By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
The different committees for the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming held a meeting on January 6 and 7, 2019 at the Alumni Affairs Office and Administration Building, respectively.
Security concerns and final preparations were discussed during the meeting. More than 700 alumni are expected to attend the event. These alumni will be coming from all parts of the world.
With the theme “Central Spirit Leads Us Back Home,” this year’s grand alumni homecoming will be the first to be held in the main campus since the CPU Centennial celebrations in 2005. Since then the Global Reunion was held in various cities all over the world.
The Schedule of Activities and Registration procedures can be found in https://cpu.edu.ph/grand-homecoming-2020-central-spirit-leads-us-back-home/
The deadline for online registration will be on January 10, 2020. After this, you can still register offline by visiting the Alumni Affairs Office. There will also be an on-site registration on February 5, 2020, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPUECCI Chairman, Trinidad ‘Trenz’ Sorongon.
The CPU Employees Credit Cooperative, Inc. elected its new set of officers online on August 21, 2021.
CPUECCI continues to improve its operation to enhance and support CPU employees financially, by extending loans and other benefits. It also helps in strengthening employees association and camaraderie.
The Credit Cooperative is open to faculty, staff and retirees. According to Trinidad Sorongon, CPUECCI Chairman, the loan interest is 2%per month.
The CPU Employees Credit Cooperative, Inc. Officers:
Chairperson: Trinidad T. Sorongon
Vice Chair: (Faculty) Nellie Ann Mesa
Vice Chair: (Staff) Tatsie Deocampo
Secretary: (Board) Dante Manguito
Treasurer: Joan S. Castor
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
CPUES will implement a new ID system come January 2020 of next year.
Central Philippine University Elementary School (CPUES) will implement the e-ID system come January of next year. CPUES conducted a dry-run of the new ID system from November to December 2019.
The e-ID system is a convenient and safer way to monitor children’s attendance in school. Once a child enters and exits the school and his/her ID is scanned, a text message will be sent to the mobile phone number of his/her parent or guardian which will inform them that the child is in school or outside of the CPUES premises.
“The safety and security of the children is our main priority; that is why we thought a lot about this project,” said CPUES principal Prof. Janet Jaco. She was also very thankful to the University President Dr. Teodoro Robles, Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence Bogacia and the PTA for their cooperation in the said project.
Last year, Central Philippine University signed a contract with Hooray Communication Incorporated, a technical service company for the said project.
Hooray Communication Incorporated has also worked with several schools in the city that were able to implement the E-ID system.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CCINAA-Los Angeles Chapter President Mrs. Arlene Tupaz- Poblador turns over their donation for the College of Nursing Virtual Lab to College of Nursing Dean Atty. Salex Aliboga and CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles.
Arlene Tupas Poblador is the current President of the CPU Alumni Association of Southern California (CPUAASC), formerly the CPU Alumni Association of Los Angeles Chapter which was formed by Rafael Diaz Londres and May Ellison Londres in 1973. Poblador is also the President of CCINAA (CPU College of Nursing, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses’ Alumni Association) in Los Angeles, California.
The Southern California (SoCal) alumni chapter is a proud member organization of the CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association (CPUFOAA) with Poblador as the current Vice President for Region 1.
Poblador graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1978. She has been a Clinical Instructor in the College of Nursing with a background in Pharmacology & Medical Surgical –Critical Care Training. She was awarded the “Tatak Centralian Nurse Award” during the CPU Grand Alumni Homecoming last 2020.
The Lady President of CPUAASC is an achiever and active leader. Poblador started working in the U.S. as a Charge Nurse at Hendricks Medical Center in Abilene, Texas. She then served as ICU Staff at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center and Department Administrator for ICU/CCU Acute Dialysis of Woodland Hills among others.
She served Kaiser Permanente, an integrated managed care consortium in the Member of the Management Labor Contract Negotiation (K.P.) Los Angeles and was a Co-Lead of the K.P. Medical Center Condition Team with McKinsey Consulting Group; Implemented Care Management for Population-Based Care Program; Department Administrator of KP Medical Group Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine and a Quality Improvement Advisor at KP for Core Clinical Strategic Goals. She retired from Kaiser Permanente in 2015.
She worked for Kaiser Permanente (KP), an integrated managed care consortium in the following capacities: Member of the Management Labor Contract Negotiation (K.P. Los Angeles), Co-Lead of the K.P. Medical Center Condition Team with McKinsey Consulting Group and Department Administrator of KP Medical Group Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine. She retired from KP in 2015.
The core value of CPUAASC according to Poblador is “Fostering the CPU Legacy.” She said, “We have been maintaining the Central Spirit and Fellowship for 48 years.” She further added, “During my tenure, scheduling of bi-monthly meetings was a must.”
Poblador explains that scheduling and planning the Summer Annual Picnic and Christmas celebrations are needed to sustain the group’s enthusiasm and optimism. “Frequently scheduled meetings keep everyone connected and tuned in”, Poblador said. She added that “Our attendance is consistent with 50 people normally present, especially the officers”.
In support of Chapter programs, CPUAASC conducts fundraising events, such as an Endowment fund of $32,000 for 5 scholars annually, and 1 graduating merit award with CPU and Fundraising for the annual donation to the University Church (in lieu of Christmas gifts).
As CCINAA President, Poblador was able to donate $12,000 to the CPU College of Nursing Phase 2 of the Virtual Lab Project. She is currently working on another endowment fund with a focus on eligible nursing students only. “We also have Raffle fundraising events with 3 major donated prizes such as iPhone and laptops,” Poblador said. The Chapter hosted the CPU College of Nursing Dean Atty. Salex Alibogha for his Virtual Lab fundraising campaign in Los Angeles in March 2019.
She is forever grateful to Central Philippine University. Poblador said that “I am totally supporting our alumni activities to give back to our Alma Mater. I have my classmates that are my friends for 45 years. I am always grateful for the mental and spiritual knowledge I learned from CPU.”
Poblador has 3 daughters who are all Master’s degree holders with successful careers.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
The Dagon University of Myanmar conducted a “Lecture-Forum” on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at the Session Hall A, 4th Floor of Uy Building, at Central Philippine University. It was attended by students of the Doctor of Management, and Master of Business Administration from the CPU School of Graduate Studies.
Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean, School of Graduate Studies, welcomed the participants, and guests. She acknowledged the valuable insights that the students can gain from the lecture-forum. The Resource Speaker was introduced by Assoc. Prof. Renia F. Dela Peña-MPA Coordinator, School of Graduate studies.
Dr. Aye Mya Nanda, from the Department of International Relations, Dagon University of Myanmar lectured on “Public Reforms and Federalism in Present Myanmar.” She presented concepts on the transition of Myanmar from “Military Dictatorship to Federalism.” There was an open forum, evaluation, and synthesis with Mr. Michael Peter Ronio D. Pedronio.
Dr. Libo-on and Dr. Alfonso E. Catolin – Faculty, School of Graduate Studies presented a Certificate of Recognition to Dr. Nanda. The program ended with a Closing Remarks by Dr. Carmen Hernandez, Doctor of Management Coordinator, School of Graduate Studies.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Valentine Hall Building,
The College of Arts and Sciences Math and Physics Department held a community pantry-food distribution to the recipient members of the CPU RAFLU Staff Employees on August 23 to 24, 2021. “This is part of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) outreach project in coordination with the University Outreach Center”, according to Luis G. Valdez, Jr., Chairperson.
He said, “The objective of food distribution like any other community pantry, is to extend social support to individuals at this time of the pandemic.” Rice, noodles, and other basic necessities were included in the pack. Valdez added that food distributions like these were done previously for other recipients from the surrounding barangays in CPU.
Valdez acknowledged the support of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Community Engagement and Service Learning Center Director Prof. Levi de los Santos, and the CPU Administration.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles thanked everyone for their enthusiasm and shared his thoughts on the essence of Christmas.
The Office of the President, Central Philippine University, held its Christmas Party at the Educational Media Center Conference Hall on December 12, 2019. The program started at four in the afternoon with the singing of Christmas carols led by Cultural Affairs Office Director Ms. Crista Sianson-Huyong.
Candidates for Mr. and Ms. Christmas Party being serenaded by Mr. Joel Somosierra.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on led the opening prayer and shared a Christmas message to everyone. University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles acknowledged the presence of the staff under his office, including the Human Resource Development, Institutional Advancement, Office of Communications, International Relations and Cooperation, Quality Assurance Center, University Church, Facilities Management, Cultural Affairs Office, Technical Assistants, Legal Aide, Occupational Safety and Health Officer. Dr. Robles expressed satisfaction for the attendance which he said, “keeps on increasing every year.” “It is a sign of our growing number of employees in a progressive University,” he added. He thanked everyone for their enthusiasm and shared his thoughts on the essence of Christmas which is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
A sumptuous dinner was served, with the favorite lechon on the tables.
Dr. Teodoro and Mrs. Angel Robles with employees from the Office of Communications.
A surprise “Search for Mr. and Ms. Christmas” was held. Two representatives were selected from each group for the said contest. The organizers prepared an overhead projector to let everyone select songs to sing for the videoke challenge which is a yearly tradition of the annual Christmas party of the Office of the President.
The fellowship allowed everyone to share and give thanks to the Lord for the blessings. The Christmas party was prepared with cooperation from every one, with the special support of the University President Dr. Robles and his wife Angel Robles.
By Sharlene G. Gotico
Photo taken on August 26, 2021 at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University (NIU). The different centers at NIU had an Open House and students/staff/alumni of NIU from Southeast Asia were invited to attend. The event was an opportunity to meet and interact with students/staff/alumni from South East Asian countries and to also promote the programs of the different centers.
Prof. Kay Arden Gallo, a faculty member of the Department of Languages, Mass Communication and Humanities, is presently in Illinois, USA to participate in the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program of Fulbright. As FLTA, Prof. Gallo will be teaching Filipino language courses at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, Illinois for Academic Year 2021-2022.
Prof Gallo poses with Victor E. Huskie, the official mascot of Northern Illinois University.
Sponsored by the US Department of State, the Fulbright FLTA Program is designed to develop American students’ knowledge of foreign cultures and languages. Also part of the program is for the FLTA to enroll in audit or credit courses that are relevant and beneficial to his/her home institution. As such, Prof. Gallo will also be taking courses in teaching methodologies and Asian-American studies while at NIU.
Prof. Gallo will return to CPU in 2022.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU RAFLU enjoyed fun and games during their Christmas Party at the Senior High School Library.
The Rank and File Labor Union (RAFLU) of CPU held its annual Christmas Party on Friday, December 13, 2019, at the Senior High School Library from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The program started with a devotional and singing of Christmas carols.
The RAFLU President, Ms. Amalia Campos, welcomed everyone. She expressed gratefulness for the members for their cooperation and thanked the University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles for his continued support to the staff and its organization.
Dr. Robles acknowledged the good performance of the staff, and their cooperation, wishing everyone good health and enjoyment with their families this Christmas. Furthermore, he also expressed thankfulness to God, for His kindness and the countless blessings the university has received this year.
Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, inspired the staff by assuring them of the continued support of the University administration. She announced the additional cash assistance for all CPU employees.
There were games with prizes. There were enough food and gifts packs were given to each RAFLU members before going home.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles during Opening Remarks.
Central Philippine University held a virtual college orientation from August 23-27, 2021.
The orientation kicked off with a worship service on August 23.
Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence Bogacia led the Opening Prayer followed by the Welcome Remarks by CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles.
“While the new normal has forced us to change the way we conduct our regular activities, we will not allow this pandemic to hinder us from making you feel most welcome at Central Philippine University,” said Dr. Robles.
The Invitation to worship was led by Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Esther Rose Romarate followed by the Reading of the Scriptures by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio
In his message, University Church Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian talked about the life of Joseph.
Office of Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on gave a talk on the university’s history, vision and mission statements, and core values.
He reminded the students that just like Joseph they should not be weakened by miserable circumstances but instead resolve to embrace excellence in character and faith.
“These adverse circumstances must be made as an excuse for mediocrity and indolence. But must encourage us to give our best in everything that we do,” Rev. Sian said.
Office of Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on gave a talk on CPU’s
History, Vision and Mission statements, and core values. Prof. Prof Crista Sianson Huyong, Director of the Cultural Affairs Office helped the new students in learning the alma mater song, “Central my Central”
In the afternoon, students were given a step-by-step guide in using Canvas, CPU’s learning management system. Netiquette and proper online class behavior were also discussed. Students were given an opportunity for a Q&A with Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Rio, School of Graduate Studies Dean and Canvas Team Chairperson Dr. Rowena Libo-on, College of Computer Studies Dean and Canvas Team Committee Member Prof. Christina Quijano, University Registrar Ms. Charissa June Ocampo, Henry Luce III Library Director Prof. Ma. Cynthia Pelena, Institutional Repository Librarian In-Charge Prof. Allana Delgado and Archives Librarian Vince Ervin Palcullo in addressing their concerns about Canvas as well as Library and University services.
On August 24, students were introduced to student services and activities available online. Guidelines for scholarships and International students were thoroughly discussed.
University Physician Dr. Ma. Carmen Salcedo gave a talk about the basic concepts of vaccine and vaccination, the need for vaccination.
There was also an open forum with Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Esther Rose Romarate, Student Development and Programs Director Dr. Margen Java, and Guidance Student Services Director Dr. Racquel Polec-eo.
In the afternoon, the Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence Bogacia addressed concerns about tuition and other school fees.
On August 27, the Central Echo and the CPU Republic will present their publications and programs.
Later in the afternoon, colleges will be conducting their respective orientations.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Opening of lights 2019 fireworks display.
The CPU Alumni Association closed the Festival of Lights and Music nightly events with a Cultural night and a Closing celebration on Friday, December 19, 2019 at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park.
The show featured excerpts from Saludo, a concert that was spearheaded by the CPU Dance Company last December 10. The CPU EXCEL Chorale and University Day Literary Musical Contest winners also performed in the said event.
Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on, Office of Communications Director and CPUAAI Corporate Secretary also shared the Hopevale story in celebration of the 76th anniversary of the martyrdom of the American missionaries. He also gave trivia about the Alumni Promenade Concert Park which used to be the burnt-down Rose Memorial Hall. The building was named after Rev. Dr. Francis Howard Rose whose house was built in the area where APCP stands today. Rose served as the Acting President of the then Central Philippine College from 1938 to 1941 and was one of the 11 American missionaries who were executed on December 20, 1943.
CPUAAI Officers, Board of Trustees and staff during the FOL Committees fellowship lunch.
Outgoing CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani Jalbuena thanked everyone who made the two-week event successful. “We are grateful to the Cultural Affairs Office, the CPUAAI, the Alumni Affairs Office and the different departments and colleges who took part in the 2019 Festival of Lights and Music at Central.” He also said that their special participation made the event more meaningful.
Present during the event were CPU officials, CPUAAI officers and the FOL 2019 Committees who gathered for a fellowship lunch during the afternoon.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Selected CPUJHS completers singing their moving-up song.
419 Junior High School completers who commemorated their virtual Moving-Up Ceremony on August 25, 2021.
The invocation was led by Asst. Prof. Lloyd Basco, JHS Asst. Principal.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles, Board of Trustees Chairman Atty. Von Lovel Bedona, and CPU Basic Education Consultant, and Board of Trustees Member Dr. Carmen Santos gave the words of welcome.
Dr. Teodoro Robles said even if there was a shift in online learning the core of teaching in CPU still focuses on Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL).
He also reminded the students as well as the faculty and staff to live out the values of honesty, integrity, humility, and loyalty.
Rev. Dr. Susan Abbott was the guest speaker for the JHS Virtual Moving Up Ceremony.
“Whatever your choice in life, we are confident that the university has done its share in making you tough strong, and competent to face another milestone that you will rightfully pursue”, said Atty. Bedona.
Dr. Santos reminded the completers to remember the motto of Ulysses in Odyssey, “To strive, to seek, and not to yield.”
Mark Jason Oscares (Ranked No. 2 with High Honors, Special Science Class) and Julianne Heart Dalumpines( Ranked No. 2 with High Honors, Regular Class) delivered the Welcome Address.
An ordained minister and educator Rev. Dr. Susan Tantioco Abbott (HS ‘71, BS Chem Eng ‘76) was the moving-up ceremony speaker.
In her speech, she shared about her life as a working student. At the time, she was studying Chemical Engineering and dreamed of working for NASA. However, she was called by the Lord to be a missionary.
She emphasized that no matter your background or circumstances, you can still be the best version of yourselves.
“You need to keep persevering, keep improving, keep leveling up. If you fail do not take too long on the ground. Get up fast, prepare to fail, avoid or prevent it from happening. Make sure you learn something from your failures if they are inevitable. There are no mistakes in life, there are only lessons learned,” she said.
University Church Associate Pastor for Outreach Rev. Roger Quimpo led the prayer of dedication to the graduates.
Renelyn Faith Gabucay (Ranked No. 1 with High Honors, Special Science Class) and Jairrah Silenee T. Chan (Ranked No. 1 with High Honors, Regular Class) gave the response in behalf of the completers.
Selected JHS completers sang their moving-up song “This is not Goodbye”.
In her message, JHS principal, Prof. Janet Jalbuena said she wants the students to remember that they have the potential to be all they want to be.
“Each of you has grown in a way that you should be so proud that you are now ready for the transition to a new exciting journey in your lives.”
CPUAAI President Atty. Joshua Alim inducted the completers in the Alumni Association.
University Church Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian led the Closing Prayer.