CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

CPU Football Teams win PRISAA Championship in all levels

Coach Bob Javellana points his two fingers to heaven saying – Finally, after 5 years! CPU claims victory in the Name of Jesus!

Power!!! Seems to be what everyone is shouting in the campus after the CPU College Football Team grabbed the Championship Cup from John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation last December 8 at the CPU Football Field. Kudos to the indefatigable players, their Coach – Mr. Bob Rommel Javellana and the Golden Lions (the CPU Teams) who are committed for the glory and honor of God and Central Philippine University.

With our College Team scoring 2 over JBL -1 , CPU now completes the sweep and became the undisputed champion all levels from Elementary, High School and College. The CPU High School team coach, Engr. Marc Hermel Agriam, and CPU Elementary coach Mr. Snappy Plagata are now preparing their teams for the upcoming Integrated Meet. It will be a matter of time for the Champions to win in the forthcoming Integrated Meet and the Regional PRISAA Meet. More power!

CPUAAI offers a toast for Katchry

Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on leads the prayer of guidance and blessing for Katchry as she leaves for Paris to compete in the final round of France Got Talent Season 11.

The Induction of CPUAAI Officers (A.Y.2017) and Board of Trustees have always been enjoyable as the Festival of Lights and Music fever extends into the dinner fellowship normally prepared for the Alumni; this year at the EMC Conference Hall.

The food was superbly prepared for the guests. What makes it more fabulous was the special number delivered by Ms. Katchry Jewel S. Golben, finalist, France Got Talent 2016. Golben first sang in CPU during her courtesy call on November 10, after she made it to the semi-finals in France.

Katchry a fresh CPU graduate of AB English sang another time before leaving for France for the Final Got Talent on December 9. Katchry was able to get support from the generous alumni at the dinner. The amount of Sixteen Thousand Five Hundred (16,500.00) was gathered and gifted to Katchry while she sang on stage. Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on prayed for Katchry that God may give her the success that she dreams of.

Another amount was gathered in Faith Baptist Church in Manila, a concert event organized by the CPU Alumni Association of Greater Manila. Katchry is an epitome of this year’s theme of CPU — “Living the Central Spirit beyond borders!”

CPUAAI Board and Officers

Mr. Daniel P. Dorillo
President

Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena
Vice President

Engr. Rey L. Balogo
Corporate Secretary

Pastor Alfred C. Morales
Corporation Treasurer

Atty. Noel C. Siosan Jr.
Corporate Auditor

TRUSTEES

 Atty. Joshua C. Alim (At Large)

Mr. Timothy Nelson D. Arandela

Dr. Glenn A.M. Catedral

Mr. Rey V. Cordova (Luzon)

Mr. Fernando C. Corvera (At Large)

Mr. Carl A. De La Peña (Luzon)

Mrs. Nancy Arandela-Fernandez (Luzon)

Mrs. Vita Basiao-Gasataya (Mindanao)

Dr. Henry D. Gonzales (At Large)

Mr. Rodrigo J. Gonzales (At Large)

Dr. Anita Umali Illenberger (At Large)

Mr. Larry P. Nacionales (At Large)

Dr. Andresito A. Millamena (At Large)

Dr. Nelson A. Pomado (At Large)

Mr. Mauro S. Somodio (Australasia)

Dr. Perla A. Suyo (At Large)

Mrs. Emelda Frange–Valcarcel (US)

Ms. Perla Guillergan–Waters (US)

EX-OFFICIO

Dr. Teodoro C. Robles
University President

Dr. Felice Garingalao-Molina
Past CPUAAI President

CONSULTANTS

Dr. Lejo C. Braña

Engr. Aurora Alerta-Lim

CORPORATE LEGAL COUNCIL

Atty. Alejandro S. Somo

ALUMNI LIAISON OFFICER

 Mrs. Tina Marie P. Hortelano

Mr. Alcazaren in the ribbon cutting of CV Freedom Agrivet Store.

The CPU College of Agriculture was the first agricultural college to be recognized outside Luzon. Established in 1951 by Dr. Burl Alba Slocum – its first dean, the college started off with 41 students and three faculty members.

In 1954, the college produced its first fruits – four Bachelor of Science in Agriculture graduates. Now, the college has 10,000 graduates and counting. It now offers Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with majors in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Education, Animal Science, and Ornamental Horticulture, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.

The CPU College of Agriculture continues to soar high by producing quality and competitive graduates that have helped shape the agricultural industry here and abroad.

One of the college’s notable alumnus is Mr. Edgar Alcazaren, the owner of CV Freedom Agrivet – one of the largest suppliers of veterinary products in Bacolod City. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Animal Husbandry, Alcazaren found passion in engaging in the agricultural business and at the same time serving the Centralian community.

Newly opened CV Freedom Agrivet store owned by Mr. Edgar Alcazaren.

A native of Capiz, Panay – he was born in a family that valued agricultural pursuits. Alcazaren’s passion for agriculture grew as he helped his parents in their family business of tending animals. “My parents were butchers.  In the trade I learned to take care and love animals – I believe they have a crucial role in the life of feeding the Filipinos every day.”

He originally intended to be a veterinarian but no university was offering veterinary courses in Western Visayas at that time – instead, he took up he took up Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Animal Husbandry at CPU.  “What triggered me to enroll in agriculture is my love for animals. I foresaw my degree to give me technical knowledge on the problems that my parents encountered in the meat section, so that I can help them manage our business. I chose CPU because I heard that they have a good percentage in placement examinations, a lot of agriculture graduates from CPU are successful.”

During his college days, he was able to plant the Centralian spirit in his heart. At CPU, he met mentors that have inspired him to excel in his chosen profession and Centralian comrades that been part of his journey up until today.  “Because of our course my classmates and I were always out in the field taking care of crops, doing farm practices. We were always together – our experiences in the outdoors produced a solid camaraderie within our batch. We placed great care with our connections and our friendships up until now.”

For Alcazaren, the CPU College of Agriculture honed not only his skills in agricultural practices but it encouraged him to be a life-long learner. “I am always learning new things about agriculture. When I conducted my thesis, I chose Broiler Raising as my topic and after graduation was able to implement the results of my thesis and it also encouraged me to venture into other fields of agriculture.”

After graduation, he was hired as a salesman in a veterinary company. After his assignment in Panay he transferred to Negros and there he found his other half – he established his life with his family in Bacolod and got involved in the feed business industry.

Now, Alcazaren serves the agricultural industry as one of its major suppliers of feeds and other veterinary products. According to him, the agriculture industry will constantly grow and so will the demand for agriculturists. “The population triggers the demand for the agricultural industry, how can we feed those people if we don’t focus in agriculture? We are an agricultural country – that is our strength.”

With all his success in the field of agriculture Alcazaren reminds himself that at the end of the day we have nothing but God , all we have is given by Him. God plants seeds of hope in our hearts, and if we persevere and align ourselves to His will we will have a bountiful harvest of the realization of our dreams.

(L-R) CPUAAI Pres. Dan Dorillo, Tara Yap (Judge), FOL Chairman Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, Paul Chiongson (Judge), Cyrus Natividad (Photo Contest In-Charge), Peter Jaena (Judge), CPU Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on.

The thrill and excitement did not end after everyone has gone home from the Opening of Festival of Lights and Music at Central last December 2, 2016. For the crowd that spilled over from the big field, it was another annual event — signaling the Christmas season.  There were spectacular fireworks that brightened the night sky.

For Perseus B. Gamuza  Jr. , he has to look forward for another exciting event.  His entry won 1^st Place of the CPU-CPUAAI Festival of Lights Photo Contest. Gamuza, a CPU Junior High School student from Pavia town, bested 32 other contestants. He will receive the prize of Five Thousand Pesos cash and the opportunity to have his photo published on the CPU Giant Calendar 2017.

The other winners, Vanessa Joie Rapirap 2nd place, and Mat Autajay 3rd place will receive 3,000 and 1,000 pesos cash, respectively.  Rapirap is a Junior High School student of CPU who hails from Arevalo, Iloilo City while Autajay is a Business and Accountancy student  of CPU and a resident of Pavia, Iloilo. Their photos will also be published on the CPU Calendar 2017. Judges of the photo contest were photographers Paul Chiongson, Peter Jaena and Tara Yap.

The awarding ceremony will be held at the new Robinson’s Mall in Jaro, Iloilo City tentatively on December 14. The contest is a new addition to the events during the annual Festival of Lights and Music @ Central.

Robinson’s place is a partner of CPU and CPUAAI in this year’s event and expected to be a part of a bigger Festival of Lights Photo Contest next year./Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, and Director of Office of International Relations and Cooperation Prof. Leilani Fatimah Ledesma Trompeta together with key university officials of Wonkwang University.

In coordination with Metro Korea Language Training Center – CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles signed a Memorandum of Understanding for future educational ventures with Yeoju Institute of Technology and Mokpo National University in Korea – November 24, 2016.

November 24, 2016 – CPU signs MOU with new partner universty Yeoju Institute of Technology.

Dr. Robles together with Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Prof. Leilani Fatimah Ledesma Trompeta, Director of Office of International Relations and Cooperation traveled to Korea last November 21 to 27, 2016 to strengthen existing relations, establish international links, develop academic exchange and cooperation, and promote mutual understanding with different Korean universities.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C., Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Prof. Leilani Fatimah Ledesma Trompeta with Tongmyong University officials.

They visited universities namely: Pyeongtaek University, Korea University of Media Arts, Sunchon National University, Tomgmyung University, Wonkwang University, Silla Universit, Yeoju Institute of Technology and Mokpo National University.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles poses with Korea University of Media Arts President after MOU signing.

CPU now has seven partner universities with the addition of Yeoju Institute of Technology and Mokpo National University. The university looks forward to signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Wonkwang University in the near future.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles in Memorandum of Understanding signing with Mokpo National University.

MK Language Training Center Team headed by its President, Mr. Moon Dae Jin, has been a consistent partner of the CPU Office of International Relations and Cooperation in advancing cultural and educational exchanges between the Philippine and Korean students and faculty.

By Keziah G. Huelar

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the CPU College of Law for its earnest efforts to promote excellence.

The Central Philippine University College of Law held a testimonial dinner at Diversion 21 Hotel on August 11, 2018 for its faculty members who recently finished their Master of Laws degree.

The opening prayer was led by Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs. It was then followed by the opening remarks by the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, who commended Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean CPU College of Law, for his dynamic leadership. Dr. Robles also expressed the University’s support in providing CPU faculty and staff opportunities for further studies: “The University is always supportive of the desires of our faculty, or our deans or staff to advance themselves in the area of education. We hope that in the future [we can provide our own] program for Master of Laws.”

Guest Speaker, Hon. Emerson B. Aquende, Chairman, Legal Education Board, congratulated the Master of Laws graduates: “I will begin by addressing the reason for tonight’s affair—the 15 law professors of the CPU College of Law who are being honored for successfully earning their Master of Laws degree through the faculty development program of CPU. I am warmly and happily congratulating all the 15 of you for your individual and personal achievements in earning the coveted L.L.M. degree. Of the approximate 60,000 plus lawyers in the country, you now belong to the elite few.”  Hon. Aquende also encouraged the graduates to continue their passionate devotion to legal education and to pursue excellence in their legal practice.

Guest Speaker, Hon. Emerson B. Aquende, Chairman, Legal Education Board encouraged the graduates to continue their passionate devotion to legal education and to pursue excellence in their legal practice.

In can be recalled that on August 31, 2017, 15 CPU College of Law alumni and faculty—Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Atty. Joshua C. Alim, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Jr., Atty. Ian Thomas Besana, Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, Atty. Eugenio S. Hautea, Judge Globert J. Justalero, Atty. Liza Lyn S. Lamason-Garcia, Atty. Suzette A. Mamon, Judge Renato D. Muñez, Atty. Noel C. Siosian, Jr., Judge Meliza Joan P. Berano-Robite, Judge Gemma B. Tady and Atty. Salvacion T. Venus—received their Master of Laws degree from San Beda College (SBC) Graduate School of Law.

For the response on behalf of the honorees, Judge Renato D. Muñez Sr., faculty member, CPU College of Law, highlighted the importance of the law degree in shaping the concept of equity and justice: “Tonight is the night of law. That is the law that delineates and defines what is right and what is wrong. The concept of what is right and wrong to a high degree is performed and exercised by persons possessed of adequate learning and skills, of sound mind, moral character and one who acts at all times under the heavy trust of dedication to uphold the majesty of law.”

The Master of Laws graduates together with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean CPU College of Law, Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, member, CPU Board of Trustees, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, member, CPU Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital.

For the closing remarks, Dean Bedona expressed his gratefulness to Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, former University president, for encouraging him to be dean of the College of Law. He also thanked Dr. Robles for his continuous support for the college.

The said faculty development program is in view of the mandatory requirements of the Legal Education Board (LEB), that effective school year 2016-2017, only those with Master of Laws degree can teach in the College of Law. CPU provided scholarships to its law professors as part of the University’s faculty development program.

Also present during the event were Mrs. Angel Robles, wife of the University president; Dr. Pulido, and his wife Dr. Dorothy B. Pulido; Rev. Job A. Santiago, member, CPU Board of Trustees; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, member of the CPU Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital.

Modern nightlight – the entry of Perseus Gamuza Jr. showcased Iloilo’s developing evening scenery.

Perseus Gamuza Jr., a member of the CPU Junior High School Media Arts, placed second in the Charter Day Tourism Promotions Photo Contest held by the City Tourism Development Office.

Gamuza’s entry entitled “Light Trails at SM City Iloilo” captured the iridescent scenery of the Diversion Road, showcasing the development of Iloilo City and its evolving lifestyle. He received Php 3, 000 and a Certificate of Recognition for his winning photo entry.

It can be recalled that Gamuza was hailed champion during the CPU Festival of Lights and Music at Central 2016 1^st Photo Contest.

By Keziah G. Huelar

Central Echo continues its tradition of excellence and press freedom through its dynamic writers.

Central Echo, the official student publication of Central Philippine University, bagged awards during the recently concluded Campus Journalism Seminar-Workshop hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Region VI at The Mansion on August 22-24, 2018.

Dazen Dawn Lariza, Associate Editor, was awarded as “Promising Writer” in Editorial Writing, English Category while Zharina Marie Stephanie Lugo and Coleen Casanova were awarded as “Promising Writer” in Feature Writing, English Category.

The group also received a high rating in improvement in terms of Page Lay-out Design Category. PIA Region 6 annually conducts the said journalism workshop to enhance the journalism and student publication management skills of student-writers.

Niegil E. Libo-on (AB major in Political Science and Public Administration – is now the Vice President for External Affairs of APPSI.

The Alliance of Political Science Students of Iloilo (APPSI), the official organization of Political Students in Iloilo, held their AY 2018-2019 election last August 27, 2018. The following CPU students were elected with their respective positions:

• Vice President for External Affairs: Niegil E. Libo-on (AB major in Political

Science and Public Administration-4)

• Head Public Information Officer: Geroel James Salvador (AB Political

Science – 4)

• Public Information Officer: Joanne Pauline Guillermo (AB Political

Science – 4)

• School Representatives: Jeanine Marquez and Rustico Baydo III (AB

Political Science – 1)

The CPU Association of Political Science and Public Administration Students is one of the founding pillars of APPSI.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Sharing CPU’s insights to the world – Mr. Levi O. De Los Santos talks about the plans and the programs of the Community Engagement and Service Learning Center. 

On August 24, 2018, Prof. Levi O. De Los Santos, Director, Community Engagement and Service Learning Center (CESLC) talked about the extension programs of Central Philippine University in a live interview in “Looking Forward,” a CPUTV Channel program.

With the outreach program, students, faculty, and staff are guaranteed to benefit from the exposure they have in selected communities, particularly in Iloilo and nearby provinces.

The CESLC is the official arm of the University that carries out the third function (Extension or Outreach) of the University as a Higher Education Institution (HEI). The CESLC, according to De Los Santos, has the capability to undertake impact studies and trainings to enhance outreach services. The main objective is to make CPU valuable to the community as a provider of outreach programs that are anchored on Christian values and responsive to the needs of the community for economic development, people empowerment, and self-reliance.

De Los Santos emphasized that the CESLC’s main task is “to coordinate the outreach activities of the different colleges or units of the University. The CESLC are responsible in preparing outreach projects, strategies, and policy formulation for the identified community. It is also engaged in training and assisting faculty and staff members in assessing the needs of the outreach community.”

The CESLC also prepares the proposal to extend outreach programs, services, and activities and conducts impact evaluation on the serviced community. According to De Los Santos, CESLCt monitors and evaluates as well the implementation of outreach programs, as well as the documentation and dissemination of results.

He added, “Programs and activities should strengthen the capability of the faculty, staff and student to do outreach work.” Cooperative relationship with other offices in the University and with the government and non-government organizations are expected of the Outreach Team which is organized by the CESLC.

Among the remarkable activities of the CESLC was the disaster extension support to victims of typhoon Yolanda, a foreign partnership on a housing project in a northern town in Iloilo, soy-feeding program to the indigent students in Ingore, Lapaz, and a Haribon International-sponsored project in cooperation with CPU Outreach for bio-diversity and the environment held in a school in Buenavista, Guimaras.

By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles and Metrobank-Jaro Branch Manager Shiela Parreno Juanez handing out a laptop to one of the recipients.

The Metrobank and the GT Foundation donated laptops to 10 scholars on October 27, 2020 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park.

The turnover of donations was facilitated by CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles, Student Development and Programs Director Dr. Margen Java, and Metrobank-Jaro Branch Manager Shiela Parreno Juaneza.

On a survey conducted by Metrobank before the start of the 1st semester, it was found out that 47 out of 105 Metrobank scholars only use cellphones for their online classes. Realizing the need for gadgets in distance learning, Lenovo ThinkBook “14 Intel Core i5 laptops were donated to their scholars studying at Central Philippine University.

The donation was made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Zandra Ty.