CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

By Edwin C. Laru-an

Cindy, a CPU Golden Lions athlete, proudly represents the Philippines in international competitions.

Our featured athlete for this week comes from the Taekwondo Tertiary Women’s Team.

Name: Cindy Joy Diasnes
Nickname: Cind or Cj
Height: 5’4”
Grade/Year: Grade 12
Team: Taekwondo Tertiary Women
Playing Position: Individual Poomsae and Group Poomsae
Coach: Allan Diasnes
Hometown: Jaro Iloilo City

Hobbies: Online Games

Favorite Players: Pauline Lopez, Suji Kang, Jocel Ninobla, Dae Hoon Lee

Most Memorable Game: Palarong Pamambansa 2018 and Asian Junior Taekwondo Championship 2019

Principle in Life: “Love what you are doing as much as you love the outcome.”

What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:

I am grateful to be a part of the CPU Golden Lions because being a Centralian has a big impact in my life. Through CPU I have achieved my dreams with the help and support of the Faculty and Staff and also to my Coaches. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am thankful of the CPU Golden Lions for I have learned a lot of lessons and have become the best version of myself. Without my coaches who pushed me through my limits, I would not have achieved my goal to be part of the Philippine National team and to become Gold Medalist of Palarong Pambansa.

When I started studying in CPU and became part of the Varsity Team, there were any blessings that came to my way. I have been to many places and my dream to travel was fulfilled through my Taekwondo competitions. I was able to achieve my dream little by little.

Why did you choose CPU:

I chose CPU because I was inspired by my Senior Varsity Blackbelt holders during my elementary days. I saw how they achieved their dreams such as joining the National PRISAA and Palarong Pambansa due to their non-stop training. I admired them because they became the champions that they aspired to be. I was inspired by what they were doing – they are successful in Taekwondo and in their academics. I chose to be a part of CPU because I know that the university will help me achieve my goals and dreams through the support the Administration gives us. The support is priceless and amazing. Because of that, I am forever grateful to CPU.

Achievements:

By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Igbaras Municipal Mayor Atty. Vicente E. Escorpion officially sign the Memorandum of Agreement.

A Memorandum of Agreement between Central Philippine University and the Municipality of Igbaras, Iloilo was signed on August 15 at the College of Hospitality Management’s La Azotea Restaurant in CPU.

Igbaras Municipal Mayor, Atty. Vicente E. Escorpion, and members of the Municipal Council of Igbaras attended the MOA signing with the CPU panel led by University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio. Also present were the proponents of the project, Prof. Ismael A. Almajar Jr., and Engr. Dimpna Castigador, Director for Institutional Advancement. Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications and Prof. Ma. Medalla P. Baliao, Dean, College of Hospitality Management were also in attendance.

Before the program started, Mayor Escorpion shared how there came to be a MOA on Disaster Management Awareness and Eco-tourism between CPU and the Municipality of Igbaras. Although classified as a third class municipality according to the Mayor, Igbaras has some potential for eco-tourism, owing to its 6,000 hectares of timberland, flowing rivers, caves and mountain ranges. There is a growing number of tourists visiting this year. However, recently, natural disasters, such as landslides, have destroyed homes and large areas of agriculture. There arose a need for environmental conservation and disaster management.

The partnership aims to promote the Eco-Tourism of Igbaras and to expose CPU Tourism students to local tourism industries.

To fulfill this need, Prof. Almajar and Engr. Castigador endeavored to help the Municipality of Igbaras through a partnership with Central Philippine University and foreign funding support from the United Board for Higher Christian Education in Asia. The program will focus on “Service Learning by way of Integrating Environmental Conservation and Disaster Management Awareness at Ecotourism Sites in Igbaras, Iloilo.” This also became the theme of the three-day seminar conducted at the La Azotea after the MOA signing.

The signing program started at 10:00 AM with the opening prayer led by Rev. Jalando-on. Rea Pearl Divinagracia, BS Tourism-4, led the singing of the National Anthem. Prof. Almajar and Engr. Castigador enlightened the participants with regards to the context of the activity before the signing of the MOA.

Dr. Robles and Mayor Escorpion, with their witnesses, signed the Memorandum of Agreement before they delivered their messages. Dr. Robles emphasized the importance of disaster prevention and encouraged tree planting activities which can prevent the disasters. Mayor Escorpion expressed his gratitude for the support and the program, “I am confident and thankful for the program that CPU is extending to our municipality. I know how Central Philippine University undertakes a project and makes the accomplishment.”

Brgy. Igcabugao in Igbaras will be the pilot area for the project.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPUES Guidance Counselor Johanna Faith Candido conducting an online class.

Johanna Faith Candido, a Guidance Counselor and a Homeroom Guidance class teacher at Central Philippine University Elementary School, is in her 5th year of working when the Covid-19 caused the University to use an online learning management system that required them to teach students in this new normal.

“I felt as if the new online system of education has made a change on me. When we prayed that the virus will not affect us, I found positive values through the daunting experience in teaching students online. It has really taught a lot with regards to my attitude and perceptions.”

Apart from her regular classes, she conducts the Homeroom Guidance class for 20 sections (from grades 1 to 6); 4-5 sections every Friday, in which the schedule is distributed within the whole day. The Guidance class includes a worship segment that includes value formation, self-awareness, and personality development.
“As a teacher, the Covid-19 crisis has taught me to help the students not only on basic learning but to inculcate spiritual, moral, and emotional values to the students. Central Philippine University inherently teaches us these values to be lived by.”

CPUES teacher Ma. Theza Faye Garuan during one of her online classes. She shared that the pandemic has changed the way she looks at hardships and challenges.

There are several changes in the “new normal” educational system that I thank the Lord for so much”, said Ma. Theza Faye Garuan, also a CPU Elementary teacher. First, she said, “I changed my outlook on appreciating challenges, especially during this time of the Covid-19 crisis. It strengthened my faith so that I could readily understand every problem. I also became disciplined in managing my time and requirements.”

Secondly, she said, “I greatly put more focus on preparing lessons for my students. I make sure that I know everything I have to impart to them. I make sure that I am prepared to teach the values of the lessons before I start the online class.” “This new struggle is a new experience that should be giving us strength and sustain us in contending with the new normal system in teaching and learning,” she added.

Teachers in Central Philippine University help each other in adapting and learning the new normal, and the process of transmitting education to their students online, respectively.

By Keziah G. Huelar

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles talks about the importance of CEW to the CPU community.

Ushering in the CEW Season, the University Church held a convocation for the Central Philippine University faculty and staff at the University Church on August 10, 2018.

The praise and worship was led by the Seeds of Faith band. It was then followed by the welcome remarks by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. In his message, Dr. Robles thanked the university community for supporting the Christ Emphasis Week throughout the years. He also talked about the importance of such activity: “This is the time to refresh ourselves with our relationship with God. For the past few days, you were busy with the examinations and the faculty proctoring of the said exams. But now is the time for us to emphasize our relationship with God. Although it should be done every day, we have at least one week for us to focus on this.”

 For the explanation of the text and theme, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, talked about the importance of experiencing the relentless love of God: “Our text is found in Isaiah 54:10 and in Matthew 28:20. Sin has its own way of alienating us not only from others but also from our loved ones and our God. The phrase “God loves you” can be repeatedly heard from many conversations, that to some extent, it has become a cliché. It has stopped being an emotional experience for many. Many people in this generation are lonely, depressed, and disillusioned with life, but we still believe that the message of God’s love has the power to transform our lives.”

Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, CPBC General Secretary, shared in his message that life does not consist in the abundance of things.

 Mr. Agripino Gallos, Jr., faculty of the College of Business and Management then introduced the guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, CPBC General Secretary. In his message, Rev. Dr. Narciso highlighted the importance of living our lives relentlessly for Jesus through the beatitudes: “When I hear the word relentless, I am reminded of Matthew 5:6 where we will find the beatitudes. The beatitudes are known as Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Other scholars call it as the greatest sermon ever told.”

 According to Rev. Dr. Narciso, we live in a material world where happiness revolves around the around the acquisition of things: “I think that is the reason why people today are relentless in their efforts to pursue that which are in the world. They have the assumption that the more they have in life, the more they would be happy and contented—materialism confuses our values with our valuables.”

 Rev. Dr. Narciso ended his message by encouraging the CPU community to be relentless in the pursuit of God, who is ever-faithful, rather than the things of the world that will only leave one empty and thirsty for more.

The closing prayer and benediction was then led by Rev. Sian

By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

The College of Medicine Student Council’s “The AHA Movement – Alertong Hero Ako” has been chosen as a recipient of this year’s Be Like Jesse Youth Grant Competition by the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation.

From 851 applications nationwide, the COM Student Council was among those included in the 20 shortlisted applicants who pitched their projects to a panel of experts. On September 18, it was announced that the AHA! Movement was named as one of the five recipients that would be given funding assistance.

Members of the CPU College of Medicine Student Council.

The AHA! Movement is a pilot project that would be shaping youth champions of health care inside their homes in 2 barangays in Leganes, Iloilo. It aims to equip SK officials and members of the youth ages 10-25 year old in 2 barangays on Basic First Aid to provide immediate care among household members who are ill and injured.

“As medical students, we have been trained for First Aid and we will be crafting The AHA! Movement Heroes Guide, an interactive and youth-friendly first aid guide that will be left in the households after they have been enabled through online sessions of training,” said College of Medicine Student Council Governor Jasper Ruby Vijar and AHA! Movement Chairperson Jasper Ruby Vijar.

“In the grassroots with controlled social interaction, the SK Officials can assist us in monitoring and assessment of the project. Through this, we could assist frontliners by reducing the inflow of patients in the hospital by finding immediate solutions to common household accidents and illnesses using readily available resources at the comforts of our homes.”

The idea behind the project came up months after isolation because of the pandemic. Aside from the growing number of COVID-patients, the College of Medicine Student Council saw the need in efficiently dealing with non- COVID patients who are also seeking hospital care.

Since they are restricted by protocols to assist the frontliners, the Student Council thought of assisting them from the grassroots, by creating more heroes inside the homes in the community with the The AHA! Movement.

SK officials doing survey on common household accidents and illnesses in Barangay Guintas.

“Despite the lack of funds of our council that could limit socio-civic projects since we had to reduce the student council fee to cater for more relevant fees in our tuition fees, this is a good opportunity for medicine students to realize that achieving Magaling at Mabuting Doctor can go beyond the corners of our room (or screen), and moreover in a pandemic, there is something that we can do as a community. It starts with identifying a problem and banking on your innovative idea, “said Vijar.

Other members of the College of Medicine Student Council expressed their gratitude to Be Like Jesse Youth (BLJY) for giving them a platform to help the community despite the pandemic.
“I am really honored and grateful to BLJY, to be given an opportunity to empower the youth of today that they too can be the heroes that they always looked up to. I am also grateful that I, in some way can assist our current heroes, the front liners in their fight against this pandemic through the AHA! Movement”, said College of Medicine Student Council Board Member and AHA! Movement Project Manager External Paul Landoy.

“I want to take this time to personally thank BJLY foundation for accepting our call to help build a resilient community with the youth in the front lines. We are so grateful for this privilege of partnering with them in this endeavor. We look forward for this project to be successful and impactful to help ease the burden we all are facing right now. We hope that this partnership is only the start of more empowering opportunities that will create a bright future for us and the next generation. Shalom!” said the College of Medicine Student Council Vice Governor and AHA! Movement Project Manager Internal Jason Baldimor.

Be Like Jesse is a youth grant competition launched in 2018. It calls for proposals from youth-led organizations that promote the ideals of the late former DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo that advocates for youth participation in nation-building and promotion of development through the empowerment of communities.

The College of Medicine Student Council, along with four other recipients will be awarded in a virtual ceremony on October 17, 2020.

By Keziah G. Huelar

Judge Mark Anthony R. Polonan shared his testimony to the School of Graduate Studies, and the College of Law.

For the welcome remarks, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean, CPU College of Law, thanked the students for their participation and the University Church for initiatives that promote CPU’s vision of producing exemplary Christian learners.

It was then followed by the explanation of the text and theme by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church. According to Rev. Sian, this year’s theme, “Relentless,” is all about the relentless love of God who pursues us: “‘Relentless’ is defined as continuing without being weak. How good it is to know that God keeps on reaching out to us. It is the desire of the University that through this Christ Emphasis Week celebration, we will make the pursuit of God the topmost priority.”

 Ptr. Mary Grace F. Labis, Associate Pastor of the University Church, then read Luke 15:1-32, which contains the parable of the Lost Sheep, the parable of the Lost Coin and the story of the Prodigal Son. After which, Tammy Enriquez, JD-3, introduced the convocation speaker, Hon. Mark Anthony R. Polonan, Judge 8 of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities.

In his message, Hon. Polonan talked about how the relentless love of Jesus was shown in the three stories, particularly in the characters of the shepherd, the woman, and the father: “These are three subjects sharing one emphasis, one overall outcome. Always remember that God is in the darkest, deepest parts of your lives. He wept when you wept.”

 He also reminded the law students about the unlimited grace of God, “The relentless love of God is the patient love of God. Remember, you are never too sinful for God to forgive. You are never too dirty for God to cleanse.”

 Ending his message, Judge Polonan talked about the importance of having a relationship with God and to feel his relentless love and grace.

The closing prayer and benediction was then led by Rev. Sian.

By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

Ambos is an Associate Professor of the School of Graduate Studies and the College of Education. He is currently the Coordinator of Professional Education Subjects.

College of Education professor Maredil Ambos (M.A.T, Ed.D.) was chosen by the Leadership in Education Academy and Development (LEAD) Philippines as one of the recipients of its Excellence Award as a College Professor.

The awarding for the recipients was held virtually on October 3, 2020.

Leadership in Education Academy and Development (LEAD) Philippines, an educational organization that provides seminars/workshops for educational leaders and teachers in the Philippines and ASEAN Countries launched a search honoring teachers/professors in different fields in the country.

“I was informed by a friend who was a winner of the Metrobank Foundation as Outstanding Teacher/Filipino that LEAD Philippines has an ongoing search. At first, I was hesitant to participate but my friend insisted that I am qualified for the prestigious search. I was then nominated by him. After the nomination, I was asked by the secretariat to submit my curriculum vitae and credentials for evaluation. The next step was the evaluation of some documents online,” said Ambos

Ambos is among the teachers nationwide who were chosen by LEAD as recipients for the said award.

He finished his Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Computer Science Education (Cum Laude), from Central Philippine University in 2001. He obtained his MA in Teaching major in Computer Studies from Southwestern University in 2013 and his Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) major in Educational Management from the University of Southern Philippines in 2016.

For the past years, Ambos’ work as an educator has been recognized by various organizations from private and public sectors. In 2011, he was chosen by the Private Schools and School Administrators Association of the Philippines (PRISAAP) as one of the Outstanding Teachers of Region VI. He was also named one of the Ten Most Outstanding Scoutmasters of the Boy scouts of the Philippines in 2012 and 2015. In 2016, he was also awarded by DOLE Region VI as one of the Most Outstanding Workers Employees in the Private Sector.

By Nestle G. Taala

With his mobile app PaDS, Software Engineering graduate, John Elmer Loretizo was hailed as the Grand Winner of National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius”.

After a rigorous screening and several of interviews, John Elmer Loretizo, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, Batch 2018, tops this year’s GMA Network Excellence Award (GNEA) in the technology-based category. His mother, Mrs. Mary Jean Loretizo, received the plaque and the cash award of PhP50,000.00 on his behalf during the awarding ceremony on August 10, 2018.

“I am thankful and happy for [CPU] for I, once again, have given her honor,” said John Elmer.

Loretizo’s mother, Mrs. Mary Jean Loretizo, in his behalf received the award.

It can be recalled that Loretizo bagged the top spot with his innovative phone application PaDS or Patient in Transit Diagnostics System. It is a mobile app that sends a patients diagnostics to the target hospital for treatment preparation. When asked on how he came up with the idea for PaDs, Loretizo shares that it was his experience when he himself was seeking medical treatment that made him realize the importance of such innovation.

A recepient of the GMA Excellence Award, Loretizo has yet again brought pride to CPU.

GNEA is given to outstanding graduates who are set to make their distinctive mark in Philippine broadcast media in two categories: technology-based and communication. Out of all the entry books submitted nationwide, the screening committee chose the top five finalists for each category. The finalists underwent a final interview with the executives of GMA Network.

by Rusieljs G. Lunasco

Prof. Ma. Cynthia Pelena is the Director of Henry Luce III Library while Dr. Reysa Alenzuela is a faculty of the Masters in LIS program and a Consultant for the library. Prof. Ana Mae Cantel is currently the Course Coordinator and a full-time professor for the Library and Information Science (LIS) program.

CPU Library Director Ma. Cynthia Peleña, along with the School of Graduate Studies Library and Information Science (LIS) program professors, Ana Mae B. Cantel, RL, MLIS, and Dr. Reysa Alenzuela, MLIS won Best Paper Award during the Eurasian Academic Libraries Conference (EALC) 2020 last September 30 to October 2, 2020.

With the theme, “Alive to Changes: Engage. Embrace. Ensure”, the conference which was hosted by Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan was held virtually due to the pandemic.

Their paper entitled “Developing a Competency Index for Librarians: Benchmark for Capacity Building, LIS Education, and Continuing Professional Development” is a case study of two associations: the Vanuatu Library Association and Southeast Asia Theological Librarians. The research describes how the competencies of the two associations were created and explained the steps in developing a competency index that can be applied in a country or a region. Part of the study was also done in collaboration with the Association of Theological Education in Southeast Asia (ATESEA).

The Best Paper Award is given to the paper judged to have made the most significant, fruitful, and exemplary contribution in the entire duration of the conference.

EALC features distinguished researchers and engaging speakers. The conference will be a venue for scientific discussion, constructive exchange of information, best practices, and lessons, through oral and poster presentations. In addition, a range of special workshops and lightning talks aim to attract participants on wider issues of future-ready libraries and library professionals.

For the full text of the paper, click the link below (pages 59-73)
https://nu.kz.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=33205894

By Keziah G. Huelar

Eagle Scout, Vance Raphael Anthony S. Praire showing his bidbook.

Excellence in leadership and community service—Eagle Scout, Vance Raphael Anthony S. Praire, Grade 10-SSC, Newton and CPU Junior High School Governor, ranked number one in the 2018 Search for Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Western Visayas held at the Boy Scout of the Phillipines (BSP) Headquarters on August 11, 2018.

Praire bested seven contenders: two from Aklan, two from Capiz, one from Guimaras, one from Iloilo and two from Negros Occidental. He, together with Eagle Scout Sean Patnubay from Aklan (Rank No. 2), will represent Region VI in the National Level on October 13-17, 2018. The screening process will take place in BSP Manila while the awarding will be held in the Philippine International Convention Center.

It can be recalled that Jethro Mark G. Jerez, currently, a Grade 12 student at the University Senior High School, bagged the same award for Central Philippine University when he was in Junior High School.

Criteria in the selection process includes: scholastic standing, academic and non-academic awards received, competitions participated in, school leadership activities, community leadership activities, church-based activities, scouting activities organized and joined, and personality and communication skills.

by Rusieljs G. Lunasco

Scholars practiced social distancing during their contract signing and awarding ceremony.

107 beneficiaries received a scholarship grant from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) during the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Orientation and Awarding Ceremony on Thursday, October 9, 2020, at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park.

The CPU Office of Student Development and Programs, headed by Dr. Margen Java, made sure that health and safety protocols were in place throughout the ceremony. Beneficiaries together with their parents were divided in batches throughout the day and physical distancing was strictly implemented.

Dr. Java, Director for the Office of Student Development and Programs, facilitated the orientation and discussed the conditions set by the government in qualifying for TES, and the personal and institutional responsibilities of its grantees.

The Office of Student Development and Programs made sure that health and safety protocols were in place during the program.

The beneficiaries, together with their parents, were assisted by the CPU Administration during the awarding, and TES Sharing Agreement signing.

The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), one of the core programs under the Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, has an allocation of PhP16 billion from the PhP40 billion budget to implement the law. It is a grants-in-aid program that provides funding for all Filipino students from the poorest-of-the-poor households enrolled in public and private Higher Education Indicators (HEIs).

By Keziah G. Huelar

The highlight of every CEW is always the proclaimed Word of the Lord.

Celebrating Christ as the Cornerstone of Central Philippine University—The University Church, in partnership with the different colleges and departments, highlighted the theme “Relentless” anchored on Isaiah 54:10 and Matthew 28:20 during the First Semester Christ Emphasis Week of the school year 2018-2019.

Starting them young- CPU Kindergarten students listen attentively to their CEW speaker

Held on August 10-17, 2018, the week-long celebration, filled with praise and worship and accompanied by the sharing of God’s Word, is a testimony of CPU’s commitment as a university anchored in faith.

According to Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, the theme encourages the CPU community to make the pursuit of God a priority. In the era of persistent distractions and temptations, it is important to feel the constant pursuit and faithfulness of God: “God keeps reaching out to us so He can win us to Himself. Our theme encourages the CPU community to make the pursuit of God the topmost priority as God has been relentless in his bid to save us from ourselves.”

 Rev. Sian shares that the theme encourages us to work on our faith with fear and trembling, “We should also be relentless in our pursuit of holiness. It should be the proverbial pearl of the great price of our prayers.”

 Convocation speakers Pastor Russel Ban, Pastor Jasper Martin, Rev. Lennie Ruth Sombilla, Rev. Adiel Caspe, Pastor Franz Hestia Love Joy Quimpo-Leysa, Pastor Keith Dune Gallos, Rev. Dr. Jerson Narciso, Pastor Jamilo Pendo, and Hon. Mark Anthony Polonan all shared the love of God through the empowering message of God’s relentless love.

The CEW is a testimony of God’s relentless love to CPU and the Centralian community’s dedication to make Christ as the center of the university.

Shout unto God a song of praise – the CPU Elementary School students leading the praise and worship.

According to Harissa Junio, BSBAMM4, this year’s CEW is a testimony of the continuing journey of the university: “As a Centralian, I take heart in the fact that CPU has been holding activities like this to share the Word of God. It continually reminds me that beyond my academics, my purpose is really to pursue God and to share his Word to others.”

 A first year college student of CBA, Lyka Derayunan shared, “The CEW experience is unique. You will not probably experience this in others schools. I did not regret enrolling in CPU. I will tell others about this.”

Jam-packed, the Rose Memorial Audituriom is filled with students and faculty during the CEW.

Heart of worship – the CPU Junior High School leads the praise and worship session.

 As the university moves forward to celebrate 113 years of God’s goodness, the Christ Emphasis Week is a reminder of its long tradition of faith. It is also a challenge to the CPU community to never forget our roots—in Christ—and that beyond the goal of producing excellent professionals, the heart of CPU’s existence is to glorify God through the lives of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

May we all be relentless in spirit and in truth.