By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Atty. Salex Alibogha was one of the resource speakers in a webinar sponsored by CHED to discuss Central Philippine University’s best practices in the implementation of flexible learning.
College of Nursing Dean, Atty. Salex Alibogha, discussed Flexible Alternative Learning Approaches for the COVID-19 Community Quarantine and Transition Period in a webinar sponsored by the Commission of Higher Education Region VI held on June 15, 2020.
Alibogha discussed COVID-19’s immediate and long-term impacts on Nursing Education and how Nursing Schools can adapt and innovate with the new normal. He also shared about Central Philippine University’s best practices in the implementation of flexible learning as well as the College of Nursing’s strategic initiatives in Online Learning.
Deans, Program Heads, and Faculty of Health-Related programs in Western Visayas were the participants in the said webinar. The Commission on Higher Education Regional Offices all over the country has scheduled a series of webinars on flexible learning.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
University employees received their gifts from the university.
The University employees were informed through Memo No. 112 that the University is giving out gift packs from December 14 to 17, 2021. Aside from the gifts from the University, gift packs from the former Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Alfonso A. Uy were also given out.
On the first day of the distribution, the CPU RAFLU-FFW (staff employees union) led by its President Victoria G. Bellosilio also held its gift-giving activity. The distribution was held at the CPU Grandstand from 10 AM to 12NN and from 1 PM to 4 PM. The employees received not one but three gift packs each. Apart from the gift-giving, there was a raffle draw for rice (25-kilo pack each).
Gift-giving is a value we have grown with. It is a reconfirmation of our relationship with one another. Generally, it is a conscious alternative to share our love with others through gifts.
One human side of it reveals that we need to appreciate people who are serving, loving, or helping us – one way or the other; and show them that we care. We also need to think about the needs of others. Above all else, love for one another. The family is foremost among recipients of our Christmas gifts.
We would like to thank our University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, former Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Alfonso A. Uy, the Vice Presidents, Unit Heads, and organizers for your donations and support.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! May God Bless You!
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
16 instructors and assistants for the University-wide online training for faculty were honored in a culminating ceremony on June 24.
CPU honored 16 of its Online Learning Trainers and Assistants in a culminating program held on June 24, 2020 at the Henry Luce III Library.
Trainers and trainees shared their testimonies about their experience during the online learning seminar.
“We came from different colleges and departments but it all worked out on the day of the implementation. Everyone worked together for one common goal,” said College of Engineering Dean and Online Training instructor Eng. Dany Molina.
“We encountered challenges along the way, but we all helped each other,” he shared. He also added how the training has been a learning experience not just for the trainees but for the instructors as well.
Prof. Robeanna Diesto, College of Nursing faculty member and one of the trainees shared that she was hesitant about the online training. “I was considering whether I will retire early or accept the challenge with a cheerful heart and a mind ready to learn new things,” she shared. As a nurse, she is used to facing life-threatening situations head-on and so she continued with the online training.
“I am thankful for our trainers and facilitators for being so patient and for constantly reassuring us that everything will be okay”, she added.
College of Nursing faculty, Prof. Robeanna Diesto shared her experience during the two-day online training.
545 faculty from different colleges and departments participated in the online training. Online training for college faculty started on June 1 and ended on June 16. Trainings were divided into 6 batches.
Also present, in the activity are CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VI Supervising Education Specialist Dr. Ester Guarin.
Central Philippine University will implement a fully online class for the upcoming summer term this coming July 6, 2020.
Online Training
Instructors:
Engr. Sharon Rose Dumam-ag
Engr. Caesar Rico Acanto
Engr. Dany Molina
Engr. Marian Mie Alimo-ot
Engr. Gelvie Lagos
Prof. Gelbert Jan Porque
Prof. Jonathan Razon
Prof. Alvin John Gustilo
Prof. Christina Quijano
Assistants:
Mr. Ryan Dadivas
Mr. Sonilo Crasco
Mr. Junabel Abelarde
Mr. Marc Hermel Agriam
Ms. Joy Dugayo
Mr. Resty Galido
Mr. Wilfredo Panares
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose was the epitome of the Central Spirit.
In June 1945, for the first time, the story of the Hopevale Martyrdom was published through a booklet entitled “Through Shining Archway.” This 55-page booklet was edited by Dr. Jesse Wilson and was sold at 25 cents by the Roger Williams Press, 3734 Payne Ave., Cleveland 14, Ohio. This memorial booklet included the biographies of each 11 missionaries and one child.
Because of the inspiration brought about by the stories of the Hopevale Martyrs who were captured on December 19, 1943, and were executed the next day, a lot of people began to research about their life and ministry. In 1946, the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, New York, published the poem of Dr. Francis Howard Rose. This was written in 1931 and one can see the commitment and passion of Dr. Rose in the mission work. When he wrote it, he probably had no inkling that he would become a martyr. But in every line in this poem, you can read the readiness to become a martyr.
According to the Council on Finance and Promotion of the Northern Baptist Convention for the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society and Woman’s American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, “the words of the Martyr’s Antiphony have been adapted by Mrs. H. Hurley Baird to be sung to the Schumann music used for “Lord, Speak To Me” (Canonbury L.M.). Mrs. Baird of Newark, New Jersey, is a member of the Board of Managers of the Woman’s American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. The adaptation uses four of the original eight stanzas and is now a hymn rather than an echo response. It is hoped that this martyr/s hymn will be widely used in conferences, house parties, and church services.”
Here is the poem that was written by Dr. Rose in its entirety:
THE MARTYR’S ANTIPHONY
Christ Died For Us – We Die For Christ
By Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose
All human progress up to God
Has stained the stairs of time with blood;
For every gain for Christendom,
Is bought by someone’ martyrdom,
Not ours alone, Nor man’s alone.
In furnace fire, a faithful three,
Though bound in chains, in spirit free
And walked with them through livid heat.
A king’s defeat! A king’s defeat!
On seething sea, in darkest night,
The ship-wrecked saw a Walking Light
Defying wave and wind and deep,
He put the wind and wave to sleep.
Ah! He will keep! Ah! He will keep!
With tend’rest touch He heals our ills,
And from His well of life He fills
With living water, strength divine,
Each thirsting branch of this His vine;
For He is mine, And He is mine.
For us He poured the crimson cup,
And bade us take and drink it up.
Himself He poured to set us free.
Help us, O Christ, though few we be,
To drink with Thee: To drink life’s cup with Thee.
Nor did He yet forget to pray
While midnight drifted toward the day.
Then from prayer with spirit power
To meet His zero hour: His zero hour.
Ten thousand saints come thronging home,
From lion’s den and catacomb;
The fire and sword and beasts defied;
For Christ, their king, they testified
And gladly died: They gladly died.
With eye of faith we see today
That cross-led column wind its way
Up life’s repeated calvary.
Borne up by super-human powers,
We rise to take the hill with ours,
O Christ, we follow Thee! We follow Thee!
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
CPU began its online enrolment for the upcoming summer term on June 15, 2020.
Students who are enrolling in the summer term were advised to use their CPU Student Online Services Account found in http://my.cpu.edu.ph
“We decided to shift from manual to online enrolment to adhere to safety and health protocols,” said University Registrar Ms. Charissa June Deocampo.
As of writing, 863 are officially enrolled and 916 have been pre-enlisted.
For this June 2020, the CPU Office of Communications has received 4,753 inquiries via calls, text, emails, and messages social media accounts as of this writing.
The Summer Classes will officially start on July 6, 2020. The last day of enrolment will be on July 8. So far, CPU is the only school in Iloilo City that has offered a fully online class for the Summer term.
The enrolment for the School Year First Semester 2020-2021 will be announced soon.
You may click the following links for more information:
For Enrolment concerns:
For SOS Account concerns:
studentinfo.registrar@cpu.edu.ph
For more information regarding our payment partners:
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The group had a pit stop at Banate Baptist Church before going to Camp Higher Ground.
On December 20, 2021, Central Philippine University and the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches co-hosted the 78th memorial celebration of the Hopevale Martyrdom at Camp Higher Ground, Barotac Viejo.
As part of the celebration, 32 bikers, who are mostly Centralians and members of churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, biked from the campus of Central Philippine University to Camp Higher Ground. The group passed by Dumangas Baptist Church where they were treated by a breakfast of native delicacies and welcomed by the church officers. The next pit stop was Banate Baptist Church where once again they were given some pizza and buko juice. The bikers arrived by 10:30 am after more than 70 kilometers of biking.
During the Worship Service, the assembled group remembered what happened 78 years ago on December 20, 1943. 11 American Baptist missionaries and one boy were martyred in the hills of Tapaz, Capiz. They were beheaded and burned by the Japanese soldiers who captured them a day before. They were most probably preparing for their Christmas celebration as this could have been their second Christmas since they evacuated in 1942. But they were not able to celebrate Christmas that year.
The bikers started biking at 530am from the CPU campus.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles gave a reflection on what lessons can we learn from the life of the American missionaries.
After the Opening Prayer by Rev. Mark Vergara, President of the Convention Baptist Ministers Association, the CPBC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, greeted and thanked everyone for gracing the memorial service. The Chairman of the Camp Higher Ground Committee, Rev. Job A. Santiago, shared that the American Baptist missionaries were assigned to Central Philippine College, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Filamer Christian College, and churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. They committed their lives to do mission, and as such, we should as well.
The main speaker of the event was CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. In his reflection, he shared that we must emulate the values of the American Baptist missionaries. He emphasized the values of perseverance, honesty, and sharing of resources. Dr. Robles also challenged the group to “walk the talk” as shown by the lives of the missionaries. He said that they came for a purpose, and they did it even to the point of giving their lives. Furthermore, Dr. Robles said, “Even though we do not know them personally, we are products of their mission work and their values of service to humanity.”
32 bikers led by the CPU Bikers group went to Camp Higher Ground.
The celebration was closed by a prayer by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church.
The whole event was organized by Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado, Director of the Pastoral Placement, Theological Education, and Ministerial Concerns. The organizers would like to thank CPU for the ambulance, convoy vans, media team, and food. Special thanks also to the Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees, Atty. Peter C. Corvera, Gen. Ezra Enriquez and family, and Gen. Tyne Bañas.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
One of Jandinero’s photos entitled Amazing Antique.
People have things of interest which they can develop into hobbies. Others successfully developed them into skills that provided them with opportunities. It could be a recreational activity in a spare-time or it could be a passion for action. However, both interest and hobby are valuable and helpful when integrated into fulltime work.
Simon Peter P. Jandinero who works with CPUTV Channel realized that the quality of work he puts into his job as cameraman largely comes from his interest and passion in photography. His outputs are quality pictures that the Office of Communications uses in its weekly publication, the Centralian Link, and other CPU TV productions.
Jandinero tells us how his picture placed first among many entries submitted by members of Discovery Panay – a photographic online club. “It is a weekly screening of photos submitted online for the week. Fortunately, my ‘piece’ was chosen”, he explained.
Mr. Simon Peter Jandinero.
The weekly competition is known as “DPI Photo Theme Challenge.” Results from the weekly entries are submitted for the monthly competition with cash prizes, according to Jandinero.
“Sime”, as he is fondly called by friends and co-workers is a hardworking individual. “As a photographer, I always strive for the best. I am inspired by my co-workers, each time they acknowledge my work. Some people would also appreciate my pictures on social media,” he said.
Sime added that “I persist in finding subjects-to-shoot, but I select the best picture for the competition. I make use of my vacant time to practice and produce interesting photos. With patience and determination, I choose my subject of interest.
Before pandemic, Sime would go home on weekends to his hometown so that he could climb mountains and could shoot many beautiful landscapes. “My advice to upcoming members in the club is to, first of all, develop patience.” In photography, you have to wait for the right moment to click and get the shot.
Sime and his parents, Paciano and Salvacion Jandinero live in the northern town of Dingle, Iloilo. Jandinero worked his way up through the CPU work-study program to become a professional and as a staff of CPU. He graduated from Central Philippine University College of Hospitality Management in 2015.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Alain is a member of the CPU Table Tennis Secondary Boys Team.
Name: Alain Vincent R.
Nickname: Vincent
Height: 5’2”
Grade/Level: Grade 9
Team: Table Tennis Secondary Boys
Playing Position: Doubles
Coaches: Mr. Jun Gayoso & Cyrus Tolentino
Hometown: Jaro, Iloilo City
Achievements:
WVRAA 2017 Silver -Team Event
WVRAA 2017 Gold-Doubles
WVRAA 2018 – Champion
PALARONG PAMBANSA 2018 – Bronze– Team
WVRAA 2019 – Gold – Team
WVRAA 2019 – Gold – Singles
PALARONG PAMBANSA 2019 – Gold – Team
PALARONG PAMBANSA 2019 – Bronze – Singles
REGIONAL PRISAA – Gold – Team
REGIONAL PRISAA – Gold – Doubles
Hobbies: Table Tennis
Favorite Player: Tomokazu Harimoto
Most Memorable Game:
WVRAA 2019-Roxas/Championship Match-Individual
Principle in Life: “Don’t look for shortcuts to success. Work harder than anyone else and never give up.”
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
It is an honor and a privilege to be one of the players of the CPU Golden Lions. As a student-athlete, I am always grateful for the opportunity to be able to improve my skills and play the sport that I am passionate about. Table Tennis taught me a lot of values especially discipline, hard work, and perseverance. As a player, I have learned to value every bit of sacrifice and always remain humble, and grateful to people who honed me especially to my coaches and mentors.
Why did you choose CPU:
When it comes to excellence, CPU has always paved the way for pupils who excel both in academics and sports and become well-rounded people. I chose CPU because of the value formation activities, excellent academic offerings, and sports program. The scholarship that was given to me by the school as an athlete is a privilege that I will always be grateful for.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Loretizo posing for a photo at a park.
John Elmer Loretizo made history as the first Filipino to graduate with a Master of Science in Business Analytics degree from the University of California, Davis.
Loretizo was conferred his degree on June 13 . The university has moved its in-person graduation ceremony in December.
“Looking back in the last decade, I would have never imagined being standing in this position,” said Loretizo in his Facebook post. He also expressed his pride in being raised by his mother who is a public teacher and his late father who used to be a farmer. He also said his experience in UC Davis made him appreciate his Filipino culture and identity.
Loretizo graduated magna cum laude from Central Philippine University with a degree in Software Engineering in 2018. He was the Editor-in- Chief of Centralite (2018), the official yearbook publication of CPU, and served as Deputy Minister for Finance and Engineering Representative to the Parliament of Central Philippine University Republic (2016-2017).
He was also chosen as one of the finalists for the Ten Outstanding Students in the Philippines-Region VI, and one of the Ten Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines in 2018.
Loretizo won the Grand Prize for the National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius” contest in 2017 when he showcased his groundbreaking app named, PaDS, or Patient in-transit Diagnostics System – a mobile emergency response application that sends a patient’s diagnostics to a target hospital for treatment preparation in advance – which could potentially save thousands of lives.
by Kristin Jesha Mari A. Sandig, AB Mass Communications 4
CPU believes in giving a mental health break to its teachers and students once a week.
One topic that was almost always overlooked in the past was mental health. It was sadly disregarded. But that changed when our university implemented the Mental Health Wednesday — a single day in the week where students can recharge their batteries. It is a necessity and has reaped positive consequences.
In Utah and Oregon they have allowed students to take mental health days as an excuse for absences. It was in 2018 when Utah passed a bill that allowed students to take a mental health day. They have accepted that students get burned out. This was a response to the rising rate of depression and suicide of young people in the USA. With the Mental Health Law already instituted in our country since June 21, 2018, it has progressed our country’s opinion on Mental Health a bit. It is great that Central Philippine University recognizes the mental health struggles of students and teachers, and started the once-a-week Mental Health Day for the undergraduate colleges. Indeed, it has become a day when students can relax from their school work and recharge for the next few days in the school week. This is a brilliant move considering the tough season of our lives caused by the pandemic.
Others would say that it is not difficult for students because they are just staying at home and attending classes online. That comment is insensitive and does not know of the real struggles brought about by online classes. Well, there is the disconnection. This is not just about internet disconnection, but the lack of human connectivity during this School Year. We were locked away in our homes, and we couldn’t see our friends and relatives. We lost people during this time and some of us couldn’t even say goodbye. We have parents who sadly lost their jobs and resulted in putting more gray clouds above our heads. Not only does this impact the students but our teachers are facing the same difficulties as well.
This mental health program of our University is a sign of the Administration’s recognition of the need to take care of the emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social well-being of students. For the students and incoming parents, who are starting to seek a school next year, this program will show them that CPU cares about mental health. And of course, CPU is a great choice for it really provides Exemplary Christian Education for Life.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CHED conducted a Webinar on Health-Related Programs for the colleges of Medical Laboratory Science and Pharmacy.
A free Webinar on Health-Related Programs was conducted on June 17, 2020, from 1:00 to 3:00PM via Zoom exclusively for Pharmacy and MedLab Science faculty at the CPU EMC Conference Hall. Another webinar was held exclusively for Medical Technology faculty at 3:00PM onwards on the same day.
The free Webinar series were provided to Central Philippine University as requested by Dr. Corazon Porras, Dean, College of Medical Laboratory Sciences. The focus was on the use of Canvas as the Learning Management System for their incoming virtual classes especially concerning how to conduct laboratory procedures.
There were 15 faculty members under the department who attended the free CHED Webinar.
Kristin Jesha Mari A. Sandig, AB Mass Communications 4
Let us get ready for the final examinations.
Finals week starts on the 20th of December. This gives us a week to prepare for the coming exams. These will be the last exams of 2021 before heading to the New Year. The big question is: are you ready?
The Christmas season should be a joyous occasion for us but it is easy to fall into the Christmas Blues with everything the world is facing. Isolation, deadlines, changes, and overall stress which is why we need to be active. To ease the burden of exam week, which is coincidentally a few days before Christmas, here are some suggestions.
Suggestion 1: Study in Advance
We are humans. We tend to procrastinate in our work and cram especially now with the online classes. We are far away from our professor which sometimes leads us to put aside our work. It’s tempting to forgo our tasks but we need to power through the last hurdle before the Christmas break. In order not to cram we need to study in advance. When we study days before the exams, it allows our learnings to sip in. We become prepared and decrease the struggle towards the day. It will keep our minds centered on our goal.
Suggestion 2: Do Light Exercise
Let’s face it we have all been cooped up at home since the lockdown started. We barely go out and some of us have gained some weight. It’s time to get up and do some exercise. Exercise releases endorphins which help trigger positive feelings in the body. A University of British Columbia study showed that exercise helps to boost thinking skills and improve memory. We’ll need that recall power when exam day arrives.
Suggestion 3: Take a Mental Health Day before the Actual Exam
Cram studying is a big thing during exams. We tend to memorize a few hours before the exams so it’s fresh but the ideas we pour in don’t get digested. We lack the understanding because we are just merely memorizing words and theories. We are supposed to digest in order to be able to use them in the workplace. Instead of cramming the day of or before the exams, do Suggestion No. 1 and take the day off before the exams. It will ensure that we are well prepared and refreshed by the time exam day arrives.
Let us not forget to pray and surrender everything to God. May God bless us all in our upcoming exams!