By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
The FAAP has granted Institutional Re-Accreditation status to Central Philippine as recommended by the ACSCU-ACI. Institutional accreditation is the highest certification that can be given to an educational institution.
The Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) has granted Institutional Re-Accreditation status to Central Philippine University effective September 2019-2022. The official letter was received last July 28, 2020 from the ACSCU-Accrediting Council, Inc.
FAAP has granted Institutional Re-Accreditation status to CPU as recommended by the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities-Accrediting Agency, Incorporated.
Institutional accreditation is the highest certification that can be given to an educational institution after a consideration of the university’s number of individual program accreditations and the result of an overall evaluation of the quality of its facilities, services, and faculty.
The university is also one of the few institutions granted with a full autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). CHED granted again the Autonomous Status of CPU starting June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2021.
CHED has entitled CPU as Center of Excellence in Business, Administration and Agriculture and Center of Development in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering and Teacher Education.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Magdalena “Maggie” D. Belleza Calcetas is a “Distinguished Centralian” awardee.
Mrs. Magdalena “Maggie” D. Belleza Calcetas, a retired Centralian nurse, was recently featured in a special e-book publication of the Embassy of the Philippines in Canada and the Consulates General in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto. The publication entitled “Filipinos in the Field” features the stories of dedication, perseverance and resilience of the human spirit. This was launched by the Philippine Posts in Canada (PPC) in December 2021 in honor of the countless Filipino-Canadians who are working in healthcare across the country.
H.E. Rodolfo D. Robles, Ambassador of the Philippines to Canada wrote a letter to Mrs. Calcetas on November 11, 2021 that informed her that she is one of the persons who will be featured in the publication. Ambassador Robles wrote, “This last year and a half, we were reminded all too well of the importance of our healthcare professionals. Countries around the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic head-on, exerting their best efforts to stem the spread of infections and with our medical communities forming lines of defense against the illness and death that followed in the pandemic’s wake. Regrettably, the commitment of healthcare workers to their vocations was fulfilled often at great risk to themselves and their families.”
In the publication, Mrs. Calcetas wrote,
“It is only now that nurses have finally been given more recognition for what they have always been doing. That is, personal sacrifice for the health benefit of all …To be a nurse, you must have in mind that you are doing it to serve humanity. You must be strong mentally, physically, emotionally. You must be resilient, inherently empathetic, caring, and thoughtful. It’s an amazing profession but it also comes with its own challenges… as long as your priority goals are family-centered care, Nursing will not only bring you financial stability but also spiritual and mental rewards when caring for others.”
Maggie, as she is well known, hails from San Enrique, Negros Occidental. After graduating from CPU in 1961, she worked as a nurse in the Philippines and the USA before finally working Canada. In 1992, she became the founder of the Filipino Nurses Association of Quebec, Inc. This is a group that supports other Filipino nurses who are working in Canada.
She also introduced the CPU-IMH Nurses’ Pledge song, personalizing it for the FNAQ and this has become their official anthem sung during their gala celebrations. In 1996, due to her commitment to excellence and faith, Calcetas was honored by CPU with the “Distinguished Centralian” award. This award is CPU’s continued commitment in honoring its alumni. It displays CPU’s desire to globally connect to all, ensuring that the Central Spirit can be celebrated everywhere. Calcetas continues to support CPU through any means especially through CPUAANA, CPUFOAA, and the CPU College of Nursing. She continually updates the CPU Office of the Communications concerning her alumni activities.
Recently, Maggie was instrumental in introducing Dr. Laurie N. Gottlieb to the Atty. Salex Alibogha, Dean of the CPU College of Nursing. It resulted into a “Webinar on Strengths-based Nursing and Healthcare – Caring, Compassion and Resiliency Amidst the Pandemic The CCINAA Strengths-based Way” last October 20, 2021.
Calcetas’ message to young Centralians who are fervently working towards realizing their dreams is “to take heart, harness their inner strength, and maintain their faith.” “Through their characteristics refined at CPU—perseverance, determination and sacrifice—they would be prepared for any situation placed before them. They should reflect, and always take the positive out of every experience and be confident in every decision they make.”
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence Bogacia discussed the tuition and fees for the first semester during the second day of the orientation.
Central Philippine University held a series of Online Orientation events for College students from August 19 to August 20, 2020. The next events will be from August 24 to 29, 2020.
The “University Thanksgiving and Dedication Service” and “My Central: The Past & the Present” were held on the morning of August 19 and also on the morning of August 20 respectively.
In his welcome remarks during the thanksgiving service CPU President, Dr. Teodoro Robles thanked the students for continuing their education despite the pandemic.
“We know that it is going to be very challenging, but we will work together and make sure that we share in the burden and the sacrifices together,” he said.
For the reflection, University Church Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian talked about strengthening one’s thoughts and relationships to get through the new normal.
During “My Central: The Past & the Present,” students were introduced to CPU history and culture, its vision, mission and core values, and its current CPU Administration Officers through video presentations and talks.
Office of Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on gave a talk about the history of the university as well as its vision, mission, and core values.
Students were also given an opportunity for a Q&A with Vice-President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia regarding their concerns about tuition and other school fees.
The next orientation events will focus on Online Library Services, The CPU Learning Management System, CPU Online Student Affairs and Services, and the Virtual CPU Republic and the Central Echo Online.
To see the full list of all events for College Online Orientation please click the link below:
https://cpu.edu.ph/announcements_event/college-orientation-schedule-first-semester-2020-2021/
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa and 8 CPU students attended the Sakura Science Exchange Online Program.
Centralians participated in the Sakura Science Exchange Online Program last January 31 and February 1-3, 2022 via Zoom.
The Sakura Science Exchange Program is planned and designed by J. F. Oberlin University located in Tokyo with funding support coming from the Japan Science and Technology Agency.
Originally set for an actual visit to Japan early this year but was converted to online mode due to Omicron concerns, the program focuses on the understanding of the key factors and methods of Regional Revitalization that Japan is promoting, which is ahead of other countries in the world in terms of the declining birthrate and aging population.
The CPU team was composed of Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa (Chairperson of CARES – Dept. of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental) and 8 students coming from the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES), College of Hospitality Management and College of Business Administration, namely:
1. Ma. Nelte Catunao (BS in Agriculture)
2. Jirah Mae Cataluña (BS in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering)
3. Riolyn Lao (BS in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering)
4. Donna Marie Lachica (BS in Environmental Management)
5. Lutes Tacardon (BS in Environmental Management)
6. Tatiana Dacallo (BS in Hospitality Management)
7. Michelle Jey Cortez (BSBA Marketing Management)
8. Jose Dumalag Jr. (BSBA Marketing Management)
During the online exchange program, the mechanism of Regional Revitalization and case studies were highlighted by the invited resource persons and the participants were toured virtually of sites which showcased good examples of “utilization of local tourism resources (utilization of internal resources)” and “attraction of human resources (utilization of external resources)” specifically the cases of Nanki-Shirahama and Awaji Island. Teams of mixed students from Central Philippine University, National University of Malaysia and J. F. Oberlin University were then formed to apply their learnings by making comparative studies of the regional revitalization strategies described by the individual members and they presented their integrated plan as a team on the final day of the program.
When Centralian students were asked of what they have gained during the 4-day exchange program, they mentioned that they were able to gain various business approaches of different companies towards regional revitalization, viewpoints in examining business to both local and global spheres, and they learned first-hand the current situation of Japan in terms of its industry, tourism, transportation and daily life. Most importantly, they appreciated the break-out discussion where each one of them were able to share their ideas related to the topics assigned to them. They also gained new international friends which they hope, one day they could all meet in person.
The Sakura Science Exchange Program was made possible after the exchange of communications and coordination between J. F. Oberlin University and CPU through its Office of International Relations and Cooperation headed by Prof. Leilani Fatimah Ledesma Trompeta.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
A native of Santa Barbara, Ramon Sunico has been working as an ICU nurse in the UAE for three years.
Ramon Francisco Sonico (BSN 2008) is one of 15,000 people from 107 nationalities to volunteer in the United Arab Emirates’ and Sinopharm’s Phase III COVID-19 inactivated vaccine trial.
Sonico, an ICU nurse in a hospital, first heard of the clinical trials on social media. Two weeks after he registered for the program, he got the news that he was approved for the trials.
“I got my first shot yesterday of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (vero cell) developed by Sinopharm and approved by DOH to carry out clinical trials in accordance with UAE regulations. UAE is very confident to find solutions to fight COVID,” Sonico said in Facebook status posted on August 9.
Sonico has been working as a nurse in UAE for three years.
He also said he hopes the trial will make a positive result and make the world COVID-free.
By Allana S. Delgado
You may access the Bahandian through the website of the Henry Luce Library at https://library.cpu.edu.ph
Bahandian Institutional Repository, the official repository of Central Philippine University and the first academic digital repository in the Visayas, has been online for one year since its launch in February, 15, 2021. The repository includes the research and publication output of the University.
The online repository has been an invaluable library service not only for the CPU community but outside researchers and students as well. During the pandemic where physical access to library resources is limited, Bahandian provides clients with a quick and convenient service to access these resources anywhere and anytime.
Currently, there are more than 1,600 documents including books, journal articles, theses, dissertations, book chapters, and newsletters created by faculty and students. The library is digitizing and adding more resources to include in the repository.
Bahandian is also visited by researchers all over the world, with top visitors aside from the Philippines including the United States, Belgium, Sweden, Singapore, Germany, and China. The repository has been included in international listings of repositories such as OpenROAR (Registry of Open Access Repositories) and OpenDOAR (Directory of Open Access Repositories). The content is also searchable in WorldCat and Google Scholar. Bahandian has made CPU publications available globally.
Notable collections include CPU journals such as Patubas, Scientia et Fides, and Journal of Theology. Theses, dissertations, and publications from the 1950s to the present are being digitized and added to the collection. Full textbooks published by the College of Theology faculty have recently been added. Former CARES Professor and Rolex Awardee Prof. Alexis Belonio also donated full text, digital copies of his books on Agricultural Engineering.
CPU Faculty are welcome to submit their research works in Bahandian. For those interested in submitting their works, see our submission guide at: https://cpu.libguides.com/bahandianguide
Visit the Bahandian Institutional Repository at https://repository.cpu.edu.ph.
Questions about the repository can be sent to bahandian@cpu.edu.ph.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Centralians at LTFRB pose for a group picture.
Public transportation is a vital force that every nation needs to move its economy forward in the wake of the economic slump due to the global coronavirus pandemic. While the urban transport sector struggles to fight the daily challenges, local transport groups in Iloilo City are working hand in hand with state agencies in facing financial turmoil.
Adhering to their mandate to provide unparalleled service to the public, officials, and personnel of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Western Visayas continue to assist the troubled transport sectors in Iloilo City and the rest of Region VI.
These LTFRB-6 public servants, who are mostly alumni of Central Philippine University wasted no time in tackling their responsibilities to aid various transport groups in the region.
Records from the regional board show that almost 80 percent of more than 20,000 jeepney operators and drivers received their special permits required before mass transport could ply the streets during the pandemic.
The LTFRB-6, under the esteemed leadership of Regional Director Richard Osmeña and supervision of Janet Solinap, Chief of Transportation Development Officer, has been in the frontline days after President Rodrigo Duterte placed the country under a State of Public Health Emergency to contain the spread of the pandemic COVID-19.
Apart from issuance of special permits during the quarantine period, the regional board also initiated deployment of free rides to stranded passengers, and active operations against overcharging, social distancing protocol inside PUVs, and franchise violations, among others.
Janet Solinap, Chief of Transportation Development Officer and Neva Jane Sionosa-Alfaras, LTFRB-6 Administrative Officer V, are both CPU alumni.
They both took up Bachelor of Science in Commerce and graduated in 1985 before they pursued their respective careers.
Alfaras, in an interview, said that LTFRB is coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office in certifying bonafide jeepney drivers to receive the Social Amelioration Program assistance from the national government.
Engr. Barry Jone Matutina, GSIS Specialist II of LTFRB-6’s PUVMP, is also a Centralian.
Matutina and Sureride Engineering and Business Solutions have developed a smartphone-based contact-tracing application.
The application is now being used by LTFRB-6, Western Visayas Medical Center, and soon by the Iloilo Provincial Government.
“Majority of our employees are Centralians and are handling critical and vital positions in LTFRB-6,” said Matutina.
The other Centralians who chose to work with LTFRB-6 to provide public service are Korine Pastor-Andrino, LTFRB-6 accountant II; Engr. Joshua Gaguit, PUVMP-RPMO6 Planning Officer III; and Jeff Sinoben, the debonair technical assistant of PUVMP.
By Nestle G. Taala
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian gives the message during the Online Orientation.
Another semester, the same goal — Central Philippine University welcomed its college students to the second semester of the School Year 2021-2022 through a series of orientations held online on February 9-10, 2022.
Dedicating to God the students, faculty, staff, and all other resources of the university, the program kicked off with a worship service to unfold this new semester, on February 9.
University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles expressed his warm Centralian greetings to everyone. “Today, we worship the Lord who is the source of our joy and strength. We worship not because we have something to ask from the Lord but we worship because we want to thank Him, for His faithfulness to CPU,” he said in his opening message.
During the said worship experience, University Church Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian reminds everybody that when there are things we cannot control, especially referring to the pandemic, we must use this to “find opportunities for growth and development; embrace healthy dispositions; and respond in faith.” Testimonies showing God’s goodness and faithfulness were also heard which were shared by Ms. Annjie Getonzo, BS in Packaging Engineering student; and Prof. Remedios Alog, CPU Elementary School Faculty, respectively.
In the afternoon, the CPU Republic conducted online “Tingog Estudyante,” a program which serves as an avenue in addressing students’ concerns through the Question-and-answer forum with the members of CPU Administration, the Office of Registrar, Representative from Canvas Team, Student Development and Programs Director, and the CPUR President and Prime Minister as panelists. These programs were broadcasted live via CPU TV Facebook Page.
On February 10, a more intimate activity was held since the welcome and orientation program was exclusive for new students. The undertaking enabled the students to be introduced to the history of this university, its vision, mission, and core values; learn the Alma Mater Song; navigate Canvas; know the Online Library Services, CPU Student Affairs and Services On-Campus and Online and, Concerns on Tuition and Fees; among others.
Meanwhile, students, too, actively participated in said events via Zoom chatbox and Facebook comment section.
It is during this affair that the CPU community is reminded once again of its goal, and that is inculcating and providing students exemplary Christian Education for Life during their stay in the university. Hence, in particular, Dr. Robles encouraged that “this new semester will have its own share of challenges and we can easily be overwhelmed. Remember that we are the CPU Community. We look out for each other and we reach out to those around us. We are not only an academic community; we are a community of faith. May that faith in Jesus cast out all fear and propel us to be constantly kind and love as Jesus did.”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Catherine Margaret Palabrica shared experiences as an OFW experiencing lockdown in Kuwait.
Catherine Margaret (a.k.a. Cat) studied at CPU College of Social work from 2000 to 2004. Because of her difficult situation as a self-supporting student at that time, she grabbed the first opportunity that knocked on her door; the opportunity to work abroad.
“I have God as my guide, and I have imbibed the values of faith and perseverance from CPU; thank you Central Philippine University for providing me a chance”, Cat said after she finished working on her travel papers. Tears rolled down her cheeks, as she was boarding the plane that will take her on her first adventure abroad; fulfilled dreams and a bright future were in her mind.
A different situation appeared just after she came down from the plane. Cat was not employed as her agency had promised her.
“I was able to get hired only after a harrowing experience from an illegal recruiter whom I relied upon for employment in Kuwait, I survived though, working with several employers before I decided to finally go home. I was supposed to repatriate to our country last December, but the COVID-19 pandemic caught up on me,” she said.
“I continue asking God to help me, to be with me especially now that OFW’s here in Kuwait are locked down because of the crisis. I am indebted to my present employer because she protected me and gave me work as caretaker for her at her home.” “I gave-in to her request that I stay and take care of her for one year.”
“I rely on God and the value of my faith and perseverance is helping me. My present employer in Rumaithiya ,Kuwait is kind and understanding. She has been going through a lot since her business shut down. It’s a little stressful for me, but this kind of challenge I know my Centralian Spirit can fight off. I give her advice and we talk about things or stories that deviate from the topic of the pandemic.”
“Learning from social work, I readily pacify my employer and I almost spend a whole day talking to her. We understand each other and we talk like friends. I overcome my longing for home and my family by praying. Oh, I am comforted by this Bible verse in my mind. This I would like to share with my fellow Centralian OFWs,”
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer”. (Romans 12:12)
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Remaneses is a member of the CPU Table Tennis Team.
Name: Brent D. Remaneses
Nickname: Brent
Height:
Grade/year: 10
Sport: Table Tennis Secondary Boys
Position: Singles/Doubles
Coach: Simplicio Gayoso, Jr.
Hometown: Iloilo City
Achievements:
PRISAA 2017 Gold Singles Event, Team event,
INTEGRATED 2017 Gold Team Event,
REGIONAL MEET 2018# Gold Team Event,
WVRAA 2018 Bronze Team Event,
Hobbies: Table Tennis, Biking
Favorite Player: Jan-Ove Waldner
Most Memorable Game:
Palarong Pambansa 2018 Doubles event
Principle in Life: “Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
In a recent radio interview over DYSI, Garingalao talked about the risk contribution of smoke in relation to COVID-19.
Centralian Anti-Smoking czar of Iloilo City, Iñigo Garingalao (Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force Director) advised the public to avoid smokers, and refrain from smoking as well.
In a recent radio interview over DYSI, Garingalao talked about the risk contribution of smoke in relation to COVID-19. Ha said that “smoke exhaled by a person can carry the virus across to a passer-by or to someone nearby.”
As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to go up day by day in Iloilo City, the multi-awarded Anti-Smoking advocate, appealed for local government support and strict enforcement of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance.
Garingalao explained that virus transmission by smoke can cause additional cases, as studies made by virologists suggest that the COVID-19 is airborne.
Garingalao was lauded for his initiative in conducting information drives in the barangays, schools, and offices.
He has extended Anti-Smoking and Smoking Cessation seminars to Central Philippine University and other schools in Western Visayas.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Bert Java is the President of CPU Work Student Alumni Association.
Alberto Amuan Java, who received an award as one of the Most Outstanding Teachers of Central Philippine University from 2017 to 2018, faculty at the College of Engineering, and had served his Alma Mater for 35 years – has retired from service last December 2021.
Topmost in his Educational Attainment is a Doctorate degree in Administration and Supervision (CPU 2009). Dr. Java enjoyed his work as Professor of Electrical Engineering at the CPU College of Engineering. He has earned many awards in several professional organizations.
He attended many conferences and executive technical seminars that are more than enough to make him capable of handling engineering projects, instructions and teaching in several subjects and areas in his professional career.
He was Chairman of Electrical Engineering/ Electronics and Communications Engineering, Department Head-Technology Division, Non -Conventional Energy Center among his other highlighted stints at CPU College of Engineering. It is just admirable to look into some of his other achievements, such as Accreditor of other schools and universities, Evaluator, Panelist, Presenter, Adviser and Coach in University sports activities.
For Dr. Java (also known as Bert Java to his co-workers and associates) however, his experiences in being a work-student scholar is at the top when looking back to his experience and achievements.
He is also involve in many church, civic and community activities. To his friends, way back in college, he was a champion in working and helping fellow students in strengthening the CPU Student Republic. He is currently President of CPU Work Student Alumni Association, which supports poor but deserving students in the CPU Work Study Program.
Dr. Java shares this principle to the work students of Central, and to everyone who works with the aim to achieve. ”Failure permits no alibis. Success requires no apologies.”
He is married to Dr. Margen Arandela Java (CPU ED.D., Cum Laude), Director of the Student Development Program (SDP) of CPU. They have two children: Pastor Albert Mark and Albert Jan Matthew, CPA.