By Cyrus A. Natividad
RAFLU Officers during their induction at the Educational Media Center.
The newly elected officers of the CPU Staff Labor Union were inducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, by University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. The induction ceremony was held at the CPU Educational Media Center.
CPU RAFLU outgoing president Ms. Amalia F. Campos, expressed her gratitude to the staff members, thanking them for their loyalty and support during the many years she served the union and the University. She thanked the CPU Administration and Dr. Robles for the understanding and support of the staff union during her leadership.
In her response, Ms. Ma Victoria G. Bellosillo, newly elected CPU RAFLU President, assured everyone of her best to serve the union. The following Officers and Board of Directors were inducted:
Ma. Victoria G. Bellosillo – President
Ronaliza M. Cenal – Vice President
Ma. Ligaya V. Caniel – Secretary
Frelyn F. Lausing – Asst. Secretary
Noella Cyd Rose A. Provendido – Treasurer
Leonance D. Erfe – Asst. Treasurer
Glyza J. Pifano – Auditor
Stephen A. Yuson – Asst. Auditor
April Rose H. Solis – Business Manager
Tina Marie P. Hortelano – Public Relations Officer
Jennifer M. Ortiaga – Asst. Public Relations Officer
Junabel B. Abelarde/Edgar A. Lopez – Sergeant at Arms
Board Members:
Efraim G. Alfaras
Emcy J. Sanchez
Elwin B. Garcia
Joel H. Somosierra
Jose Rolly A. Nobleza
By Keziah G. Huelar
Gustilo credits his success to his training in the CPU College of Nursing and to his faith in God that gave him the confidence to perform his best.
Centralian Alvin John Gustilo bested more than 50 other competitors from all over the globe in the oral presentation category during the 2nd Technological Competency as Caring in the Health Sciences 2018 held in Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan on August 17-19, 2018.
Gustilo was the co-author and lead presenter of the study entitled, “Transitioning Experience of Middle Nurse Managers.” According to him, the objective of the said study was to record and assess the experiences of and the diversity of positions offered to nurse managers.
Centralian Alvin John Gustilo receiving a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding performance in the oral presentation category.
He shared that being an instructor of a nursing review center gave him the advantage to clearly explain and highlight the salient points of the study with confidence. Gustilo also credits the University for training him to pursue excellence and, above all, to have faith in God, knowing that his achievements are for God’s glory.
Hailing from Banate, Gustilo graduated from the CPU College of Nursing in 2012, and he has been a Junior Researcher at the A1 Passers Nursing Review & Research Center since 2013.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
From left: Office of Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on, Purchasing Officer Mrs. Hermely Jalando-on, Facilities Maintenance & Services Director Engr. Rhett Allan Baldonado, and former CPUR Vice- President Ray Peregrino Jr. with the newly-installed LED wall.
CPU Republic 15th parliament turned over its LED Wall project to Central Philippine University on Monday, October 12, 2020.
The 1.6m X 0.64m LED wall is the final and end-of-term project of the 15th parliament. It was initiated by former CPUR Vice-President Ray Peregrino Jr. The purchase was facilitated by Mrs. Hermely Jalando-on, the CPU Purchasing Officer.
“CPUR is for the students and we want to give and leave them with a project that they deserve. Along with our partner organizations, we came up with this project to provide a platform for students to be informed of important school announcements,” said Peregrino.
“Since there are still no physical classes at this time, the LED Wall can provide updates and announcements on COVID-19, as well as remind employees and visitors of health and safety protocols implemented by the university.”
For the realization of the project, the 15th parliament collaborated with the Office of Communications, and Alpha Phi Omega (APO).
“This project would not be possible without the help of the CPU Office of Communications and its Director Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on. We also would like to extend our thanks to Mr. Jeric Chavez of Ms. Julie Ann Bolivar of APO.”
The LED Wall is located at the entrance of the Half-moon Drive. It was installed by the personnel of the Facilities Maintenance & Services headed by its Director, Engr. Rhett Allan Baldonado.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Engr. Serafin ‘Apin’ Serra Frondoza was a loving husband, a good father and a Centralian who pursued God in all his endeavors.
On August 5, 2018, Engr. Serafin “Apin” Serra Frondoza passed away at the age of 76. Engr. Frondoza who was fondly called “Apin” by friends, died of complications. He is survived by sons Oliver Angelo, Seraphim Chrisus and Cheruim Chrisus, and daughters Paulyn Pearls and Serysolle Mae.
A necrological service was held in honor of Engr. Frondoza on August 8, 9:00 AM, at the Abecia Chapel of the Hills in Balabago, Jaro. His cremation followed at 11:00 AM. The last moments in his wake were attended by his next of kin and other relatives, his fellow members of the Central Philippine University Corporation, CPU alumni, and friends. His town mates from Agsanayan, Buenavista, Guimaras also paid their last respects to the well-remembered founder and owner of the Spring of Joy, a resort that caters to spiritual retreats and Christian fellowships.
Engr. Serafin Serra Frondoza, Jr. was born on December 7, 1942 in San Fernando, Buenavista, Guimaras to Serafin L. Frondoza Sr. and and Mrs. Angela L. Serra-Frondoza. He was married to the former Associate Dean of the CPU College of Medicine, Dr. Alma Millamena Alpas-Frondoza.
He graduated from Central Philippine University in 1967 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. While studying in CPU, he was a work student (1963-1965).
He worked in different technical and management positions as General Manager, Plant Manager, Manufacturing Services Manager, and Quality Control and Technical Services Consultant in different companies from 1983 to 1993 in Malaysia, Indonesia and Mindanao.
Engr. Serafin Frondoza was a member of the CPU Corporation from 2002 to 2007 and a member of different CPU committees from 2004 to 2006, He was a recipient of the University Service Award, Pre-Centennial Celebrations of CPU on October 1, 2005.
As a Centralian, Engr. Frondoza loved CPU very much. It was rare not to see Mr. Frondoza in the campus, visiting friends, meeting committee members, having a cup of coffee at the Alumni Affairs Office.
The Frondozas are a close-knit family that have influenced even folks in Brgy. Agsanayan, Buenavista, where their residence and resort is located. He had formed relationships—whether they be with members of the provincial and municipal governments in Guimaras, barangay officials or with ordinary folks. Manong Apin also established a church at the Spring of Joy where many have been blessed.
“He was a very loving dad. He had this rule that he should call up his children, one by one, or we should call him up, every day.” Four of his children reside with their families in Manila and only the eldest, Oliver, lived with Engr. Frondoza in Iloilo City.
We shall miss Manong Apin, but his legacy of love and service lives on.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Centralian Writers from the secondary and tertiary level won awards from the Philippine Information Agency-Region VI Writing Workshop held on October 9-14, 2020.
Zharina Marie P. Lugo (AB PSPA-3) and Gab B. Castro (BS Advert-1) won as Promising and Most Promising Writers for the Feature Writing Category (English).
For the Editorial Writing category (English), Karren Jay Asgar (AB-PSPA-2) and Kyrone Immanuel Arroyo (HUMMS-12) were both awarded as Promising Writers.
Asgar, Lugo and Castro are editors for the college publication, The Central Echo, while Arroyo is a staffer for The Hawk, the official campus paper of the Senior High School Department.
Due to the pandemic, the workshops were held online.
Dr. Stella Guartero-Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Mr. Prim Vergara III, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, and Pollution Control Officer during the Communities for Resilience Modular Training Program.
Central Philippine University sent Dr. Stella Guartero-Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Mr. Prim Vergara III, Occupational Safety and Health Officer and Pollution Control Officer, to the Climate Change Commission (CCC) Communities for Resilience (CORE) Modular 2 Trainer’s Training at Kew Hotel, Tagbilaran, Bohol on August 14-17, 2018. Both delegates are members of the Sustainable Campus Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Vergara.
The training covered Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas. It was an intensive training scheduled for four days. The aim of the training was for the CCC to instruct personnel from HEIs to become trainers and assist Local Government Units (LGUs) in coming up with their local Climate Change Adaptation-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CCA-DRRM) Plans. This partnership is strengthened by a MOA between the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and CCC.
Dr. Stella Guartero-Fernandez in a group discussion during the seminar.
Dr. Fernandez and Mr. Vergara with Mr. Dean Laguna (right), Municipal Social Work Officer of Maribojoc, and Social Work Batch 2007, CPU.
The training covered the preparation of a Local Climate Change Adaptation Program (LCCAP), Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) by conducting Calamity Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA). There were 70 delegates from the HEIs and they were joined by the representatives from Maribojoc, Bohol, whose CCA-DRRM Plan and CLU Plan were reviewed and used as a tool for the training. The training output will be used by the Maribojoc LGU for their CCA-DRRM Plan and CLU Plan revisions for the year 2018 to 2020. Part of the training was also the conduct of GHGI or Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
While in the training, Mr. Vergara and Dr. Fernandez were blest to meet Mr. Dean Laguna, an alumnus of the CPU Social Work Department, and was a working student during his time in the campus. Mr. Laguna is currently the Municipal Social Work Officer of Maribojoc, Bohol. He was a participant in the training.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Dean Molina is the only Filipino plenary forum speaker during the conference organized by the Centre for Engineering Education (CEE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
College of Engineering Dean Engr. Dany Molina was one of the plenary speakers during the 8th Regional Conference on Engineering Education and Research in Higher Education that was held virtually from September 29-30, 2020.
The conference with the theme, “Engineering Education Leadership in an Uncertain World” recognizes the need for action to reform and upgrade engineering education through coordinated efforts by all major engineering players, including institutions, societies, NGOs, industry and education professionals, working as a team to develop meaningful and quality education for the next generation.
Molina spoke during the 2nd Plenary Forum and his presentation focused on the education system of the Philippines. He also talked about reforms, challenges, and the future direction of engineering education.
The Regional Conference on Engineering Education & Research in Higher Education is a signature engineering education conference in Malaysia, which has been successfully organized biannually by the Centre for Engineering Education (CEE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia since 2005. The conference successfully provides a platform for key players to share information and network with fellow educators and stakeholders amidst a background of fast-changing trends and practices in engineering and STEM education.
Molina is currently the National President of the Philippine Association of Engineering Schools. He is the first-ever elected president coming from a university outside of Metro Manila since the organization was founded in 1955.
Japanese students await the lecture of Acting Dean of the CPU School of Graduate Studies. This is her 2nd time to visit Fukuoka University.
As part of CPU’s strong link with Fukuoka University in Japan, the Acting Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, was invited as a foreign visiting professor for a series of lectures on Globalization of Markets and Production for the students of the Faculty of Economics on August 5-15, 2018. Japanese students participated well in each session and gave their own perspectives on these issues on globalization.
Dr. Libo-on also visited some enterprises in Unzen; among those is Jagirl Company that specializes in agricultural machineries. Consequently, Mrs Azuka Kawanabe Fujishita, the daughter of the owner of Jagirl Company, will visit CPU in November to discuss some programs in agriculture as well as in mechanical engineering they wish to collaborate with with CPU.
Dr. Libo-on also had a meeting with the Mayor Hidesaburou Kanazawa of Unzen City in Nagazaki. The mayor would like to propose technology transfer programs in agriculture which can be coursed through Central Philippine University. Further discussions will be made regarding these programs.
Dr. Libo-on travelled to Japan on August 2 and came back to the campus on August 15. This visit to Nagazaki was made possible by Dr. Masahiro Abiru of Fukuoka University.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Central Philippine University recently passed the ISO Surveillance Audit conducted last September 28 to 29, 2020 by Certification International Philippines (CIP) through an online medium. As such, CPU is still entitled as an ISO 9001: 2015 certified organization.
Mr. Ernesto O. De la Cruz, Certification International Audit Team Leader, congratulated the administration and all stakeholders of CPU for making it this year during the audit closing meeting. Subsequently, Quality Assurance Center Director, Dr. Rosalene J. Madero wrote all the Academic and Non-academic Unit Heads on October 6, 2020 congratulating everyone as well as pointing out the conformities and opportunities for improvement.
In her letter, Dr. Madero thanked everyone “for your continued and untiring support for a well-managed CPU and in improving the quality of our educational and support services for the sake of our students, all of us personnel of the university and CPU.” She also emphasized that the improvement of the whole system of the university is reliant on each unit’s system improvement.
The Quality Policy of CPU states, “To fulfill the mission and realize the vision of Central Philippine University, we commit to consistently provide superior services by integrating Christian values, academic excellence, highest level of professionalism, and quality consideration in every aspect of our operations. We maintain a quality management system that complies with international standards. We continually improve to achieve global excellence that satisfies the expectations of the university community, partner institutions, and the general public.”
By Carmelle Frances M. Romero
The contestants and candidates of Mr. and Ms. CPU 2017.
The U-Day fever is starting! One of the most-anticipated events in CPU’s annual University Days celebration is the Search for Mr. and Miss CPU. Through the years, the Search for Mr. & Miss CPU has proven to be one of the most glamorous and prestigious pageants in the city of Iloilo. It has consistently produced young men and women who are not only endowed with the looks, but more importantly, are bestowed with the wisdom, grace, and compassion needed to effect change in this modern world.
Mr. and Miss Law 2017 during the Talent Night.
This year’s Search for Mr. and Miss CPU will prove to be more exciting with 15 contesting pairs vying for the coveted title. The Talents’ Presentation will be held on September 21, 2018 (Friday), 5:00 PM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The Pageant Night will be held on September 25, 2018 (Tuesday), 5:00 PM also at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The search for Mr. and Miss CPU is an avenue for Centralians to showcase their talent.
Tickets will be available at the Cultural Affairs Office. For more information, kindly contact Ms. Crista S. Huyong on 329-1971 loc. 1005
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Frontliners also joined the prayer fellowship in Bingawan.
Centralian leaders Bingawan Mayor Mark Palabrica and brother, Matt Palabrica, Iloilo 3rd District Board Member with pastors and ministers from different denominations organized an ecumenical prayer fellowship at the Bingawan Municipal Gym at 9:00 AM on Thursday, October 8, 2020.
The spiritual fellowship was held in support of the frontliners against Covid-19 in the Municipality of Bingawan. Various pastors led in the prayers for the different sectors in our society. An exhortation from the Scriptures was also given. In an interview with Municipal Mayor Mark Palabrica, and elder brother Matt Palabrica, Iloilo 3rd District Board Member, they acknowledged the importance of spiritual awareness as a factor of resiliency and development in the 5th class municipality of Bingawan.
“It is this reason that an ecumenical prayer fellowship was organized, with several community churches with Centralian members in support,” according to SB Palabrica. Furthermore, he said, “our community consistently supports our health protocols and guidelines against Covid-19. We also make programs that inspire the youth sector so that they will not resort to drugs. In fact, we had received an award as a drug-free municipality.”
Pastors and ministers from different denominations organized an ecumenical prayer fellowship at the Bingawan Municipal Gym.
“We are thankful for Centralians who really support us with love and service,” he added. A coverage team from CPUTV and The Centralian Link were apprised by the Mayor and the Board Member as to how they were able to bring Bingawan into a successful transformation from a purely agricultural municipality towards commercial development. “We have the support from the national government like the Cash-for-Work program, the Abaca production, and rice production program that we also fully implemented”, Palabrica added.
Every year a delegation from Central Philippine University visits the municipality to celebrate with the Bingawan Centralian Alumni Association. It comes with a variety of sports and cultural events. Due to the pandemic, the event is observed online.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The foot parade is one the most awaited events of the U-Day.
Excitement has taken over as students, faculty, and staff work towards the University Day season. The kick-off is tentatively scheduled on September 3, 2018. The U-Day celebrations are organized by the U-Day Steering Committee in coordination with the CPU Republic.
“Be an A.S.S.E.T. (Accountable to Self, Society and Environment Today and Beyond),” is the U-Days’ theme which suggests creative contribution and cooperation of individuals so that everyone could become an asset.
The intramurals will begin at 2:00 PM on September 3 with an opening ceremony at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. After which, the Sports Parade will follow. The aquathlon will then be the opening event. Ball games will start on September 10 at designated areas. Most of the literary-musical competitions will be held at the Promenade and Rose Memorial Auditorium on the said month.
An ode to culture and the arts – the different competitions provide platforms for Centralians to showcase their God-given talents.
One of the most-awaited events of the celebration is the Mr. & Miss CPU Pageant to be held on September 25. This event and its corresponding activities are being orchestrated by the Mr. & Miss CPU Committee, co-chaired by Ms. Crista Huyong and Miss Carmelle Frances Romero. (See “The search for Mr. and Miss CPU” by Carmelle Frances Romero for more details.)
For the CPU Alumni, the most awaited event is the Homecoming Celebration on September 29. The full-packed day will begin with Alumni Morning Devotional at the RMA, followed by a fellowship lunch. The celebration will continue with the Alumni Night at the Grand Xing Hotel, Iloilo City. This year’s Alumni Homecoming theme is “Fostering CPU’s Legacy: Let the Central Spirit Shine.”
For more details on the Alumni Homecoming, kindly contact Mrs. Tina Marie Hortelano, Liason Officer, CPU Alumni Association Inc. through tel. no. 329-1971 loc. 1033.