By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Candidates for the Search for Grand Alumni Homecoming Queen 2020.
The CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020 celebration capped off with a Gala Night at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel on Friday, February 7, 2020.
In his welcome remarks, Grand Alumni Homecoming Steering Committee Co-Chair and CPUAAI Outgoing President Engr. Isagani Jalbuena thanked the alumni for their support for Central Philippine University. He also acknowledged the working committees during the Alumni Homecoming. “To all members of the different committees, we acknowledge your hard work and patience. Thank you for your commitment until the very end,” he said.
During the event, Incoming Officers of CPU FOAAI 2021-2022 were inducted by CPU President Dr. Robles.
GMA-7 Balladeer Christian Bautista with the head of CPU Purchasing Office Mrs. Hermely A. Jalando-on.
14 candidates of the Search for the Grand Alumni Homecoming Queen presented their respective projects for the colleges and departments they represented. Ms. Nursing Edna Pelopero (BSN’ 78) was crowned Grand Alumni Homecoming Queen 2020. The College of Nursing was able to raise an amount of P 4,326,100 for the completion of the Virtual Lab Phase II.
Honorary Centralian Jose Mari Chan serenades CPU Alumni Homecoming Queen 2020 Ms. Edna Pelopero.
Singer-songwriter and honorary Centralian Jose Mari Chan also graced the event and serenaded the Alumni Queen and her court. The gala night also saw performances from GMA star and balladeer Christian Bautista and the CPU Handbell Ringers (the only 5-octave handbell choir in the country), Totong Villaruz Band, and Dr. Jesse Penacerrada.
Dr. Robles thanked everyone for the success of the Grand Alumni Homecoming. “We thank God for bringing us here to reconnect, to reminisce the past and rejoice for what we have become and what our alma mater has done to our lives,” he said. “This celebration is about you, and our alma mater,” he added.
Incoming officers of the CPUFOAA during their Induction Ceremony.
The next Grand Alumni Homecoming in 2022 will be in Toronto, Canada.
Here are the CPUFOAAI Incoming Officers (Effective 1/1/2021 until 12/31/2022):
President: Rod Gonzales (CPUAAGTA)
First VP: May Celiz Rogers
2nd VP – US: Manuel de la Fuente
2nd VP – Canada: Rose Abellie Nunez Buensuceso (CPUAAGTA)
2nd VP – Europe: None
2nd VP – Australasia: Joseph Beloria
2nd VP – Middle East/Africa: Vilma Nono Clave
Regional VP –
Region 1: Arlene Poblador
Region 2: None
Region 3: Lilian Jardo Lau
Region 4: None
Region 5: Louise Vail
Region 6: Vic Penacerrada
Region 7: Emma Barrido
Region 8: Sid Emmanuel
Region 9: Christine Lopez Daquiado (CPUAAGTA)
Region 10: Leynebel Leysa Senodo
Corporate Secretary: Faith Ramos (CPUAAGTA)
Asst. Corporate Secretary: Helen Supremo Castromayor
Corporate Treasurer: Melba Debulgado Corporate
Auditor: Lee Plagata
Board of Directors: At Large –
Easter Arora
Edwin Frank Arroz (CPUAAGTA)
Rick Falco (CPUAAGTA)
Erlinda Galanto
Pio Go
Yolanda Penacerrada Jain
Helen Lebiga
Webmaster: Rodney Gicana (CPUAAGTA)
by Edwin C. Laru-an
Hondrade is a member of the CPU Volleyball Secondary Girls Team.
Name: Meg Heizyl Hondrade
Height: 5′ 4”
Grade: 9
Team event: Volleyball Secondary Girls
Playing position: Setter/Libero
Coach: Jeffrey Alcarde
Home town: Pavia
Achievements:
CHAMPION WVRAA 2019
SILVER Palarong Pambansa 2019 DAVAO, CITY
CHAMPION ILOPRISAA 2019
Hobbies: Painting, Playing Cellphone, Sleeping
Favorite player: Nootsara Tomkom
Most memorable game:
I consider all my games memorable. But the most memorable one was when my team qualified for Palarong Pambansa last 2019. It is such an honor to be one of the players to represent Region 6 and showcase my talent, and meet other strong teams.
Principle in life: “Learn to look back where you came from.”
What can you say as a player of CPU golden lions:
It is such an honor to be a part of CPU Golden Lions Team. Because of this, I am able to showcase my talent and learn more in order to improve.
Why did you choose CPU:
I chose CPU because I have seen that there are a lot of opportunities to grab, and also the high standard of education. Most of all, CPU is not only focusing on academics but also very supportive when it comes to sports.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Francis Lara Ho, introduced his film “Freedom Fighters”, during the Barrio Fiesta Celebration of the Grand Alumni Homecoming.
Francis Lara Ho, a Nursing graduate of CPU Batch 1993 is a multi-talented nurse whose passion includes art and business. After graduating from College, Lara Ho decided to move to the United States and start a different life inspired by God. Shortly after his nursing career in the US, he established the Inspire Studios and became its own Chief Executive Officer.
In an interview at Marriot Hotel Iloilo, where he was staying for the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020, Lara Ho admitted that he was also here to promote his upcoming Hollywood Film “Freedom Fighters.” The movie was inspired by Louise R. Spencer’s book entitled “Guerilla Wife.” The movie will also feature the story of the American missionaries who were killed in Hopevale during the war. The film is expected to be shown in theaters on December 2020. On February 5, 2020, during the opening night of the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming, Lara Ho together with Cesar Montano, promoted the upcoming film to the delight of the Centralians.
He said that the 32-Million Dollar film “reflects the self-sacrifice of ordinary people in Tapaz, Capiz, and also the American Missionaries.” “The Hopevale Martyrs were one of the reasons why General MacArthur was ordered to return to the Philippines,” Lara Ho said.
Among the Filipino cast of characters is Cesar Montano who will portray the Rev. Delfin Dianala. Senator Manny Pacquiao, who is co-producer of the film, will play the role of Col. Macario Peralta.
By Kristin Jesha Mari A. Sanding, AB-Mass Com 4
Ashleigh Taguihanon is a Physical Education teacher of CPU.
The world was shaken when the COVID-19 Pandemic started. Businesses and schools shut down and went into quarantine in order to isolate the spread of the virus. In doing so, schools such as CPU was forced to implement distance learning, and a new routine was established to cope with our current situation. On the second school year since the pandemic, we are here to dive deeper into the impact of the new normal in the field of education; namely, in physical education, a subject that requires physical engagement from both the students and its instructors. Professor Ashleigh Taguihanon, a faculty member of the College of Education, was gracious enough to be interviewed.
1. How long have you been a Physical Education teacher and why did you choose this profession? What is the story behind it?
I began as a Physical Education teacher when I first step in as a part-time faculty at Health and PE Department in CPU. My story started when I had an invitation from my former teacher if I’m willing to apply as faculty. That’s when I decided to grab the opportunity and took a leap of beautiful experience as a newbie.
2. How long have you been with Central Philippine University’s physical education department and what would you say differentiates it from other physical education programs out there?
I started teaching just this year from January up to this day. I appreciate the environment of CPU compared to others.
3. Pre-pandemic, how did you tackle teaching physical education? What was it like?
During the pre-pandemic, teaching Physical Education was commonly held outdoors and was socially engaging since there are no restrictions like having close contact with others. When the pandemic began, the objective in PE is to equip students in Health awareness. It is a challenge for educators. We can barely monitor students. Since the pandemic started the student’s mode of independency has increased regardless of the situation. This pandemic influences us to become more cautious in health, and to be more engaged in physical activities in our own way.
4. Now that we are indeed in the pandemic era, what changes have you implemented in your teaching style?
I have a lot to talk about the implementation of various teaching styles in these new normal times. One of them is to dive deeper into the available technology in order to better engage the students in an online platform. It is worth it to adopt new technologies. When students see that you are using new technologies, it will challenge them to learn more as well.
5. How does the pandemic affect your teaching of physical education?
I admit that teachers are affected in assessing the student’s learning. There is less personal contact with students compared to face-to-face. We have to motivate them more to study and to learn.
6. What challenges have you faced with the distance learning setup especially given the fact that you teach a physically involving subject?
Challenges indeed really come whether we are ready for it or not. It gives us all a sudden discomfort when it comes but we have to accept it. As a PE instructor, it’s quite challenging for me to impart the knowledge to our students like a proper execution of a skill on a virtual set-up. But then every challenge I encountered during teaching is an opportunity for me to grow and be innovative.
7. Given the struggles how do you ensure that your students take away something in your class?
Every teacher has their unique strategic way to ensure their students must have something to learn. Every lesson that we embark on includes an assessment that makes a result-oriented goal for us to reach.
8. With the mental and physical stress of teaching during the pandemic how do you cope?
My way of reducing stress is to involve in some activities like church ministries. Somehow, it helps me cope with any mental or physical stress. When my teaching is appreciated, it brings an impact on my mental and physical health. I find it satisfying to see my students positively respond to my class discussion.
9. On the other hand, is there an upside with the distance learning setup?
Yes, there is. You are in your home, and the students as well. It is comfortable for all.
10. Would you say that teaching physical education with the distance learning setup is effective or do you prefer face-to-face classes with your students given the opportunity?
In my perspective, I would prefer a face-to-face class. Students would have the drive to do tasks, and the instructor could immediately visually assess.
11. What is your take in revisiting the notion of physical classes in the near future? Is it tangible in your opinion?
We pray that it will come. Hopefully, it will be in the near future.
12. Do you feel disheartened teaching during the pandemic? What is your message to your fellow teachers and students?
Nope, not all. I even feel more challenged with the thought that I have to do my best in the virtual class.
Thank you to Professor Taguihanon for taking time to answer questions regarding your teaching experience during this season. We are glad to hear that the current struggles are challenges that the teachers, such as yourself, have gladly take on. With President Rodrigo Duterte giving a go ahead for limited-in person classes for 2-months in low-risk areas, we have an opportunity to get back on some semblance of normalcy. We need more dedicated educators who will soon have to find solutions to a challenge to teach limited-in person classes.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Members of the Work Student Alumni Association pose for posterity at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park during their Homecoming.
The CPU Work Student Alumni Association had dinner together at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. The Alumni Homecoming was connected to the theme “Central Spirit Leads Us Back Home.”
The Registration and Fellowship started at 3 PM and was followed by a Devotional. CPUWSSAI Member Mr. Ricardo B. Fernandez led the opening prayer. CPU Board of Trustees Member Engr. Eddie P Cañuto made a short meditation for his fellow former work students. He shared his experiences on the development and progress of his farm resort “Ephrathah Farms,” telling them that his life has been so prosperous with God’s bountiful blessings.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President in his Welcome Remarks said, “I became what I am today because I was a Work Student.” In his administration, Dr. Robles is doing his best to augment the benefits of the work students. He encouraged the current work students, who were also present in the gathering, to strive and do their best to finish their studies.
Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, CPUAAI Immediate Past President; Engr. Cañuto and CPUWSAAI President Dr. Alberto A. Java also delivered their welcome remarks. A Search for Work Student Alumni King and Queen was hosted by CPUWSAAI Mr. Nicolas D. Lazo.
Other Work Student Alumni concerns were taken up during the Ratification of Proposed Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws. The Election of Officers followed. The rest of the evening was enjoyed by everyone – with dinner and Videoke Challenge. A lot of door prizes were given away.
The program was hosted by Ms. Ana Mae B. Cantel, Ms. Maggie Maleriado, and Mr. Julito G. Geolagon.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Aileen Riego-Javier is an Outstanding Centralian, and one of the Top Pathologists of the Philippines.
The long list of achievements and awards of Outstanding Centralian Dr. Ailen Reigo-Javier backs up her label as “best pathologist in the country.” Dr. Javier is listed in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, and Dictionary of International Biography, and Who’s Who in Medicine and Health Care. Javier received several awards in Pathology and was declared 1995 Pathologist of the Year.
The Philippine Society of Oncology conferred on her the Most Outstanding Oncologist Award on September 13, 2014 and the Lifetime Achievement Award on September 22, 2021 by Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories.
Javier helped set up the Anatomic Pathology Division of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Lung Center of the Philippines and organized the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in 1991, where she was also Executive Officer of its Department of Laboratory Medicine, as well as Deputy Executive Director for Administrative Services from 1994 to 2001.
She was also the Institute’s Quality Management Representative and TQM Chairman, responsible for the ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 certification program from Feb. 2001 to Feb 2011, making the NKTI the 1st government hospital to be ISO certified. The NKTI Laboratory is the 1st ISO 15189:2007 accredited hospital-based laboratory in the country.
Dr. Aileen Riego-Javier is presently Consultant of the Department of Pathology and Patient Safety Committee Chair of the VRP Medical Center. She is former Chairman of the Department of Pathology, Deputy Medical Director, and Medical Director of the same Center.
Dr. Javier earned both her Bachelor of Science and Medical Degrees at the University of the Philippines. She finished the academic requirements of a master’s degree in Hospital Administration at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. She became a licensed physician in 1972 and obtained a certification from the Philippine Board of Pathology in 1977. She had post-graduate training in Pathology at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital System. She was also a fellow in General and Renal Pathology at the University of Singapore as well as a fellow in Pediatric Pathology at the Babies’ Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York. She was awarded the 2006 Outstanding Career Executive Officers (CEOs) Program of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) at the Queensland Univ. of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
She was an instructor, then, assistant professor, and finally, senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines in 1972 – 1980 and 1987 – 1994, respectively. She was also lecturer on laboratory management at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. She is past president of the Philippine Society of Pathologists, Philippine Society for Quality in Health Care, Philippine Blood Coordinating Council and Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories, past councilor of the International Academy of Pathology, Asia Pacific Association of Societies of Pathologists, Philippine Society of Oncologists, past chairman of the Philippine Board of Pathology, past board member of the Philippine National Red Cross, Rizal Chapter, and charter board member of the Fetus as a Patient Institute. She is a life member of the Transplantation Society of the Philippines, U.P. Medical Alumni Society, U.P. Alumni Association, Quezon City Medical Society, Philippine Medical Association, and Philippine Bible Society. She is a past member of the Central Philippine University Corporation (CPU, Inc.).n July 17, 1995, she was conferred her Career Executive Service (CES) Eligibility and was one of the top 20 Managerial Aptitude
Test Battery (MATB) examinees. On February 16, 1998, the President appointed her to Career Executive Service Officer Rank IV (CESO IV). On September 10, 2007, the Civil Service Commission appointed her to Career Executive Officer Rank IV (CEO IV).
On September 25, 2006, she was given the CESB 2006 Outstanding Career Executive Officer (CEO) Award by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacanang. In 2007, she received DOH Certificates of Commendation for her Comprehensive Management and Operation Assessment of Rizal Medical Center (August 2007) and Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (September 2007).
Dr. Aileen Riego-Javier, CPU High School 1963, is a third-generation Centralian. She was the 1962 Miss Annual Picnic of CPU and graduated valedictorian. In 1997, she was one of five Outstanding CPU Alumni of Metro Manila awardees for Excellence in the field of Medicine. She was the commencement speaker of the Class of 2003 during the CPU Development High School’s 79th Commencement Exercises and was a 2003 Distinguished Centralian awardee in Medicine-Pathology during CPU’s 98th Anniversary. On August 3, 2005, she was a CPU Centennial Academic Lecturer. She has been a Board Member of the CPUAA-Greater Metro Manila Chapter since 2005. She was the CPU’s 85th Commencement Exercises Speaker of the University Colleges 1st Semester SY 2012-2013. She served as a Board Member (Coopted Sector) of the CPU Corporation in 2013-2016.
Her grandfather, the late Inocentes Alteros, worked for and studied under Rev. William Valentine at the Jaro Industrial School, the forerunner of the Central Philippine College and Central Philippine University, in 1908-1910.
In 1935-1937, Dr. Riego-Javier’s mother, Dr. Alicia Alteros-Riego, was among 21 children of Jaro Industrial School alumni who were enrolled at Central Philippine College, where she finished her Associate in Arts degree and was the recipient of the Alma Mater Prize. Dr. Alteros-Riego served CPU as a member of the Board of Trustees and of the University Corporation.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Centralian Swim for Life participants with Red Cross Volunteers.
Danilo Gerona and six other participants of the “Centralian Swim for Life” successfully crossed the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
Danielle Patricia Valenzuela finished first with a total time of 49:49 ’30, Diogenes Alejandro, second place, with 59 ’07 “84 and Danilo Gerona came in third with 1:08 “54 72. There are a total of 7 participants for the swimming challenge, mostly composed of alumni and students.
Centralian Danielle Patricia Valenzuela was the first one to cross the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait in 43 minutes.
The 3.6-kilometer swim started from Fort San Pedro to Jordan, Guimaras. Also present during the event are representatives from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDDRMC)-Guimaras, Local Government Unit- Jordan, Iloilo City Maritime Police, and the Philippine Red Cross.
The swimming challenge was spearheaded by Danilo Gerona and the College of Agriculture Alumni Association for the benefit of the “God’s Grace Program” of the University Church which will help give free meals and housing to work students.
Here are the full results of the swimming challenge.
Danielle Patricia Valenzuela – 43:49 ’30
Diogenes Alejandro – 59 ’07 “84
Danilo Gerona – 1:08 “54 72
Eledad Rentillo – 1:11 ’11 ’91
June Alfonso Hordivilla – 1:14 ’56 “97
Xu Bin – 1:15 ’34 “26
Jose Maria Trimañez – 1:24 ’42 “47
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Mr. Jing Pagunsan greets some faculty and staff of CPU in behalf of the Centralians in Mass Media.
Faculty and staff of Central Philippine University brought home vegetables, bananas, and snack items from the “food pantry” held at the CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park on Thursday, September 30 at 11:00 AM. The CPU employees are grateful to Centralians in Mass Media for sharing fruits of love to the employees.
“There will be more food to distribute in the next bigger event”, according to CMM President Rufino ‘Pinoy’ Gonzales, who acknowledged the help and support of CPU President Dr. Ted Robles, CPU Alumni Association President, Atty. Joshua Alim and CPUAAI Liaison Officer Mrs. Tina Hortilano and also the Officers and members of CMM. He also expressed gratitude to other Alumni chapters and individuals who donated food for distribution and to CPU Communications Director for his invocation and for allowing CPU TV personnel under his department to extend valuable time with their photo-video coverage.
The Centralians in Mass Media is a Special Chapter of the CPU Alumni Association, whose members are media and communications practitioners.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Atty. Peter Corvera and Ms. Carmelle hosted the first-ever CPU BOT Night.
Central Philippine University hosted its first-ever Board of Trustees Night on Thursday, February 6, 2020, at the Iloilo Convention Center.
The Board of Trustees Night was held in honor of the Board of Trustees, the Administration, the Corporation, Deans, Principals, Department Chairpersons and Unit Heads of the university as well as alumni coming from different parts of the world.
Alumni and friends pose for a commemorative picture.
Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Vice Chairman of the CPU BOT, explained the reason behind the BOT Night. He said that it was the first time in the history of CPU that such an event happened. The main reason is to introduce the BOT Members to the alumni and all officials of the university. The Chairman of the CPU BOT, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, acknowledged everyone and stressed that all alumni of CPU are VIPs or Very Important Persons.
“The Alumni has a very important role in this university,” said CPU President Dr. Teodoro during his greetings. He also expressed his thanks to the alumni and gave credit to their support to the success of the university. Dr. Robles also gave a brief report through an audio-video presentation.
Tawag ng Tanghalan Finalist and College of Engineering alumnus JM Bales performed his signature songs.
It was a night of fun and dancing as guests enjoyed performances from balladeer Dr. Jesse Penacerrada, Warner Music Philippines Artist Ethan Loukas, Tawag ng Tanghalan finalist JM Bales, and WVPRISAA Dance Sports Champions Mico Andrei J. Hechanova and Aleia Robbyn Muyco.
During the program, the Board of Trustees also presented their proposed project of the CPU LED Wall Display project to be put up in the Main Entrance and the Flag Pole Rotonda. Announcements will be put up in the said LED Walls instead of printing them in tarpaulins. The project has an estimated cost of PHP 5,000,000.
The university is accepting donations. You can donate to the following accounts:
Peso Account:
BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands)
Branch: Solis Street, Iloilo City
Account Name: Central Philippine University
Account Number: 924-8173-48
Dollar Account:
BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands)
Branch: Solis Street, Iloilo City
Account Name: Central Philippine University
Account Number: 9244-0001-31
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
Note: Donation must be deposited/remitted in the name of Central Philippine University. The donor is advised to inform the University (through cpupresidents@cpu.edu.ph) of his/her donation by sending a copy of the bank transaction or any pertinent info.
The BOT Night was hosted by Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, and Ms. Carmelle Frances M. Romero.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPUFOAA welcomes the newly elected President of the CPUAA Las Vegas Chapter, Justina Calasara Sy, along with the other new set of officers. They were able to meet last June 27, 2021.
A quarterly virtual meeting of the CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association, Inc. was held on September 25, 2021. The meeting which was presided by CPUFOAAI President Mr. Rod Gonzales was participated by 20 Federation Officers and Chapter Presidents. Each chapter reported on its activities and projects.
“Most of the Chapters, particularly in the U.S have started to resume in-person gatherings”, according to Pastor Edward Pormilos, President of Northern California Chapter (including San Francisco). He said that “Restrictions have been gradually lifted”. Pormilos echoed the success of their annual picnic that gathered 40 participants, the launching of a grant and aid program with 16 individually sponsored scholars; the start of Treasure Hunt Fundraiser (generating $340 proceeds) and their ongoing pursuit for tax exemption status.
The revitalized Florida Chapter reported on the success of their recent election and oath-taking of new officers, Mr. Honeylito Simon was sworn in as new President. The Midwest-USA Chapter that includes Chicago also gathered for their annual picnic. It also reported on their election of officers. Mid-West Chapter President Mrs. May Rogers and Mrs. Arlene Poblador of Southern California Chapter that includes Los Angeles mentioned about their very successful June picnic in the park. She added that another face-to-face meeting is scheduled in October and a holiday celebration come December are already planned and put in place.
For British Columbia, Washington State and Alaska Chapter, Chapter Co-President Daryl de la Cruz shared that their activities were still restricted by the Pandemic. Mrs. May Lynn Bond, group coordinator of Western Australia based in Perth, cited their in-person house-based fellowship. “Our big activities were still restricted by the pandemic.” She said.
Mrs. Norma Van Dusen of Toronto Chapter shared the status of preparation for the next global reunion that they will be hosting next. Working committees have been created and started to mobilize while they began to scout for accommodation and venues. With the need for a three-year window of preparation and the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic, the Chapter proposed to postpone their hosting to 2025 but if any chapter can take over the hosting in 2024, they will move to 2026.
After the new postponement proposal of Toronto Chapter, there was a thorough deliberation on other available options. President Gonzales noted that the Dubai Chapter, which was originally and supposedly scheduled to host in 2024, has also withdrawn because of pandemic challenges.
A consensus was made to aggressively search for a chapter that is willing to host in 2024. It was assessed that 2024 is a good and probable year at this point considering the progress as promotion year with registration deadline on May 31, 2024, and 2024 event year, with probable dates on July 4, 5, 6 or 7. If there is no chapter to host for 2024, the Toronto Chapter will proceed with the 2025 hosting. While the next global reunion will be postponed, there was a decision to proceed with the election of new set of officers in July 2022 virtually but legal advice will be explored to clarify the constitutional provision when voting members are not in actual assembly. (With reports from Ed Pormilos / CPUFOAAI)
by Rusieljs G. Lunasco
It was a barrio fiesta atmosphere during the Opening Night at the Big Field.
Alumni from different parts of the country and the world gathered for the Barrio Fiesta Opening Celebration of the Grand Alumni Homecoming on Wednesday night, February 5, 2020, at the Big Field.
In true Barrio Fiesta fashion, the field was reminiscent of a big Filipino party, with banderitas and hand-woven decor.
“It has always been my dream to hold the Alumni Homecoming here in CPU,” said CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles in his welcome remarks. The Alumni Homecoming has been held in different parts of the world and it’s the first time in several years that it has made its way on the main campus. Dr. Robles also thanked the alumni for their constant support to the university and its ongoing projects.
Dr. Teodoro Robles and Mrs. Angel Robles led the Golden Wedding Anniversary celebrants who were given due recognition.
Aside from members of active alumni chapters, various high school and college batches were also present in the event.
Attendees from youngest to oldest were recognized as well as couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Dr. Teodoro and Mrs. Angel Robles were among the Jubilarian couples.
A massive fireworks display concluded the opening night of the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming 2020. (Photo Courtesy of Joshua Enriquez).
The crowd enjoyed the beautiful fireworks display and performances from Award-winning actor Cesar Montano (who is set to play Rev. Delfin Dianala in “Freedom Fighters” an upcoming Hollywood film that will feature the Hopevale story) Warner Music Philippines’ artist and College of Education Alumnus Ethan Loukas, the CPU Symphonic Band, the CPU Dance Company, CPUAAI, and various alumni chapters.
There were more than 1,500 Centralians who registered in the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming.
by Nestle G. Taala
There were more than 700 faculty and staff who attended the virtual Faculty and Staff Conference.
Central Philippine University held its Annual Faculty and Staff Conference with the theme, “RISE AND SHINE: Overcoming Mental Health Challenges During the Pandemic” on September 29, 2021, via Zoom.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President, acknowledged the effort of the faculty and staff for the past years in his welcome message. It was then followed by the Scripture Meditation and Reflection led by Rev. Jalando-on.
This year’s conference focused more on the mental well-being of every member of CPU Faculty and Staff – how to rise above in these trying times, to seek help, to have a balanced work-life, among others.
Prof. Rossini Gayares-Jovero of BSN Class of 1979, a former Liver Transplant Clinical Coordinator in Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar, further explained and gave the synthesis of the theme. On the other hand, Dr. Daisy Chua-Daquilanea, Chairperson of the Department of Psychiatry, Western Visayas Medical Center, talked about the Medical and Psychiatric Aspects of Mental Health and Challenges during the Pandemic.
University Church Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian gave a talk on mental health from a spiritual perspective. Thereafter, Mrs. Novie Pascua shared her COVID-19 experience to inspire others to keep going despite the trials.
Prof. Rosalea Cornelia Araneta-de Leon of West Visayas State University gave the closing plenary in which she discussed the Mental Health Therapies from a Psychologist’s Perspective, while the Guidance Counselor’s Perspective was given by Dr. Raquel Polec-eo, Director of CPU Guidance Services Center. The presentation became more moving when the various staff of the Guidance Office shared their struggles and how they had overcome them through the help of God.
Meanwhile, Prof. Lena O. Giron, Mental Health and Psychiatric CPU Nursing Professor, imparted the ways on how to cope and overcome mental health challenges from the standpoint of the faculty.
Members of the faculty and staff then participated in the open forum as well as the games prepared by the organizing committee. During the said conference, nomination and election of both faculty and staff representatives for Board of Trustees and Retirement Board were also held.
The representatives to the Board of Trustees are the following:
Mrs. Victoria Bellosillo – Staff
Dr. Edgar Gerada – Faculty
The representatives to the Retirement Board are the following:
Atty. Salex Alibogha – Faculty
Mrs. Nilfa Salanio – Faculty
Mrs. Rona Cenal – Staff
The conference was hosted by the CPU College of Nursing. The Co-chairpersons of the Committee are Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean of the College of Nursing, and Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on.