(The story of the first Aeta nurse of Guimaras)
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Evem Ganila, the first Aeta nurse of Guimaras is a Centralian.
At a very young age, Evem Ganila, a member of an Aeta community in Guimaras experienced how hard it is to grow poor. As an “Ati” she was discriminated by some people. “You cannot go to school because you have no money,” a comment she heard from another person when she was still an out-of-school youth.
With the help of God through some kind-hearted people, she was able to go to school. One time, she would just laugh at her situation because she only had P2.00 in her pocket. Her classmates saw her plight and helped her out. The consciousness of having none while others can afford made her cry a lot of times. From that time on Ganila resolved to finish her schooling. She committed to becoming a character of hope and determination. “I need to be what I want to be so that I can get out of our situation.”
One time, Ganila saw how an old Aeta woman, a member of their community, was treated in a healthcare facility. Because of her color, she was considered “dirty” and was not properly taken cared of. This pushed her to pursue her dreams and become what she is today. She is now a nurse – the first Aeta Nurse of Guimaras. Evem Ganila graduated her Bachelor of Nursing at Central Philippine University last October 2012. She subsequently passed the Board and became a Registered Nurse. She may probably be the first Aeta Centralian nurse.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Ganila said “A desire to become a nurse was implanted in my mind. I should become a nurse so I can help my fellow Aetas.” She added that “My first dream was to become a teacher”. The success made her realize that “discrimination is a reality but there are people with golden hearts,” Ganila said.
Ganila graduated as a High School Valedictorian at the Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in Guimaras. The achievement was a big help for her to avail a scholarship from Central Philippine University.
Her parting words at Bombo Radyo: “Ang pagtinguha nga makatapos sa pag-eskwela indi lang para marespeto ka sang iban nga tawo, kundi man mabatak ang kaugalingon sa kapigadohon, kag para man makabulig ka sa imo isigkatawo. Let us respect the Indigenous People (IP’s).
(The following are essays of students that placed 1st to 3rd during the Essay Writing Contest during the Student Campus Organizations’ Evaluation and Exhibit at the Alumni Promenade Park, February 26-27, 2020.
The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants was judged as the Most Outstanding Student Organization for SY 2019-2020.
First Place – Jedro Vienne Deo E. Pagayonan, BSSE-1, Philippine Society of Software Engineers
The Central Philippine University is the birthplace of one of the largest libraries in Asia – Henry Luce III Library, the oldest student government body in the Philippines – CPU Republic, and the alma mater of some of the most successful people in the Philippines, including the revered Filipino anthropologist Dr. F. Landa Jocano. The Central Spirit penetrates through the hearts and minds of the Centralians by teaching them the Centralian values, and the University motto: Scientia et Fides – Science and Faith.
The Central Spirit is the soul of the university. It is the culmination of all the struggles of those before us. It is a bulletproof beacon that has survived the horrors of World War II, and will continue to live on as long as there are still Centralians. Through this invisible, empowering force, Central Philippine University grew and matured, giving birth to all the student organizations present today, that are siblings to one another. Like siblings, they compete, but constructively. The Central Spirit embodies the ideal Christian lifestyle. As the organizations adhere to this, they succeed in their endeavors. They cry in unison, “If God is with us, who can stand against us?” The student organizations are like parts of the human body, God’s masterpiece of creation. Each organization is a part of the whole. By working together, the University has achieved feats that cannot be achieved by a single organization by itself.
Central Philippine University, our home, our alma mater. As we reflect in the future, all the accomplishments we have achieved, we will remember this University. We will remember that our great University started out as a dream of fellow Christians before us. If a small group could create this thriving and globally competitive community, imagine what a group of organizations could build!
Second Place – Joshua Reuben Pineda Leonares, BS Accountancy-1, Work Student Organization
In this vast world that we have, it is inevitable for us to reach the point of our lives where we have to get out of our boxes and explore the possibilities bestowed upon us, and one of those is to socialize. We may find it intimidating but it is a primary need of a person to survive and be able to compete with the fast-pace society that is evident today. Creating your circle of friends is a difficult thing to endure, especially people coming from diverse beliefs, cultural contexts, and practices. This issue is recognized and one of the solutions is to invite people to join organizations.
Central Philippine University, being a renowned institution that welcomes various people all around the world to experience the standard of education and experience, allows the students to form legal organizations in accord to their field of interest whether the organization may focus on arts, journalisms that document on every plain sight or to those who seek shelter from their isolation. Organizations may be large or small in numbers but what is important is that they have organized themselves. And what is important is that there is no apparent difference from the other because all are built with one reigning factor, UNITY.
This event invites all organizations to immerse in one “bowl” to share their differences, explore what others’ unique approach, and to recognize how amazing it is to be part of an organization rather than staying in a comfort zone.
Each organization carries the spirit of a Centralian wherein one may work in absolute independence but the outcome becomes better when we work as one – no matter how difficult the task may be, and how each one has perceptions of their own. A famous quote says, “A single spider might produce the weakest strings but a group will always suppress an enormous lion with coordination and connectivity.”
Third Place – Eleanel Ruthvirl L. Idemne, BSCE 2, Campus Crusade for Christ-CPU Chapter
From when the American missionaries first set foot on this lovely campus spot in Iloilo, it was the Central Spirit that kept this university’s fire burning. For more than a century CPU has endured the test of time. She has undergone blood and fire yet still survived and even thrived making the halls and walls of Central a breeding ground of excellence and competence.
CPU has been home to different student organizations which became her partner in nurturing, honing and empowering many generations. In this institution, students are taught and trained to be well-rounded. With different partners, this university is equipping her students not only to be academically at par but also spiritually mature through Christian Organizations such as Campus Crusade for Christ, Every Nation Campus, The Navigators, Pastor’s Kids, and the Gospel Team. One’s love for the dramatic arts can also be developed with the help of organizations such as Teatro Sining At Iba Pa. Reform and Koalision can help channel an individual’s passion to serve fellow Centralians and the community. The Mountaineering Society enables students to enjoy nature as well as conquer the different mountain peaks across Panay. Life is also valued through the different trainings of the Philippine Red Cross. Though most students will eventually leave this campus, the Scientia et Fides, and all life hacks will be kept and brought wherever their destiny brings them.
The same Spirit which brought the Americans to Jaro is the same Spirit leading every Student Organization Onward as One in building up strong, excellent, competent and God-centered foundations for our society.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Centralian Mr. Mauro Somodio and FAFQ President Cecilia Somodio with the Ginoong and Binibining Pilipinas-Australia Charity 2021.
The Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. (FAFQ) a non-political, non-stock, non-profit, benevolent and charitable community organization celebrated its “One World …One Spirit First Virtual Philippine Festival 2021” on October 23, 2021.
The virtual program started with the FAFQ String Ensemble playing the national anthems, “Lupang Hinirang” and “Advance Australia Fair” of the Philippines and Australia, respectively. Engineer Vic Bacud of FAFQ rendered an invocation song number.
In her welcome remarks, FAFQ President Centralian Cecilia Somodio said, “The Board of Management hereby acknowledges the tradition of the land where we live the past, the present, and the emerging.” She also acknowledged the Ginoong and Binibining Pilipinas Australia – Charity 2021.
The Minister of Trade and Premier of Queensland Annastasia Palaszczuk, in a message sent from her office, thanked the FAFQ “for their unwavering commitment to Queensland’s Filipino Community.” She emphasized that “Queensland is a home to the third-largest Filipino population in Australia, and for a quarter of the century, the Filipino – Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. has been serving that population as a wellspring of resources and social connection.” She added that this celebration will nurture understanding and appreciation of Filipino Culture in Queensland. The government of Queensland is committed to fostering a fairer, more respective state which values empowers Queensland from diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. Other dignitaries from Australia also expressed appreciation and extended warm congratulations to the FAFQ for its First Virtual One World-One Spirit Philippine Festival 2021.
In the comfort of homes, the virtual presentations with sensational sights and sounds were watched and enjoyed all over the world. Performance of several Philippine folk dances such as the “Karatong”- with bamboo instrument tied to the waist of male participants- to produce music and ladies dance to its tunes; “Pasigin”, a representation of Filipino fisher folks dancing in the waters; The “Binasuan”, similar to the ‘Pandango sa Ilaw” with drinking gasses on their heads and hands while dancing -a folk dance which originated in Panggasinan, and “Pansak” and Tinikling, were among several folk dance performances of Philippine origin. Ruben Cembrano and FAFQ Singing Group delivered intermission numbers before the presentation and coronation of the Ginoong and Binibining Pilipinas-Australia Charity 2021. Dax Ivan Labaja and Olivia Jade Edwards were the Ginoong and Binibining winners, respectively for this year.
The Parade of Nations followed. Mr. Mauro Somodio, husband of current FAFQ President and Founding President of FAFQ introduced the participants in their national costumes. Somodio said, “This Parade of Nations promotes mutual understanding across cultures.” He added that “Australia is a mirror of reality – that unity and diversity can exist.” A Rondalia musical presentation was performed by the Sariaya Elementary School of Calabarzon in the Philippines.
The Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. acknowledges with thanks Central Philippine University for its valuable support especially in the lending of video materials of Filipino folk dances for the celebration.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Vice President for Student Affairs Prof. Esther Rose Romarate (left) and Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence Bogacia during the Ribbon Cutting of the Org Exhibits.
The Office of Student Development and Programs conducted the Annual Evaluation and Exhibits of Student Campus Organizations on February 26-27, 2020 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park.
Vice President for Student Affairs Prof. Esther Rose Romarate and Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence Bogacia graced the Opening Program and launching of the Booth Exhibit.
A special panel of judges was chosen to evaluate the exhibits from the different student organizations.
Students visit the org exhibit booths.
The most outstanding organizations and advisers, as well as winners of the essay contest, were announced on February 27, Thursday.
A total of 70 recognized student organizations belonging to different categories (Academic, Special, Fraternity, Religious, Cultural and Sports) participated in the said evaluation and exhibit.
STUDENT CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS’ EVALUATION AND EXHIBIT RESULT for School Year 2019-2020
Most Outstanding Adviser – P 3,000.00
- Engr. Mary Earl Daryl A. Grio – Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – CPUSC
Outstanding Advisers – P1,500.00/each
- Academic Category – Engr. Mary Earl Daryl A. Grio – Phil. Institute of Civil Engineers
- Special Category – Ms. Veronica Abaldo – Work Student Organization
- Cultural Category – Ms. Grace Ann C. Jardenil – CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp
- Religious Category – Ms. Jessalyn Fetalsana – CPU Gospel Team
Most Outstanding Student Organization – P 10,000.00
- Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – CPU Chapter
Outstanding Organizations – P 5,000.00/each
- Academic Category – Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – CPU Chapter
- Special Category – Reform Organization
- Fraternity – Alpha Phi Omega Philippines Incorporated- Zeta Omicron Chapter
- Cultural Category – CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp
- Religious Category – The Navigators – CPU Chapter
- Sports Category – LUDIS – Lions United to Deliver Ideal Service
Best Booth Exhibits – P 2,000.00/each
- Academic Category – Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP)
- Special Category – Work Student Organization
- Cultural Category – CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp
- Religious Category – CPU Gospel Team
- Sports Category – Central Philippine University Mountaineering Society
- Fraternity Category – Alpha Phi Omega Philippines Incorporated- Zeta Omicron Chapter
Essay writing Contest
- First Place – Jedro Vienne Deo E. Pagayonan – P1,500.00 – Phil. Society of Software Engineers
- Second Place – Joshua Reuben Pineda Leonares – P1,000.00 – Work Student Organization
- Third Place – Eleanel Ruthvirl L. Idemne – P500.00- Campus Crusade for Christ chapter
By Nestle G. Taala
Mrs. Joan Castor, CPU Project ETC Logistics Coordinator, formally handed the donation to the faculty members of Agsirab Elementary School.
Changing lives through Education, Technology and Community (Project ETC) in partnership with Central Philippine University conducted an outreach activity in Brgy. Agsirab, Lambunao, Iloilo on October 22, 2021.
CPU-Project ETC gave out school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, plastic envelopes, among others, to their beneficiaries which were the pupils from Agsirab Elementary School. A total of 292 pupils received these materials, from kindergarten to grade six.
Founded by Ms. Ann and Loy Seisa; and children Tristan and Andrea, Project ETC is a non-profit organization that partners with the CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning Program. It gives greater opportunities to school children in developing areas of the world and their families through its core values of education, technology, and community. Project ETC believes that education is one of the greatest tools for positive change in children and in communities.
Dr. Levi Delos Santos, CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning Program Director, facilitated the transfer of goods to the vehicle of Agsirab Elementary School.
Project ETC founders are generous advocates of technology; they respond to the needs of technology in expanding to other areas of the world. ETC’s humanitarian goals would not be achieved without the support of the community. It also aims for a positive relationship with community leaders, parents, and school officials in order to understand their exact needs and make resolutions together.
The particular outreach activity in Lambunao was participated by Mr. Nico Catedrilla, nephew of Ann Seisa, BSN Class 1977; Loy Seisa, devout benefactor of CPU; Mrs. Joan Castor, CPU Project ETC Logistics Coordinator; and Dr. Levi Delos Santos, CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning Program Director.
CPU-Project ETC continues to reach out to different communities determined by the people behind this charity work.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
The children rendered a special number in response to the message.
CPU Kindergarten held a dedication service for its graduating pupils on February 23, 2020, at the University Church.
In her message, invited speaker and University Church Pastor Lovejoy Quimpo- Leysa talked about the parable of the talents and challenged the children to use their gifts and talents wisely for the glory of God. “We must be good stewards of what God has entrusted us, to honor Him and bless others,” she said. In living one’s life to please the Lord, she talked about three word points: Go, Grow, and Glow.
Invited speaker, Pastor Lovejoy Quimpo Leysa talked about how to be a good steward of God’s gifts to the children.
Graduating pupils being prayed over by the congregation.
In response to the message, the pupils rendered a song number entitled “We are Children of God”. The children together with their parents were prayed over by University Church Minister for Outreach Rev. Roger Quimpo and the whole congregation.
The pupils are set to graduate on March 26, 2020.
By Allana S. Delgado
Research works and publications by CPU faculty, students, and researchers featured in the Bahandian Institutional Repository are now indexed in Google Scholar. CPU-published journals such as Patubas and Scientia et Fides are now searchable via Google Scholar.
Google Scholar is Google’s web search engine for scholarly works and is the biggest online platform for discovering research all over the world. This is a milestone for CPU as research works and publications are now discoverable globally. This has the potential to increase the visibility of the university and the citation of our research output.
Bahandian was launched in February 2021. It is the first academic institutional repository in Western Visayas. Bahandian’s goal is to house research-related publications of CPU in one platform for easier access. The pandemic has limited physical access to the library, and Bahandian has been an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and outside researchers who need to access these materials for study and research.
The repository now has more than 1,300 documents including journal articles, research reports, book chapters, conference papers, theses, and dissertations. Scanning and digitization of materials is currently ongoing in the library. In the future, more publications will be added, including books, newsletters, and audio-visual materials.
Aside from Google Scholar, Bahandian is also recognized in various international listings of repositories. It is included in the Open Directory of Open Access Repositories (OpenDOAR), the Registry of Open Access Resources (OpenROAR), and the DuraSpace Registry of Repositories. This ensures that content in Bahandian complies with standards for online repositories. Entries in Bahandian are thoroughly checked and indexed before inclusion.
CPU faculty and students who are interested in archiving their publications in Bahandian are encouraged to submit their works. Contact the library through e-mail at bahandian@cpu.edu.ph for more information on submission.
Visit the Bahandian Institutional Repository at https://repository.cpu.edu.ph.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Pearl Dency Drilon Catalan, Dr. Drilon’s daughter shared memories about her late father.
On February 21, 2020, a Memorial Service was held at the Evangelical Memorial Garden in Jaro, Iloilo City in honor of Dr. Rex D. Drilon. It was the 49th Death Anniversary of the First Filipino President of Central Philippine University.
The service started at 6:15 AM with the singing of “My Faith Looks Up to Thee.” An invocation was led by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo. In his words of welcome Dr. Robles recalled Drilon’s life and accomplishments. He encouraged everyone to remember him and what he has done that made CPU what it is today. Dr. Drilon’s daughter, Pearl Dency Drilon Catalan, in her message, recalled that “My letters to my father were returned with his corrections on it. One of them has a note from my father that says, “There are things you can do to make this letter excellent”. “My father would always tell us to pursue excellence in everything that we do.”
Attendees making their way to the tomb of Dr. Rex D. Drilon.
The University President, administrative officers, department heads, members of the Board of Trustees and the Corporation, Alumni and guests offered flowers on Dr. Drilon’s tomb. The singing of “Once to Every Man and Nation” followed. The prayer and benediction was led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian.
Family members, alumni and friends pose for a commemorative photo.
After 13 Americans had served their tenure as presidents, the CPU Corporation decided to call the first Filipino president. In 1966, Dr. Rex Divinagracia Drilon, a CPU Alumnus and Political Scientist from the University of the Philippines in Diliman was chosen. The Filipinization of the University began with the initiatives of Dr. Drilon.
The memorial service was followed by a breakfast fellowship at the CPU Dining Hall.
By Nestle G. Taala
There were 71 participants in the 2-day Management Review of the university.
Central Philippine University held a two-day Year-end Management Review for School Year 2020-2021 on October 27 and 29, 2021, via Zoom Teleconferencing.
During the first day, CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, led the short devotional and the opening prayer. It was then followed by the warm greetings of CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles through his opening remarks. The rationale of the review and flow of activities were presented by Engr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement, while the approval of minutes of previous review and actionable items from the Mgt. Review on July 23, 2021 was laid down by Dr. Anna May Y. Zerrudo, Acting Director of the Quality Assurance Center.
The program continued on with the Presentation of Reports on the Status of University Objectives as of July 31, 2021, covering June-July 2021. These included, 1.) Administration and Governance by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; 2.) Quality of Teaching and Learning by Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, VP for Academic Affairs; 3.) Finance by Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, VP for Finance and Administration; 4.) Student Services by Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, VP for Student Affairs; 5.) Christian Identity by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church; and 6.) Human Resource Development by Ella Kathrina A. Gutierrez.
After an energizer break, Customer Satisfaction and Feedback were heard from Dr. Mary O’ T. Penetrante, Vice Chairperson of the Strategic Planning Technical Support Committee, and from Rev. Jalando-on.
The second day of the program started with an opening prayer led by Rev. Sian followed by greetings and a recap of the October 27 session by Dr. Robles and Prof. Sharlene Gotico, Acting Assistant Director of the Quality Assurance Center, respectively. Presentation of Reports included 1.) Research by Dr. Rio; 2.) Community Engagement and Service Learning (CESL) by Engr. Levi O Delos Santos, CESL Director; 3.) Physical Facilities by Dr. Robles; 4.) Status of NCs and Corrective Actions by Mrs. Novi B. Pascua, Auditor, Internal Quality Audit; and 5.) External and Internal Issues from the COTO by Engr. Castigador. The reports were followed by the presentation of the University Objectives for AY 2021-2022.
Towards the end, Dr. Zerrudo gave the Review of the Effectiveness of the QMS while Dr. Robles presented comprehensively the Overall State of the University. With all the presentations accepted, Dr. Robles adjourned the meeting and thanked everyone for their effort.
As the university aspires to maintain its excellent services to its students and its community, there is a need to, first, review the status of the University Objectives; second, gather inputs for the strategic plan; and third, review the final draft of the University Objectives for the present school year. Thus, the two-day program was well-participated by the Management Review Board and the Unit Heads.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Grade 12 ABM students pose in front of their stall.
Central Philippine University Senior High School celebrated Entrepreneurship week with the theme “Empowering the Youth Through Entrepreneurship” on February 10 and February 12 to 14, 2020. The annual activity was held at the Half-moon Drive with about 23 participating sections, all presenting products and services in kiosks creatively prepared and installed by students themselves.
The objective of this annual activity, according to SHS Director Edgar Eriman “is to hone the students in entrepreneurial skill -giving them opportunities in case they opt for business when they graduate.” The students creativity was used in putting a name on their business, product positioning and customer service proficiency.
The desired outcome of this curriculum is to encourage the students to become Filipino entrepreneurs in the future.
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Serdeña is the goalkeeper of the CPU Men’s Football Team.
Name: Paul Gian C. Serdeña
Nickname: Gi-Gi
Height: 5′ 7”
Grade/year: 2nd Year BSBABM
Team: CPU Men’s Football Team
Playing Position: Goalkeeper
Coach: Bob Rommel Javellana
Hometown: Guimbal, Iloilo
Achievements:
2nd Place (1st CDSA) 2011, 2012, 2013 ,2014
2nd Place (INTERGRATED MEET) 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016
Champion (Roxas Football Cup U13) 2014
Champion (Talisay Football Cup U14) 2014
Champion (Pilipinus Cup U14) 2015
3rd Place (PRISAA) 2015
Champion (Ceres Cup U15) 2015
2nd Place (Borneo Cup, Malaysia U16) 2015
2nd Place (Singapore U13) 2015
4th Place (Borneo Cup, Malaysia U17) 2016
3rd Place (UFL U17) 2017
Champion (Atiatihan Festival Banga, Aklan U19) 2017
2nd Place (I, Pagasa Football Cup) 2017
Champion (PRISAA) 2018
2nd Place (WVPRISAA) 2019
2nd Place (PRISAA) 2019
2nd Place (7s ILOILO) 2019
Champion (Dinagyang Football Festival Open) 2020
Champion (Dinagyang Festival Futsal Cup) 2020
Hobbies: Playing Football and playing with kids
Favorite Player: Lionel Messi
Principle in Life:
There’s nothing you can’t have or achieve in life if you’re willing to work for it.
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
I am grateful and proud to be part of the CPU Golden Lions. CPU has taught me to be a good player and a better individual. CPU continues to mold me as a person with good attitudes such as dedication, discipline, hard work, and generosity. CPU also teaches me to put God first in everything that we do.
Why did you choose CPU:
CPU is the center of development and excellence that offers a very good quality of education and produces globally competitive learners.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
(from second from left, first row) Coach Bob Rommel Javellana, CPU Sports Director Mr. Edwin Laru-an, Coach Marc Hermel Agriam and CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles with the CPU JHS Football Men’s Team.
The CPU Junior High School Men’s Football Team paid a courtesy call on CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles on February 17, 2020 at the Dr. Rex D. Drilon Hall. The team was headed by coaches Mr. Bob Rommel Javellana and Engr. Marc Hermel Agriam. They were also accompanied by CPU Sports Director Mr. Edwin Laru-an.
The team recently won as champion in the Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet on January 31 – February 5, 2020 at Roxas City, Capiz.
Team ILOPRISAA garnered 286 golds, 191 silvers, and 64 bronze medals, and was hailed as the overall champions. Team ILOPRISAA is mostly of athletes from the CPU Golden Lions.
The CPU JHS Men’s Football is set to compete in the National PRISAA.