By Cyrus A. Natividad
The first set of PSAA Officers during their homecoming and induction ceremony in 2015.
On September 29, 2018, the members of the CPU Political Science Alumni Association (PSAA) will gather at the CPU Grounds as the organization turns four years old.
The CPU PSAA was born on September 25, 2015 with batches 1983 and 1984 CPU AB Political Science graduates registering as the first members. The first set of officers were comprised of Mr. Eric Otayde as President; Mr. Cyrus Natividad as Vice President for Administration; Atty. Gualberto Cataluna as Vice President for External Affairs; Ms. Alma Diaresco as Secretary; Ms. Jovy Espalabra as Treasurer; Ms. Juvelyn Clementer as Assistant Treasurer; Mr. Nelson Jutare as Public Information Officer; Mr. Reynaldo Gonzales as Business Manager; and Ms. Ruby Tupaz as the PSAA Muse. Attorneys Allan S. Montano, Joshua C. Alim, and Emmanuel Sodusta served as the advisers of the organization. The officers took their oath of office with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, officiating.
Most of the founding members were active student leaders during their time in CPU, especially during the Martial Law years. The reunion is expected to be both meaningful and memorable. Many of the members to attend the reunion are currently holding positions in the government, as well as legal and the business and entrepreneurial sectors.
PSAA President Eric Otayde is looking forward to more members joining their ranks and to making plans that would support the University and its students.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Atty. Alejandro Somo, former CPU Sports Director, Mrs. Tina Marie Hortelano, CPUAAI Liaison Officer and Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, CPUAAI President has been supporting the Central Philippine University Alumni Golfers Association and CPU Alumni Association for years.
Everyone is invited to the Central Philippine University Alumni Golfers Association and CPU Alumni Association 9th CPU Alumni Invitational Golf Tournament on October 6, 2018 at the Sta. Barbara Golf Course, Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club, Sta Barbara, Iloilo.
A registration fee of PhP2,500.00 includes a Mulligan, dinner, and an entry in the raffle. The tee off is at 6 AM. It includes 18 holes, individual play using the stableford scoring system, based on the players’ September 2018 Handicap Index.
There will be four categories for the gentlemen with recognition for the Champion and 1st Runner Up; one category for the ladies with awards for the Champion and 1st Runner Up; as well as one category for the seniors players with recognition for the Champion only. There will be one category for CPU men with awards for the Champion and 1st Runner Up and one Category for CPU all alumni ladies with recognition for the Champion only.
Dinner and the awarding ceremony for all the winners will be held on the same date at 6 PM at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club House.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Paul Marfil, a CPU AB Political Science and Public Administration major and the Editor-in-Chief of the Central Echo, the official student publication of the university, was chosen as one of the exchange students in the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Programme. Marfil, together with other students all over the country, will be visiting Tokyo, Japan on October 2-9, 2018 for a cultural exchange that will center on communication using the Japanese language.
The JENESYS Programme is implemented by the government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Center. Throughout the years, the JENESYS Programme has established linkages among Filipino and Japanese student leaders. It aims to invite 6,000 Filipino youth to visit Japan annually to create an opportunities where they could immerse themselves in Japanese culture and language and to create lasting ties between the two countries.
According to its website (http://sv2.jice.org/jenesys/e/about-jenesys/about-program/), “The JENESYS Programme (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) is a project advanced by the Japanese government from the standpoint of providing a sound foundation for strong solidarity within Asia through large-scale youth exchange.”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
“Bibliotheraphy” aims to promote Christian values among Centralians. Photo Credit: Prof. Ana Mae Cantel.
The Philippine Librarians Associations, Inc. (PLAI) and the Western Visayas Regional Librarians Council (WVRLC) promotes “Bibliotherapy,” an initiative which recognizes the inherent quality of literature not only as a source of enjoyment and entertainment, but as materials that promote well-being.
Book-reading has been found to offer therapeutic benefits which can result to developing self-confidence, increasing intellectual capacity, as well as building healthier interpersonal relations. Mr. Christian George Acevedo, PLAI-WVRLC President, further explains that reading “books and other literature can facilitate structure interactions between and among individuals.”
According to Prof. Ana Mae Cantel, the event facilitator, CPU’s Henry Luce III Library is one of the recognized centers of the program as the library holds one of the biggest collections of reading materials in the whole of Western Visayas.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Audrey Dusaran-Albason during the London Fashion Week at the Oxford Fashion Studio. Photo Credit: Manila Bulletin
Audrey Dusaran-Albason, a graduate of CPU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Batch 2006, and CPU Masters in Nursing, Batch 2010 showcased her designs during the London Fashion Week at the Oxford Fashion Studio on September 21, 2018.
Her collection entitled Pag-laum, which translates to “hope” in Hiligaynon, highlighted the hablon, a locally woven cloth made of piña and cotton fibers from Miag-ao and Aklan. She also incorporated locally woven rattan bags in her presentation.
Albason’s work expressed the artistry, creativity, and environmentalism of Ilonggos. The designs tell of the developing relationship between the Ilonggos and their surroundings and the their growing awareness of developing sustainable, environmentally-friendly fashion pieces.
In 2007, it can be recalled that Albason also presented six of her designs under the collection Gugma in the Oxford Fashion Studio Paris Collection Autumn/Winter 2017 at the Hotel D’Evreux, Paris, France. She was the only Filipino designer who was invited in the said event.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Senator Risa Hontiveros together with the CPU Republic officers.
The Iloilo Mental Health Summit was held on September 21, 2018 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, Central Philippine University. Senator Risa Hontiveros was invited as a guest and resource speaker. The conference, which is a first of its kind, was a CPU Republic initiative and its goal was to contribute to mental health awareness. Other resource speakers from the medical profession were also invited and some Iloilo City officials were also present at the event.
University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, welcomed the participants, expressing his gratitude for the relevance of the summit to society today. Hon. Joe Espinosa III, Iloilo City Mayor and Dr. Maria Sophia Pulmones, Chief, MPM, Local Health Support Division, Department of Health – Region 6 delivered their messages, respectively.
Two winning films, Abyan and Indi na Ko Tani, were then shown to the participants. These films tackled topics in relation to mental health to highlight the importance of mental health and why it needs to be addressed.
Afterwards, Dr. Candice Tupas, Iloilo City Councilor, talked about the science of mental health while Jo Jan Paul Peñol, Centralian alumnus and former Editor-in-Chief, Central Echo, talked about overcoming mental health issues by leading a healthy lifestyle. Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian, Rev. Sian talked about the spiritual aspect of mental well-being. Several other speakers took turns in sharing insights about mental health and real stories of struggling against and surviving their mental health issues.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, for her part, discussed the essence of the Mental Health Law to the youth and society. It can be recalled that Sen. Hontiveros is the author of Republic Act No. 1103, the Mental Health Law.
Before her talk in the summit, Hontiveros held an audience with representatives from the Iloilo media. She emphasized that her presence in the summit is an opportunity for her to discuss and detail the essence and fundamentals of the Mental Health Law.
The open forum was then held, followed by an awarding ceremony for video campaign competition.
CPUR President, John Michael Suelo, delivered the closing message before the lunch break. A roundtable discussion took place with Senator Hontiveros and the students after lunch.
During the event, a song number, “Who You Are,” was rendered by Ms. Sharie Faith Biñas, a World Championship of Performing Arts medalist, USA-California and ABS-CBN Tawag ng Tanghalan daily winner.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Dr. Lily F. Apura, alumna, CPU College of Theology and faculty, Siliman University talked about the importance of contextualizing our social engagement.
Celebrating the life, love, and works of Rev. Genaro “Totik” D. Diesto, Jr., Central Philippine University held the 11th Rev. Dr. Diesto Genaro “Totik” D. Diesto, Jr. Memorial Lecture at the Celis-Ancheta Chapel, CPU College of Theology on September 21, 2018.
The invocation was led by Prof. Excelyn C. Landero, Chair, Religion and Ethics Department of the CPU College of Theology. It was then followed by the words of welcome by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. In his message, Dr. Robles emphasized the importance of remembering the legacy of Rev. Dr. Diesto in order to emulate and to preserve his legacy.
Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean, College of Theology, in his message, encouraged the participants to learn from the testimony of Rev. Dr. Diesto whose life sought to glorify God first and foremost.
Prof. Evangelica D. Padernilla, on behalf of the Diesto family, thanked CPU for their continuing support to the memorial lecture. She shared the meaning of the word “Totik,” Rev. Diesto’s nickname, which is a combination of toto, a Hiligaynon term of endearment for a son, and diutik, which means “small.” Mrs. Padernilla also hopes that beyond the lectures, participants would be able to translate into action all that they have learned.
As a tribute to the late Rev. Dr. Diesto Diesto, Lean Hope D. Atanoso, faculty, College of Theology, read a poem written by Omega Diesto-Moore, sister of Rev. Diesto. The poem was written when Dr. Diesto was in poor health. It tells a story of a younger Diesto who was full of life and talked about the love of a sister for her brother. It can be recalled that “Totik” was actively involved in the CPU Republic and became an activist during the Martial Law years while enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science. He was imprisoned for his activism and this imprisonment opened his eyes and eventually led him to commit his life to full-time ministry. He enrolled at the CPU College of Theology and finished his Bachelor of Divinity degree, cum laude.
Dr. Margen A. Java, Director of the CPU Student Development and Programs, performed a binalaybay, an ode to Rev. Diesto Sr. and written by Rev. Elias Arandela, a friend of Rev. Diesto.
Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, faculty, CPU College of Theology, introduced the seminar lecturer, Dr. Lily F. Apura, CPU alumna and faculty, Siliman University. Rev. Dr. Apura, in her lecture entitled “Contextualizing our Social Engagement,” talked about the importance of understanding ourselves and understanding others through love, faith, and practice in order to improve our social engagements.
After the lecture, an open forum moderated by Pastor Elizer G. Geromiano, President, Convention Baptist Ministers Association, was held. The declaration of commitment and the hymn of declaration then followed. Lastly, the closing prayer and benediction was led by Pastor Joshua Z. Zonita, Faculty, College of Theology.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Prof. Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña, CPU Director of Libraries, in her welcome remarks, highlighted the importance of social media literacy.
Emphasizing the use of digital media to promote social justice, the American Spaces Philippines held a Smithsonian Civil Society Certification Workshop in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution at the CPU American Corner, 3rd Floor, Henry Luce III Library on September 25-26, 2018. With the theme “Building Skills with Digital Tools for Social Justice,” the activity aimed to encourage Centralians to use the social media as a platform for advocacies.
For the welcome remarks, Prof. Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña, CPU Director of Libraries, thanked the U.S. Embassy for promoting activities that encourage the youth to use social media for a purpose.
Participants during a group activity.
The workshop included a discussion on photography and videography basics by Homer Patriarca Superio, founder and CEO of Finished Work Studios. Keziah G. Huelar, a fellow of the Study of the United States Institutes for New Media and Journalism, lectured about the importance of social justice and the use of social media to promote such, as well as news, feature, and editorial writing.
At the end of the seminar-workshop, the participants conceptualized and produced advocacy videos that tackle issues about cyber-bullying, mental health, education, and indigenous people’s rights.
The winners together with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU Elementary School Principal Prof. Janet P. Jaco.
The CPU Elementary School Mini Echo Staffers reaped numerous awards during the 12th National Campus Media Conference held on Angeles City, Pampanga on September 12-14, 2018.
The university congratulates the following winners:
- Elijah Joyce Kabayao – 2nd place, Photojournalism in Conventional Filipino Category
- Zhera Paren – 2nd Place, Photojournalism in Conventional English Category
- Daina Ellyza Cenal – 2nd Place, Photojournalism in Mobile Filipino Category and 1st Place Editorial Writing English Category
- Jerych Angelo Maralit – 3rd Place, Photojournalism in Mobile English Category
- Fitzwilliam Carnate – 5th Place, Editorial Cartooning English Category
- Hartt Angel Alfaras – 3rd Place, Editorial Cartooning Filipino Category
- Lemmiel Gift Gardose – 2nd Place, Editorial Writing Filipino Category, Best Floor Director (TV Newscasting)
- Darlene Angel Grace Miranda – 2nd Place, Lead Writing English Category; 3rd Place Pautakang Pampahayagan
- Cassandra Belle Poral – 2nd Place Lead Writing Filipino Category
- Kent Alfe Alvarez – Best Technical Director (TV Newscasting); 2nd Place Feature Writing Filipino Category
- Wilson Paul Andion – Best News Anchor (TV Newscasting)
- Sam Isaac Alog – 4th Place Sports Writing Filipino Category
- THE MINI ECHO – Champion, TV Broadcasting Team
Allyn Margarejo Sta. Maria with Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.
Allyn Margarejo Sta. Maria could still recall the very first time she stepped onto the volleyball court of the CPU Gym. She could still remember the cheers and shouts from spectators, the look of determination in the eyes of her fellow Centralian athletes, and the sweat and tears they poured to claim victory. These are lasting memories etched in passion and with faith.
Allyn currently works as the Marketing Head of Generika Drug Store which has over 750 pharmacies all over the country. Apart from her task to promote and establish Generika as a trusted brand, she is also the Team Manager of the Generika Ayala Lifesavers, a volleyball team franchised by Generika Drug Store. Allyn shares that the team is part of health and wellness advocacy of Mr. Ted Ferrer, President of Generika Drugstores.
She is a 2002 graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program. During her college days, she devoted herself to different passions such as student leadership, debates, and even beauty pageants. She was a CPU Republic official, a former Miss CPU High School, and subsequently chosen as Miss CPUR. However, according to Allyn, “Volleyball is my first love.”
According to Allyn, her employment at Generika gave her the opportunity not only to make a living but to continue her passion for volleyball: “I wasn’t really expecting that in my professional employment volleyball would still be part of my life. This is really a favor from God. All my passions intersect with my current job—only God could give me that kind of blessing.”
Allyn shares that in CPU, her mentors have always encouraged her to excel and to develop her skills by engaging in various activities and competitions. It was also in CPU where her faith was developed into a habit of depending on God on her next endeavors: “In CPU, I found a wealth of experience to interface with people from all walks of life. CPU taught me to excel, to stand, dress and talk properly, and most importantly, to give back to the glory of the Lord.”
Sharing her testimony, Allyn recounts how her faith helped her deal with the struggles and challenges along her way: “A philosopher once said that every man has a God-shaped void only God can fill.”
As a mom and an advocate of wellness, Allyn emphasized the importance of physical as well as mental health. According to her it is important to take care of oneself: “Mental hygiene is really about knowing yourself, getting the right emotional support, being open to guidance. It’s really about how well you know yourself and how you respond to your needs. Parents have a big role in the lives of their children. Educational systems cannot be substitutes for good parenting and nothing can substitute human interaction.”
For her advice to aspiring Centralians who also want excel in their passions, Allyn says, “Keep working hard. It’s all going to be worth it soon.”
Atty. Salex Alibogha, Dean, College of Nursing and faculty of the CPU College of Law holding his certification from the Royal Institution of Singapore.
Centralian excellence—Atty. Salex Alibogha, Dean, College of Nursing and faculty of the CPU College of Law was conferred the titles Fellow of the Royal Institute of Nurses and Fellow of Royal Institute of Lawyers by the Royal Institution of Singapore on September 7, 2018 at the KJC, Jose Maria College Compound, Davao City.
The said designation is valid until December 31, 2019. According to its website (https://www.ri2020.com/faqs), “Royal Institution of Singapore (RI) is a global, multidisciplinary, professional membership and accrediting institution that also serves as a premier platform for smarter and more effective global network connecting education, business, commerce and industries and facilitating collaboration and perpetual learning for more opportunities, benefits, privileges, better lifestyles, due recognition and excellence.”
Atty. Salex has been dynamic in his stint as the dean of the College of Nursing. He has also strengthened the participation of the college in various national and international seminars and competitions and spearheaded the fund raising campaign for the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Xu Bin, a Chinese national, shares his experience in CPU.
On September 17, 2018, Mr. Paul Erik Borja from the Bureau of Immigration Iloilo City Office presented the requirements and guidelines for foreign students staying in the Philippines and enrolled at Central Philippine University.
The orientation and forum was held due to the number of foreign students who are enrolled this year. CPU, in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration, has created certain protocols to follow, especially in relation to the students’ entry to and exit from the country as well as the University. The foreign students’ educational activities and living conditions are the responsibility of both the Immigration Office and Central Philippine University.
Prof. Leilani Fatima L. Trompeta, CPU Director for International Relations and Cooperation, has been passionately promoting CPU to foreign students.
The orientation started with a devotional led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on. Prof. Leilani Fatima L. Trompeta, CPU Director for International Relations and Cooperation, then welcomed the students and guests from the Bureau of Immigration. The students were also presented with the rules of the Bureau of Immigration in Iloilo City and Manila. Miss Charissa June Deocampo, Acting University Registrar, together with Mrs. Ella Grace Javelosa-Bolina, CPU Admission Officer, presented the University rules on enrolment and student visa requirements.
The seminar aimed to provide a venue for international student to air their concerns and to give their suggestions to improve the university’s service to foreign student applicants.
Mr. James Peter Trasporto, OIC, Vice President for Student Affairs, also presented the services of the university to all the students.
The participants were given time to ask questions regarding their status and requirements during the open forum.
Lastly, Mr. Hai Ming Wang, President of International Students Organization, gave a response and thanked the organizers for the valuable orientation. He also invited all the international students to join in and be part of ISO (International Students Organization).