By Cyrus A. Natividad
Guards receiving masks from RCJC.
The security personnel are on duty all day and all night, securing the premises of Central Philippine University. Among others, the guards see to it that CPU employees, students, and visitors are safe, buildings, and properties are secured.
The dedicated guards rotate in their shifts in the campus but most of them are stationed at the main gate to implement the health protocols of the university like the temperature check, spraying of alcohol, washing of hands, giving out of the Daily Health Monitoring Form, and handing out of flyers from the Information Center.
The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline with CPU guards.
Concerns for health and safety against the virus are the reasons for Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline to distribute Face Shields and Vitamin C to CPU security personnel on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 10 AM.
RCJC has been a partner of CPU in worthy civic actions and projects. RCJC is a special Alumni Chapter of Central Philippine University.
By Jose V. Alcedo, MBA, a published author
In this book, the author, Jose V. Alcedo, explains Lean Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement Philosophy and how they can be applied to churches.
If you have a story, write it. So since everyone has a story, she/he can write a book. Right?
Many years ago, writing a story was a challenge to me for some reason. Lack of trust in myself due to a perceived weakness that created a shy in writing. Lack of practice in writing created fear of failure. So, my writing evolved from weakness.
Having studied Chemical Engineering, I have confidence in my math and chemistry because I have learned these subjects by practice. CPU was my first choice in starting my college for many reasons, foremost is the Christian education they teach to students. So, I took my first two years of engineering courses [at CPU] leading to Chemical Engineering. Then transferred to Mapua Institute of Technology because at that time CPU did not have the complete course in Ch.E.
At work, I wrote standard procedures in manufacturing operations and quality control in addition to my management function and that’s it. Writing articles were not my goal; much more writing a book was beyond my dreams. Having an MBA degree later as an advancement attribute at work helped my creativity and credibility in teaching.
But reading is my beef and teaching is my dessert. So, what motivated me to write?
As a background, during my last decade of formal employment in the field of manufacturing operations, one of my tasks was to teach the concept of Continuous Improvement (CI) to employees and management. With over 40 years of experience, the necessary skill set was there for me to perform this assignment.
Nevertheless, I still had to read reference materials. With these knowledge, I wrote the outline of my training process with descriptions for a slide presentation format. It required many man-hours of my time at work and at home to accomplish this task. One of the challenges that I faced was in extracting materials of knowledge from multiple references books. So, I had to collate the topics of the subject and consolidate them in a simple format into a comprehensive and concise presentation in a layman’s language.
It took us two years to teach and apply this CI concept to the company. This is a rewarding experience that I would like to share.
Then when I retired from formal employment in 2002, I thought of putting my past projects into writing. My first book was in a technical format, entitled “Competitive Edge and Tools for Quality”. This was a smooth flowing write up to be used in training and as a day-to-day guide in applying the concept for quality. It’s a collection of knowledge from several references with over 500 words and one inch thick hard cover. This handy 1/4 inch copy of my first book has only 150 pages including diagrams.
During the first two years of worldwide publication, my publisher reported over 1,000 copies sold on a Print by Demand basis. Therefore, there was no capital outlay for me. My purpose in writing this book was not to monetize but to share as a text book for teaching. I was happy to receive a Certificate of Recognition from my publisher as a “Published Author”.
Then I continued my writing with short articles published in the Internet. Through practice, I developed confidence in writing that triggered another book. Titled “AGSAM – World War II Survivor Memoirs” narrates interesting history that is worth reading.
Over the years, I switched publisher to Amazon.com using their Self-Publishing online platform. Driven by my goal to share knowledge and experience, I continued writing articles in the Internet from which emerged short read books in motivational, inspirational, religious, relationships, family, sports, science, and engineering genre.
As of this writing, one can find 35 book titles in Amazon.com by typing Jose V Alcedo in the search bar. These are self-published books in collaboration with Kindle Direct Publishing/Amazon.com. The majority of these books are high content class. They are available as Kindle eBook and Paperback in the categories of non-fiction (business, family, career, motivational, sports, memoirs, philosophy, reflections, spiritual, and technology).
Recently, I have diversified to writing and self-publishing low content books, e.g. Journals, Coloring books for kids (young or old), Dairies, Any Year Calendar, and White Notebook, which are designed for specific niche. I’m currently in a mass production mode with turn-around rate of 10 books every two weeks. So, in a short time I was able to launch 15 low-content books on Amazon and the counting is progressing every day.
This is my unmeasurable reward – “People read books to learn from others; authors write books to learn themselves.” By my books, I acquired new life perspective – a Paradigm Shift so self-satisfying.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Directed by Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, Utwas (Arise) “Utwas” (Arise) is a film about a boy who attains a deeper connection with the ocean as he learns to be one with it.
Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay (AB Masscom ’19) and Richard Salvadico’s (BS DMIA ’18) short film “Utwas” recently garnered a nomination for the Best Film award at the 16th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
“Utwas” was one of the 10 films that vied for the Best Film Award during the first virtual awarding ceremony of the Cinemalaya on August 12.
Out of 244 entries, the short film was among the ten chosen for the nomination.
Richard Salvadico.
Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay.
“Utwas” (Arise) is a film about a boy who attains a deeper connection with the ocean as he learns to be one with it.
In 2019, the film won Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Direction at the 7th Cinekasimanwa: The Western Visayas Film Festival.
Sumagaysay and Salvadico have been participating in regional and national filmmaking competitions since 2018. Over the years, they have won accolades from Gawad Alternatibo, CineMaybank, and CineKabataan.
By TJ Cainglet (1st Year BSABE Student)
Participants of the PSABE-PPG Visayas-Wide Conference.
With confidence and pride, 45 Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) students and 2 faculty members from CPU’s College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES) actively participated during the recently concluded 3rd Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers – Pre-Professional Group (PSABE-PPG) Visayas-Wide Conference. The conference was held virtually via Zoom on February 8-9, 2022.
The annual conference with the theme “ABE Technology Optimization: Catalyst Towards a Sustainable and Food Secure Nation” was participated by 10 student chapters of universities coming from Regions 6, 7 and 8 and is hosted this year by Central Philippines State University of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. The two-day event covered plenary talks, online skills and knowledge competitions, business meetings and election of new set of Visayas-Wide officers.
Student participants from CPU bagged awards in different events which aimed to measure their skills and knowledge as ABE students or pre-professionals. Another big honor was brought this year by the PSABE-PPG CPU Chapter bringing home the following five awards from the six competitions posted in the convention:
1. Essay Contest / 1st Place – Therese Jan Cainglet (Essay Title: “Food Resiliency and Security for a Healthier Nation”)
2. ABE Quiz Bee / 1st Place – Gheresa Evangelista, Cherrylyn Dela Cruz and John Rey Parcon
3. Harvester Parts Identification / 2nd Place – Pere Dane Villalobos
4. Tractor Parts Identification / 2nd Place – Mherc Ranniel Cawaling
5. Video Making Constest / 4th Place – Jayrome Galfo, Nicole Imee Ege and Deneilyn Gabo
Hannah Joy Presidente was also elected as the new PRO of PSABE-PPG Visayas Chapter.
The convention always targets to establish and strengthen the organizational structure of the PSABE-PPG Visayas student chapters and helps cultivate a network and close relationship amongst ABE students from various colleges and universities in this side of the country. The conference was made extraordinary by the speakers who served as inspiration and mentors to the enthusiastic participants especially from CPU. This event created a huge impact on the lives of the students and proved that no matter how difficult the situation is in this new normal, potentials can be unveiled and harnessed for the betterment of our nation.
The BS in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is a 4-year undergraduate program offered under CPU CARES’ Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Management.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers-Panay Chapter President and Chairman of CPU Mechanical Engineering Department Engr. Jeriel Militar was interviewed by Bombo Radyo regarding PSME’s position paper on the motorcycle barrier submitted to the National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers-Panay Chapter President and Chairman of CPU Mechanical Engineering Department, Engr. Jeriel Militar was interviewed by Bombo Radyo at 8:00PM, August 2, 2020 regarding their PSME position paper submitted to the National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). The Motorcycle Barrier was required by the IATF effective July 26, 2020 for all motorcycle riders in-tandem.
Their position paper according to Engr. Militar was in connection with the implementation of the Joint Task Force COVID requirement as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between riders.
Militar explained that “Our position is based on the science of engineering of how air interacts with moving bodies; in the engineering community. We call it fluid dynamics or aerodynamics. Their position is based on their thorough analysis. According to Militar, their observation is that the barrier may contribute negatively to safety, health, economy, and environment.”
Pertaining to Safety, Militar explained that with the barrier attached either to the motorcycle, or to the rider, or being held by the backrider, the safety of the motorcycle and the riders, in general, are compromised. When the motorcycle is in motion, the barrier will contribute to the change of design which will compromise the stability of the motorcycle and will place the safety of the riders at risk.
On the other hand, he said that “Health, as stated in our position paper, is so important. With the barrier attached to the motorcycle in motion, the front side of the barrier builds pressure while creating turbulence and suction behind the barrier. This will not guarantee that the barrier will be effective in protecting both riders from the spread of air particles to each other.”
Thirdly, he said that “considering the Economy and environment, the attached barrier increases the air resistance of the motorcycle when in motion. This directly affects the economy of the motorcycle resulting to increase in fuel consumption which contributes to the increase in emission and air pollutants which ultimately affects the environment.”
Militar added that “in essence, the PSME believes that the Barrier cannot serve as a health and safety measure to protect the riders from COVID19. Instead, it may compromise the safety, health, economy, and the environment”.
by Cyrus A. Natividad
The Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc., Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. and the Association of Deans of the Philippine Colleges of Nursing – in collaboration with Central Philippine University (CPD Provider), and Schools of Nursing in the Philippines held the First Virtual PNAA-Balik Turo 2022 – via Zoom from January 30–31 (Sunday & 7:00 PM USA NY EST) and Monday (8:00 PM, PH Manila).
This year’s Theme is “Connecting the Spark from West to East in Enhancing Nursing Education, Research & Practice.” The Virtual PNAA Balik-Turo was supported by C& E Adoptive Learning Solutions.
The Balik-Turo program highlighted PNAA as an organization consistently advocating its mission and goals for its membership. The program showcased inspiring leaders and speakers described their advocacy ingenuities in clinical practice, nursing administration, nursing leadership, and nursing research. The participants were able to identify and gain various pathways on how to advocate effectively for themselves, patients, families, colleagues and the community.
According to the webinar, “The rapidly changing and advancing science in medicine and nursing continuously bring many challenges in clinical practice. Improvement in the delivery of care is impacted by the influences of technology and evidence-based practice. Research and innovations are the major drivers in enhancing the knowledge base that is vital to the nursing profession for delivery of quality and safe patient care. Nurses continue to provide optimum care despite the demands of the nursing profession. Nurses of today and the future will benefit from an enhanced clinical knowledge and skills leading the way to excellence in the nursing profession and advocacy.”
The one-day education seminar has informed, updated, and enhanced advocacy, nursing knowledge and skills through the global sharing of nurse experts in their field of expertise.
One of the planners and organizers of the event is Atty. Salex Alibogha, Dean of the CPU College of Nursing.
The Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) Inc., is a US-based national organization comprised of 55 chapters with 4000 + members nationwide.
By Joy de Leon
Members of CPU Elementary School Class ‘73 and CPU High School Class ’77 during their distribution of relief goods.
The alumni of CPU Elementary School Class ‘73 and CPU High School Class ’77 shared their love and concern during this time of pandemic to their batch-mates last June 12, 2020.
Dr. Nani Araneta-de Leon, alumni president of the merged batches, said the assistance project for their classmates came about after their batch started helping medical front-liners. International lifestyle designer, PJ Arañador, who is one of their classmates helped facilitate in making PPEs and masks. The alumni also distributed food-packs at the Iloilo Mission Hospital.
Doc Nani added that reaching out to their batch-mates recognizes the reality of the pandemic affecting not only the poor but even those who are economically stable.
Dr. Nani Araneta-de Leon distributing relief goods.
“We looked closer to home and realized that many classmates are hurting too because of no-work-no pay policies, inability to easily go out for food because we belong to the senior group with some classified as high risk, having a number of jobless family members in the household etc. Thus, this idea to share came about.”
The idea is what their US-based classmate, Rose Fia Gonzales-Swartz call a “kindness and gratitude” project which she supported generously. “I am proud to be a part of this compassionate group who offer their time and effort to reach out and truly care for our classmates. Being responsive to the needs of others is part of our very long CPU-experience and it also strengthens our bonds as classmates beyond the borders of our school.”
Some classmates also contributed cloth face-masks, vitamins, ointments, and soaps. These were included in the pandemic-relief packs which contained assorted canned goods and condiments, eggs, fruits, dressed chicken and pork which were given to more than 50 of their classmates living in Iloilo City.
Pingping Plagata, one their batchmates, stressed that many of them are still adjusting to the new normal brought on by the pandemic. “It’s been more than three months now of uncertainty and being very cautious about our surroundings, so it is good to feel that there are classmates willing to go the extra mile for each other. It makes us feel loved and not alone through this scary time.”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Another donation for the Covid-19 team of IMH was sent by CCINAA and CPU College of Nursing.
The CPU College of Nursing, on its 15th week of love and support to Covid-19 Frontliners of Iloilo Mission Hospital, turned over 45 lunch packs of Mang Inasal and 80 grocery packs and hygiene kits on February 9, 2022.
Atty. Salex Alibogha, Dean CPU College of Nursing said, “This is a continuing initiative of the CPU College of Nursing, CCINAA, and specific nursing batch of the College. The initiative started last March 2021 during the height of delta variant. For now, it is in support of the nurses fighting against the omicron variant.”
It was recalled that CPU College of nursing in cooperation with CCNIAA has been very supportive of frontline nurses at IMH, and were the early donors of food, vitamins and other necessities for the hospital at the start of Covid-19 surge in Iloilo City.
This week’s donation was collectively sponsored by Atty. Salex Alibogha Class 1992, Prof. Analie Gilongos Class 1995, Melba Sale Class 1997, Nadiene Caipang Catedral Class 1977, Socorro Cordova 1977, Suzette Castro Arcilla and friends of Class 1977 from Harris Health Care System Bentaub General Hospital Texas.
CPUCN and CCINAA would like to boost the morale of staff nurses amidst Covid-19. The idea of weekly food and grocery packs was conceived by Atty. Salex Alibogha, Geoffrey Leysa and Easter Arora with the support of CCINAA chapters all over the world.
CCINAA is an association of nurses, graduates of Central Philippine University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital (which served as their training hospital from the years 1954 to 1974) and Iloilo Mission Hospital Training School for Nurses.
by Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Chat BERTHA’s namesake is Anna Bertha Houger, CPU’s first librarian.
Henry Luce III Library (HLL) recently launched Chat BERTHA, a library chat service on Facebook for students, faculty, and staff.
Bertha is the avatar used by the library “virtual assistant” or persona who users interact with. Her namesake is Anna Bertha Houger, CPU’s first librarian. She served the university from 1910-1940.
Aside from faculty, staff, and students, the alumni and outside researchers can use this service. Chat Bertha is part of the Virtual Reference Services (VRS) of the Henry Luce III Library. VRS also offers Open Access Resources, Webinars, and Request for Library Resources.
The library can link or curate Open Access resources, arranged by subject for faculty and students to access online (available upon request). Faculty can also request for books and other online resources.
HLL has also hosted webinars on library-related topics to assist faculty in delivering online classes and services.
If you’d like to avail of HLL’s Virtual Reference Services, click the following links below:
Chat BERTHA:
https://facebook.com/cpulibrary
Request for Library Resources via E-mail (exclusive for faculty):
queries should be sent to library@cpu.edu.ph
visit the library catalog at http://destiny@cpu.edu.ph
Open Access Resources- available upon request
Webinars:
https://facebook.com/cpulibrary or http://hll.cpu.edu.ph
For updates please like and follow the library Facebook page
https://facebook.com/cpulibrary
HLL website:
https://hll.cpu.edu.ph
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
CPU is thankful to God to have many students despite the pandemic.
The number of enrolled students from Kindergarten up to the School of Graduate Studies as of February 8, 2022 is 13,258. Last School Year’s 2nd semester’s total population is 12,299.
More students will be added as soon as the enrollement in the Senior High School will end on February 10, and the School of Graduate Studies on February 19. Additional students will also come from the College of Law and College of Medicine.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean, CPU College of Arts and Sciences.
“Together with the whole university, our CPU College of Arts and Science (CAS) is well prepared on the new normal learning process,” Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College said in an interview with the Weekly Centralian Link on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. She noted some positive comments of people regarding CPU’s well-prepared training on the Learning Management System (LMS).
According to Fernandez, CAS uses the Canvas LMS for their virtual class instruction. Students’ attendance, assignments, and exams are all incorporated in this platform. However, we can use an alternative LMS such as Google Classroom and reinforced by video conferencing like Zoom.
Dean Fernandez on her initiative was able to use the LMS during Summer Classes. She also sent out digital materials for students to study. They had a lively interaction in their virtual classes. She said that “In today’s virtual mode of learning, the teacher should be resourceful and creative enough to make his or her class interesting.”
Fernandez expressed a bit of concern regarding Internet connectivity, but overall, she is proud and happy for the College of Arts and Sciences, and CPU to be adequately prepared for the coming First Semester 2020-2021.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Reynaldo L. Gonzales- AB Political Science Batch ’80.
Reynaldo L. Gonzales first applied as a cadet officer in 1974 and undergone a very rigid initiation needed to be a recognized member of the Cadet Officers Corps and also to be a member of the elite CPU ROTCU Cross Swords Fraternity. At that time, ROTC was compulsory to physically fit male students, only in their first two years in college.
He was First Platoon Leader of Bravo Company, CPU ROTC Unit in 1975. Intelligent and mentally alert, 2Lt Reynaldo Lagarto Gonzales was ahead of his contemporary cadets and cadettes in more ways than one. ‘Rey’, ‘Naldo’ or ‘Nalds’, among the popular call names he has by his friends was an industrious ‘work student’ whose duty as security guard of CPU had probably made up his mind to join the CPU Reserved Officer’s Training Corps. He stays in the campus and render duty with the regular security guards.
He attended classes during the day. Enrolled in AB Political Science, Gonzales was observed to very conversant on socio- political issues of the day. The late Professor Rudy Faulan often asked him to start up a discussion on matters of government, although he cautiously stay away from Martial Law issues, and warns his classmate to be mindful of the situation. Gonzales graduated in CPU College of Arts and Sciences, Major in Political Science in 1980.
His love for military service made him contribute to the tactical and practical training for his company. Nelson Jutare, Sr. from his lower class at that time said that Rey was a dedicated cadet officer and a committed leader. He never left his cadets without assuring them of success for the tactical inspection; even so, of their future career if only they are determined and study well.
In 1976, he was promoted 1st Lt., and at the same time 1st Platoon Leader of the Alpha Company. This was a greater responsibility when at that time, the challenge to win an award in the Regional Tactical Competition was high. His commitment to succeed was consistent in his work and study. He once confronted his men and said “Dedication has to be a commitment!”
He became Cadet Captain in 1977 and was assigned as Battalion Intelligence Officer. His leadership and intelligence would bring him to a higher position as Cadet Major and Alpha Company Commander in 1978. The CPU ROTC Unit won several times as best unit and many awards were hung at the CPU ROTC Headquarters with Gonzales as an excellent company commander. Gonzales worked as CPU ROTC Unit Intelligence and Tactical Officer and Instructor.
After his work at CPU ROTCU, he was employed by PEPSI in Iloilo. His leadership and management experience at Central Philippine University brought him to a greater career-employment and rose to be a Plant Manager in Mindanao areas.
He was with his friends and classmates during the CPU Global Reunion in 2020. On January 29, 2022, he was clinically pronounced dead due to a lingering illness.
The CPU Political Science Alumni Association is grateful for the principles and friendship that Rey has given.