By Cyrus A. Natividad
Japanese guests with College of Engineering faculty and students.
A group of Japanese executives visited Central Philippine University on February 24 to March 4, 2020 to meet with students and visit the University laboratories particularly the laboratories in Packaging Engineering of the College of Engineering and the Appropriate Technology Center (ATC) of the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences. Moreover, the Japanese team, hosted by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dr. Anna May Yap-Zerrudo, Acting Director for International Relations and Cooperation, the College of Hospitality Management and the Senior High School Department, had the opportunity to see other university facilities as well.
The guests included Dr. Masahiro Abiru and Mr Shobu Mochizuki from Fukuoka University; Ms. Asuka Fujishita Kawanabe and Minako Kawanabe from Fujishita Co. , Ltd.; Mr. Hide Kawanabe from Kawanabe Corporation; and Mr.Hitoshi Iwamoto from Fukuoka Language College.
The visitors made a courtesy call with CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles at 2:00 PM in his office and proceeded to meet the students at the Engineering Audio Visual Room 200 at 4:00 PM. College of Engineering Dean Dany C. Molina and Agriculture Engineering Department Coordinator Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa hosted a lecture about Japan and its Culture with Dr. Abiru as the Resource Person.
(from left) The author and Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa meeting Mr. Hide Kawanabe and Ms. Asuka Fujishita Kawanabe.
On the next day, the Group met with the College of Hospitality Management faculty and about 30 students at the La Azotea of the CHM Building, after which they were given a tour of Iloilo City by their CHM Host. Ms. Fujishita Kawanabe, on Wednesday, February 26, met with 59 interested On-the-Job Training (OJT) students taking up Mechanical, Chemical and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering respectively with Dean Molina, Engr. Cangrejo and Dr. Romallosa and discussed the profile of her family’s company Fujishita Co., Ltd based in Nagasaki, Japan. Engr. Bernie Cangrejo, Chairperson, Department of Packaging Engineering, and Dr. Romallosa also welcomed the visitors to the CPU Packaging Laboratory and the Appropriate Technology Center (ATC). Ms. Asuka Fujishita Kawanabi and Minako Kawanabe discussed with the three CPU Heads in the afternoon, the ongoing proposal preparation for their Potato Sorter at the ATC.
On February 28 in the afternoon, it was Mr. Kawanabe’s turn to present the profile of his family’s Fukuoka-based waste collection company with potential OJT students as well. Engr. Neil Ravena, the Head of the Solid Waste Management, Office of the City Government, was also invited to share the status of Iloilo City’s collection and waste management systems.
Mr. Mochizuki and Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of CPU’s Graduate Studies, facilitated a lecture about entrepreneurship with the Senior High School on March 2. There have been several technical and educational exchanges between Central Philippine University and Institutions in Japan like Fokuoka University. The visitors made a tour to other parts of Iloilo before their departure to Japan on March 4.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The Alpha Phi Omega – Zeta Omicron Chapter donated essential goods to guards of CPU.
The Alpha Phi Omega – Zeta Omicron Chapter, a registered student organization of CPU, conducted an “APO Pandemic Essentials Drive” last November 5, 2021. The members of the fraternity donated 30 packs of pandemic essentials which included boxes of face masks, face shields, alcohol, and alcohol spray bottles.
As part of our program of service to the university, APO did this to (1) express sincere gratitude to the security guards of the university who despite the pandemic continue to stand guard and keep our university safe and peaceful and (2) provide them with essential materials needed to help them be protected from the virus as they work.
Members of the APO Fraternity posed with the guards of CPU after the gift-giving.
The hand-over ceremony done at the CPU Alumni Promenade Park was attended by 14 members of the fraternity, and their adviser, Prof. Sharlene Gotico.
Mr. Jonathan Tumalay, chief of the Security, Safety, and Discipline Office, spoke on the behalf of the 30 security guards. He expressed his appreciation and gratitude towards the members of the organization.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
photo by Joshua James Enriquez.
The CPU Republic 2020 official Election Results have been released by the CPUR COMELEC on March 11, 2020. The CPUR Elections was held on March 6, 2020. A special election was held in advance for the College of Law and the Graduate Studies students on February 29, 2020.
Result of the election shows Ro-Anne Lozada of Koalisyon Party as the elected President of CPU Republic; winning over Reforms Party’s presidential candidate Ingrid Vale Saquibal with a margin of 364 votes. Koalisyon’s Vice Presidential contender Kristian Paul Racca also won over Reform’s Vice Presidential candidate Oliver Amisola, with a margin of 201 votes. The total voter turnout for the CPUR Election this year is 6,824.
According to CPUR COMELEC Chair Rhona Eresuelo, “Both parties won four (4) seats each in the Senate. For the Lower House of Congress, each Province has only one Representative, except for the Province of Medicine.” On the other hand, the College of Law has one Representative but without a Governor. The CPUR has 16 Provinces representing a college.
CPUR Elections 2020 had 42 precincts complete with modern ballot forms and ballot boxes. Student volunteers were deployed in the voting precincts, and actual secure balloting is observed.
The Central Philippine University Student Republic (CPUR) is the oldest student government in the country.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU RCJC in its community engagement water project in Hinactacan, Lapaz, Iloilo City.
The CPU Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline, in collaboration with the Rotary Council of Presidents – Zone 1, 2 and 3 and R.I. District Governor Elect John “Kano” Ng, donated 3 jetmatic water pumps to Brgy. Hinactacan, Lapaz, Iloilo City. The ceremonial turnover was held on October 23, 2021 at 2PM.
It was attended by Rotaractors from the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline (RCJC) with its President Jec Dan Borlado and wife RCJC Rotary Ann, Mrs. Herme Borlado, President Paul Chatman of Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo, President Pepe Isada of Rotary Club of Molo, Iloilo City and Assistant Governor Jess Arlegui – Zone 2. They were all instrumental in this laudable project.
The Hinactacan Water Project, a Council Project for RI 2021-2022 is an outreach focus of Central Philippine University which was referred by CPU Community Engagements and Learning Center Director Levi O. De los Santos and Rotary Ann, Mrs. Herme Borlado.
Barangay Hinactacan is home to some 170 families situated by the seaside, next to the Iloilo Coal-fired power plant. It is blessed with a bird sanctuary and Alimango Crab livelihood.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante explains her observations and conclusions on the research of the students.
The University Research Center of Central Philippine University held its 17th Research and Development Week from March 9 to 13, 2020 – with Symposia for both faculty and students. This year’s theme is “Resiliency and Sustainable Development.”
For the College students, the Research Symposium was their 18th which was held from March 10-13. The students were required to participate in research development presentations held at CPU Educational Media Center (EMC) Conference Room. The students also participated in discussions at the Senior High School Library and at the College of Hospitality Management -La Azotea at the CHM Building. On the other hand, it was the 21st symposium for the CPU Faculty held from March 9 to 10 at CPUEMC Conference Room.
The Opening Program of R & D Week was held from 8:00AM to 12 noon at EMC. Registration started at 7:30 AM. Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, Christian Education Director of the University Church led the Invocation. University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomed the participants and acknowledged the efforts and cooperation of the faculty and students for actively participating in the Research Symposium.
An overview of the R & D Week was presented by Dr. Mary O’ T. Penetrante, Director of the University Research Center. The Keynote Speaker was introduced by Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo. In a message sent by Keynote Speaker, Engr. Rowena R. Gelonga, CESO II, she emphasized the importance of resiliency and sustainable development.
The following are the Panel Discussants who came from other Universities and Government Agencies:
- Honey Mae Osimco DTI Region 6, Iloilo City
Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut VP for Research and Extension, ISAT University
Engr. Ninaliza H. Escorial DOST-PCIEERD
Prof. Lerma L. Panes Chair Research Utilization Committee WVHRDC
Hon. Ronaldo V. Golez Mayor, Municipality of Dumangas
Dr. Rodelio F. Subade UPV Chair, UPV Sciences
Ms. Keithlyn Sarah Bernardino Head, R & D Management, DOST 6
The Synthesis was delivered by Dr. Penetrante and the program was hosted by Engr. Cangrejo.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
The Philippine Nurses of New York, Inc. held its Fall 2021 Conference with the theme “Tales from the Field: Caring Bravely and Compassionately” last November 6, 2021.
The webinar featured three outstanding Centralian Nurses who served as speakers. Dr. Jennifer Aying of Class 79, Mrs. Bernadette Castigador-Spicak of Class 80 and Mr. Jonathan Anotado Gapilango of Class 1993. Mrs. Femarie Clarete Bedona of Class 80 served as the moderator of the virtual event.
Dr. Aying, Chair, PNAA Covid-19 Task Force, 2020-2022, Nurse Practitioner, Plastic Surgery in VA Boston Healthcare System, and Mr. Gapilango, Director, Cancer Center Administration at Community Medical Center, and Director, RWJ Barnabas Health Oncology Regulatory and Accreditation, served as Panelists on the topic: Next Steps and Additional Covid-19 Resources. Mrs. Castigador-Spicak, Clinical Director of Specialty Clinic, Quick Care Clinic, Primary Care Clinics 1 &2, Monodonal Infusion Clinic, Christus Spohn Hector P. Garcia Family Health Center, delivered a message on the topic: Narrative of a Monodonal Antibody Infusion Nurse.
The webinar discussed their course evaluations of the importance of vaccine education and immunization in the fight against Covid-19.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Mr. Reynaldo Dusaran (right) during this week’s episode of Looking Forward.
Dr. Reynaldo M. Dusaran, CPU Director for Accreditation was guest in Looking Forward, CPU TV Public Affairs Program on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Dusaran explained the importance of accreditation for any college to be certified for quality standard assurance. He said that “There are several accrediting agencies – including the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) – but it is really the college Dean and Faculty members who provide the need for the accreditors to review.” He added that any college in the University that aims for a higher standard must be prepared of their data, implementing tools, outcomes, and answers to the accreditors.
He aims that Colleges in CPU will either attain a Center for Development or better, a Center of Excellence. This is to assure that Central Philippine University will maintain its autonomous status. As a former Dean of the College of Agriculture, Dusaran has worked hard to attain the Center of Excellence status. Furthermore, Dusaran said that “with the fast-changing technology and systems in education, it is demanded to everyone to work hard and be attuned to changes.”
Dr. Dusaran also elucidated on how the College of Agriculture became the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences. The new name encompassed the new things that the college has been doing. “As of now, there is a big demand for knowledge in agriculture, especially that there is now a wide coverage of instructions in the field.”
Dusaran is a Graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Agriculture from CPU in 1978.
By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Five Centralians made it into the Top 10 of the October 2021 Chemical Technician Licensure Examination conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on October 29, 2021 in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Koronadal, Pampanga, Tacloban and Zamboanga.
The following are the Centralians in the Top 10:
No. 2 – Ivan Jan Pamplona Romero
No. 3 – Renan Panes Bilan
No. 8 – Rowell Serac Lamason
No. 8 – Ernest Troy Bascoguin Saquibal
No. 10 – Aira Rose Patnugot Panadero
The CPU Passing Percentage of the said exam is 85.19% which is above the National Passing Percentage of 81.24%.
Congratulations and to God be the glory!
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Candidates from the Koalisyon Party present their platforms for their respective college.
The Central Philippine University Republic, the oldest student government in the country will hold its national elections on Friday, March 6, 2020, with several voting centers assigned to different colleges inside the campus.
This year, CPUR voters will choose from among 39 candidates 1-Presidential candidate; 1-Vice Presidential candidate; 8 Senators, 1 representative, 1 Governor, 1 Vice Governor for each province, and 8 Board Members for each province.
Candidates from the Reform Party present their platforms during the Grand Rally at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
There are two political parties, REFORM Party with its Presidential Candidate -Ingrid Vale B. Saquibal, and KOALISYON Party with its Presidential Candidate Roan L. Lozada.
Prior to the elections, candidates and their followers had their campaign period that included gate presence, room to room presentations and individual approach. It also included buntings and posters founded in their prescribed areas.
The results of the elections will be announced in the next issue.
By Nestle G. Taala
Central Philippine University held the virtual Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) for the first semester, School Year 2021-2022 with the theme, “Power Up!” and texts found on II Timothy 1:7 on November 5, 8-13, 2021 via the CPU TV Channel Facebook Page.
The week-long celebration started with a convocation for the members of CPU Faculty and Staff on November 5 in which CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles warmly welcomed everyone through his opening remarks. It was then followed by the introduction of this semester’s CEW theme and scriptural text through the University Church Senior Pastor, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian.
Prof. Charlett B. Dianala, Acting Principal of the CPU Junior High School, testified God’s goodness in her life by sharing her COVID-19 experience. She claimed God’s promise in Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
The speaker for the Faculty and Staff Convocation was Rev. Dr. Nestor D. Bunda, CPE Faculty of Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. In his message he claimed, “Believing in God is an active state. It is being aware, being conscious of what we are waiting for. We are awake, fully aware of doing the right thing so that we can truly take part in the realization of what we are waiting which is the renewal of our strength, of our mind, of our heart by the grace of God.”
Meanwhile, the College and CPU Senior High School Convocations were held on November 8-9, 2021 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Lennie Ruth L. Sombilla, Librarian and Faculty Member of the Convention Baptist Bible College as Speaker. “If God can fuel the sun, He can also give us the strength and power that we need to cope with any problem,” she said. In the afternoon, the convocations for CPU Junior High School took place with speaker Ms. Raphah G. Cortel, Registered Psychometrician and Faculty of Filamer Christian University. She said, “God works His power in our weakness and stirs us in genuine love for our neighbors and gives us self-control.” In both convocations, Sam Isaac E. Alog, Grade 9-SSC of CPU JHS shared God’s faithfulness in his life amidst experiencing the COVID-19.
On November 11-12, 2021, the CPU Kindergarten and the CPU Elementary School celebrated their convocations together with their speaker, Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Q. Leysa, Coordinator, Youth and Family Ministries. She reminded the pupils that “we have nothing to be afraid of because power comes from Jesus. Since Jesus is always with us, we have nothing to be afraid.”
Convocations will also be held for the students of NSTP and School of Graduate Studies on November 13, and to close this semester’s CEW, a virtual praise jam will be celebrated on November 15.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The CPU College of Hospitality Management held a M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences/Conventions, Exhibitions/Events) conference for Future Industry Professionals on March 3, 2020 at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) in Iloilo Business Park. The conference was in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region 6.
The conference aimed to strengthen the capabilities of students in the field of hospitality. The organizers emphasized that “as Ilonggos, it is our goal to promote Iloilo to become a tourism-oriented city. This will help our young professionals become more trained, ready and equipped for more years to come, to host, hold, and accommodate more tourists in Iloilo City.”
The conference was attended by more than 500 tourism and hospitality management students from different schools in Western Visayas. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, Gov. Art Defensor, Jr. and Iloilo M.I.C.E. Director Mr. Salvador Sarabia, Jr. were the guests.
There were invited speakers from Manila who talked about “Promoting M.I.C.E. through Social Media”, “M.I.C.E. Event Styling”, and M.I.C.E. Challenges and Opportunities”. The Megaworld Group executives also contributed to the lectures.
The speakers provided opportunities for the attendees to learn the best methods, skills, and techniques from the best professionals in the different areas of M.I.C.E. event management. The conference enhanced classroom learnings to industry-fit future M.I.C.E. professionals.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on (second from left), CHM Dean Prof. Ma. Medalla Baliao (center), Ms. Carmelle Frances Romero (second from right) with CHM students and faculty during the Ribbon-Cutting for Voyager 2020.
Central Philippine University College of Hospitality Management held its Voyager 2020: 13th Resurgence (Diversity Meets Locality) with the theme: “Glimpse to the Past Expedition Through Vibrance and Fun of Las Islas Filipinas” on Friday, February 28, 2020, at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park.
The registration of participants and guests started at 6 AM with an invocation at seven. The program proper began at 7:30 AM. Dean Prof. Ma. Medalla P. Baliao delivered her Welcome Remarks. She mentioned the competitiveness of the students and the College of Hospitality Management. She also declared the Voyager 2020 events open. Oliver Amisola introduced the Guest Speaker – Mr. Roy Gatpatan, Proprietor-Paradise World Travel and Vice President-Association of DOT Accredited Senior Guide. Gatpatan encouraged the students to promote their hometown and the province of Iloilo.
CHM students showcased the best of Philippine culture during their production number.
The Voyager 2020 continues to ‘sail on’ year after year, but this time, the CPU College of Hospitality Management made sure that the essence of tourism, particularly the facts and sites were blown up to a level of presentation where it involves the Department of Tourism Region 6 and Philippine Tourism Destinations like Zamboanga, Bohol, Negros, Baguio and Batangas, and Iloilo City. Production numbers of CHM students reflected culture and tourism events such as Sinulog of Cebu, Penagbenga of Baguio, Manggahan of Guimaras, Ati-atihan of Kalibo, Masskara of Bacolod and Dinagyang of Iloilo, and others.
Students from the College of Hospitality Management pose for a Commemorative Photo.
Rules and Criteria for Tour guiding competition, Wanderer’s quiz bowl, and Culinary Arts and Table Service Setting competitions were read. The participants were teams who spent time and resources to produce their talents and numbers. The ‘tour guiding’ competition was something for someone who had the acumen to memorize details of what a tour guide should say for the tourists.
Here are the results of the following competitions:
Tour guiding Competition:
1st Place Rennan Kenn Toboso
2nd Place Dane Marie Buyco
3rd Place Marjon Paul Barnezo
Culinary Challenge:
1st Place Team Pampanga
2nd Place Team Ilocos
3rd Place Team Bicol
4thPlace Team Batangas
Table Service Challenge:
1st Place Team Ilocos
2nd Place Team Pampanga
3rd Place Team Bicol
4th Place Team Batangas
Table Setting Challenge
1st Place Team Ilocos
2nd Place Team Batangas
3rd Place Team Pampangga
4th Place Team Bicol
Booth Set-up Challenge
1st Place Team Ilocos
2nd Place Team Pampangaa
3rd Place Team Batangas
4th Place Team Bicol
Overall:
Champion: Team Ilocos
1st Runner Up Team Pampanga
2nd Runner Up Batangas
3rd Runner Up Team Bicol