By Keziah G. Huelar
Dr. Mona Lisa Siacor, faculty of the CPU College of Theology, commits her life to a discipline of faith complemented by an academic dedication.
In 2010, National Geographic aired a series entitled “Great Migrations.” It had seven episodes revealing the majestic rhythm of wildlife and its determination not only to migrate for survival but to echo the natural principle of stewardship between generations.
In one of its episodes, “Born to Move,” NatGeo featured the migration of the monarch butterfly.
Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the Northeastern U.S. and Canada to Central Mexico, because of this monarch butterfly is known for its two-way migration, just like birds.
The documentary showcased the amazing persistence and determination of the monarch butterflies as they travel almost 3000 miles—the journey ultimately culminating after four generations. What is amazing about this phenomenon is the fact those later generations of monarch butterflies who have never been to their ancestral breeding grounds return to the exact trees where their parents roosted before.
Centralians also experience their own migration, and for Dr. Mona Lisa Siacor, faculty of the CPU College of Theology, the journey is a testimony of Christ’s grace and purpose.
Dr. Siacor graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science Major in Math in 1990 from the university. Her calling and interest eventually led her to the portals of the CPU College of Theology where she finished her Masters of Divinity in 2007.
In 2010, Dr. Siacor started her seven-year-journey as a scholar studying Doctor of Philosophy in Protestant Theology at the University of Regensburg. Her stay in Germany exposed her to the different disciplines of Protestant theology and a grassroots perspective on Protestantism.
After graduating in 2017 from the University of Regensburg, she returned to the Central Philippine University bringing with her her insights and testimony.
Recently, she attended the Summer School under Dr. h.c. mult. Hans Schwarz, Professor Emeritus of Protestant Theology University of Regensburg Universitätsstr to present a paper entitled, “The Crosses that Filipino Women Migrants Carry.” According to the abstract of her research, the study entails the travails of the working Filipino woman migrant and an analysis of her sad experiences due to having to work abroad. The cultural worldview plays a role in the ability to persevere and that globalization is one of the main causes of her suffering. Her suffering is compared to the Christian understanding of the daily cross-bearing that Jesus expected of his followers.
According to Dr. Siacor, migration is one of the trending issues around the globe, “There is a need to participate in the dialogue of global concerns for migration. Migration can be seen in the Middle Ages, in the Bible, and the best way to discuss this phenomenon is through academic presentation and study.”
As part of her dedication to the study of theology, Dr. Siacor currently teaches MDiv 600 (Inter-Testamental Literature) and MDiv 602 (Postmodern, Postcolonial Theologies).
With 22 years of service to the university, Ma’am Siacor is a testimony that Centralians always come back to the university, carrying with them the testimony of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Allana Delgado is currently the cataloger and the law librarian of the Henry Luce III Library.
CPU Librarian Allana S. Delgado (RL, MLIS) was chosen as one of the 19 Emerging International Voices by Goethe Institut and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). She was also accepted in the “Emerging International Voices Network” program, a joint project by the mentioned institutions.
The partner institutions announced the roster of young librarians chosen for the program on Thursday, September 24, 2020.
Delgado is the only Filipino among the chosen librarians from different parts of the world who are recognized for their expertise and for their efforts in advocating for the future of the libraries of their respective institutions.
“Emerging International Voices Network” program is a joint project of IFLA and the Goethe Institute. This program is for young library advocates to share best-practice examples of libraries worldwide engaging with their digital communities.
The Goethe-Institut is Germany’s cultural institute that promotes the study of the German language abroad and encourages international cultural exchange while the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users.
Delgado’s article entitled “The library’s core roles remain constant” recently published in Goethe Institut’s website, talks about digital libraries in the Philippines and the recent accomplishments of the CPU Henry Luce III Library.
To read the article, click the link below:
The PTA Officers of the CPU JHS for School Year 2018-2019 together with Prof. Janet S. Jalbuena, Principal, CPU JHS.
Partnering together to foster Exemplary Christian Learners for Life—The Central Philippine University Junior High School elected their Parent and Teacher Association officers at the CPU JHS Building on July 30, 2018.
The following are the results of the said election:
Grade 7 Level Officers
Parents’ Representatives:
- Ronnie Del Castillo
- Michael Maravilla
Teachers’ Representatives:
- Rhodarie Siacor
- Ricky Guay
Grade 8 Level Officers
Parents’ Representatives:
- Robert Madrid
- Madelene Mercado
Teachers’ Representatives:
- Miss Shane Rose Malfarta
- Miss Carla Mae Galgo
Grade 9 Level Officers
Parents’ Representatives:
- Hermely Jalando-on
- Tina Hortelano
Teachers’ Representatives:
- Charity Escobin
- Claro Hisug
Grade 10 Level Officers
Parents’ Representatives:
- Rey Balogo
- Elwin Deo Arroyo
Teachers’ Representatives:
- Elda Gasataya
- Juvi Joy Guatelara
Junior High School PTA Officers:
President: Mr. Michael Maravilla
Vice President: Mr. Rey Balogo
Secretary: Miss Shane Rose Malfarta
Asst. Secretary: Miss Carla Mae Galgo
Treasurer: Mrs. Madelene Mercado
Auditor: Mr. Ronnie Del Castillo
Business Manager: Mr. Elwin Deo Arroyo
PRO: Mrs. Tina Hortelano
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio shared about CPU’s strategies in adapting to the new normal in a CHED-Sponsored webinar.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio was invited by the Commission on Higher Education-VI to talk about CPU’s Online Learning Strategies as well as its Continuity Plan in one of their webinars which took place on September 22, 2020.
Dr. Rio shared about the creation of a Committee to formulate Guidelines on Online Training. Strategies to better equip the faculty for the new mode of learning such as skills-based training were also discussed. He also expounded on CPU’s transition to a hybrid schedule for the college level. The new schedule was implemented this semester. It was the committee’s decision to shift to a hybrid schedule for the benefit of the faculty and the students.
Officials from Private Higher Education Institutions in Iloilo participated in the said webinar.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Participants listening to the lecture of Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications.
Fifty-two (52) newly hired employees were gathered at the EMC Conference Room on July 27, 2018 and were provided with “important tools” for their jobs. The orientation for CPU’s new faculty and staff started at 7:00 A.M. was facilitated by the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO). This year’s theme is “Be an Asset.”
The registration started at 7:00 AM with HRDO Secretary Myla C. Canlas in charge. The University Church through Ptr. Jho Labis led the Devotional prior to the program. The program proper began with the Opening Remarks by Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, in behalf of University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
The CPU HRDO welcome the new faculty and staff to the CPU family.
The orientation on CPU Culture was handled by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications. The Vision/ Mission and Core Values were enumerated and discussed by Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, VP for Student Affairs. Dr. Ananias C. Sabijon, Jr., Director, Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence lectured on Commitment and Passion for Excellence in the Work Place.
After lunch, Prof. Rodel C. Palomar, HRDO Director, presented to the participants the Employee Benefits that CPU is providing its employees. The Retirement Policies was explained to the new employees by Ms. Jet Nillos, Acting Retirement Fund Officer.
An open forum followed and team-building workshops followed. Prof. Palomar gave the closing remarks. Lastly, Rev. Chris Amorsolo V. Sian, University Church Senior Pastor, led everyone in the Closing Prayer. Mrs. Johanna Faith M. Candido hosted of the event.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Cara Sullano- del Carmen with husband Jayson who is currently a flight attendant.
During the ECQ, Cara Jeanne Sullano- del Carmen (BS Nursing 2011), only started baking as a hobby but after receiving positive feedback from family and friends, she decided to set up “Sweet Fix by Calix” as a business where she could sell her baked goods.
Cara and her husband Jayson were just a few of many flight attendants whose jobs were affected by the pandemic.
“When my husband, who is currently on-leave due to limited flights, went home and finished quarantine, he also started making bread rolls,” said Sullano-del Carmen.
Sullano- del Carmen who also used to be a flight attendant left her job in 2018 to focus on her studies. She is currently a Doctor of Dental Medicine student.
At first, the couple had a hard time selling their baked goods, but eventually orders and queries started coming.
Their classic cheese rolls are their current best seller.
Bread rolls, one of del Carmen-Sullanos baked products.
“You should grab every opportunity to be productive, whether you are working or staying at home.”
Sullano-del Carmen studied kindergarten to college at CPU. She served as CPU Republic President from 2009-2010. She was also crowned as Miss CPU and as Miss Iloilo PRISAA during her stay at the campus.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The anticipation for a new CPUTV program has been building up since last year. The community has been looking forward to, perhaps, a live talk show that would carry discussions about people who are connected to the University, such as the alumni, and who could testify to the contributions Central Philippine University has made to their profession, business, and/or success.
The goodness of the Lord was finally made evident last Friday, July 27, 2018 at 4:00 PM when the new show, “Looking Forward,” was launched on CPUTV through Facebook Live. Mr. Prim Vergara III, Chairman of the Sustainable Campus Committee was the first guest and his topic centered on Sustainable Campus Development. Mr. Vergara answered questions posted to him and explained at length his answers. The full interview is still available for viewing at https://www.facebook.com/pg/CentralPhilippineUniversityTV/videos/. The program will air regularly on Fridays at 4:00 PM from the CPUTV Studio, EXCEL Center.
This Friday August 3, a Medical Technologist and CPU Alumna, an entrepreneur and newly inducted President of the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline will be our guest. She will share insights on the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline (special Alumni Chapter of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc.) and how CPU made an impact in her life.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Central Philippine University Republic will conduct a series of Leadership Training webinars for the 2020-2021 CPUR officials starting September 19, 2020.
Dubbed ‘Kaakbay’, it is anchored on the theme, “Next Generation Leaders: Lessons from the Past, Challenges in the Future.”
The first of the series of capacity building talks will be on “Business Letter Writing: The CPU Context” with Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Esther Rose Romarate as the resource person.
“I am thankful to God that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, our CPUR leaders continue to pursue their goals and are doing their best to help their fellow students overcome the challenges of the New Normal.
Facilitating these leadership webinars and many more activities in the future shows their resiliency as well as drive to fulfill their responsibilities,” said VPSA Romarate.
It will be recalled that the CPUR officials led by its President, Ro-Anne Lozada, Vice President, Kristian Paul Racca, and Prime Minister, John Erland Pudadera were inducted into office by CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles on August 29, 2020.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
RCJC welcoming its new members.
The 25th “Year of Service” celebration of the CPU Alumni Association Special Chapter-The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline (RCJC) was held last Sunday evening, July 29, 2018, at Gerardo’s, The Castle Hotel on Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City. It was attended by the officers of the club and other notable people in Iloilo City. Both the Rotarians and Rotaractors (Youth Chapter of RCJC) consider the event as a historic assembly of RCJC’s past presidents.
Seated at the presidential table was Rotary District 3850 Governor, Mr. Lindon See Diet, the guest speaker and inducting officer at the event; Current CPU Alumni Association President, Engr. Isagani J. Jabuena; Charter President, Dr. Andresito Millamena; Outgoing RCJC President Jude Marsh R. Grande; and Incoming President RCJC President, Mrs. Evelyn Rose A. Catilo (see related article).
President Grande, R.I. (Rotary International) of 2017-2018, banged the gavel and called the event into order. The program started at 6:00 PM, with Centralian, Pastor Jec Dan Borlado, leading the invocation. Dr. Lorna T. Grande, Dean, CPU College of Business and Accountancy, acknowledged the Rotarians and guests.
Dinner was then served. All the while, the affair was being shown live on widescreen TV, courtesy of the CPU Office of Communications, which provided coverage of the program with Mr. Dionisio Coronado and his team from CPUTV.
A night of camaraderie and of the Central Spirit – RCJC members greet each other.
A brief history of the Rotary Club was read by the RCJC Charter President shortly after dinner was served: The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline was founded by Dr. Andresito “Nonong” Millamena, also a member the CPUAAI Board of Trustees and CPU Corporation, in 1993. He served as Club President from 1993 to 1994.
Some of the Centralian past Presidents have also served at Central Philippine University in different departments and offices. Among them are the late CPU BOT Chairman Narciso “Narcing” Maravilla who served as RCJC President from 1997 to 1998; Ricardo “Ric Patricio, Planning Officer, Office of CPU President) and RCJC President from 2004-2005; Alma “Tita Doc” Frondoza, Asst. Dean of the College of Medicine and served as Chapter President of RCJC from 2005 to 2006; and Dr. Fely P. Chin, former Vice President for Academic Affairs and who served RCJC from 2006 to 2007; Novy Lagradilla, CPU Alumni Association Liaison Officer and served as Chapter President from 2008 to 2009; Freddie “Butch” Salvania, Franklin Hall Dormitory Coordinator and served as RCJC President from 2010 to 2011; Johnny “JV” Villanueva, faculty and served from 2012 to 2013; and Jude Marsh R. Grande, Engineering faculty, 2017 to 2018, and served as RCJC President.
It was a “Night of the Presidents” as the past presidents of RCJC, since it was founded in 1993, were invited to the affair and were awarded with personalized gold medals by new RCJC President Catilo.
The newly inducted officers of the RCJC are: Evelyn Rose Catilo, President; Trinidad “Trenz” Sorongon, President Elect; Jude Marsh Grande, Secretary; Rotarian Lorna T. Grande, Treasurer; Cyrus A. Natividad, Chairman for Public Image; Lyds Grio, Director for Membership; and Budz Senorio, Chairman, Rotary Foundation.
In his message, President Grande promised to do more, having been elected as the current Club Secretary. Under his leadership, RCJC was able to initiate and sustain a feeding program to the indigents and youth of Barangay Tirador in Janiuay, donate desks to selected schools, launch youth and sports program with which he was able to mobilize a Fun Run in support of Central Philippine University’s Alumni Homecoming in 2017, and other various socio-civic projects.
President Evelyn Rose Catilo delivered her inaugural speech with a commitment to extend more to the needy and do her best to make RCJC a worthy cause. Mrs. Catilo selflessly facilitated, among others, a gift-giving activity to indigent communities at Christmas and medical missions intended to support senior citizen in selected communities.
The Inducting Officer DG See Diet who has been visiting Rotary Clubs in Iloilo City admired the cooperation of the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline and CPU Alumni Association, Inc. He expressed gratitude to Central Philippine University for the support it has been giving to RCJC.
Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, CPUAAI President, delivered his message of support to the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline, “As a Special Chapter of Central Philippine University Alumni Association, your club is assured of support and cooperation on any activities and partnerships during my leadership.”
The program was hosted by Miss Camelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer, CPU Office of the President.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Millamena served Central Philippine University as a faculty for 8 years (1963-1966, 1969-1974) and as member of the Board of Trustees for 13 years (1997-2010); Member of CPU Corporation for 40 years.
Dr. Andresito “Nonong” Millamena, as fondly called by friends and associates was a native of Sibalom, Antique. His aspiration to achieve good education was blessed with his desire and determination. He moved up to the ladder of success by working as a janitorial student assistant at Central Philippine University. He graduated from CPU, with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1963.
He proceeded and attained his Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna in 1969, and 1986, respectively. He finished his Post-Doctoral study, major in Dairy Science and Agricultural Extension from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Nonong Millamena, a hardworking student in his time is known to former Antique Governor, Sally Zaldivar Perez. “He was close to the Governor”, said a former Antique Board Member and now a faculty member of CPU, Prof. Eric Otayde.” He added that “The Millamenas of Antique are known to be a very decent family.” Nonong was married to Engr. Oseni Maribojo-Millamena, former Dean of the College of Engineering, with whom he has three children who are now professionals: Jessie John, Mary Ann and Mark Andrew.
Dr. Millamena served Central Philippine University as a faculty for 8 years (1963-1966, 1969-1974); as a member of the Board of Trustees for 13 years (1997-2010); Member of CPU Corporation for 40 years from 1989 up to 2020 as either a representative of CPU Alumni Association or Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. He was re-elected in the recent CPU Corporation meeting to serve as a member up to 2025. He was also a long time member of the CPU Alumni Association Board of Trustees up to the time of his death. He also served in different capacities as Chairperson or member of several CPU Committees. He has held several positions at West Visayas State University; Government Agencies in Western Visayas and Manila. He has also been an Adjunct Visiting Professor at the University of Florida, USA.
He received several honors, awards, and scholarships in his country and abroad; foremost among them is his conferment of an honorary appointment to the Research Board of Advisors, Governing Board of Editors and Publication Board of the American Biographical Institute, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
He was the founding member and President of the Rotary Club of Jaro Centralian, and a member of many other professional, social, academic and religious organizations. He was one of the three Management Committee Members of Central Philippine University during its transition period in 2009.
During his retirement years, Dr. Millamena faithfully served God through the various ministries of the University Church especially the UC Baptist Men, and the Jubilant Choir.
In 1996, Dr. Millamena received the Distinguished Centralian Award. His name is included in the International Directory of Distinguished Leaders in Education and Community Service by the American Biographical Institute, USA.
He died last September 13, 2020, and his body will be brought to the University Church, CPU on September 20 for a Necrological Service.
He will be remembered by many as “an exemplary Centralian who has made a niche in the field of education.”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Mrs. Evelyn Rose Catilo is the new president of the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline.
Newly inducted Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline (CPUAAI Special Chapter) President Evelyn Rose Catilo is a B.S. Medical Technology graduate of Central Philippine University, Batch 1979.
Evelyn worked at the Iloilo Mission Hospital. She is a pioneer technician of the Heart Station Department. She was later sent to the Philippine Heart Center for Asia to train on ECG Interpretation and also to perform a D-2 Echo and Stress Test.
Carrying her true Central Spirit, she made sure to involve herself in worthy causes and charitable outreach. Thus, in 2014 she joined the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline and started participating in outreach programs for indigent communities.
Evelyn is an exemplary Centralian much as she is a very active Rotarian. On her second time as RCJC President, Catilo promises to follow this year’s Rotary International motto “Be an Inspiration.”
Evelyn Rose Catilo is married to Wenifredo Orbe Catilo and together, they have 3 children.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Vic Ibuyan Nabor is a graduate of Agriculture in 1981 from Central Philippine University.
One of the leading talents in the pack of Ilonggo Artists Community Group is a Centralian agriculturist-painter, Vic Ibuyan Nabor. He has joined and won in several painting competitions in CPU and other competitions in Iloilo City. He is now an advocate and mover of charitable activities in Iloilo City, particularly with City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas’ sponsored fundraising to support the Covid-19 victims. His vibrant oil paintings were among those donated by his group, “Artists Against Covid-19” to raise funds.
Nabor has been supporting the victims of the pandemic through the series of work exhibits with his Ilonggo Artists Community. One of his advocacies is to “Sell art, protect the community and save lives, with the exhibit theme “Faith and love; our hope in times of crisis.” Nabor said, “The objective of my group’s art exhibit is to help provide the needs of people during the pandemic, basically to be able to buy them out of the proceeds from our exhibits.”
“We are inspired by the concept of doing charitable projects for the poor and the needy. This is why we have thematic painting exhibitions with a reflection on things, situations, and the environment during the current pandemic.
Born to a family of artists, his father a painter and his mother an art teacher, Nabor regularly paints. This time, however, his “works of art” are sold in one of the biggest online art exhibits “@Galleria Ilongga.”
Vic Ibuyan Nabor is a graduate of BS Agriculture in 1981 from Central Philippine University.