By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Online class of College of arts and Sciences Instructor, Prof. Claire David Jardenil
Central Philippine University began online classes of more than 3,000 students for the summer term on July 6, 2020.
Teachers and students shared some of their experiences during the first day of online class.
“At first I find it hard because I’m not used to attending class virtually. But I’m still in the process of learning and adapting,” said 1st year Pharmacy student Joylyn Hope Berina. She added that
“she still prays for normal classes to return as there are some things that are more meaningful to learn if there is a personal encounter between the teacher and the student.”
Kamille Chistelle Denila, an upcoming 2nd year Financial Management student shared that she had mixed feelings about having her classes online. “I was also a bit stressed because we were the last batch to be informed about the join code to be used in our Canvas app.” She says she is thankful for her teachers for managing the online class well. “The online class taught me to be more patient because there were many challenges that we’ve encountered,” she added.
“I was very excited on our first day. Although we experienced a few problems with interconnectivity, everything went on smoothly. Online learning is now a reality for all of us and we have to make do of what we have,” shared Department of Civil Engineering Chairperson, Engr. Mary Earl Daryl Grio.
College of Nursing instructor professor Herme Agriam-Borlado shared that the “transition from onsite to online delivery of a nursing course is a great challenge.”
“At the start of my online class, I reminded myself that challenges are inevitable, but they will be temporary. When you open yourself to innovation, new learning, and experiences, what follows will be less stressful and more meaningful,” she said.
On May 26, the university announced that it will implement full online classes as advised by the Commission on Higher Education.
Online training for college and pre-collegiate faculty started on June 1 and ended on June 16. The elementary school and the kindergarten department are currently undergoing a series of seminars and demos for Schoology Learning Management System.
Despite the pandemic, the enrolment for the collegiate level has increased by 4.18 percent.
The university is the first to offer full online classes for the summer term in Iloilo City.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
SP Member Matt P. Palabrica handed over the Commendation to CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles at the Admin Conference Room.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo Province passed Resolution No. 2021-647, congratulating and commending Central Philippine University (CPU) “which again brought pride and honor to the province of Iloilo by making it for the second consecutive year to the list of Asia’s Best Higher Education Institutions based on the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings (Asia 2022).”
The Resolution was sponsored by Centralian Sanggunian Panlalawigan Member Hon. Matt P. Palabrica (3rd District, Iloilo) a former Bingawan Municipal Mayor. Furthermore, the Resolution stated that “The recognition given to CPU is a manifestation of its strong foundation for education and continued pursuit of academic excellence through the years. CPU has time and again proven that it is one of the Best Educational Institutions not only in the Philippines, but also in the Asia Pacific Region.”
The said Resolution was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on November 16, 2021. It was given to CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles last January 4, 2022 by Hon. Matt P. Palabrica at the Admin Conference Room, Dr. Rex D. Drilon Hall.
World University Rankings is an annual publication of University rankings and is a leading provider of Global Higher Education services, insights and analytics; one of the world’s independent sources of global intelligence in the higher education sector.
The annual publication comprises global subjects alongside tables such as ASIA, Latin America, Europe, Central Asia and the Arab Region. This year’s QS Asian University Rankings featured 687 Schools Worldwide. CPU earned a place in the 651 bracket and is among the 15 best Philippine Universities. It is notable that CPU is the only university from Western Visayas in the ranking.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Despite the pandemic, a total number of 3,523 students enrolled for the summer term.
Central Philippine University’s college enrolment for the summer term has increased by 4. 18 percent compared to the previous year.
At the end of the online enrolment, 3,314 college students have officially enrolled for summer classes. Last year, there was a total of 3,181 enrollees.
The College of Business and Accountancy has the most number of enrollees (767), followed by the College of Nursing (602) and the College of Engineering (542).
“We are happy that despite the pandemic, our summer enrolment has increased,” said CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles. He further added that although there is a significant reduction for the graduate programs, the college enrolment has not been affected.
“For the first semester, we are hoping that we could enroll the same number of students as last year. There has been a great demand for placement for our programs most especially for the College of Nursing,” he said.
A total of 3,523 students have enrolled in the pre-collegiate (Senior High School), collegiate, and post-grad levels.
CPU has officially started its summer term on July 6. The university announced that it will implement full-online classes for the current term and the upcoming first semester.
Pre-registration is ongoing for new students and transferees. For pre-registration please visit (http://registration.cpu.edu.ph/)
Online enrolment for continuing students will start on July 13 for Pre-Collegiate Level (Kindergarten, Elementary, JHS, SHS) and August 6-15 for the Collegiate and Post-graduate level. For more information, please visit (https://cpu.edu.ph/enrolment/)
By Mrs. Yolanda Jain
70 alumni and friends attended the CPUAAMWUSA (Midwest USA Chapter) Christmas party in person.
The CPUAAMWUSA (Midwest USA Chapter) held her first Christmas party in person (since 2020 COVID lockdown) last December 4, 2021 at the Golden Terrace Pavilion in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The weather outside was cold but our hearts were warm because of the Central Spirit that lives in all of us, the Centralians!
There were almost 70 alumni, families & friends who gathered to enjoy the catered food, the different arrays of Filipino desserts, the entertainments, the fellowship, the induction of the newly elected officers and most of all to celebrate the Birthday of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Reason for this Season!
We started the program with singing of Christmas songs led by our Song Leader, Rose Bundalian, BSN Class 1975 accompanied by DJ, Ren Bundalian, her husband.
May Celiz Rogers, outgoing President gave her warm welcome address and she acknowledged those who have attended our Christmas party for the first time. Seven members of BSN Class 1991 were present, 6 of whom were first time attendees!
Fulbright scholar from CPU, Kay Arden Gallo, who is a Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL gave greetings in behalf of the CPU faculty. She came to NIU last August 2021 and will be going back to the Philippines on June 1, 2022. She was thankful to be able to be in a gathering with Centralians since she said, “Nahidlaw na ako mag Ilonggo!”
The invocation was given by Mrs. Fe Palabrica Magalit, BSN Class 1962. She attended the party with her son David and his family.
During dinner we were entertained by musical numbers by Christine Gin, BSN Class 1991, Adonis Zapanta, BSN Class 1999 and Ren Bundalian, our DJ. Jean Betalac, BSN Class 1991, entertained us with a Dance Number.
After the dinner, we sung Central Songs led by Rose Bundalian. It was great to be able to sing our Alma Mater song again with blended voices that reminded us of our student days at CPU!
The induction of the newly elected officers was presided by Perla Londres Waters, past President of the CPUFOAA. The Vows and Oath of Office were administered by May Celiz Rogers, as the Immediate Past President of the Chapter.
During the induction, we sung the chorus of, “Here I Am, Lord”, a hymn of consecration, with the solo part sung by Richard Boice, husband of Melinda Portante Boice, BS Chemistry.
A special song, “My Tribute”, was rendered beautifully by Kayla Tejero, daughter of Pressian Crasco Tejero, BSN Class 1991.
The induction was concluded by a prayer and Laying of Hands of the past officers to the newly inducted officers. It was a very poignant experience for most of us because of the significance of the Laying of Hands-it is a practice used as a means of contact to confer a blessing or impartation from one person to another.
The program part of the party was concluded with a candlelight celebration in preparation for Christmas presided by Flora Guillergan Cudiamat, BSN Class 1973 and immediate Past President of the CPUFOAA. The 5 Advent candles were lit with scripture reading of the Christmas story interspersed with singing of Christmas hymns. A sing-a-long of the Hallelujah chorus (as sung by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir) concluded the Advent Service. It was so meaningful to end the Advent service singing in honor of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords to celebrate His Birthday!
The fun part of our party were the games prepared by Nancy Dominguez, Melba Debulgado, both members of BSN Class 1975 and Mary Abiera, BSN Class 1978. The games we played were “Pass the Hot Potato”, “Stack Them Up”, “Unwrap the Gift and “Name the Price!”
Everyone had a great time as evidenced by loud laughter and glee not only for those playing, but, also to those who were watching!
We ended the party by singing “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” holding hands and making one big circle that signifies unity and fellowship of kindred minds!
Everyone was still in party mode that when DJ Ren turned up the music, there were alumni, family and friends in the dance floor! It was a fun filled evening and the Central Spirit truly was present!
The highlights during our Christmas party:
1. The College of Nursing was well represented with alumni from the different classes:
Class 62, 67, 72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 79, 87, 88, 91 and 1999! Class 1991 had the most members with 7 classmates!
2. We were able to collect over $1200 for CPU God’s Grace program which we have been doing annually. This is to benefit the working students at CPU by giving them a meal and they only have to attend a devotional meeting with Pastor Roger Quimpo at the University Church!
3.Officers of the CPUAA Midwest USA 2022-2023-
President: Yolanda Peñacerrada-Jain
Vice President: Thelma Lacson
Secretary: Rose Bundalian
Asst Secretary: Eva Rafols
Treasurer: Melba Lanzar-Debulgado
Asst Treasurer: Eva Talde
PRO: Florence Mapeso-Abiera
Board of Directors: Alinsasaguin, Jungierin
Chang, Linda
(Peñacerrada)
Daliva, Rose (Buyco)
DeLeon, Regina
Fernandez, Paulette (Gilroy)
Juarez, Jerome III
Pastrano, Madelyn (Grande)
Penacerrada, Dianabin
(Martir)
Members At Large:
Gaverza, Marylou
Tejero, Pressian (Crasco)
In my closing remarks I quoted John C. Maxwell:
“God uses ordinary people who are obedient to Him to do extraordinary things.”
“I praise God for this opportunity to serve Him thru the CPUAAMWUSA and I pray that God will use us to become beacons of God’s light everywhere we go!”
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Former Miss CPU Mae Ann Manipud poses in an aircraft in full PPE .
Miss CPU 2014, Mae Ann Manipud, is among the cabin crew frontliners in a Philippine Airlines’ flight to bring Filipinos home.
On June 27, Manipud posted a photo of herself in full PPE inside the aircraft. She says the flight from Manila-Miami-Barbados-Vancouver-Clark-Manila was her “longest flight ever.”
“Blessed to be able to fly again and send our fellow Kababayans back home. It’s music to my ears hearing them clapping and seeing how excited they are to see their families,” wrote Manipud in her Facebook post.
Manipud in her PAL uniform. (photo courtesy of Mae Ann Manipud)
She also thanked Philippine Airlines for giving her an amazing opportunity. Despite the risk of the virus, she also said her heart is full of joy knowing that she will serve her fellow Kababayans.
“To see our passengers satisfied, that is what I find fulfilling about my job,” said Manipud.
Manipud graduated from Central Philippine University with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Tourism in 2016.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Roxanne is a member of the CPU Women’s Volleyball Team.
Name: Roxanne L. Rasgo
Nickname: Ging/Rox
Height: 5’7
Grade/year: 2nd year college BS Tourism Management
Playing Position: Middle Blocker
Coach: Tony Arnilla
Hometown: Aklan
Achievements:
Silver Unit meet 2017-2019
Champion Aklan Provincial Meet 2019
Best middle hitter Aklan Provincial meet 2019
Best Blocker Intramurals Aklan Valley High School 2018-2019
Participant WVRAA 2019
Hobbies: playing volleyball
Favorite Player: Bea De Leon
Most Memorable Game: Provincial Meet 2k19
Principle in Life:
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
As a student-athlete, I am determined with perseverance to pursue my passion and studies. I am willing to fight for this school with all my heart.
Why did I choose cpu:
I chose CPU because I heard a lot of good things about this school. CPU offers good quality education and at the same time excels in sports. This reputation persuaded me to study at Central Philippine University and I believe I am on the right track.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Arlita Pang (second from left) with her family.
Centralian Arlita Pang was inducted as President of the Philippine Nurses Association of Metro Houston on June 27, via Zoom.
Pang graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1977. She is currently the administrator for ACP Health Care Resources Inc. in Sugarland, Texas.
Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan Houston is a local chapter of the Philippine Nurses Association in America.
By Edward Pormilos
The CPUFOAAI held its quarterly meeting via Zoom.
The Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association, Inc. officers and Board of Directors held their last quarterly meeting for 2021 via Zoom last December 18, 2021, to discuss several matters. Presided by its President, Mr. Rod Gonzales, the meeting was participated by a total of fourteen Board of Directors, advisers, and chapter presidents.
Mrs. Melba Debulgado, Federation Treasurer, presented the financial report for the year 2021. She cited that several chapters have updated their annual dues. It was suggested that the Regional
VPs are responsible to reach out or remind chapters that have not updated their dues.
The Regional VPs presented their reports. Rev. Manuel de la Fuente, who was not present during the meeting due to family matters, submitted a letter detailing updates on the Northeast, USA Region. There were member chapters that held their Christmas parties either virtually or in-person. Dr. Christine Daquaido, VP for Eastern Canada Region 9 presented a PowerPoint. Part of the presentation was the highly successful and well-attended Thanksgiving and Christmas Celebration of the Toronto Chapter. The Chapter also received a Certificate of Recognition from CPU for its scholarship donation. Mrs. Perla Waters suggested the “cell group” concept of gathering together for Centralians in other places with no chapter yet that would lead towards the eventual organization of a new chapter.
The Chapter Presidents presented updates of their respected chapters. Mrs. Arlene Poblador of Southern California relayed their successful in-person Christmas fellowship that also involved a fundraising drive. Mrs. Norma Van Dusen shared the Toronto Chapter’s Christmas and Thanksgiving joint celebration and the successful Bahandi virtual fundraising concert.
70 alumni and friends attended the CPUAAMWUSA (Midwest USA Chapter) Christmas party in person.
Yolanda Jain of Midwest, USA echoed that there were more than 70 participants during their Christmas Party and Installation of New Officers. They also collected a total love gift of $1,000 for the God’s Grace Ministry. Mrs. Easter Aurora reported that the Florida Chapter raised $2,000 for the God’s Grace Ministry. Pastor Edward Pormilos of Northern California reported that they originally planned for the in-person Christmas Party but they shifted online after news of Omicron Variant and the surge of the current Delta Variant hit the Bay Area. He added that CPU gave a Certificate of Recognition to the Chapter and to the 13 individual sponsors of its Grant-In-Aid Program. The Chapter also donated $500 to the God’s Grace Ministry. Mrs. Perla Waters commended the support of many chapters to the God’s Grace Ministry for the work students. She cited that it was originally an endowment fund but was later converted to a white gift offering during Christmas parties.
On the proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-laws of the Federation, Mr. Gonzales reported that there have been various comments on past amendments but there was nothing official that was ratified nor published. He pointed out that the November 2013 CBL will be used as a point of reference. He also suggested for the CBL Committee to convene to incorporate various past comments and to present the proposed amendments during the first quarterly Federation meeting for 2022 on March 26. Atty. Riggi Solinap, Chairman of the CBL Committee, concurred with Mr. Gonzales’ observation and recommendation.
As to the preparation for the Special Election in July 2022, no update was made since no member of the Special Election Committee was present to provide a report and how to move forward. There will be a separate meeting of the committees involved on January 29, 2022.
The final matter discussed was the next Global Reunion. President Gonzales reported that the deadline of December 18, 2021, lapsed that day and there was still no taker for 2024 hosting after connecting and communicating with possible hosts that included UK, North Texas, Southern Texas, and Dubai chapters. As agreed in the previous meeting, the Toronto Chapter will take over the hosting in July 2025 if no taker for 2024. Mrs. Poblador cited, however, that the CCINAA had already scheduled their own global reunion on February 2025 and this may affect attendance for the July 2025 plan considering that based on past gatherings, nurses constituted 50% of attendance. Mr. Gonzales will check on this matter regarding official confirmation.
There were ideas or suggestions to hold the next Global Reunion at CPU again either in July 2024 or February 2025 (combined with the CCINA) because of the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic. The matter was laid on the table for further discussion on the next meeting.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The staff of the CPU Office of Communications with CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mrs. Angel Robles.
If you wonder how the first-ever Virtual Commencement Exercises, Completion Ceremonies, and the online Oath-taking of the new Centralian Lawyers with the Supreme Court were made, you may want to know who the people are behind the camera and the production.
The recent social media events happened in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. They were “special productions” that needed different approaches. We shall learn from CPU TV’s young and brilliant Coordinator, Ms. Nestle Taala, on how they made it.
First, she said, “I believe in my crew and their capacity to accomplish.” “One of the best things working with CPU TV is that we are supported by our Office of Communications. Because we do not limit ourselves to a certain task, we are assured of success,” she added. The offices under the Office of Communications are the Information Center, Educational Media Center, and the CPU TV.
“Furthermore, we never think about finishing a job alone, we finish it altogether — especially during the production of the virtual graduation for colleges and departments. It’s quite difficult but everyone seemed to be inspired to give off their best for Central Philippine University,” Taala said.
Taala added that, “In CPU TV, teamwork and cooperation are valued. With production and post-production, each one has a big role to play. Our team members have to value one another.” “With regards to our equipment, we at CPU TV are all familiar with what to use when there is a production. It has become part of our system to know them by heart. The equipment are utilized to send messages to our audience, especially since we are broadcasting globally,” she said.
Many of the public viewers have posted their appreciation for CPU TV, particularly on the virtual graduation ceremonies published at Central Philippine University’s social media sites. Without the pandemic, CPU TV produces and airs other public affairs and religious talk shows.
For the recent productions, Taala and her crew acknowledge, first of all, the help of the ever-present God. CPU TV also would like to acknowledge Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of CPU Office of Communications for his leadership; Ms. Charissa June Deocampo, CPU Registrar for the guidance, and Emerald Joy Perucho of the CPU Office of the Registrar. They also acknowledge the help of Ms. Carmelle Frances Romero, Administrative Officer, Office of the President for her big help. On top of it, they acknowledge the support of Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President, and Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, LL.M., Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees.
The following are the crew members of the CPU TV production team during the virtual commencement exercises:
Production Manager
REV. FRANCIS NEIL G. JALANDO-ON
Cameramen
DIONISIO CORONADO JR.
NESTLE TAALA
2nd unit cameramen
DONALD LEBRILLA
SIMON PETER JANDINERO
Still Photographers
SIMON PETER JANDINERO
JAN REY CARAS
Offline NLE Editors
DONALD LEBRILLA
DIONISIO CORONADO JR.
Online Editor
NESTLE TAALA
Audioman
RODIE LEYSA
Production Assistants
JAN REY CARAS
RODIE LEYSA
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Two faculty members of CPU College of Education, Dr. Necil C. Magno and Dr. Mar Rafael Ambos, received World Excellence Awards from the International Internship University. The awarding ceremony was held at the World Summit in Education and Awards Night on December 30, 2021 at 7:00PM (Phil Time) on a digital platform.
Dr. Ambos who previously received several Global Leaders and Educator Awards from International Educational Organizations was awarded anew with two World Excellence Awards in Education as Outstanding Achiever of the Year and as Outstanding College Professor from the International Internship University.
On the other hand, Dr. Necil C. Magno was awarded with three World Excellence Awards from the International Internship University namely: World Excellence Award in Performing Arts as Outstanding Choreographer; Word Excellence Award in Education as Outstanding Professor, and as an Outstanding Author. Magno is a recipient of FAFQ Grant-in-Aid Scholarship of Queensland, Australia.
The theme of the event “Globally Competitive and Resilient in a Changing World” highlights the credibility of excellent performance- of Professors Magno and Ambos, and underlines the excellent quality of learning at Central Philippine University. To God be the glory!
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The university approved the program “Sponsor-a-Work-Student”, a need-based project which aims to help work students finish their education — through sponsorships of any faculty and staff who will open their hearts and homes to students.
Central Philippine University’s Work Student Study Program continues to support poor but deserving students in their desire to finish their education. A lot of graduates realized their dreams for success through the program. Because of their patience and determination, some have been successful in their businesses and many of them are presently employed in big companies in the Philippines and abroad.
This time, however, the work students are facing a big challenge with the crisis brought about by COVID-19 pandemic. With the new normal and virtual classes about to start this July, the students’ desire to finish their education on time may be hindered because of some factors.
Because of this, University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate and Coordinator for Work-Student Study Program Prof. Annalie D. Gilongos met to consolidate and approve the “Sponsor-a-Work-Student Program, a need-based project which aims to help work students finish their education — through sponsorships of any faculty and staff who will open their hearts and homes to students.
Access to Wi-Fi, computer laptop, free board, and lodging are initially among what a faculty or staff can share with one or two work students. The work student(s) will in return help the faculty or staff with certain household chores, especially for working parents whose kids will be left at home. The arrangement should benefit both parties.
The following guidelines must be strictly followed:
- Interested work students shall fill out the ‘Sponsor-a-Work-Student’ application form at the WSSP Program Office.
- A sponsoring /staff member can foster one or two work students.
- If a work student does not have a laptop or android phone, the faculty or staff member can allow the work student to use his/her gadget for online classes as scheduled.
- For health and safety purposes, students shall stay with the faculty/staff for the whole duration of the Summer Term. This is to be mutually agreed upon by both parties.
- Work students may do basic household chores or supervise the children especially those with online classes in exchange for the use of gadget, access to Wi-fi, and/or board and lodging.
- Other services like doing laundry or ironing clothes and the like can be done by the sponsored work students during their free time as long as they are paid for it. (Money earned can be used as allowances for personal needs.
Interested faculty and staff may download the form at https://cpu.edu.ph/forms/
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU Project ETC distributed sacks of rice to families affected by typhoon Odette in San Joaquin, Iloilo.
Before the year 2021 ended, Typhoon Odette passed through the Visayas and Mindanao bringing disaster along the way. Iloilo’s coastal municipalities were greatly affected. The municipality of San Joaquin was not spared. People whose houses were destroyed also ran out of food and other necessities. Rice among others, was very important for the hungry victims of calamity.
CPU Project ETC (Changing lives through Education, Technology and Community), a civic organization founded by devout benefactors, Centralian Ann and husband Loy Seisa – with their children Tristan and Andrea, organized an urgent assistance drive with the CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning Program.
On December 21, 2021, the assistance drive initiated a distribution of half-sack of rice per family to a total of 63 typhoon affected families in Sitio Magurampao, Brgy. Cata-an, San Joaquin Iloilo. Other donors and participants in the rice distribution were Mr. Nico Catedrilla, nephew of Ann (BSN Class 1977), Mrs. Joan Castor – CPU Project ETC Logistics Coordinator Dr. Levi Delos Santos – CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning Program Director and Ms. Myrna Luceño – Committee member of CPU Project ETC.
Other beneficial programs of Project ETC is providing greater opportunities to school children in developing areas and their families through its core values of education, technology and community. Project ETC believes that education is one of the greatest tools for positive change in children and communities. Its founders are generous advocates of technology and respond to its need in expanding to other areas of the world. ETC’s humanitarian goals would not be achieved without the support of the community. It also aims for a positive relationship with community leaders, parents, and school officials in order to understand their exact needs and make resolutions together.