By Cyrus A. Natividad
Rebecca Tubongbanua with some of her products on display at a food bazaar.
Businessmen, companies, and corporations may have folded up businesses as of this time of adversity brought about by the Covid pandemic.
At the moment people are hard up to secure or sustain food or basic needs of the family, and on the other hand, entrepreneurs are fighting hard to continue their business and production.
Marketing stops and empty shelves in grocery stores and supermarkets remain to signify adversity and hunger.
In the little Brgy. of San Isidro, Buenavista, Guimaras, Centralian entrepreneur Rebecca C. Tubongbanua stood with her faith. She never closed shop, she didn’t stop the production at her modest Mc Nester juice plant-which was built by her prayers and resilient attitude (with a very little capital at that time).
A B. S. Chemistry graduate of Central Philippine University, BATCH ’82.Tubonbanua proved to herself and her community that “Resiliency comes to anyone who has faith in God, commitment with oneself and generosity to each one in need”, she said.
“Since the start of the epidemic in our country, I already decided not to stop. I rely on God who made my business become what it is today”, Tubongbanua said.
She added that”I let my mind find a positive idea to inspire me- to do more, not only to sustain my production, and my workers as well”, she added.
Tubongbanua focused on the idea that Mc Nester calamansi juice is rich in Vitamin C, thus it will help a lot of the workers and frontliners now working non-stop in Guimaras province.
She also said that ” I pray for strength, so that we may be able to supply and sustain this need in hospitals and homes.
She herself has donated volumes of packs of the calamansi juice to the communities and hospitals in Buenavista and Guimaras province”, she said.
Tubongbanua also produced DIY masks which she also gave away to hospitals.
“A few days after the government and inter-agency task forces implemented quarantines, I cried over the turn out of orders for the calamansi juice – from medical workers, residents, hospitals and agencies. They’re ordering calamansi products in bulks. We utilized the only delivery service we have to distribute free juice packs to the frontliners, who are working for health and security,” she added.
Mc Nester has been one of the bestsellers at the CPU annual Agrifair Festival.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPUFOAA special online meeting for Election of new officers.
The Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association, Inc. Board of Directors held its special meeting via Zoom last November 6, 2021 to discuss the next election of officers. The meeting was participated by a total of twelve Board of Directors, advisers, and chapter presidents. It was presided by its President, Mr. Rod Gonzales.
During the last quarterly meeting in September 25, 2021, it was decided that the election for a new set of officers will proceed in July 2022 despite the postponement of the Global Reunion. The current special meeting was a follow-through of that decision deliberating on how the election will be conducted virtually.
Mr. Gonzales presented the result of the consultation with Atty. Ismael Riggi Solinap, Chairman of the CBL Committee to clear the constitutional provision of election when voting members are not in the actual assembly. As per the recommendation of the CBL Committee, a draft resolution was presented detailing the manner the virtual election will be conducted.
The resolution included, among others, the holding of a virtual election in July 2022 by chapters. The chapters will create their own election committee to be composed of the Vice President as chairman and four members. The result of the election will be validated by the Chapter President before forwarding to the FOAAI Election Committee for consolidation and tabulation. Chapters should be in “good standing” with the FOAAI to participate in the election, by paying the Federation dues of $50 annually for the years 2020 & 2021 depending on the number of members. In the same way, members of chapters can participate in the election if they are also in “good standing”, by paying the chapter membership dues for 2020 & 2021. New incoming members in 2022 will be required to pay only the membership dues for the year in order to participate. The resolution was unanimously approved for adoption.
The Special Election Proceedings were discussed and detailed with regards to how the Nominations Committee and Election Committee shall proceed with the preparation and implementation.
It was noted that the search is ongoing for the host of the next Global Reunion in 2024 while the Toronto Chapter is on standby to take over in 2025 in case there’s no taker in 2024. The deadline for the GR 2024 hosting commitment was set on December 18, 2021.
-With a report from Edward Pormillos (FOAA).
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Haggai Institute Alumni Association- Iloilo Chapter Officers.
The Philippine Haggai Institute Alumni Association -Iloilo Chapter, whose members are mostly Centralians (including the International, National and local executives) celebrated the International Day of Evangelism at the Ubra Shared Space and Café Lounge, SM Southpoint on Thursday evening, March 12, 2020. A short program was held and newly elected officers of the Iloilo Chapter were inducted as well.
The program started with the praise and worship through songs. Pastor Lovejoy Quimpo-Leysa, Haggai Leader led the invocation. PHIAA Iloilo Secretary Perla A. Suyo acknowledged the guests.
Updates on the Haggai Program and Activities were reported during the dinner: Susan Chomi, Regional Representative reported for the International events; Rowena M. Libo-on, PHIAA Auditor on the National Updates and Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on, PHIAA Iloilo President (2015-2019) for the Local activities.
Members of Haggai Institute Alumni Association- Iloilo Chapter mostly composed of Centralians.
Haggai Leader and Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) General Secretary Rev. Jerson Narciso delivered an inspirational message which focused on the events before the death of Jesus Christ. The imminent death of Jesus revealed the attitude of Peter, James and John. Rev. Narciso challenged the Haggai Alumni “not to have the attitude of the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane who were sleeping while Jesus was praying.” He added, that “as the coronavirus is spreading, let it be that we will not sleep on our jobs. May all Christians spread the Gospel.”
Haggai Institute Regional Representative Chomi inducted the following officers for the year 2020:
President Atty. Gracious Espinosa
Vice President Dr. Judith Jimeno
Secretary Dr. Perla A. Suyo
Treasurer Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Prayer of Dedication was offered by Pastor Jemuel Harder in behalf of Pastor Mirvin Cañete. PHIAA Iloilo President Gracious J. Espinosa made a response. She shared her plans and projects and proposed activity for the Chapter.
Vice President Jimeno delivered a closing remarks. The celebration ended at around 8:45 P.M.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The webinar was attended by 64 participants mostly coming from members of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
The CPU School of Graduate Studies, through its outreach program, held a Virtual Financial Management Seminar entitled “Money-ging, Ministry and Me” last November 13, 2021. There were 64 attendees mostly coming from churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
The Opening Prayer was given by Achi Imchen, a Master of Divinity student from Nagaland, India. Rev. Jenkins Bañas, Coordinator of the Financial Management Class, gave the greetings and rationale of the webinar. Ms. Ronalyn Faustino, a Master of Divinity student, and a staff of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches introduced the lecturers.
The first lecture was entitled “Accountabilities and Controls in Churches” given by Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the CPU School of Graduate Studies. After an icebreaker led by Pastor Hanniel Pendon, an M.Div. student, the second lecture followed. Ms. Charis Emelynn Bautista, a CPA and a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Visayas, delivered a lecture on “Financial Policies and Procedures for Churches.”
According to Dr. Libo-on, “It is the responsibility of an individual or organization to account for its programs and activities, accept responsibility, carry out the projects/programs in very transparent ways.” Furthermore, she said that this webinar aimed “To help churches put order to their record and other operational activities especially those that involve money and properties.”
Ms. Bautista, the second lecturer, started her lecture by reading Leviticus 19:35 – 36 “‘Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity. 36 Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt.”
She shared her reflection of these verses – “As I meditated on this verse, I realized that the God of the Israelites, by giving this command, concerned himself with the technicalities of how His chosen people go about their financial transactions because He wanted them to pursue holiness.”
She ended her lecture with this challenge: “We, as brothers and sisters of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches and other churches and Christian non-profit organizations, worship the God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and us from out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. We, as His chosen people called to proclaim the His excellencies, worship Him in all aspects of our life, whether it be a visible as preaching or teaching or singing in church, or as silent as taking office to keep the records of the house of the Lord in order.”
The two lectures were followed by a lively open forum and was ably moderated by Pastor Justine Palmes-Mije. The closing prayer was given by Rev. Jesse Magno.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Students engage in a game of basketball.
To sustain health and wellness in the campus – relevant to the prevention of COVID-19, the ongoing epidemic confronting the world today, the Physical Education Department conducted a “Health and Wellness Day for CPU through several Physical-Sports activities held on March 9, 2020 at the CPU Big Field. Around 3,000 P.E. students from 1st year to 4th year participated in the program.
Prof. Randy A. Lero, Faculty Coordinator said that, “the aim of this program is to emphasize awareness on health and fitness through games and sports.” Among the sports activities were Obstacle Course, ‘Larong Pangkalahatan’, Basketball, Swimming and Dance Sport.
Mrs. Candelaria Alavata, Dance Instructor and P.E. Department Faculty explained that “the heat of the sun at the big field could help prevent the risk of COVID-19 virus.” As part of their health extension, Alevantar announced that on Friday, from 5:30 to 8PM, healthy foods and drinks will be displayed at the Centennial Walkway.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Dugayo is a member of the CPU Women’s Volleyball Team.
Name: Angel Marie Dugayo
Nickname: “Vanessa”
Height: 5′ 6”
Grade/year: 2nd year college, BSHM
Coach: Tony Arnilla
Playing Position: Opposite Spiker/Middle Blocker
Hometown: Tinaytayan Dumarao, Capiz
Achievements:
With Honors, SHS
CHAMPION FIESTA LEAGUE 2017/2018/2019
CHAMPION DUMSISAA MEET 2017
CHAMPION DIVISION MEET 2017
CHAMPION PROVINCIAL MEET 2017
4th Runner up WVRAA MEET 2017 (Antique)
CHAMPION DUMSISAA MEET 2018
CHAMPION UNIT MEET 2018
CHAMPION DIVISION MEET 2018
SILVER MEDALIST PROVINCIAL MEET 2018
BRONZE MEDALIST WVRAA MEET 2018 (Iloilo)
Hobbies: Playing Volleyball and eating
Favorite Player: Allysa Valdez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Amy Ahomiro
Most Memorable Game: WVRAA 2018
Principle in Life:
“Forgive yourself and others. Dream big and pray always.”
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I am thankful and blessed for being a member of the Central Philippine University Women’s Volleyball Team.
Why did you choose CPU:
I chose Central Philippine University because this is my dream school. CPU gave me a chance to be a varsity player. I grabbed this opportunity to continue my studies and play my hobby as well. I know that after my journey in CPU, I will be a successful Hotel Manager someday.
by Rusieljs Lunasco
The singing group performed a Disney favorite entitled Hakuna Matata.
CPU Kindergarten pupils showcased their talents during their Interest Group Culminating Activity on March 10, 2020 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park.
Pupils belonging to five interest groups namely: visual arts, body movement, flute/recorder/, singing and handbell showcased their talents in a three-part show.
Visual Arts group present their work to the audience.
The interest groups were founded with the vision of providing a venue of self-expression for pupils through music, visual art and body movement. The Dramatics and body movement merged into one group. Several years later, the handbell and flute/recorder group were also organized.
The Interest groups were first organized during September of school year 1999-2001. The four groups namely body movement, dramatics, singing and visual arts were led by pioneering advisers Mrs. Vina Luz Lopez, Prof. Pia Rose Magno, Prof. Prel Faith Somosierra and Mrs. Melchorita Valdez, respectively.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Members of CPU Varsity Friends Forever at their 2021 Reunion.
Who can forget the CPU Varsity Teams who almost always land on top slots in inter-schools, local and national sports events? In 2005, during the CPU Centennial Celebrations the group Varsity Friends Forever was organized; composed of different varsity players of softball, volleyball and basketball (sports scholars) of the University.
The yearly convergence was halted during the pandemic. On November 7, 2021, almost two years after, a reunion was held at the residence of VFF current president Trinidad Sorongon in Brgy. Barosong, Tigbauan, Iloilo, near the Cora Vergel inland resort.
According to Sorongon, many of them who attended took part in expressing their gratitude to CPU; thanking the University’s Sports Program, “for without the scholarship, they may not have finished their studies in our prestigious university.” She added that “most of them have siblings and children working as nurses, doctors, lawyers and businessmen here and abroad.”
When asked what their plans for CPU sports if Covid 19 ends, Sorongon said that, “we have to provide the CPU Sports Scholars and other deserving students – free training and seminars in different kinds of sports.” Sorongon who was CPU Sports Scholar herself was Sports Coordinator of CPU for two years.
“The enduring values shared to us by Central Philippine University is the love to help others, and by being true to yourself among others. For the great help that CPU has provided to us, we are happy to share the fruits of our labor,” Sorongon said.
by Rusieljs Lunasco
The graduating students and the CPU Rondalla during their special number.
CPU Elementary School held a Dedication Service for its 165 graduating students on March 8, 2020 at the University Church.
In his message, chosen speaker and CPUES alumnus, Engr. Jeru Samilo talked about successful living in uncertain days. He also challenged the parents and the graduating pupils that the most important thing is not success in the form of material things but success in living out one’s faith. “We live in uncertain times, only a few things will become important. Heaven and earth will pass away but the words that Christ said will always remain,” he said.
Invited speaker Engr. Jeru Samilo talked about living successfully in uncertain days.
In response to the message, the pupils, together with the CPUES Rondalla and CPU Symphonic Band, rendered a song number entitled “We Give our Lives.” The students were prayed over by University Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian and the whole congregation.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
PNA Antique Bureau Chief Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay.
Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay, CPU AB English 1990, Bureau Chief, Philippine News Agency (PNA), Antique Bureau was the Resource Speaker at the 5th Leadership and Journalism Training for Campus Writers held at the University of Antique on October 22 to 23, 2021 – in cooperation with The PRISM, official student publication of the University of Antique. The training was an initiative to equip campus writers with leadership and skills necessary in running campus papers. It was participated by campus writers from different Universities and Colleges nationwide on virtual platform.
Petinglay who has been with Philippine News Agency and other publications in Panay and Guimaras talked on the topic: Getting News Sources During Pandemic. Her experience as a former campus writer and news writer provided adequate knowledge to the participants, and with which Petinglay said, “can teach them to identify the right sources of news; what type of questions are needed to be asked during interviews.”
Petinglay in her lecture made mention of the “focused journalism and writing skills training” she learned from Central Philippine University. She said “as a campus writer during that time, I envisioned myself as a journalist in the future. We had to bear all difficulties and hardships in news and information gathering and publish it in a tedious process. We had no retrieval and uploading of news at that time, without the modern computer.” Petinglay was the staff writer of the Voice Prints student publication and a student representative during her college days. She recalled, “At the old Rose Memorial Hall, we laid out our headlines and pages on Manila paper with black pentel pens. She added that “It’s kind of sacrifice when you just take your meal later, but assuring yourself that – we have a future here.”
She was indeed rewarded. Right after her graduation from CPU, Petinglay was immediately hired to write for the Manila Times. Later on she catered news for Daily Informer and other local dailies. She worked for more than 25 years and later on promoted as Bureau Chief of the Philippine News agency.
Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay is the wife of Antique Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Chief, Pastor Larry Petinglay, also a devout Centralian. His office is under the Provincial Government of Antique.
by Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Freshmen Engineering students explaining their miniature presentation to a panel member.
CPU Engineering Freshmen students participated in the 17th Introduction to Engineering Design Exhibit with the theme “Embracing Global Challenges Through Sustainable Engineering Solutions” at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park on March 9, 2020. The exhibit was spearheaded by the CPU College of Engineering.
The following teams qualified as finalists for the said exhibit:
- Solar powered streetlight intensity controller
- Talaba bowl
- Foldable Bamboo Shelter
- SPEKS – Solar powered portable emergency kit
- Pomelo and Banana for Battling Oil Spills
- Recycler – Recycling for the Future (Game)
- Rice Thresher with Conveyor
Students observing the exhibit displays.
Team PBBOS (Pomelo and Banana for Battling Oil Spills), composed of Ruthelie Casidsid, Earl Anthony Villanueva, Princess Marie Gerosanib, Jessa Marie Padernal, Abudie Essa Obordo, emerged as the winner out of the seven finalists.
The exhibit is a culminating activity of the subject Engg 1011 – Introduction to Engineering Design wherein freshmen Students are challenged to propose a solution to a problem.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Members of the Agusipan 4H Club, Badiangan, Iloilo learned basic bookkeeping and accounting in a webinar facilitated by CPU.
The Central Philippine University School of Graduate Studies and CPU Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center held a webinar entitled “Setting-up of Simple Bookkeeping and Accounting System” on November 12, 2021, via Zoom.
The webinar is part of the outreach program for the Agusipan 4H Club, Badiangan, Iloilo and in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry-Iloilo.
The program started with an Opening Prayer by Mr. Rayje Saromines, an MBA Student. An Opening Remarks was given by Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean, CPU School of Graduate Studies. After the Acknowledgement of Participants, the Rationale was given by Engr. Levi de los Santos, Director, CPU Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center.
Dr. Gynnyn Gumban, Faculty Member, CPU School of Graduate Studies, introduced the Resource Speaker to the participants. The Lecture was given by Mr. Kent Novie Tacsagon, CPA and the Senior Business Counsellor II, Department of Trade and Industry-Iloilo. He explained the basics of accounting, and how it could help the Agusipan 4H Club.
After the lively Open Forum, the Closing Remarks was given by Dr. Carmen Hernandez, Chairperson, Business Administration Department and Coordinator, Doctor of Management Program. A Closing Prayer was given by Mr. Rayje Saromines.
The Agusipan 4H Club was established in 2015 by Mr. Randy O. Carmen in the Municipality of Badiangan. The Club aspires to be the leading youth development organization that creates positive change in the youth, families and communities. The Club has Multi-purpose Cooperative, a garden and a nursery. In every Club’s meeting, they would make the following pledge — “I pledge my Head to clear thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club my community, my country and my world.” The Club was also selected as one of the best 4H Club in Region 6 by the Department of Agriculture.
Mrs. Hermely Jalando-on, a Doctor of Management student, was the Master of Ceremony.