By Keziah G. Huelar
Summer Picnic of the CPUAA North Eastern USA with its president Rev. Felix Colinco (first from right, in blue) and Ms. Gladys Pearl H. Gico-Jabalde (sitting fourth from right).
The Central Philippine University Alumni Association of North Eastern USA held an alumni summer picnic at the Calvary Baptist Church of Clifton, New Jersey on July 21, 2018.
Invited guest speaker, Ms. Gladys Pearl H. Gico-Jabalde (CPU BS Nursing Batch 1977) in her message entitled “Just Do It,” talked about the importance of obedience and gratitude in one’s walk with the Lord. She shared the favorite Bible verses of her parents, Mrs. Pacita Huelar Gico, a graduate of CPU Baptist Missionary Training School, and Rev. Jose T. Gico, Jr., a graduate of CPU College of Theology, as well as that of her aunt’s, Mrs. Felicidad B. Huelar, a graduate of the CPU College of Education.
She shared her experiences as a pastor’s kid waking up early to attend Sunday Service. According to her, one’s faith is not only a passionate endeavor but a faithful discipline one must work with fear and trembling. Mrs. Jabalde shares that “obedience of the Word of God is the mark of a true Christian.”
Mrs. Jabalde also encouraged fellow Centralians to continually share the message of the salvation: “My daddy said to me, ‘You do not stop telling others about the Lord. You continue until you die to the end. Tell your spouse, children, brothers, sisters, coworkers, neighbors, friends, everyone. Do not be ashamed to share the good news with them. That’s your responsibility as a believer. The Lord will teach you, equip you, empower you, mold you and help you on what to say. The Holy Spirit is going to be with you all the way. Just continue His work.’”
Recollecting on the wisdom of her parents and aunt, Mrs. Jabalde shared that when they were still alive, she was able to preserve their conversations about God and the Bible through a recording teddy bear. She shared the sound clips of the said conversation during the picnic.
As a family of Centralians serving the Lord, Mrs. Jabalde highlighted the importance of families not only in strengthening and encouraging one another, but in helping each other fulfill their purpose in the Lord.
At the end of her message, Mrs. Jabalde read a poem entitled “Do It Anyway” by Mother Teresa.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Matt Palabrica, Board Member, 3rd District of Iloilo earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree, major in Public Administration from Central Philippine University in 2007.
It takes about an hour by land to reach the Municipality of Bingawan, which is situated in the Northern part of Iloilo, from Iloilo City. One will see the development of the town from a modest agricultural area to a currently vibrant economic hub with commercial establishments. The developments and progress of the Municipality is popularly attributed to the efforts and dedication of Centralian leaders, the Palabricas among them.
The former mayor of Bingawan, Zafiro Palabrica has handed down the values of dedication and service to his sons Matt and Mark Palabrica, who have been Mayors in their time. Dr. Matt Plagata Palabrica was Mayor of Bingawan from 2007 to 2016; handed over the leadership to his brother, now Bingawan Mayor Mark P. Palabrica, when he was elected Board Member of the 3rd District of Iloilo. The brothers are Centralian Alumni and effective leaders who have transformed the landscape of Bingawan, as well as the attitudes and initiatives of their people.
Dr. Matt Palabrica, Board Member, 3rd District of Iloilo earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree, major in Public Administration from Central Philippine University in 2007. In an interview with Palabrica, he was asked, “How did your leadership influence the development of the town of Bingawan like it is now?” He said that “The transformation of Bingawan was contributed in part by the legacy of our father, and the Baptist background of our family. They inspired a different brand of leadership in us.”
He explained that “Bingawan was born out of the Municipality of Calinog. Our folks inculcated in us a discipline to be independent – to rise above the situation.” The apparent transformational leadership according to Palabrica “requires us to impose strict discipline, which is why Bingawan up to now is declared the only Drug Free municipality in the province of Iloilo.”
“Our development and progress relies on transparency. Social accountability in governance is strictly imposed in Bingawan. There seems to have an economic development and direction with people empowerment”, said Board Member Palabrica. “It is healthy for our leaders to initiate social interaction,” he added.
The Municipality of Bingawan has had major accomplishments under the leadership of Dr. Matt Palabrica, almost every year since 2011. Among the prestigious awards, Bingawan received the 2019 Model LGU Implementing Kapit Bisig sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Program; Galing Pook Award, Seal of Good Local Governance by DILG and Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping by DAR and MDFO
It was learned from Board Member Palabrica that the Municipality is now engaged with the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority in the production of abaca and abaca products. The main crops produced by Bingawan are rice and sugarcane at present. It richly promotes black rice as well.
“One good strategy of the transformational leader is to make programs of the municipality developmental and must come from the people. Furthermore, it has to have a big impact on the lives of the masses,” Palabrica said.
Finally, he shared a verse that continues to inspire him. It is from 2 Chronicles 7:14 that says, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
Dr. Matt Palabrica is a current member of the CPU Corporation, and President of the Convention Baptist Young Adults Fellowship of the Philippines.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Remembering memories and making them last – the CPU DHS Batch 1988 celebrates their Pearl Anniversary.
An ode to 30 years of Centralian camaraderie—The Central Philippine University Development High School Class of 1988 celebrated their Pearl Anniversary by conducting a three-day event filled with different activities from July 20 to 22, 2018.
Ninety (90) alumni from the Batch 1988 gathered together to rekindle their Central Spirit. The batch held a Pinoy Olympics showcasing beloved childhood Filipino games. They also danced the afternoon away at Prism Nightlife in Smallville, Mandurriao and enjoyed a nostalgic meal at Netong’s Batchoy. The batch also had a reunion with their beloved teachers at Tatoy’s-Atria.
A dance intermission given by the alumnae during the Gala Night at Casa Real.
With the theme “An Evening in Black and White,” Batch 1988 held their gala night at Casa Real. Together with friends and family, they reminisced their time at CPU, celebrating the Central Spirit and, more importantly, the faith that CPU taught them to cherish. They also looked forward to more celebrations with fellow Centralians.
As part of giving back to the community, the batch held a feeding program and gave out school supplies in the Municipality of Dumangas. The said outreach was spearheaded by Hon. Ronaldo Golez, Mayor, Municipality of Dumangas and alumnus of the said batch.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
The Phase 1 of the E- Classroom has 13 computer units in 13 cubicles to maintain social distancing.
To adapt to the challenges of learning in the new normal, Central Philippine College of Nursing recently announced the completion its newest project, the Nursing E-Classroom Phase 1.
A joint project of Central Philippine University and the Central Philippine University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital and Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses’ Alumni Association (CCINAA), the E-Classroom was conceptualized during the Grand Alumni Homecoming in February 2020.
The first phase of the E- Classroom has 13 computer units each set-up in a cubicle to maintain social distancing. The second phase which is currently underway will also have 13 computer units.
One of the instructors using one of the 13 computer units in holding her classes.
Mrs. Ann Catedrilla-Seisa (BSN 1977) through her non-profit Project ETC, gave an initial donation of 10,000 US dollars. It was through these funds that the first phase of the e-classroom was realized. Alumni from BSN Batch 1962, 1979, and 1980 have also donated for the second phase of the project.
“We are thankful to the alumni for helping the College of Nursing respond to the changing learning landscape of the new normal, especially during this pandemic where face to face classes are not possible,” said College of Nursing Dean Atty. Salex E. Alibogha.
The E-Classroom is used by the College of Nursing instructors in holding their online classes.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Members of the CPU BSN Batch 1993 at Washington D.C.
The Central Spirit at the Capitol—The Central Philippine University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class 1993 held their Silver Jubilee Celebration at Washington D.C. on July 29 to 31, 2018.
During the said get-together, 63 Centralian alumni rekindled their friendships and recalled their nursing days at CPU. Apart from touring the different historical sites such as the White House, the group held a family picnic at the Embassy Church and a gala night at the National Union Building.
Section D was the most represented section with 17 alumni. Jonathan Gapilango was hailed as Silver Reunion King while Mary Love Magbanua was crowned as Silver Reunion Queen.
CPU BSN Batch 1993 Section D together again after 25 years.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his message to the batch written in their program, said, “Your 25th Reunion is a testament of how blessed you have been these past years and how privileged CPU is to have you as alumni. I hope that this occasion be filled with glittering eyes and glamorous smiles as you exchange stories of the good old days and as you celebrate God’s greatest glory and enduring grace.”
The Reunion Planning Committee was composed of Vivian Piang-Canneti, Overall Chair; Jonathan Gapilango Vice Chair; John Xerxes Estenor, Gala Chair; Mary Love Magbanua and Marilyn Junin-Jabasa, Gala Co-Chairs; Florigyn Gonzales-Cordero, Finance Chair; Voltaire Buenjemia, Communications Chair; Patricia Palonpon-Heramis, Picnic Chair; Carol Joy Limoso-Cabahug, Tour Chair; Elipido Sandig and Leo John Espinosa, Logistics Chair.
CPU takes pride in its strong community of alumni around the globe. As Centralians gather to celebrate the Central Spirit, they place at the center Christ which is the heart and foundation of CPU.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
CPU College of Engineering Building photo by Nina Sumergido.
The Chemical Engineering program has been granted Level II Re-Accreditation Status by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) on September 16, 2020.
CPU’s Chemical Engineering program has been designated as one of the centers of development in the country by the Commission on Higher Education. For the past years, CPU has garnered high passing rates in the Chemical Engineer Board Exams.
In the 2018 Board Exams, CPU got an over-all passing percentage of 100% and garnered 82.35% over-all passing percentage the following year.
The CPU College of Engineering is the only engineering school in the Western Visayas region and one of the few in the country with several of its programs to be designated as centers of development by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Aside from the Chemical Engineering program, the electronics engineering and electrical engineering programs are also recognized as centers of development.
By Keziah G. Huelar
Mr. Jonathan Gapilango together with his wife Rowena Neri-Gapilango.
In recognition of his commitment and dedication to the nursing profession, Mr. Jonathan Gapilango of the CPU Bachelor of Science in Nursing Batch 1993 was hailed as the Nurse Administrator of the Year by the Philippine Nurses Association of America during its 39th Annual Convention at Hyatt Regency in Jersey City, New Jersey on July 28, 2018.
Gapilango is currently the Director of the Outpatient Oncology Service Line of the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center in New Jersey.
The recognition last July 28 was not his first. In 2017, Gapilango was chosen as one of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) Surveyors. He was also a recipient of the Philippine Nurses Association of America Foundation, Inc. 2017 Fellowship Award. His research proposal entitled “The Impact of Nurse Navigation on Emotional Well-Being and Psychological Distress Among Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients in a Community Setting” received US$1,000 in research grant. In 2014, the PNAA hailed him as the “Research Nurse of the Year.” He was also one of the speakers of the International Balik-Turo of the CPU College of Nursing on June 21, 2018. He lectured about the current trends in cancer management.
Philippine Nurses Association of America was established in 1979 as an organization committed to uphold the integrity of the nursing profession and to provide professional opportunities for its constituents.
Jikko Solano Belejerdo, gave the response in behalf of the Class of 2020.
This speech was delivered in behalf of the graduating class of 2020 by Jikko Solano Belejerdo during the first Baccalaureate and Virtual Commencement Exercises of the College of Law on September 5, 2020.
We are not our issues, we are not our struggles, nor we are our achievements. We are who our God says we are.
CPU Administration, Board of Trustees, faculty and staff of the College of Law, fellow graduates, parents, friends, a pleasant afternoon, and my warmest congratulations to everyone.
A few weeks ago, I and some of my relatives went out to plant trees. I carried a bundle of bamboo slats on my back and a Tita shouted, “Hala, si attorney pinagbuhat nyo ng kawayan, hindi bagay sa kanya!” Although it seems that there was nothing wrong with that statement, what really struck me was when my aunt made my soon-to-be attorney status as a limit to carry a bundle of bamboo slats saying, “hindi bagay.”
That moment led me to this realization. Sometimes our degrees, achievements, or social status blurs our vision of something or someone’s real worth.
Our achievements are neither limitations of simplicity nor an excuse of insolence.
For me, there are two sets of things in life: first, the things we want to do; and second, the things God wants us to do.
The first set of things varies from one person to another. Due to our inherent differences in terms of skills, abilities, or beliefs we go after things we are comfortable with. Some pursue careers in public service, while others in medicine, entertainment, or some benevolent works.
On the other hand, God wants us to be compassionate, to be understanding, to be patient, to be humble, to love, to forgive, to work hard, to empathize. These things, unlike the first, are the things that we all can become.
While many great men have spoken about the beauty of being different, allow me to speak about man’s common ground – our common calling towards humility, love, compassion, respect, and acceptance.
Two things why I have to point this out.
First, this society has to break the culture of measuring and categorizing someone’s worth based on his career path, status, or whatever issue he is suffering from. Everybody’s journey is significant. We may lead to different directions, take different steps, hold on to different beliefs, nevertheless, it is about our will, courage, and faith. Our differences should give us room to cultivate acceptance and respect, not judgment and condemnation. We are not our issues nor we are our struggles. We are who our God says we are.
Second, I want to remind those whose identity has mainly been about their achievements or titles. We are not defined by our title. We define our title. My fellow graduates, never settle to being just a lawyer, when we can be god-fearing lawyers, compassionate lawyers, honest lawyers, generous lawyers – not just lawyers. We define our title. We are not our achievements. We are who our God says we are.
Yes, we are free to go as far as we could, to celebrate our differences, achieve greater things, but let us not forget our humanity and that our identity is in Christ. At the end of the day, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his soul?”
To end, in behalf of Batch 2020 of CPU College of Law, as we are conferred with our degrees in Juris Doctor, we take this as a challenge to never forget our identities as soon-to-be Centralian lawyers. We will live CPU’s core values of Faith, Character, Justice, Stewardship, and Excellence.
We offer this success to our Almighty Father for the grace, love and mercy. To Central Philippine University for Exemplary Christian Education for life. To our parents and those who stood like one, for the unconditional love, for being our pillars of strength and for never doubting our dreams. To our friends, for the care and support, and for hearing our frustrations and celebrating our victories. To every random individual who played a part in this journey. This success is our shared testimony.
We will always look back, we will remember.
To God be the highest glory!
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Alfie Ahmed Diasnes together with CPU Sports Director, Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an.
Alfie Ahmed Diasnes, a Bachelor of Science in Education student of CPU, became a World Champion in Taekwondo Aerobics (Dance Pomsae) as a member of the Philippine team in the 2018 Jeju World Taekwondo Hanmadang held at Halla Gymnasium, Jeju Island, South Korea last July 30, 2018.
Diasnes is a consistent gold medalist in the PRISAA events from Iloilo up to the National PRISAA. Because of this, he was recruited to be part of the Philippine team. Diasnes said, “I am proud of carrying the flag of the Philippines as a member of the Philippine National Team. At the same time, I carry with me the name of CPU and the CPU Golden Lions in the International Arena.”
Acting CPU Sports Director, Mr. Edwin Laru-an is proud that a member of the CPU Golden Lions Taekwondo Team has garnered a gold medal in the world stage. Laru-an revealed, “Alfie’s achievement only shows that CPU varsity players are world class at their level of skills. I would like to congratulate Alfie for bringing CPU in the international arena. The Sports Office is also proud that Alfie’s father, Mr. Alan Diasnes, is the coach of the CPU Taekwondo Team. I hope that more CPU Golden Lions athletes will have the opportunity to join in national and international level competitions.”
Congratulations to you Alfie and to God be the glory!
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Gumban during the Gala Night of CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming.
Gynnyn Guzman Gumban is a Certified Public Accountant and a Doctor of Public Management graduate (2013) of Central Philippine University. Gumban has always been happy to serve Central Philippine University, not only because of her professional career and capability to teach in the Graduate School, but mainly she said, “because of my love for Central.”
“I value it so much because there is Christ-centeredness in the University. And if I have to be asked about what I value most in being there, I can say that the Central Spirit is the most valuable thing there is in being a Centralian.” She is a multi-talented person and with that is her creative and practical personality. She is almost always able to think through practical concerns in a situation.
Asked about how she manages her lifestyle, being busy with her career, teaching, and public service, she replied,” I just take a balanced approach to work and leisure. I buckle down to work hard when the situation calls for it, but I also take plenty of time for rest and relaxation.”
She advises that one should know how to set goals, but also prepared when it’s time to scrap a plan entirely and start anew. In managing stress, she advises “not to overly get worried, but not totally carefree either. I take a pragmatic approach in evaluating risk, such as not taking needless chances, as I am aware that there is always danger in the world.” She added that “I don’t let myself get controlled by fear; I also understand that without a few risks, life isn’t worth living.”
“There is a way for interpersonal approach,” she said. “When our needs conflict with the needs of others, we tend to negotiate a compromise that works for all parties. And while we don’t take advantage of other people, we should not be dormant either. We look for a balance between ours and others’ interests. It is not likely that we agree to something just for the sake of harmony, but we can also sacrifice a bit of our self for the collective good – when necessary,” Gumban explains.
Dr. Gumban is a faculty of CPU School of Graduate Studies. She teaches Public Finance and Fiscal Policy among others. She is a former SK Federation President of Pavia, Iloilo from 1996 to 2002; former Municipal Councilor of Pavia, Iloilo from 2007 to 2013. She is Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan of Pavia, Iloilo from 2014 up to the present.
CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso encourages the ministers to persevere in their service to the Lord.
A day before the 6th Biennial Assembly of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches at Central Philippine University, more than 300 pastors from churches all over the Philippines gathered at the CPU Educational Media Center on May 21. The whole day gathering was intended to welcome the Biennial participants and to learn from a lecture entitled “A Pastor’s Conference: Bi-Vocation, Urban Missions, and Pastoring the Pastors”.
The fellowship-lecture had a threefold objective: to gather the Convention Baptist pastors and mindfully address the need and importance of “ministering to pastoring pastors,” to provide an opportunity for the participating pastors to understand what a “bi-vocational” minister is and be empowered to be one, and to discuss urban ministry.
Pastor Filipe A. Espindola inspires the chruch leaders with his life and ministry.
The lecturer was Pastor Filipe A. Espindola, a Brazilian national. Espindola is a pastor at Filadelfia Baptist Church with his father Pastor Samuel Espindola. He has been elected president of Baptist Ministers Association of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil twice. His Pastoring Pastors Project has helped pastors and pastoral families in Brazil. The project is also reaching out to other parts of the world, including the Philippines. Espindola follows the example of Jesus on discipleship training and believes in the moving power of the Holy Spirit to achieve his goal.
Pastors and church leaders listening intently to the lecture.
The afternoon session included the topics “The Bi-Vocational Minister” with Rev. Dr. Armando S. Kole, President of the Bacolod Christian College of Negros and “Urban Missions” with Paul Rollet, another member of the Pastoring Pastors Project.
The conference was organized by Pastor Jec Dan Borlado, Director of Pastoral Placement, Theological Education, and Ministerial Concerns of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU ROTC during their Presentation of Sponsors on December 2019.
The Central Philippine University Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) is no exception to the alternative learning system for the new normal. According to Cdt. Colonel Lemuel Joseph Arota, Corps Commander, CPU ROTC Unit, “The ROTC program which normally conducts drills and parades in review throughout the First and Second Semester has temporarily waived tactical activities for the First Semester.”
1st Lt. Argie G. De Leon, CPU ROTC Unit Asst. Commandant said, “Modules or program of instructions are uploaded through the Canvas Learning Management System.” He added that “The program will be mostly lectures. It will depend on the higher command – from the 3rd Infantry Division under the 604 Community Defense Control, Regional Community Defense Group, Area Reserve Command (ARESCOM).
Around 600 Cadets and Cadettes are enrolled in ROTC for the First Semester 2020-2021. The CPU ROTC Unit is manned by Centralian Reserved Officers and Former Active Combat Personnel of the Philippine Army.
CPU ROTC Unit has received several awards of excellence through the years. From 1959 to 1967, only CPU has received the Commanding General’s Trophy for Best ROTC Unit all over the Philippines. It also received the trophy as Champion for Tactical Inspection for 3 consecutive years. Because of these awards, the Merit Badge is conspicuously pinned on all CPU Cadet and Cadette’s uniforms.
All tactical and theoretical inspections are temporarily suspended at this time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.