By Cyrus A. Natividad
Former CPU BOT Chairman Perfecto Yasay served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines in an ad interim basis from June 30, 2016, until March 8, 2017.
On a quiet Friday morning of June 12, 2020, the Philippine flag was raised at Central Philippine University in observance of Philippine Independence Day. As faculty and staff stay home due to the pandemic, they got the sad news about the demise of former CPU Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Perfecto “Jun” Yasay, Jr.
On Sunday, June 14, CPU hoisted the Philippine flag at half-mast. The University has officially mourned the death of Chairman Yasay due to pneumonia which was triggered by the recurrence of cancer.
“Jun Yasay was one of the great Centralians who had served his country”, reads one of the comments on CPU’s tribute post about Yasay on CPU’s Facebook page. He served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs during the first year of the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and previously as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1995 to 2000. Early on, he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CPU from 2001 to 2005. He was also awarded the Distinguished Centralian Award on September 7, 1996.
His wife Cecile proclaimed: “Jun Yasay’s patriotism is renowned among many of his friends and associates. He continued the struggle for the return of freedom and democracy in the Philippines.”
In a media news briefing, it was mentioned that ” As Duterte’s first Foreign Affairs Secretary, Yasay best articulated the new government’s independent foreign policy and improved multilateral and bilateral relations of the Philippines with the world’s community of nations.”
American State Secretary John Kerry cited Mr. Yasay as a “resolute defender of the country’s victory over the dispute on sovereign rights.” He properly paced himself in upholding the country’s quasi-judicial triumph,” Kerry added.
Nino Reyes, former Executive Assistant at the Department of Foreign Affairs said, “Secretary Yasay left a legacy of integrity and patriotism in public service.” Yasay also helped many of his countrymen during his exile in the United States.
Yasay finished his AB Political Science at Central Philippine University in 1966; earned his law degree from the University of the Philippines, and passed the Bar Examinations the following year. He passed the New York State Bar while in exile during the Martial Law Years. He joined the Movement for Free Philippines with then Senators Jovito Salonga and Raul Manglapus.
Jun Yasay was married to Cecile Joaquin of the illustrious Joaquin clan, whose father, Enrique “Ike” Joaquin was a trusted assistant of former President Corazon Aquino. Cecile’s uncle is the famous National Artist Nick Joaquin.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Centralian Joan Cataluña Sabran Castor: September 2021 LET Board Passer.
Due to some difficult circumstances, Joan Cataluña Sabran became a self-supporting student since her elementary up to college. She struggled and did her best to become successful. She eventually realized her dream and passed the September 2021 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).
The following, as told by Joan, is a true story of sacrifice, perseverance, and determination to succeed; a reality that many work students of today with the same situations and experiences may follow.
Joan came from a fragmented family and was not living with her biological parents when she was still a baby. She was adopted by her aunt and uncle that’s why her last name became Sabran. Later on, with her marriage, her family name became Castor. She grew up with her Lola (grandmother) who took care of her and helped her to study in a public elementary school.
“I worked in the farm to help Lola in harvesting rice. She recalled in Ilonggo, “Pang garab lang humay (rice stalks), amon pangitan-an ni Lola sang una, para makakaon.” (That was our only source of income so that we can eat). Joan started as a working student since grade 5. I served other people at their homes – working as a kabulig (helper) to be able to buy my needs in school projects and daily allowance.” “I graduated from the Mambiranan Elementary School in Calinog, Iloilo.”
“I pursued my secondary education, again, by being a working student at Leganes National High School. I graduated With Honors and was the Model Girl of the Year Awardee,” she recalled.
Joan is thankful to Central Philippine University for the opportunity to study in college through its Work-Study program. She was qualified and became a dedicated work student. She graduated from CPU in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness and Lifestyle Management degree – under the College of Medicine. She was a recipient of the God’s Grace Program since her first year in college and was awarded as an OUTSTANDING WORK STUDENT during the college honors and awards in the same year.
During her time in college, she recalls, “I was a working student assigned to the Weston Hall Ladies Dormitory and Dining Hall under the Services Laboratory Assistance Group. I was reassigned to the Janitorial Student Assistance Office so that I can balance my work and the On-the-Job Training requirement during my 4th year.”
She added that “Since there was no financial support for me at that time, I volunteered my services to the tenants at the Weston Hall dormitory. I washed their clothes, do errands for them; I served coffee, and snacks during my vacant periods. Life was difficult or so I thought, but my optimism and belief in God encouraged me to work hard even more.”
“As a challenge, I ran for a position of a Board Member in the College of Medicine as part of the Reform Party in the CPUR elections, and I won!”, she said.
Joan was hired as a Secretary of the Office of the University President on a job order basis from July 1 to December 15, 2017, and on probation from December 16, 2017 until June 16, 2018. She later became a regular CPU employee after some time. “Thank you so much to University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles for the job,” she said.
Joan was appointed Logistics Coordinator under the CPU Project ETC in June 2019 until this time. Joan also enrolled in the Diploma in Teaching program of the University (2018-2019).
“I was scheduled to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers in March 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Finally, I took the exam on September 26, 2021 as scheduled.” Joan passed the LET Board Exam.
“It was a roller coaster ride before that since I stopped reviewing for the LET last year March 2020 upon knowing the postponement. I was almost losing hope for the LET exam to finally push through.” She added, “I stopped my review and did not open my notes anymore until August this year. Last June 2021, I was hospitalized, and I thought I won’t survive.” Her blood pressure was at (50/0). “This is my second life now. I had to realize the purpose of this God-given life,” Joan reflected.
“I prayed hard as I was about to take the exam. I asked God to give me wisdom so I can make it to the list of the LET board passers. God sustained me. I passed the Exam! Praise the Lord!
God is always there despite the challenges in my life. I was strengthened by those challenges.” “I would always remember our work student motto, “Labor is Honor”, Joan added. She shared a favorite verse from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Joan was recently married to Mr. Rene Castor Jr.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
College and postgrad faculty had their online training at the Mary Thomas Hall.
287 college and postgrad faculty have finished their online training for the upcoming summer class in July.
The online training for college faculty started on June 1 and ended on June 16. Trainings were divided into 6 batches.
“The esteemed faculty of the University has taken the role that they might not have for a long time — to be students of online education. That’s where the fulfillment is — you can feel that at the end of the day, they have gained something, they became confident on doing it, and they are starting to accept what used to be an impossible idea for many,” shared Prof. Gelbert Jan Porque, one of the instructors for the online training.
9 instructors and 7 assistants who are also faculty members from the colleges of Business and Accountancy, Nursing, Engineering, Computer Studies, and Junior High School, Senior High School, Elementary were among those who spearheaded the training.
“It was very challenging to learn new things and to catch up with the speed of instructions, however, it will be a beneficial necessity for teaching students online. I thank God for this opportunity,” said Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne, an instructor for the College of Engineering and one of the trainees.
Enrollment for Summer 2020 will start on June 22. Please visit https://cpu.edu.ph/enrolment/ for more information.
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 Cyrus A. Natividad
Iñigo D. Garingalao is officially appointed as Iloilo City Agriculturist.
Iloilo City anti-smoking czar, Centralian Iñigo D. Garingalao is a certified Professional Agriculturist by the Professional Regulatory Board of Agriculture (Board) – of the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC).
Upon evaluation of the requirement in support of his ‘Application for Registration without Examination as Agriculturist’, it was found that Garingalao have met all the qualifications set forth by the Board. Garingalao will receive along with 6 other approved applicants a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card – to be given after his Oath- Taking on December 23, 2021
Garingalao is a graduate of BS in Agricultural Engineering from Central Philippine University in 1985. He has considerable experience in agriculture with Jardine Agchem Corporation. While being Iloilo City’s Anti-Smoking Director, Garingalao was appointed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas as Officer- In- Charge of Iloilo City Agriculture Office on November 11, 2020 to the present.
In an interview, Garingalao discussed his plans to help city farmers with agri-tourism, fisheries and projects allied to the City government’s USWAG program. He also proposed linkages in agricultural education, with institutions like Central Philippine University and the Department of Agriculture.
“My office will assist local businessmen and farm producers.” Garingalao said.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU Elementary School Building.
Central Philippine University Elementary School is set to open classes for the 1st semester 2020-2021. According to CPU Elementary School Principal, Prof. Janet P. Jaco, “The final schedule of enrollment is expected to be announced soon. As of this time the elementary department is undertaking a training seminar to prepare our teachers for the opening of classes and a fully online class,” she added.
In an interview with the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, he said that “The Schoology app is one compatible Learning Management System (LMS) that the CPU Elementary School may use for the online instruction.” Asked about the impact of the change in the system of educational instruction, Dr. Rio added that, “We just have to follow what is imposed by the government. There will be no face-to-face instruction in CPU as instructed by the Department of Education for the basic education departments.”
The Schoology LMS has been recommended to the CPU Elementary School because of its capability to provide an inclusive and comprehensive system for its prescribed level of instruction. Connectivity is among the important issues that Schoology is seen to address for CPU Elementary School and the parents with their children at home. Here are some of the salient features of the Schoology platform:
The Schoology is a user-friendly application like Facebook, but it has more tools to provide the teachers, students, and parents. This includes an e-book for all the subjects. There is also an assessment tool where the performance results of the student can be produced outright by the teacher. The platform also provides teachers a convenient communication with students and parents through a chat that is built inside the Schoology platform. There is also a video conference tool that can be used to have a Virtual Classroom.
Meanwhile, it was learned that many parents who inquired for enrollment in the Elementary level this year have expressed a preference to enroll their children in CPU. One of the reasons according to the parents is because of the Schoology platform. The parents said that they felt assured of the preparation of CPU for a fully online class. Their other reasons are the exemplary Christian education that the university offers, and the quality of teachers.
Central Philippine University’s Elementary School is accredited by ACSCU-AAI with a Level 3 Status.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
MOA signing of CPU and Mandurriao Elementary School.
On December 9, 2021, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Central Philippine University (CPU) and Mandurriao Elementary School (MES). The parties were represented by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President and Milagros G. Edrosolano, MES Principal, respectively.
The agreement contains the objective of extending CPU’s community engagement programs and services to Mandurriao Elementary School, a public elementary school in Mandurriao, Iloilo City – in order to assist seminars and workshops related to online class management.
CPU and MES will coordinate closely on various areas of concern to provide opportunities and experience for students, faculty, and staff; to apply theories learned in school to promote social consciousness and community involvement. CPU and MES shall jointly harness their resources to assist in the identification, prioritization, and formulation of a plan of action and its consequent implementation to solve the needs and problems of the school. CPU and Mandurriao Elementary School are expected to promote and maintain harmonious relationships and learn from each other.
Baseline assessments, organizing and other community services will be assigned to students, faculty, and staff. When necessary, CPU will provide resource persons, student involvement and other community engagement activities. It will provide available services from the University’s colleges and units within their expertise. CPU will also facilitate and coordinate activities to link up with the needs of the community to resources available from various organizations, be it in government or NGOs.
On the other hand, Mandurriao Elementary School will ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff assigned in the school for integration, exposure, practicum, and regular work. MES will make available human and material resources when necessary for the implementation of community projects and will provide personnel as contact persons for CPU to go to for consultation regarding the project. It is obliged to participate in any community engagement activities conducted by CPU.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed at Mandurriao Elementary School by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, President, with witnesses Ma. Christina A. Quijano- Dean, College of Computer Studies, Levi O. De Los Santos, Jr.-Director, Community Engagement, and Service Learning Center; Rea Balontong-Department Chairperson and Lennon D. Pajar, College Outreach Coordinator.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Elementary school principal Prof. Janet Jaco.
Central Philippine University Kindergarten Principal Hannah C. Siosan and CPU Elementary School Principal Janet P. Jaco welcomed the implementation of online classes in view of the Department of Education order reiterating President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s standpoint of “No face-to-face instruction until a vaccine for COVID-19 is already available.”
Kindergarten and Elementary School teachers of CPU are set to undergo training in preparation for the opening of the online classes this year.
Jaco and Siosan agreed to the online Learning Management System (LMS) prescribed by the CPU Administration. “Teachers’ and students’ activities are doable in the virtual classroom — with attendance roll call, lecture and interactive question and answer between the teacher and students”, Jaco explained.
The virtual classroom will also retain oral performance and written exam activities for the students, with their scores immediately sent to them.
University Kindergarten principal Prof. Hannah Siosan.
Asked about what parameters will apply to ensure good results from the online learning instruction, Siosan said, “Apart from the application, parents will be provided with a physical book with the same online instruction. It will also include an e-book where the teacher can store her lessons for the day. This can be easily retrieved by students who have missed the lesson for that day.”
According to Jaco, the teacher prepares her own lesson plan on each prescribed subject and will go online at a scheduled time. Students can catch up, with their lessons stored in the LMS and are readily available in case the teacher is sick or is not able to conduct the virtual class.
There are challenges for the principals in this “new normal” learning system. According to Siosan and Jaco, there are three important challenges that they have to face. First, the skills and strategies of the teachers in conducting virtual classes while maintaining the students’ interest. Second, the parents’ skills in encouraging and guiding their children in the virtual learning process at home. Third, there has to be a conditioning of the minds of children which will rely on their parents, and the conditioning of the minds of parents by the teachers as well.
Siosan created a chat group on Facebook that includes parents of her students in Kindergarten. She, however, imposed a rule that the Messenger is strictly for relaying concerns or questions related to their children, their lessons, and performance in class.
An orientation for the parents and learners will be conducted online according to Jaco and Siosan.
By Allana S. Delgado
Librarians from the CPU Henry Luce III Library presented a paper in the Twenty-Third International Conference on Grey Literature based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Librarians from the Henry Luce III Library, Central Philippine University co-authored a paper presented in the Twenty-Third International Conference on Grey Literature based in Amsterdam, Netherlands held online last December 6-7, 2021. The conference theme was “Digital Transformation of Grey Literature: Exploring Next Generation Grey.” There were 30 organizations from 14 countries that participated in the event.
The paper, “Burning Grey: The Worldwide Influence of a Locally Published Grey Literature” is authored by Vince Ervin V. Palcullo, Donna May C. Rivera, Via Marie F. Dumenden, and Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña, librarians from Central Philippine University; and Joy F. Geromiano and Daryl Superio from Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Philippines.
The paper analyzes the citations of the publication “Rice Husk Gas Stove Handbook” by former CPU Associate Professor Engr. Alexis T. Belonio. The publication has been cited and used worldwide.
Grey literature refers to publications produced by organizations outside of commercial or academic publishers. Reports, working papers, documents, and other unpublished material are considered grey literature. Many libraries have substantial collections of grey literature. The paper presents that grey literature is still useful for many, and that institutions and organizations should disseminate this valuable information resource not just within the local community but to a wider audience. Institutional repositories and libraries can help in this regard.
This event is spearheaded by GreyNet or the Grey Literature Network Service. Founded in 1992 in Amsterdam, the goal of GreyNet is to facilitate dialog, research, and communication between persons and organizations in the field of grey literature.
The recording of the presentation is available online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdPKOY3TGi8
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
University Church facade.
After two months of airing online services, the University Church resumed its Mid-morning and Vesper Worship Services on June 7, 2020.
“Although we’ve been watching the online streaming for two months, it’s different to have a personal presence in our worship,” said church moderator Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Fabula during his greetings in the mid-morning service.
He also urged the members to continue to pray for the frontliners and those affected by COVID-19.
There are a total of 185 attendees during the two services, 83 from the Mid-morning and 52 from Vesper.
The church has taken measures to ensure that its attendees practice social distancing and abide by safety protocols. A maximum of three people are allowed to sit on one pew. The number of attendees has also been limited to 200 for each service.
Starting June 13, the church will hold three services: Early Morning, Mid-Morning, and Vesper.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Monica is a member of the CPU Women’s Volleyball Team.
Name: Monica Thea J. Perez
Nickname: Nica
Height: 5′ 3”
Grade/year: 2nd Year College
Playing Position: Libero
Coach: Tony Arnilla
Hometown: Kalibo, Aklan
Achievements:
*Bronze in Regional PRISAA 2018
*Bronze in WVRAA 2019
*Bronze in Regional PRISAA 2019
*Silver in Rebisco 2019
*Champion in Beach Volleyball ILO-PRISAA 2020
*Champion in Regional PRISAA 2020
Hobbies: Playing ML, eating, watching Netflix
Favorite Player: Alyssa Valdez
Most Memorable Game:
Championship in Regional PRISAA 2020
Principle in Life: “Appreciate everything you already have in your life.”
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
As a player, I am really grateful for the privilege of being part of the CPU Golden Lions. I am also thankful for the people who motivated me to grow, work harder, and achieve more.
Why did you choose CPU:
Central Philippine University is a famous educational institution and is well known for its quality education. I chose CPU because of the people, environment, and atmosphere. It is like my second home.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Rex D. Drilon Hall
CPU will honor graduates and completers from its basic education departments in separate virtual graduation and moving-up ceremonies to be scheduled sometime this June.
“The online graduation is CPU’S gift to her beloved students for all their hard work and sacrifices in finishing their degree. We also want to honor the parents and all the special people who were with our graduating students all throughout their journey, said Commencement Committee Chairperson and University Registrar, Ms. Charissa June Deocampo.
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.
CPU made history when it aired its first Virtual Commencement for its 727 college graduates on May 28, 2020.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Iloilo City is one place in the country where you can watch the display of lights in parks, plazas, and other public places during the Christmas season. There are various designs and exciting sequences of lights that seem to be animated – to the delight of children, families, and passersby. The attraction almost always makes a place crowded with people. This was one reason why Iloilo City became a Center for tourism.
In particular, Central Philippine University was declared a ‘Tourism Site’ by the Iloilo City Sangguniang Panlunsod, when it passed City Resolution 2001-1140 in 2001 (Thanks to Atty. Joshua C. Alim, current president of CPUAAI- during his time at the city council). The Festival of Lights and Music at Central made CPU a distinct tourist destination during the Christmas season.
In 1991, a project called ‘Adopt-a-Tree’ was conceptualized to involve some businessmen to adorn the trees along the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park with Christmas lights. Additional areas were installed with lights and decors the following year, and more, thereafter. In 1997, during the CPUAAI presidency of Dr. Glenn Catedral, Christmas lights and decor installation in the campus were expanded; the University Church was made the main attraction during the festival.
More enhancements to the festivities included a nightly Kantahan or videoke contest. Visitors participated in the competition by singing Christmas songs. Cash prizes were given to the winners.
The opening of the Festival of Lights and Music at Central used to start on every first Friday of December. The departments, colleges, and students were assigned each night to lead in the nightly shows. Local government officials and VIP’s were invited to participate in the symbolic switching-on of the Festival of Lights and Music at Central.
The involvement of government officials and special guests at the opening added more visitors inside the campus. So too, was the fireworks display at the big field which was competitively held with other institutions around the city; the big malls had their own version of it. Sometimes a photo contest and exhibits were held with the festival theme. Photos come out mostly with images of the switching on of lights and fireworks display.
All over the campus lights were switched off with a moment of silence. The countdown was followed by a ‘big bang’ as lights were switched on – simultaneously with the release of fireworks. The colorful display of Christmas lights at the University Church and around the Big Field created a loud and approving noise from the spectators.
Families, children, and young people would walk around the campus to enjoy the spirit of the season; in the tradition of the Filipino “Fiesta sa Nayon”. Bazaars and stalls were allowed at the half-moon drive, festooned all over with lanterns and Christmas lights. Foremost were the tastes of coffee, puto bongbong, bibingka, chicharon, suman and many other native delicacies and pasalubongs. The night seemingly ended some hours after midnight; crowd of spectators took so long to clear the gate after the event.
We look back to the Festival of Lights and Music before Covid times, but gratefulness and thanksgiving must prevail for the special provision of God to our beloved Central.
This year, the Festival of Lights will open on December 10, 2021 at 4:30 pm. It will start with a White Gift Service, and then the Switching on of Lights when nighttime comes. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Lights of Hope at Central.”
For Centralians and friends all over the world, let us have a Christmas celebration centered on Jesus Christ, the reason for the season.