cyril shares that he wanted his children to study in CPU because of the high standard of education and the free-tuition program CPU has allotted for its faculty and staff.
After his wife died in 2001, Tatay Cyril raised his children alone: “Sang 2001, nabungguan sang jeep akon asawa. Dala niya to ang amon agot sang gin-bongguan siya, pero nabuhi ya ang amon agot kay gin-pahigad siya sang asawa ko.”
Tatay Cyril met his wife in Iloilo in the 80s. She was working as a manicurist when they fell in-love: “Ga-manicure siya sa isa aka parlor. Suki niya na day Ma’am Libo-on kag Ma’am Padernilla.”
He never married again, sharing that after his wife died, he decided to focus all his time and effort to raise their children: “Siguro kung nang-asawa ko liwat, wala ko guid napatapos ang akon mga kabataan.”
When asked how he managed to have the strength to persevere despite the many challenges he faced in life, Tatay Cyril shares that praying and reading the Bible has been a source of encouragement and faith: “Ga-pangamuyo ko sa Diyos tapos gabasa Bibliya. Kag dapat indi mo lang pag-basahon. Kilanlan ubrahon mo man kung ano ang naka-butang. ”
In the first week of October 2018, Tatay Cyril returned a cell phone left at the SMILE Hill on the Half-Moon Drive. After getting the said phone, he gave it to the office of Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Communications Office and his former chaplain in the Grounds Department: “Pag-kita ko sa cell phone, basa siya, tapos low-battery ti gin-charge ko anay. Tapos gin-hatag ko sa Information Office sa kay Pastor Jalando-on para mabutang sa Link kag makita kung sin-o ang tag-iya.”
Tatay Cyril shares that it is common to find lost things when cleaning the campus. It has been a protocol in their office to post a lost & found announcement at their office as a commitment to be honest in all their affairs: “Halin sang una, kapin pa kung may event, may kadula gid kag gaka-bilin nga mga gamit. Ga-butang na kami announcement sa office kung may makita kami tapos gina-hatag sa Information Center.”
On October 29, Tatay Cyril will be turning 65. As for his birthday wish, he prays for good health and success for his children. Retiring next year, he hopes to study automotive through a TESDA program and to see his four grandchildren grow in faith and prayer.
by Cyrus A. Natividad
Looking Forward Host, Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad talks about the status of the media industry with Bombo Radyo Visayas Area Manager, Mr. Warren French.
Area Manager of Bombo Radyo Western Visayas and Centralian alumnus, Warren French, talked about his closeness with the men and women of the local broadcast industry—suggesting that most of these reporters, newscasters, and station managers in local radio stations have worked under his management at Bombo Radyo Iloilo.
French, who was last Friday’s (October 12) guest at CPU TV’s Looking Forward, thanked his alma mater for the values he imbibed during his college days. He particularly mentioned the Central Spirit that, until now, he considers as a big factor in how he is able to continue and grow in his management work at Bombo Radyo.
Furthermore, it is the same spirit that brings together “my classmates [from] the College of Arts and Sciences, particularly in the Political Science Department.” He also pointed out that most of the Pol Sci graduates from CPU entered either politics or one of the local media outlets: “Friendships with my classmates in college still [continue] because [the] Central Spirit… allows us to help one another and [possess enduring] faith in our being Centralians” he added.
An interesting topic in the program was about the advent of the internet and social media. The development, according to French, has contributed much to the new trends and culture of radio listening. Although mainstream media, the conventional radio, continues to be the basic medium of news and information, the internet has also changed the way radio reporting and data gathering are being done.
It used to be that a reporter could only send news and information by telephone or by vhf radio. This time around, the reporter and, the newscaster as well, can be seen live through the cell phone or computer screen: “Facebook, in particular, has provided a new technological development so that news and information can now reach the whole world with a new system,” French explained.
As an example, more activities and events in held CPU can now be aired via the CPU TV Facebook Channel. This makes partnerships or tie-ups between the University and Bombo Radyo will be possible, he added.
by Cyrus A. Natividad
Clinical Laboratory Coordinator Mrs. Grecilda Cabral Lee (Left) and Staff Medtech Ma. Hazel Filipinas G. Villareal (Right).
The CPU Clinical Laboratory is under the direction of the clinical pathologist, Dr. Mariam Margarita Lena, who administers the day-to-day operation of the laboratory. Dr. Lena is also responsible for the in-service training of the laboratory personnel and screening for employment of qualified personnel. Dr. Lena establishes quality control and assurance procedures in order to maintain excellent service.
On the other hand, the laboratory coordinator is Mrs. Grecilda Cabral Lee, a full time senior medical technologist. Mrs. Lee’s presence while lab tests are being performed is a must although she is also readily available for personal or telephone consultations even after office hours. Moreover, staff medical technologist, Mrs. Ma. Hazel Filipinas G. Villareal, is the one that refers cases that arises in the clinical laboratory to the pathologist.
The work student assistant, also known as laboratory aides, perform several tasks needed in the laboratory, such as receiving laboratory requests and specimens, maintaining cleanliness of the laboratory, washing glassware and other instruments used in the laboratory tests, typing and recording of laboratory results and performing other the medical technologist and pathologist.
The CPU Clinical Laboratory serves the needs of the University while fulfilling the University’s social responsibility towards the surrounding communities.
by Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
A woman of faith and prayer – Jennie Clare Adams has devoted her life by serving God as a missionary nurse in Capiz Emmanuel Hospital.
Last December 20, 1943, 11 American Baptist missionaries and a little boy became martyrs of the Christian faith when they were killed by the soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army in the hills of Tapaz, Capiz. One of these Hopevale Martyrs was Jennie Claire Adams, a missionary nurse who was assigned to the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital.
Jennie Claire Adams was fond of writing in her diary. She was also very poetic. Her record of wartime events, culled from her diary, is now known as The Hopevale Booklet. In one of the poems that survived World War II, Miss Adams wrote about the commitment of missionaries even in the face of death. Here is her poem published in the Centralite 1946:
“Let me live bravely;
For life has many battlefields, Where valor must be shown,
Many darkened corners, Where pain and fear are known,
Life calls for sacrifice, To share the highest good,
To serve courageously, Sometimes to give life’s blood.
As others lived and gave, Let me be brave.
Let me serve faithfully;
Content with work to do, Whatsoever life may bring,
I’m serving others well, Thus do I serve my King.
May I not weary grow, When tasks seem burdensome,
Nor turn aside distraught, Before life’s work is done.
As others served, proved true, Let me be faithful too.
Let me die heroically;
Steadfast in faith and calm, When that great day is near
Knowing no hour of dread, Feeling no anxious fear,
For death is but a door, Closed tight on pain and strife,
A door that opens up That we may enter Life.
As heroes die, Still brave and true, Let me die, too.”
Jennie C. Adams attended the Western Reserve University School of Nursing, Bailey Training School for Nurses and the Nebraska Wesleyan University for her nursing care education. As a missionary nurse she became the superintendent of the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital from 1923 to 1943. She also became the head of the hospital’s Training School for Nurses in 1923. She worked together with Dr. Frederick W. Meyer at Capiz Emmanuel Hospital and stayed in Capiz for twenty years up until she died in Hopevale.
It can be recalled that during the World War II, the United States Army moved the mission hospital from Roxas to a schoolhouse in Dumalag. But Miss Adams and several nurses chose to remain in Capiz the Emmanuel Hospital building to attend to patients.
On December 17-20, 2018, the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches will spearhead the Hopevale Diamond Commemoration to be held at Central Philippine University, Filamer Christian University and in Hopevale, Tapaz, Capiz.
Central Philippine University congratulates 95 new Centralian medical technologists who recently passed the MedTech Board Exams held on September 22 and 23, 2018 in various venues in the country.
According the Professional Regulation Commission 4,718 examinees out of 6,070 passed the said examination. CPU got a passing percentage of 86.79%.
The following are those who passed the board exam:
by Cyrus A. Natividad
Mr. and Miss United Nations together with Mr. and Miss Philippines.
CPU Elementary School pupils competed in a quiz bee as part of the United Nations Day 2018 celebrations on Wednesday, October 17, at the newly constructed Elementary School covered gym. The competition was participated by grades 3 to 6.
The quiz bee had four categories: Flag Identification, Continents and Capital Cities, Famous Landmarks, and United Nations Facts. The objective of the quiz bee is to provide elementary students awareness of the UN and the reasons for its creation.
Elementary teacher Leizl Castroverde watches over participants at the U.N. Quiz Bee.
In the morning of October 19, teachers, with their students, joined the United Nations Day Parade. Each level was represented by a pair of candidates wearing the national costume of a particular country. The international costumes of the students during the colorful parade were generously made by the teachers and parents who look forward to the UN celebrations every year. Each pair then presented themselves using the native language of the country during the program at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. Miss United Nations 2018 Cassandra Belle J. Poral, Grade 6-Excel and Mr. United Nations 2018 Claude Eduard B. Suerte, Grade 6-Excel gave the message and challenged their fellow students to be peacemakers.
In between the presentation of Muses and Escorts by grade level, there were special presentations by continent. Miss Philippines 2018 Kira Viktoria Frankincense F. Gomez, Grade 6-Excel, and Mr. Philippines G. Nava, Grade 6-Love also gave a message of hope and unity. The program ended with a Prayer for the Nations by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.
Mrs. Leizl M. Castroverde, teacher and United Nations 2018 program coordinator, said that the University Elementary School would have more activities and programs during the United Nations celebrations in the coming years.
by Keziah G. Huelar
Reading is power – the donation of Mrs. Anne Benthien will help CPU in its supplementary reading programs in both the kindergarten and elementary levels.
Celebrating the joy of reading—The Central Philippine University Elementary School and the CPU Kindergarten were delighted to receive boxes of books on October 8, 2018. The said books were donated by Mrs. Anne Benthien, a personal friend of CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles and his wife, Angel.
Benthien works at the Milwaukee Public School System. She gathered reading and learning materials for kindergarten up to junior high school that were to be given away. She showed them to Dr. Robles when they met in Milwaukee. Dr. Robles then made efforts to have the books delivered to CPU.
CPU Director of Libraries, Prof. Cynthia T. Peleña, extended her gratitude on behalf of the CPU Libraries. “We would like to [express our appreciation] with [gratitude]… for [the] elementary and kindergarten books which we just received.”
CPU Elementary School Principal, Prof. Janet P. Jaco, and CPU Kindergarten Principal, Mrs. Hannah P. Siosan, both expressed their joy over the said donation.
According to Mrs. Siosan, the said donation would be a big contribution not only to their library but to the classrooms as well: “We are grateful that Dr. Robles was able to tap his friend. [These] will enhance the children’s exposure to books and their love for reading. There are small books for individual reading and then big books for group storytelling. Some of the books will be placed in the library while others will be placed in the classrooms.”
Mrs. Siosan shares that the books will aid their supplementary reading program: “With the new materials, our library time will be more interactive and interesting. As we know, we have to create ways and methods to make the children interested [in] the lessons. The materials cater to all areas of development; there are books about math, science and social studies; some of them [even] have CDs and DVDs that can be listened to or shown before the reading and learning session.”
Highlighting the importance of reading, Mrs. Siosian shares that it is critical that children should learn to love reading at an early age: “Kids are more drawn to gadgets [nowadays]. One thing we have discovered is that if we want to strengthen their love of reading, we must start them young. We would like to compete with gadgets and cell phones and reinforce the importance of reading.”
Both the CPU Elementary School and the CPU Kindergarten advocate for strong readership among their students, highlighting reading as an integral part of academic and social development.