by Rusieljs G. Lunasco
(from left) Prof. Melba Capaspas-Sale, CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles, Michael Nico Catedrilla and College of Nursing Dean Atty. Salex Alibogha during the turn-over of cash donation for the E- Classroom.
Alumna Ann Catedrilla-Seisa (BSN 1977) donated 10,000 US dollars for the E-Classroom, the third phase of the College of Nursing’s Virtual Lab.
The donation was handed over by the donor’s nephew Mr. Michael Nico Catedrilla to CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles on July 21, 2020 at the Rex D. Drilon Admin Conference Room. Also present during the turn-over were College of Nursing Dean Atty. Salex Alibogha and faculty Prof. Melba Capaspas-Sale.
“We understand certain challenges brought about by this pandemic to schools. So our non-profit pledged to donate to the E-classroom for efficiency in teaching nursing classes,” said Michael Nico Catedrilla.
The non-profit organization mentioned is Project ETC and was founded by the donor. Project ETC utilizes Education, Technology, and Community to help give greater opportunities to school children in developing areas of the world and their families.
The E-Classroom is part of the College of Nursing’s initiative in the implementation of flexible and online learning.
By Geoffrey Leysa
The Philippine Nurses Association, Iloilo Chapter has elected to top positions, the following Centralians for 2022:
President – Frank Musones (Class 2006)
Vice President for Programs and Development – Ayesha Calmerin Penuela (Class 2006)
Vice President for Finance and Administration – Priscy Legayada (Class 1981)
Other Centralians elected to various positions are as follows:
Ralph Lauren Figuerora (Class 2008)- Auditor
John Michael Añes (Class 2010) – Asst. PIO
Lilia Delicana – Member, BOD,
Demelen Gancero-House of Delegates
Donnabelle Pulmones Carmona (Class 1994)
Ma. Regina Gabucay Coniza (Class 1994), and
Ian Van Sumagaysay-NOMELEC
Meanwhile, another Centralian, Dr. Rossa Grace Belo, is the Governor of PNA Region 6.
Dr. Rossa Grace Belo is the current Governor of Philippine Nurses Association, Region 6.
Congratulations Centralians!
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Centralian Jose Ariel Lañada was the speaker of the CPU College of Nursing Pinning Ceremony for class 2021.
The CPU College of Nursing Pinning Ceremony for Class 21 premiered on January 8, 2022 via the CPU Facebook TV Channel page. Centralian Nurses and Alumni the world over watched the significant event which is a time-honored tradition of nursing schools. It symbolizes “the right of passage” of the CPU Nurses Class 2021 – into their professional careers. The ceremony was done on October 28, 2021 at Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The ceremony started with a prelude- a musical rendition by Prof. Rona L. Edemni, MAN, RM. Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian led an invocation followed by the playing of the Philippine National anthem and the Alma Mater Song.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles in his Welcome Remarks acknowledged the candidates for pinning, parents and students, the faculty and staff. He challenged the students, telling them that “You will be thrust into the practice of the nursing profession in the new normal.”
He thanked the CPU College of Nursing for preparing the students for a challenging yet rewarding career in the nursing profession. He commended the College of Nursing headed by its Dean Atty. Salex Alibogha with the Faculty and Staff “for ensuring that the excellent quality of nursing education which the College has always provided is maintained even in this new normal.”
He reminded the students that “as you wear your pins, you should always remember that you are a Centralian Nurse.”
Joy B. Lacson, MN (Level 4 Coordinator) introduced the Guest Speaker. Prof . Ariel E. Lañada (CPU Nursing Batch 1993), delivered an inspirational message with challenges that would be essential to the need of the new Centralian nurses.
He encouraged the candidates to be determined to conquer any hardship. “God is my rock, but I have to do my part”, he said. “We cannot serve from an empty cup,” he added.
Lañada shared his three ingredients for success: Willingness to move on, Tenacity in not giving up easily and Resilience by strengthening oneself.
Lañada started working in the United Kingdom at Oxford University Hospital in 2002. He is presently President of the Centralian Nurses Association in U.K., and has been popularly known to the Filipino Community in the United Kingdom.
Maria Lourdes N. Sampiano, MAN, Apollo Simulation Coordinator read the significance of the Pin. Lena O. Giron, MAN , Clinical Coordinator presented the candidates for pinning. The confirmation was done by Dean Salex Alibogha before the pinning ceremony.
Melba C. Sale, MAN, Research Coordinator read the International Code of ethics. The recognition and awards were read by Dr. Charlie D. Baldon, Scholarship Committee Chair. Awardees Mia Maricar Bulauitan, Class 2021 Coordinator and Angel Dema-ala, CPUR CON Representative delivered their response.
The BSN Class 2021 rendered their Class Song. The benediction was led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian and was followed by the recessional.
The program was hosted by Annalie D. Gilongos, MN,RN.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Marita Dy Umahag- Sorilla, a Master Teacher II at Pavia National High School was among the teaching personnel of the Schools Division of Iloilo who was honored at the Patubas Harvest of Excellence Awards.
College of Education alumna Marita Dy Umahag- Sorilla (BSED’92) was named the Most Oustanding Secondary Teacher in MAPEH by the Department of Education- Schools Division of Iloilo during the virtual airing of its Patubas 2019 Harvest of Excellence Awards on July 17, 2020.
Sorilla is a Master Teacher II at Pavia National High School. She graduated from Central Philippine University in 1992 and finished her Master of Arts in Teaching degree at Filamer Christian University.
She is a National Accredited Coach in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics and Rhythmic Gymnastics, a member of the Schools Division of Iloilo Training Pool and a Sports Consultant of Region VI- Western Visayas from 2009-present.
Sorilla is also an accomplished dancer, composer and conductor having been a silver medalist for the Dance Sports Competition- Latin American Professional Category in the 2011 Iloilo School Sports Council Meet. During her college days at Central, she played the clarinet and the saxophone for the symphonic band.
She composed the Pavia National High School Hymn and also took charge of the school’s Drum and Lyre Corps for 9 years. She trained and conducted the Pavia National High School Special Program in the Arts Music Majors who competed at the Manila Broadcasting Company National Choral Competition.
Currently, she is the Program Head of Pavia National High School-Special Program in Sports and has contributed several Learning Materials in Physical Education and Special Program in Sports which is being used by the teachers in MAPEH and Special Program in Sports Curriculum in Region VI- Western Visayas.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Central Philippine University College of Nursing, one of the top nursing schools in the Philippines, received a Certificate of Outstanding Professional Leadership, at the International Leader and achievers Awards on January 16, 2022, via an Online Platform. In the Certificate, the CPU College of Nursing received the award of Outstanding College Providing Effective Online Classes.
Another Certificate of Outstanding Professional Leadership was awarded to Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, JD,MAN, LLM, RM – Dean of Central Philippine University College of Nursing. In the Certificate, he was conferred the Outstanding Professor of the Year.
Alibogha previously received several professional and organizational awards in the field of nursing. He was responsible for implementing modern systems and tools for the CPU College of Nursing.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Cho Jae Hoon, a former executive of IBM Korea, and one of CPU’s adjunct professors from Tong Myong University in South Korea, conducted a two part online lecture for the School of Graduate Studies students.
The CPU Graduate School started its Summer classes on the 6th of July 2020 using an online platform called Canvas and Google Classroom, including Zoom application. A mood of excitement arose as this was the first time for CPU Graduate students to experience distance learning via the Internet and from their own respective homes.
Around 104 students enrolled in CPU’s School of Graduate Studies for Summer 2020. Expectations were high as far as quality of instruction is concerned. For Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, a global approach should be considered. “We need to be responsive to the call of time. Our curriculum and instructions should conform to outcome based education”, she said.
Dr. Cho Jae Hoon (first from upper right) in one of his online lectures with Grad School students.
On Saturday, July 18, one of the CPU adjunct professors from Tong Myong University in South Korea, conducted an online lecture for the School of Graduate Studies, particularly students of Doctor of Management Program. Dr. Cho Jae Hoon, former executive of IBM Korea, shared an “Introduction to Korean Economy” with DM students enrolled in International Business Management.
On July 25, he will again meet the DM students of CPU to discuss “Business Transformation Processes”.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The donated cottage by the CPU College of Theology Batch 88 is above the hill at Camp Higher Ground near the cross.
The CPU College of Theology Batch 1988 donated a cottage at Camp Higher Ground situated near the big cross at the hill of the area. Together with some members of the batch, and some administrative officials of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, they held a Dedication Ceremony last January 25, 2022.
According to the CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, “The newly constructed cottage (Doesn’t really look like a “Tree House” as originally conceived) at Camp Higher Ground is a humble contribution of the CPU College of Theology Batch 88 Alumni to our Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.” It is worth noting that this is the batch of the General Secretary.
Furthermore, he reiterated that “We hope that through this project we would be able to contribute towards the development of CHG so that someday it would become a place of destination and where people can go for recreation, fun, family bonding, reflection, meditation, and spiritual nourishment. It is also our hope that CHG will become self-sustaining and finally become a major source of revenue to support our varied ministries.”
Rev. Narciso also challenges the churches and institutions to donate for the improvement of Camp Higher Ground. He said, “May it also serve as a landmark of faith that will challenge other individuals, groups, churches, and organizations to also give their share for the development of our camp.” He revealed that CPU President Dr. Teodoro and Mrs. Angel Robles have already made a donation for the construction of a chapel on top of the hill near the cross.
The General Secretary is also grateful for the constant suggestions and donations of two Centralians – Mrs. Nora Gierza and Mrs. Easter Arora.
The minister who led the dedication, Rev. Jenkins Bañas, CPBC Director for Missions and Evangelism, is also a Centralian.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
As everyone continues to be vigilant about the Covid-19 pandemic, health and safety monitoring and control are strictly imposed in CPU – on all faculty, staff and visitors. “Persons getting inside CPU have to fill out the Health Monitoring Form issued at the gate. Employees are likewise required to fill out the same form, or encode on the online Health Monitoring Form on the CPU website.
OSH Officer, Mr. Prim Vergara explains, “The name, address and contact number, as well as the classification of employees and vehicles must be specified on the form; questions on one’s health condition must be answered by putting a check on the boxes provided, before submitting it to the monitoring team at the gate (for outsiders), and into drop boxes (for employees). These are delivered for data processing at the HR Office before 10:00 in the morning, on the same day.”
Pearl Puarom, Health Monitoring Coordinator at the HR Office, facilitates the records to the CPU Medical Clinic, where Nurses Lita Gajitos and Ma. Crescille Marigon process the results. An employee who has admitted any symptomatic condition is called to the clinic by a physician on duty – to be examined or advised on his/her present condition within 24 hours. On some instances, Mr. Vergara may be called to make decisions with regards to the patient.
Vergara stressed that, “as long as the pandemic remains a threat to the community, this measure of health monitoring for all accessing or entering the University shall remain in effect.”
By Nestle G. Taala
Centralian Ms. Dorothy Marie Gemillan is Miss Iloilo-Universe 2022. Photo by Nifty Fifty Photo Studio.
A triumph for Central Philippine University as well – Miss Dorothy Marie Pastolero Gemillan a third-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student earned the prestigious crown and title as Miss Iloilo-Universe 2022 during the Miss Iloilo 2022 Pageant Night on January 22, 2022 at Richmonde Hotel – Pool Deck.
Ms. Gemillan’s journey in this endeavor is quite a challenge since her preparation was a bit rushed. According to her, “I had a difficult time training because I was juggling both academics and pageantry. Luckily for me, my handler and mentors understood my situation. They helped me in ways more than one. My family and friends also assisted me in my endeavors, so receiving emotional support was such a relief.”
This future Centralian nurse is most grateful to God, and she considers the crown a blessing from the Almighty. “There were lots of tears and prayers that night, but it was also filled with unexplainable joy. My heartfelt gratitude will always go straight to God first, the source of my strength and hope. All the glory are His alone,” she said.
Meanwhile, the College of Nursing (CON) Community is proud of what Ms. Gemillan has achieved. In fact, in a Facebook post, CON Alumnus Mr. Geoffry Leysa encouraged everyone to support the young lady in her next journey, “we want to support her in this endeavor as she gives pride and honor to our City and our Alma Mater. We are knocking at everyone’s heart as we are raising funds to help her with all her expenses. Any amount that you can share would mean so much to her. This is our best way to show our support and this will lift her confidence.”
Ms. Gemillan would like to, “thank my family and friends who have been with me since day one, the love they have for me and I on them is incomparable. To my amazing handler, Ira Jucaban, who is the most passionate person I know. I’ve never met someone who’s so in love with their craft, and I feel honored to have witnessed your artistry – I owe you this victory. To my team and mentors, Sir Josh Sales, Sir Jojo, Sir Lee, Janjan, Mommy Maimai, Tyrone, and the beautiful Doctor Aica – words alone are not enough to express my love and gratitude for you all. I’m so blessed to have met and been taken care of by such professionals. To my astounding Dean – Atty. Salex E. Alibogha – and to the entire College of Nursing, who has shown their never-ending support all throughout this journey, I am the luckiest girl alive because I’m supported by an amazing group of people. This is my institution’s victory just as it is mine. And for that, I will forever be in their debt.”
Ms. Gemillan will be competing and will represent Iloilo in the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2022.
This feat of Ms. Gemillan in one way or another shows that CPU continues to strive for excellence; molding students “to become better individuals, better citizens, better Christians whose dedication and service to God and humanity encompasses the true Central Spirit.”
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Central Philippine University honored the life of former Board of Trustees’ Chairman, Atty. Perfecto Yasay Jr. in a Virtual Memorial Service held this morning, July 24, 2020.
Yasay graduated from CPU with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1966. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2001-2005 and was a member of the CPU Corporation from 1998 until 2008.
“It is our culture and customary practice to honor alumni who made significant contributions to our university,” said CPU Corporation and Board of Trustees Chairman Atty. Von Lovel Bedona. He also noted that Yasay’s achievements and how they brought great honor and prestige to Central Philippine University.
“We will remember Jun Yasay for his contributions to society, to our university, to the youth and countless others whose lives were touched by his actions in public service,” said Dr. Teodoro Robles in his words of sympathy.
CPU Corporation member Mr. Francis Grino, a close friend, recalled their bond and remembered Yasay’s time as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Yasay was the former Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and was assigned Associate Commissioner of Securities and Exchange Comission in 1993 and became the chairman from 1995 to 2000.
In 1996, he was awarded the Distinguished Centralian Award in Public/Government Service in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a law practitioner, civic leader, and high government official.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Lopez is a member of the CPU Football Tertiary Men’s Team.
Name: Wrenz Ivan Lopez
Nickname: Pogi
Height: 6’0”
Grade/year: Grade 12
Team: Football Tertiary Men
Playing Position: CDM/CB
Coach: Engr. Bob Rommel Javellana
Hometown: Lambunao, Iloilo
Achievements:
Palarong Pambansa 2016(NCR) 4th place
Champion United Football League Youth 2016
Borneo Cup 2016 2nd Runner up
Champion NCRA FA Cup 2017
Champion Uday 2016-2019
Best Defender Uday 2018
Champion ILOPRISAA 2017-2019
ISSC Meet 2018 2nd place
Menpora Cup 2018(Indonesia) 1st Place(Plate)
ISSC Meet 2019 4th place
WVPRISAA 2018-2019 1st Runner up
WVPRISAA 2020 Champion
Hobbies: Football, Watching Anime, Video Games
Favorite Player: Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets
Most Memorable Game:
WVPRISAA 2020, Roxas City Capiz. We won against USLS Bacolod despite losing our first game. In our final match, I was able to convert a goal in the extra time after a one all score in the regulation.
Principle in Life:
“Live while you’re alive because when you’re dead you are not living.”
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I could say that it is very overwhelming to play for the CPU Golden Lions.
Why did you choose CPU:
I chose CPU because it has the best sports program in football among private schools here in Iloilo. CPU always takes good care of their athletes by providing what they need and give importance to academics.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Pastor Jonan who previously worked for Central Philippine University as Executive Secretary is now based in New Zealand with his family.
Pastor Jonan Castillon, former CPU Executive Secretary, created the Ministry Appreciation and Participation Toolkit (MAP Toolkit) for pastors and ministry leaders. The New Zealand Baptist Multicultural Inclusion Ministries (NZMIM) has added the MAP Toolkit to their ministry toolbox.
The New Zealand Baptist Multicultural Inclusion Ministries has added these ministry participation tools to their ministry on July 2020.
Steve Davies, NZMIM team leader, cited Jonan as “one of our recommended ministry partners whom we believe has a lot to contribute to the multicultural movement of churches in Aotearoa- New Zealand.” The NZMIM is one of the national ministries of the Baptist Churches of NZ.
Castillon got the vision of creating a ministry toolkit in 1992 while working as a researcher in Antique. Gathering lessons learned from his life as a pastors’ kid, from his work and ministry experiences, he was able to organize the MAP Toolkit, which is a fascinating resource designed to help pastors and ministry leaders organize and manage the ministries and programs of the church.
As a fresh Bachelor of Theology graduate in 2001, some of the questions that arose in his mind are, how he will be able to manage the institutional or organizational side of the church; how would he lead and empower the church to achieve its vision. “The toolkit hinges on the principle of creating maps so that church members will have a guide to appreciating and participating actively in the ministry,” said Castillon.
Jonan, his wife, Jewel and their daughter, Jadyn lives in Timaru, NZ. They are members of the Wilson Street Baptist Church. Castillon works as a consultant at Waugh Infrastructure Management Ltd., an infrastructure management consulting company. He graduated the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1989 and Bachelor of Theology in 2001, both from Central Philippine University.
You may download the MAP toolkit in this link: https://multiculturalresponse.com/download/5554/