CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Philippine Army (PA) 52nd Engineer Brigade Commander Col. Rommel Hinlo’s nomination to Brig. General was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) during its plenary session at the Senate on March 12, 2020.

He is presently assigned as Brigade Commander of the 52nd Engineering (KAAYADAN) Brigade, Philippine Army at Camp Col. Oscar F. Natividad, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Hinlo is a CPU graduate of Civil Engineering, Batch 1987 and had passed the Board Exam in 1989. He earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from The Philippine Christian University.

Hinlo is the sister of another Centralian, Ms. Rowena Hinlo – Aureno (BSC Accounting 1984), presently the Manager of Landbank, UP Miag-ao Branch.

By Nestle G. Taala

More than 500 faculty and staff attended the Virtual New Year Party.

Starting the year full of fun and enthusiasm, members of faculty and staff and the administrators of Central Philippine University united as one during the Virtual New Year Party on January 6, 2022, via Zoom Teleconferencing.

In his message, University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles reminded everyone to “always put to heart that our stay at Central is not without a purpose. God has called us to fulfill a spiritual mission and may we cherish that calling every single day.” He went on thanking everyone who had made the year 2021 a fruitful year for CPU. “As we usher in a new year and continue to be a part of CPU’s workforce, may we always bear in mind that we serve to glorify God,” he said to encourage.

The highlight activities of the said program were the games, raffles, and Tiktok and Caroling Contests prepared by the College of Pharmacy and the HRD Office, this year’s organizing committee.

Winners of the Tiktok Dance Challenge were as follows:

1st Prize – CPU Elementary School
2nd Prize – CPU Junior High School
3rd Prize – College of Nursing
Consolation – College of Engineering

Winners of the Caroling Challenge were as follows:
1st Prize – College of Arts and Sciences
2nd Prize – College of Nursing
3rd Prize – CPU Junior High School

With the hope to meet each other face to face soon at CPU Gym when activities such as this take place again, the workforce of CPU did not forget to send their wishes to everyone to have a prosperous and meaningful 2022. Indeed, the preceding year left countless lessons; but one must realize that the goodness of God is not only composed of all the good things He has ever done in our lives. This goodness includes realizing how all things work together for our good if you have Jesus in your life.

By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles giving the welcome remarks.

Central Philippine University held separate virtual commencement ceremonies for its 1,422 Basic Education graduates and completers from June 29 to July 2, 2020.

The University Kindergarten and the Junior High School aired their moving-up ceremonies on June 29 and July 1 respectively. Graduation ceremonies for the Elementary and the Senior High School were streamed on June 30 and July 2, respectively.

“The current situation did not hinder us from witnessing and honoring the sacrifices and accomplishments of Class 2020,” said University President Dr. Teodoro Robles. He also encouraged the graduates to continue reaching for their dreams and value and strengthen the relationships they’ve formed in their years in school.

JHS student and highest among the graduates in the regular class Yvonne Lin, as she delivered her speech.

“Many of us are sad, that we can’t go on stage and receive our diplomas because of the pandemic but it can’t stop us from aiming our goals toward success, said Creza Alexandra Cuenca in a speech in behalf of the elementary graduates. She thanked parents and teachers for motivating and inspiring the graduates.

“We may come from different walks of life, but today, we share the same achievement and the same stage,” said JHS student Yvonne Lin in her speech. She also encouraged her fellow graduates to celebrate this significant milestone despite the pandemic.

Of the 407 completers, 57 are from the University Kindergarten and 350 from Junior High School. Of the 1,015 graduates, 165 are from the Elementary School and 850 from Senior High School.

More than 50,000 people have been reached so far by the virtual graduation and moving-up ceremonies on Facebook and Youtube.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

The Centralian awardees proudly received their Citations from the City Mayor.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas awarded Central Philippine University with a Mayor’s Citation for being the only university from Western Visayas ranked by Quacquarelli Symonds as one of the best universities for the Philippines and Asia for 2022.

The special citation reads: “Such distinction is a clear reflection of the University’s commitment as an academic institution providing exemplary Christian Education. This citation attests to the integrity of the university as a hub of excellence in the field of academia, advanced learning, and allied studies. This international recognition puts Iloilo City and the country in the map of world-class and higher quality education.”

The awarding ceremony was held at the City Mayors Office on the 7th Floor of Iloilo City Hall on December 10, 2021. The award was received by Dr. Anna May Zerrudo and Prof. Sharlene G. Gotico in behalf of CPU.

Treñas also awarded the Mayor’s Citation certificates with cash awards to the following CPU Board Topnotchers- for the October 2021 Chemical Technician Licensure Exam: Ivan Jan Pamplona -2nd Placer, Renan Panes Bilan -3rd Placer, Rowell Serac Lamason – 8th Placer, Ernest Troy Bascoguin Saquibal -8th Placer, Aira Rose Patnugot Panadero -10th Placer and for the August 2021 Social Worker Licensure Exam: Talitha Charis Frondoza Narido (8thPlacer).

Mayor Treñas congratulated the Topnotchers, commenting that “Centralians are reaping the awards.” He expressed appreciation for the quality education at Central Philippine University.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Centralian bar passers took their oath simultaneously with other new lawyers from the country.

Eight Centralian Bar Passers who took the Bar last November 2019 were inducted by the Supreme Court, in a special En Banc Session via the first-ever Virtual Oath-taking at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 25, 2020. The Centralian Bar Passers took their oath at the 4^th floor of the Henry Luce III Library – simultaneously with the other new lawyers of other Universities nationwide. The special Supreme Court ceremony was received live on widescreen through a video conferencing.

Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta called the session to order. Associate Justice Jose C. Reyes delivered an invocation after playing the National anthem and the singing of the Supreme Court Hymn.

The Recognition of Examiners and Petition for Admission to the Bar of the Successful 2019 Bar Candidates were read by Hon. Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe, Chairperson 2019 Committee on Bar Examinations. She also acknowledged the Deans of different law schools in the country.

In delivering a Resolution to the Court, Chief Justice Peralta told the new lawyers “When you take your Oath, you need to invoke the Divine Being.”

The new lawyers in their robes interfaced through their smartphone as the SC Clerk of Court Atty. Edgar O.  Aricheta administered the Lawyer’s Oath.

Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen, delivered his address to the new lawyers. He reminded the Bar Candidates that “Man proposes while God disposes.” He also encouraged them to be humble before God in asking Him to also become a Supreme Court Justice.”

Board of Trustees Chairman Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona and University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles were present during the video conference.

The following are the new Centralian lawyers:

BACATAN, ABUNDIO A.

BARRIOS, JANMAR

BELLOGA-EDROSOLANO, SHANE MARIE C.

CAMANSO, NICKY JOY M.

CHIN, CHRISTINE LILY ANGELY T.

DAVID, ARCHIMEDES M.

DE LA TORRE, LOVELY L.

ESPORMA, LAILA VERONICA S.

GONZALES AUDREYLYN D.

GUMBAN, RO ANN MARIE H.

MAGALIT, RYCE J.

MONTORO, NOELITO P.

PARTIA, CHARLOTTE CRIZTEL Y.

SAMPIANO, CRISTINE B.

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked the awardees for their loyalty to Central Philippine University.

A virtual program to honor the Service Awardees of Central Philippine University was premiered on Facebook and Youtube last January 6, 2022, at 2:00 pm.

It was started by a praise and worship songs led by Rev. Roger Quimpo and followed by a devotional by Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church. Rev. Sian challenged the awardees, and everyone in the university to work for the glory of the Lord thru CPU.

CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his message, thanked the awardees for their loyalty to CPU, and for giving the best years of their lives in serving the constituents of CPU.

Ms. Vilma Murillo gave a response in behalf of the staff awardees.

In behalf of the staff, Ms. Vilma Murillo, Staff of the School of Graduate Studies, gave the response. She recalled her time as a work student in CPU that gave her a lot of life lessons. She helped a lot of units in the university while still a student. This experience trained her to be teachable and to be hardworking. After graduation, she started working at CPU and it became her second home. She is thankful to serve an institution for 40 years that has Christian values, and treat each other as one big family.

Mrs. Nelida Lamasan gave a response in behalf of the faculty awardees.

Mrs. Nelida L. Lamasan, Faculty of College of Nursing, gave the response on behalf of the faculty. She has been in the university for 30 years and thank God to be part of CPU. She recalled that to arrive at this point of her life, she has to endure so much. She confessed that CPU was not her first choice after she came back from her work abroad. But she was guided by the Lord to come back to CPU. She was interviewed by the Dean and the next day, she has already started working. She thanked the CPU administration for being open and generous to the employees. She also testified that her work in CPU is more meaningful compared to her work abroad. She is happy to have imparted her life to the next generation of Centralians.

The following are the awardees:

Ella Kathrina Gutierrez, Personnel Assistant for Career Development, was the host of the virtual event.The program ended with the singing of the Alma Mater song, and a closing prayer by Rev. Roger Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church.

Stranded students together with CPU officials. On June 15, CPU arranged a van service so the students can safely arrive to Caticlan port.

2 students and an alumnus who were stuck in the city during the height of the pandemic shared their experiences during the lockdown.

It was hard for students like me to be away from home during the lockdown. Since I’m still in school, I don’t have my own means of funding basic necessities so I had to rely on my parents’ support. CPU and CPUR has been very helpful to us. They sent us grocery items and even facilitated a van service from Iloilo to Caticlan.

This pandemic has taught me to be productive and to pray for our country and the world.

Melzar Agustin posing with his grocery pack given by CPU. When the ECQ was lifted, he went home to Romblon.

– Melzar Agustin, 3rd year student Social Work student

COVID-19 literally made the world stop. I thought that the Virus would not spread rapidly but I was wrong. When the President declared lockdown throughout the nation, I was worried because I would not be able to go back home easily since Iloilo is too far from Mindoro. I’ve spent 2 and a half months striving to survive, hoping that the virus will come to an end or be controlled. It’s hard to survive because I was away from my family. I have to strictly save my allowance and buy things or food that are needed. Within those months, I can’t go out easily to buy necessities and I have to be careful, knowing that we can’t see the virus and the danger is everywhere. I can’t even go to church but I prayed every day for the virus not to spread. I also prayed for those people who are affected by the virus, for our government, the front liners, and to stranded people like me. When we got the news that Locally Stranded Individuals or LSIs can go home already, we took the opportunity to travel as soon as possible. With the help of Central Philippine University and some pastors, we were able to have a safe travel going to Caticlan port and from there, we took a ferry going to Mindoro.

I came to realize that some of us seek God’s help only in times like this. We know that second coming of the Lord is near. Now is the time to strengthen our faith, spread the Word of God and glorify His name.

John Noel is an alumni of the CPU Pastors’ Kids Organization and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 2017. He used to work for a company in the city but has since moved to Mindoro after the ECQ was lifted.

– John Noel Cabayao, BS Social Work ‘17

When the local government decided to place the entire Western Visayas on lockdown in mid-March, I wasn’t able to travel back home. I wasn’t even preparing nor packing my bags since I thought the quarantine would only last for a week. So I stayed and studied for the upcoming final examination that’s supposed to happen the week after the quarantine, or so I thought.

Some days after, with coronavirus still on the rise, more flights have been canceled, public transit agencies across the province have ceased operations and news about the quarantine lasting until the end of May have spread.  It was only that time that I realized that I am going nowhere but in my boarding house. So, I decided to stay at my paternal aunt’s house in Roxas City. I was accommodated and well-fed there. I’m thankful that God has blessed me with a great auntie and uncle who are ready to embrace me as their own. They made the whole away-from-home experience easy for me. I didn’t have any problem there except the fact that I only brought with me five shirts, four sleep shorts, and a pair of pants because again, I thought I was only going to stay there for a week or two. The struggle of doing laundry almost every day for two months was the hardest part.

With everyone getting bored with the situation, I, on the other hand, prayed for a miracle to happen that I can finally go home and be with my mother. Some two months since the quarantine is declared, the government released guidelines on how stranded Filipinos can finally return home. I immediately processed the required documents for the first batch of Locally Stranded Individuals. With the help of my supportive aunt, I was able to complete it right away for our province to process the Travel Authority (TA) or Pass that is needed to travel provinces or regions across the country under General Community Quarantine. So, I waited for a call from my province to confirm my date of travel. I packed my bags and decided to travel back to Iloilo the day after I received the call.

Everything went well until news sprouted that Ceres liners have stopped operating. There’s no way to travel from Roxas City to Iloilo City during that time. So, I decided to ask my province to reschedule me for the second batch of the Balik Probinsya Program. I waited for another two weeks until it was announced.

When the time came for the second batch to go travel, I was excited and nervous at the time. Social distancing and mass transit are two concepts that don’t go well together. Yet even as the pandemic has forced cities to implement strict physical distancing measures, there are still instances during my travel were I, in myself, know that I wasn’t a meter away from the person beside me. As we board the vessel, it was hard to keep the distance since everybody is in a hurry. They try to force themselves out of the way, even breaching the whole social distancing protocol. Looking back to that situation, the only thing that protected me was the mask I put on hours ago, and the grace of the Almighty. It was horrible. The growing fear of not knowing where these people came from was developing each second I was near them. So, I tried to disinfect my body every 5 minutes to ensure my safety and others as well.

As a student nurse, we were always told that we must protect ourselves, such that we were taught how to properly cap syringes away from ourselves to keep us from getting pricked. Just like that, I always prayed for strength and protection. I also asked for wisdom as I battle the fear I have for an enemy I can’t see.

Now, that I’m home.  I can finally say that the Lord had answered my prayer. As of this writing, it marks my 14-day home quarantine. With a lot of time think and so much to ponder on, I realized what matters to me. I learned to be more prayerful and to be more thankful of the things I used to take for granted.

Kathleen, with her mother during her capping ceremony. She is now in South Cotabato.

– Kathleen Celestine Frugalidad, 2nd year Nursing student

by Edwin C. Laru-an

Rolf John B. Alminaza defends the ball during a match against a rival team.

Name: Rolf John B. Alminaza
Nickname: Rj
Height: 5’5”
Grade/year: 1st year BSHM
Playing Position: RW/F
Coach: Engr. Marc Hermel Agriam
Hometown: Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo

Achievements:
Champion Uday 2016-2019
Champion ILOPRISAA 2017-2019
ISSC Meet 2018 2nd place
ISSC Meet 2019 4th place
1st Runner up WVPRISAA 2018-2019
Champion WVPRISAA 2020

Hobbies: Football, Tiktok, Online games, Watching anime
Favorite Player: Neymar and Lewandowski

Most Memorable Game:
WVPRISAA 2020, Roxas City Capiz. We won against USLS Bacolod despite losing our first game. In our final match, I passed the ball to my teammate James Tuazon, and with all his force he kicked the ball towards the net and made a score. It was our first goal in the game, and it was very memorable for me.

Principle in life:
“Just be yourself, and the deserving one will stay.”

What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
As a player of our beloved school, I can say that having a team that you can call a family is a blessing.

Why did you choose CPU:
Aside from the scholarship that I am enjoying, my mom chose CPU because of the high-quality education, and students have a bright future after graduation.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU Senior High School Building.

Central Philippine University Senior High School is ready for the virtual education system for Summer 2020 in July. “This is a challenge that every Academic Department head has to meet-with determination and resolve,” Prof. Edgar A. Eriman, CPU Senior High School Principal said. In an interview, Eriman manifested readiness for his department’s use of the Canvas Learning Management System. All other tertiary levels will use the same platform in their learning management systems.

He reminded the more than fifty regular Senior High School teachers “to continuously learn the computer and Internet technology; more so, because of the “things to come” during the new normal. There would be a big change in the way classroom instructions are done. In fact, this will be on virtual classrooms through the Canvas platform.” It is a challenge for the majority of teachers in SHS as this is their first time to engage intensively using an online platform.

Eriman admitted that he still considers the possibility of a “blended modality” of instruction.

There would be a need for limited special convergence of students, where the need is in consideration of their projects, consultation, and presentation.” However, “the final guidelines will come from the Vice President for Academic Affairs,” he added.

“I just initially included in the plan, projects which are normally part of the curriculum and can be done by the student and presented by virtual mode. The students will be required to submit photos or videos of their projects, but that must come with a module. This will be graded outright by the teacher in charge,” Eriman explained.

“Definitely, the system will include all the instruction materials of teachers, grading sheets and reports to be checked by the principal on a periodic basis,” according to Eriman. Asked what measure will be used to monitor activities of the teachers and their classes, he explained that “I myself will be enrolled in the virtual classes, which means that I will be joining in the interactions during the virtual classes.”

Eriman added that “Our teachers are encouraged to include their own methodology in bringing lessons to their students in their virtual classes. The e-book is provided in the platform to make sure that students can keep up with their lessons.”

On his perception of the future educational system, he commented that, “everything can be learned, so certainly we can go on with the system indefinitely.”

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Dr. Mar Rafael Ambos (CPU BSE 2001 Cum Laude) is a former FAFQ scholar.

Former FAFQ scholars from CPU paid tributes to the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. during their 25th Anniversary celebration on December 4, 2021. The successful former FAFQ scholars namely, Dr. Necile Magno Capiñanes (CPU BSSE 2001), Dr. Mar Rafael Ambos (CPU BSE 2001 Cum Laude) and Rey Neil Catague (BS Mgt Acctg 2009 Cum Laude), expressed gratefulness to FAFQ for granting them the scholarships. The three were former work students, and now, are members of the CPU Faculty.

Dr. Capiñanes who is a full-time faculty at the CPU College of Education emphasized the great impact of FAFQ scholarship on her success. She said that “I can see the values of humbleness and giving in the FAFQ organization. She thanked the Centralian couple Mauro and Cecilia Somodio, FAFQ founder and current FAFQ President, respectively – for their generous help and support in the FAFQ scholarship program. She also attributed her successful career to the kind of education she had at Central Philippine University. She added that “Education is not a preparation for life, but education is life.”

Dr. Ambos, Chair and Coordinator for Professional Education Subjects at CPU College of Education in his tribute said, “The FAFQ Grant-in-Aid always reminds me of the greatness of the Lord”, “I worked in the farm early in high school; I thanked CPU for allowing me to be a work student, and here I was discovered to be a recipient of the FAFCQ scholarship.” The scholarship gave me unlimited opportunities to achieve more in my career”. Dr. Ambos received several Global Awards for Teachers.

Rey Neil Catague is now employed with a private company. He is also a part-time faculty at CPU School of Graduate Studies. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the FAFQ scholarship which he said: “provided me with great opportunity.” He recalled that “After I received the FAFCQ scholarship, I was able to buy my major textbooks and my first cellphone.”

The Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland Inc. is a non-political, non-stock, non-profit, benevolent, charitable community organization established in 1996. FAFQ Inc. provides access to Filipino language classes, awards grant-in-aid scholarships in the Philippines and gives educational assistance to deserving Australian and permanent resident students.

They also assist communities recovering from natural disasters, and coordinate events such as the One World… One Spirit Philippine Festival and Cultural Pageants which showcase Filipino culture. It is the center hub of the Filipino Communities in Queensland and has served the community in Australia and the Philippines for the last 25 years.

FAFQ’s Vision: A purpose-driven community. Its Mission: To provide the best resources and most conducive social environment for Filipino migrants in Australia while deeply responsive to the needs of disadvantaged Filipinos and other communities. Its core values: Honesty, Transparency, Commitment, Loyalty, Integrity, Service, and Dignity.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Old Valentine Hall where the College of Education is housed.

The full implementation of the online classes at Central Philippine University will begin in a deferred schedule of summer classes in July 2020, according to Dr. Merly L. Junsay, Dean College of Education. Junsay and her faculty had undergone a series of training for the online Learning Management System called the Canvas.

“The University prescribed platform to be used for the virtual classes is a comprehensive program that provides inclusive tools for the College of Education; the same will also be used by the other colleges,” Junsay said. We are fully aware that the face-face classroom interaction is prohibited by the CHED, and included in the VP for Academic Affairs’ guidelines to be released very soon.”

On some areas of concern, Junsay acknowledged that “Many students and teachers have low connectivity at home in their areas. Due to this concern, we will use asynchronous methods in the virtual classes. We hope that internet providers can improve our connectivity before the start of classes,” she added.

For purposes of checking and monitoring, the students, teacher, and parents of a class or section will be required to create a chat group. Like other tools included in the platform, the chat groups will be created in the Canvas.

The modules will be embedded in the online platform. Teachers will provide printed modules for their students as well. This, according to Junsay, will make sure that any participant will not miss anything in our online instructions. All learning materials of the College of Education will be uploaded to the platform by the end of June.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Successful CHED-SIKAP Scholars enjoy a moment at a mall in Jaro, Iloilo City before going back to their respective provinces.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) awarded six CPU Graduate School students with Scholarship for Instructors and Staff Knowledge Assistance Program (SIKAP) grants for the next semester. The CHED-SIKAP scholarship program provides opportunities to deserving teachers of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country. Financial assistance is also provided with the SIKAP grant.

Stephinejane E. Musico, the former Program Chair in BS Tourism Management in Surigao State College of Technology and one of the CHED-SIKAP Scholars, said that “CPU was the only school to respond to my application thru their online portal. I love to be a part of CPU.”
The other recipients: Fernando C. Bagay, Joylen D. Aguilar, Ivy Grace T. Quilantang, Darwin V. Mendoza, and Pearl Joy Lopez, did their best to qualify for the grant. They expressed enthusiasm in pursuing their Doctoral degrees with the CHED-SIKAP Scholarship and the idea of getting a Doctoral degree in one of the country’s best Universities.

Some of these SIKAP scholars are products of other schools and universities like Surigao State College of Technology, Surigao City; University of the Philippines-Miag-ao Campus, and ISAT University in Iloilo.