by Edwin C. Laru-an
Claudine is a member of the CPU Women’s Volleyball Team.
Name: Claudine P. Tamesin
Nickname: Dhen Dhen
Height: 5′ 4”
Grade/year: 1st year college Bachelor of Physical Education
Playing Position: Quicker, Opener
Coach: Tony Arnilla
Hometown: Bingawan, Iloilo
Achievements:
Bronze Integrated Meet 2017
Champion 3rd Congressional District Sports Association Meet 2016
Champion 3rd Congressional District Sports Association Meet 2017
Champion 3rd Congressional District Sports Association Meet 2018
Champion 3rd Congressional District Sports Association Meet 2019
Bronze Plagata Cup season13 2018
Akari 2018 – 7th place
Champion Governor’s Cup Regional Invitational Championship 2018
Hobbies: Facebook, Watching YouTube, Netflix, Playing Volleyball
Favorite Player: Maddie Madayag
Most Memorable Game:
ISSC Meet 2017
RVL in Bacolod 2019 and Congressional Meet 2016-2019
Principle in Life: “All things work together for good to those who love God.”
What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
It is a great honor and privilege that I am part of CPU Golden Lions team. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to be a part of this great institution. I will try my best to be a better player. Discipline is the most important thing that I will do even though we are doing the online training due to this pandemic.
Why did you choose CPU:
I chose CPU because of its quality education. Joining the CPU Women’s Volleyball Team will surely improve my volleyball skills. CPU is also my dream school where I can start a better future.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The World Teachers’ Day was observed on October 5, 2021. The date was chosen by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994. The day is the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
At all levels, students greeted one or more of their teachers who poured sweat and effort into educating them. Teachers deserve to be recognized and honored for their sacrifices and their desire to help mold the students towards a better future.
In observance of Teachers’ Day, here is the Central Decalogue that is a good reminder to all teachers of Central Philippine University. The oldest version can be found in the 1946 issue of the Centralite. Here is a copy from the 1960 Student handbook, and reprinted in the Central Time 1905-2005, p.22.
“I believe in Central Philippine University because she believes in the future of the Filipino youth;
I believe in her democratic spirit;
I believe in her emphasis on scholarship and character is sacred;
I believe in her teaching that the human personality is sacred and its dignity should be upheld over and above the arrogance of wealth and the tyranny of power;
I believe in her educating the poor in order to lift them up and free them from the shackles of social and religious prejudice, ignorance, and superstition;
I believe in her educating the rich in order to imbue them with high social conscience for imaginative vision, generous attitudes, civilized humility, and sacrificial dedication to the welfare of the people;
I believe in her classroom instruction which insists that students must be free to explore honestly any area of knowledge and push back the horizons of their intellect and educate the emotions of the heart;
I believe in the freedom and fearlessness of her professors to discuss ideas and issues without imposing their will, but guiding the youth along the path of broadmindedness, independence, self-reliance, and creativeness;
I believe in the necessity of research in the atmosphere of freedom because a university is not truly a university unless it carries on research;
I believe that a university with a Christian base and a Christian orientation should be more progressive and more daring in pressing ahead of its times in all things, to the end that the human spirit will come to full flowering under constant ferment.”
Here are some thoughts on how valuable are our teachers:
“Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself”- Chinese proverb
“The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs, pushes and leads you to the next plateau; sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.” – Dan Rather
“A teacher affects eternity. You can never tell where his influence stops.” – Anon
“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite imagination and instill a love of learning.” – Brad Henry
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Faculty and Staff doing walking exercises during the first day of Sneakers Wednesday.
Fitness and fun are what Sneakers Wednesday is all about. The name is given because wearing sneakers to dance-walk-jog around the Big Field is a must for participants to enjoy. The Sneakers Wednesday is held at 4:30 PM every Wednesday of the week. The University Wellness Committee and the Human Resource Development Office are in charge of inviting and encouraging CPU Faculty and Staff to join the wellness activities. The Committee chaired and co-chaired by Facilities Maintenance & Services Supervisor Engr. Rhett Baldonado and HR Director Prof. Rodel Palomar, respectively.
The Sneakers Wednesday is just one of the activities included in the University Wellness Program – cooperatively initiated by the offices of Human Resource Development, Occupational Safety and Health and Vice President for Finance and Administration. The wellness program also includes the Basketball Tournament, Weight Loss Challenge, Volleyball Tournament, and Zumba.
“The wellness program was consciously created out of the previous health analysis of the faculty and staff of the University,” according to Palomar.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
QAC Acting Director, Dr. Ana May A. Yap-Zerrudo, heads the consultation meetings with the heads of the University.
Central Philippine University has an effective and adequate Quality Management System brought about by its standard as an autonomous university and as ISO Certified organization. At Quality Assurance Center (QAC) in CPU, steps and procedures in quality control are organized and coordinated.
The QAC coordinates effectively with different offices in the University, in order to accomplish and meet the requirements of the different certifying bodies. As an ISO Certified University, it is expected to provide superior quality services integrated with Christian values, academic excellence, the highest level of professionalism, and quality considerations in every aspect of the operation.
Starting this School Year 2021-2022, the Acting Director of CPU Quality Assurance Center is Dr. Anna May A. Yap-Zerrudo. She is a graduate of Doctor of Education, major in Administration and Supervision (Ed.D) of CPU (2019). She finished her Master in Management (MMPM) from UP Visayas in April 2002 and her Bachelor of Arts major in English- CUM LAUDE – March 1998 from WVSU. She also graduated with Bachelor of Laws (Llb) from CPU in 2007.
Zerrudo started with her position as Acting Director for Quality Assurance Center on August 1 this school year and is aware of the big task ahead. She said, “I seek advice from those before me and from the senior members in the academic community. I value every information that I get from them because I know that what I learn from them will help me deliver what is expected of us in QAC.” She added that “Improvements on the existing systems are regularly discussed in management reviews.”
Through the series of consultations with the Office for Institutional Advancement and the CPU Office of Communications, QAC is able to document the issues and concerns of the faculty, staff, and students. “These are discussed to address potential risks and to be aware of potential opportunities,” Zerrudo said.
The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and discussions with the University’s stakeholders are necessary, for QAC to gather inputs that could be integrated into the systems.
For Zerrudo, she is entrusted with a position that requires wisdom and strength. She didn’t think of the position as an honor or privilege. She rather said, “I think of it as a responsibility, and that the office I represent must be able to contribute for the greater good. I depend on God to cope with the challenges and busy schedules.”
Dr. Zerrudo has worked in different administrative functions in the University: as Acting Director for the Office of International Relations and Cooperation, and Assistant Director, Transnational Programs Central Philippine University, among others. She has written several textbooks and research papers for the University.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The CPU Symphonic performing their signature songs during the Barrio FIesta Opening Celebration of the Grand Alumni Homecoming.
The Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020 could not have been so lively and festive on the first two days of the celebration without the CPU Symphonic Band led by Band Master Ascencion O. Bautista. Local cultural music played, filling the air with sentimental music to the excitement of alumni from here and abroad.
On Day 1, February 5, Wednesday, the musical theme was local folk music during the opening of the Grand Alumni Homecoming event. Alumni from all over the world almost filled the whole field for the opening program with dinner (ala Barrio Fiesta).
On Day 2, February 6, Thursday, the Symphonic band played International Music from the 50’s to the present at a Fellowship Lunch at the CPU Gymnasium. According to Bautista, the symphony prepared long before the Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020, with about 30 musicians playing the drums and percussions, wind and brass instruments under his baton.
“My musicians are dedicated students who play music for Central Philippine University in exchange for their scholarship,” Bautista said.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Neonita A. Gobuyan is one of the Ten Outstanding Alumni in the Field of Public Information.
After she retired from public service in 2003, Neonita Alasa Gobuyan continued to enjoy cordial relationships with people; making use of her skill and talent in communication to help in wholesome projects and organizations, particularly with Central Philippine University and the CPU Alumni Association.
Fondly called ‘Nitz’ by friends and associates, Gobuyan was the Bureau Chief of Philippine News Agency within the level of a Regional Director. She is now a member of the Range Retirees Association. Gobuyan was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding CPU Alumni in the field of Public Information.
As a member of the CPU Alumni Association, Gobuyan supported and became part in planning and realizing the Christmas Lights project in CPU. During the CPU 100 years (Centennial) celebration, she was in charge of the Alumni Grand Ball at the Amigo Plaza Hotel.
As a woman for all seasons, Gobuyan initiated a helping activity for the Faculty and Staff of CPU recently. She’s a mover so that members of the Centralians in Mass Media made her idea to distribute food in CPU possible. She said, “The inspiration to support and motivate people to help are values which I brought along from my education in CPU. On top of it, the spiritual strength that guided me in life also follows.”
“My beloved Central honed me with a talent that fitted my personality.” Gobuyan whose father was a writer has been a feature columnist in popular newspapers in Iloilo and the Visayas.
She remembered that during her College days in CPU, she met generous and helpful fellows who would later become popular benefactors of Central. Among the successful students she mentioned were Dr. Alfonso Uy, the late Perfecto Yasay, Jr., Dr. Juanito M. Acanto and Engr. Aurora Alerta Lim.
Gobuyan is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts, major in History from CPU in 1965. She earned her secondary education from Negros Occidental High School, Bacolod City and her Elementary Education from Gil Lopez Elementary School in Fabrica, Negros Occidental.
She worked with the YWCA of Iloilo and was a Philippine delegate to the World YWCS on adult education in Seoul, South Korea, Japan and Taipei. In 1996, she was the Philippine Delegate to the ASEAN Conference on Drugs in Jakarta, Indonesia. She also worked as a teacher in Mindanao before joining Philippine News Agency which later made her Bureau Chief for Panay and Guimaras islands.
CPU has been a part of their family since all of them have studied there. Gobuyan has been a member of the CPU Alumni Association for many years. When asked how she defines the Central Spirit, she said, “You cannot define it but it guided me through the dark and happy times of my beloved Alma Mater.”
Neonita Gobuyan was born on June 29, 1943 in Hopevale, Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz (a significant place in the history of Central Philippine University), to parents Vicente Gobuyan, Sr. and Consolacion Alasa Gobuyan. Her father was a writer and the First Regional Director of Forestry in Western Visayas and her mother was one of the first Filipina missionaries in Panay. Neonita is the 7th of the eight children.
She is married to the late Oscar N. Almarez, a teacher in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. She has a daughter who is now a doctor working in Brunei and grandchildren who are now studying their medicine proper in Manila.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
3’s harmony during a guesting on Jamming at Central.
The popular trio known as the 3’s Harmony performed at the Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020 Fellowship Lunch on Thursday, February 6 at the University Gym, making it memorable with the alumni who enjoyed a hearty lunch.
The 3’s Harmony sings classical music from the 60’s, contemporary songs, Christian songs, and hymns. According to one of its members Jing Pagunsan, “Sometimes we are mistakenly called the 3’s Company and also fondly called the “Lettermen of CPU.”
Pagunsan details on the origin of their group. He said that “4 music-minded members of the CPU faculty and staff found themselves singing in one or two campus gatherings.” He added that “the singing quartet was unofficially dubbed PK & Q; meaning, Pastor’s Kids and Pastor Roger Quimpo.” However, Pastor Quimpo had to prioritize his obligations in his ministry work. Thus, the 3’s Harmony was born.
The trio is invited to sing on other occasions like convocations, faculty and staff meetings, devotionals, CEWs, baccalaureate, alumni gatherings, birthdays, weddings, memorial and funeral services, among others.
The three who had their particular musical backgrounds to their credit have a few things in common: Love of Music, being Pastor’s Kids, Baptists and being employed in CPU (2 retired). They are Rudel Obed Dianala- aka Boy (Elem ’69, HS ’73, AB Religion ’90), Joel Somosierra aka Jones – HS ‘79, Engineering ’85 Jason Pagunsan aka Jing – Kinder ’71, Elem ‘77, HS ‘81, AB English ‘89, Law ’93.
by Engr. Dee B. Lucena
Central Philippine University (CPU) congratulates the 12 new Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers, namely:
Nestlie O. Arcos
Dece Rae M. Arostique
Chris Mar A. Balbuena
Emheryn Grace S. Calitisin
John Patrick E. Casipe
Jerlyn B. Dabi
Elbert P. Deaño
Rojenn D. Domines
Jasmin Ilyanna L. Gallego
Lyka M. Hisu-an
Philip Francis C. Jagunap
Mysel E. Taladhay
The Professional Regulation Commission administered the board exam last September 29-30, 2021, and released the results after two working days. Out of the 1,392 takers, 507 successfully passed the exam generating a national passing rate of 36.45%.
CPU was the top-performing school for Western Visayas with an overall passing percentage of 52.17%. Despite the challenges of the pandemic which caused the postponement of the board exam last 2020, CPU was able to maintain its academic performance by continually providing competent professionals in the agricultural and biosystems field of engineering.
The BS in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering course of CPU is a four-year bachelor’s degree program of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Management currently headed by Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa under the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences.
Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa posted in her social media account the following greetings, “We are all proud of you! Thank you Lord for blessing us with new batches of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers after the many lockdowns and swab tests! We thank God that you have jobs now and related to our sector. May God bless you as you take your oath and become instruments in helping build a progressive Philippines!”
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Work Student Alumni during their Grand Alumni Homecoming on Feb. 4, 2020 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park.
The Work Student Alumni Association during its Grand Alumni Homecoming on February 4, 2020, has elected the members of the Board of Trustees by the nomination of candidates from the different classified groups under the Work Student Alumni Association.
The following are elected WSAA Board of Trustees:
Janitorial Service Personnel (JSP)
Richard Joligon
Joy Laos
Elvis Napolis
Ma. Justa Pillo
Ma. Victoria Seredrica
Library Student Assistant Personel (LSAP)
Evelyn Rose Catilo
Ricardo Fernandez
Nicolas Gazo
Venancio Parcon
Isidro Provendido
Special Office and Laboratory Personnel (SOLP)
Catherine Baylen
Ruth Fernandez
Lydia Grio
Alberto C.F Java
Herman Magbanua
The newly elected Board of Directors will be the nominating body in the regular election of officers for AY 2020-2021. The schedule of the regular election will be announced.
In a related development, WSAA President Alberto C.F. Java received on behalf of the Association, a cash donation of $1,200 from Engineer Claro J. Diel on February 10, 2020, at Central Philippine University.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Maredil R. Ambos, Chairperson of the Bachelor of Elementary Education Program and Professional Education of the CPU College of Education, recently garnered another two premiere awards “Excellence in Leadership” and Distinguished Educator” from the Global Leaders and Educators Awards 2021. He was recently awarded with Global Outstanding Teacher Award 2021 and The “Gawad Perlas ng Silangan Para sa Natatangi at Modelong Guro” in the national level.
The awards were given during the 2nd International Multidisciplinary Research Virtual Conference on September 24-26, 2021. The activity was held at the Beyond Books Publication (BPP) in Macabebe, Pampanga. This is an annual undertaking that recognizes educators and leaders in all academic institutions who have displayed exemplary work performances and made significant contributions to the profession and community at large. The conferment of the award aims to encourage and move educators and leaders to improve their craft and inculcate passion to continuously improve teaching delivery with the end of producing equipped, skilled, and globally competitive graduates. The awards were based on the meritorious achievements of deserving educator and leader that inspires and make an exceptional impact to the lives of the learners that warrant recognition and celebration throughout the world.
The activity was co-hosted by Astronomy & Space Company Annex Salamis-Athens, Greece in Collaboration with Universitas Al Asyaria Mandar-Indonesia, Madicaps University-India, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang, Indonesia.
The awards criteria include 1) Outstanding Teaching Performance/Teaching Practices 2) Exemplary conduct 3) Meritorious Awards and Recognitions received from other organizations and external bodies 4) Community services/projects conducted and Impact to the community and 5) No of Years in service.
by Rusieljs Lunasco
(from left) 1st Runner-Up Ms. EXCEL- Rose Marie Aguirre (College of Engineering), Grand Alumni Homecoming Queen 2020- Edna Pelopero (College of Nursing), 2nd Runner-up Ms. CPU Scientia et Fides- Mary Jane Chan (College of Business and Accountancy).
Edna Pelopero, BSN Batch ’78, was crowned as the Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020 Queen on February 7 at the Grand Alumni Homecoming Gala Night at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel.
Pelopero represented the College of Nursing which was able to raise P 4,326,100 for the completion of the Virtual Lab Phase II. The College of Engineering, represented by Engr. Rose Marie Aguirre, came in 2nd and was able to gather an amount of P1,127,395.50 for the completion of the Engineering walkway, improvement of audio-visual room and financial support for needy students. The College of Business and Accountancy, represented by Mary Jane Chan, which came in third place was able to collect an amount of P 697,710 for the construction of the CBA Building.
Candidates for the Search for Grand Alumni Homecoming Queen: (from left) Ms. Precious Grabato (College of Pharmacy), Ms. Jonalyn Jaranilla- Yu (College of Nursing), Ms. Edna Pelopero (College of Nursing), Ms. Cecile Maguillo-Beronilla (College of Medical Laboratory Science), Atty. Maria Theresa Malones-Sanchez (College of Law), Dr. Maria Carmen Salcedo (Junior High School), Dr. Gynyynn Gumban (School of Graduate Studies), Ms. Rose Marie Aguirre (College of Engineering), Ms. Rosario Sanico (College of Education), Ms. Mary Jane Ruelo-Chan (College of Business and Accountancy),
Ms. Marilin Carona Divinagracia (College of Arts and Sciences), Ms. Vanessa Tse Wing (College of Agriculture Resources and Environmental Sciences) and Ms. Alpha Dofeliz-Sorensen (College of Theology).
Here are the results of the Search for the Grand Alumni Homecoming Queen 2020:
Grand Alumni Homecoming Queen 2020- Edna Pelopero (College of Nursing- Virtual Lab)
1st Runner-Up Ms. EXCEL- Rose Marie Aguirre (College of Engineering-completion of the Engineering walkway, improvement of audio-visual room, support for needy students)
2nd Runner-up Ms. CPU Scientia et Fides- Mary Jane Chan (College of Business and Accountancy- construction of CBA building)
Ms. CPU Central Spirit- Alpha Dofeliz- Sorensen (College of Theology-renovation of Johnson Hall)
Ms. CPU Gold and Blue- Dr. Maria Carmen Salcedo (Junior High School-completion of the JHS gym)
Ms. CPU Faith- Precious Grabato (College of Pharmacy-construction of Pharmacy simulation building)
Ms. CPU Stewardship- Vanessa Tse-Wing (College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences- endowment fundraising for agriculture students)
Ms. CPU Justice- Cecile Maguillo- Boronilla (College of Medical Laboratory Science- construction and enhancement of CMLS laboratory)
Ms. CPU Character- Jonalyn Jaranilla- Yu (College of Nursing- completion of Virtual Lab Phase II)
Ms. CPU Excellence- Rosario Sanico (College of Education-construction of Teacher Education Building)
Ms. Centralite- Atty. Maria Theresa Malones- Sanchez (College of Law- construction of Law Library)
Ms. Valentine- Dr. Yi-Chen Lin (College of Medicine- Virtual Anatomy Dissection Table)
Ms. Golden Lions- Dr. Gynynn Guzman-Gumban (School of Graduate Studies – enhancement of the Center for Global Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development)
Ms. Smile Hill- Marilin Divinagracia (College of Arts and Sciences- Cash Awards for Honor Students)
By Nestle G. Taala
The Salo-Salo 2021 was well-attended by students of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Central Philippine University College of Arts and Sciences conducted a Virtual Acquaintance Party on October 6, 2021 with the theme, “Pagsalubong ng Bagong Kabanata.”
Ms. Maria Divhina Alyssa B. Yasay, CAS Provincial Council (CASPC) Minister for Cultural Affairs gave her opening remarks to officially start the program. Meanwhile, Ms. Divine Grace Sorioso, CASPC Adviser, also graced the event by rendering her welcome remarks to the students of Arts and Sciences or the CASimanwas.
One of the highlights of the said celebration is the “Inspirational Talk on how to overcome online class struggles and avoid burnouts” given by the CAS Guidance Counselor Ms. Julie Jane Pagcaliwangan. She shared some self-care tips such as eating nutritious food, having adequate rest, getting some physical activities, setting boundaries, among others.
The CASimanwas joined not only the games prepared by the organizers but the open forum as well in which CAS Student Council together with the CAS Dean Dr. Stella G. Fernandez served as the panelists.
Ms. Iana Lexlee Cogollo, CASPC Vice Governor, expressed her gratitude to all the participants by leaving the words, “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” as she gave the closing remarks.