CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Fireworks display during the 2019 Opening of Lights. photo by Joshua Enriquez

The most awaited event at Central Philippine University every year is the Festival of Lights and Music at Central. This year’s theme is “Jesus Christ: the Living Light of Life.” The switching-on ceremony started at 6:00 PM on Friday, December 6 at the CPU Grandstand.  The CPU Symphonic Band, under the baton of Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista, played Christmas songs as throngs of people gathered at the big field. The invocation was led by University Church Senior Pastor, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian. CPU Cultural Affairs Director, Ms. Crista S. Huyong, led the singing of the Philippine National anthem.

Volunteer students formed a star on the ground with lighted cellphones beaming to the sky; gold edges brilliantly lighted because of the yellow film which the students assigned to the edges used on their cellphones (thanks to the drones deployed by the Office of Communications, the CPUR, and Panay News).

CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena welcomed the guests and everyone who helped realize the annual event. He emphasized that the light at Central symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Living Light of Life. Jalbuena acknowledged the CPU Republic for the big help in organizing the annual event.

The students formed a human Central Light. photo by Joshua James Enriquez

In his message, University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles reminded everyone that only Jesus Christ is the living light of life. “He must be the center of our celebration,” Dr. Robles emphasized. He also acknowledged the guests and thanked them for their presence. CPU Board of Trustees Chairman Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona also acknowledged the presence of the City Mayor and his group. He congratulated Engr. Jalbuena and cited him as “very instrumental to the success of the Festival of Lights and Music at Central.”

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas admired Central Philippine University in his message, “I am proud of CPU and its Lights. It is the brightest in Iloilo that every Ilonggo looks forward to every year”, he said. Lone District of Iloilo City Congresswoman Julienne “Jamjam” L. Baronda and Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ms. Ann P. Divinagracia likewise paid tributes to the Festival of Lights and Music at Central. Baronda recalled that she always watched the switch-on in CPU in her teenage years.

The Christmas lights were switched-on by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas; Lone District of Iloilo City, Congresswoman Julienne “Jamjam” L. Baronda; Iloilo City Tourism Officer Ms. Junel Ann P. Divinagracia; University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; and CPU Alumni Association President and Overall Festival of Lights (FOL) and Music @ Central Overall Chairman  Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena; Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona’ CPUAAI President-elect (AY 2020-2021) Atty. Joshua C. Alim; 2019 Alumni Homecoming Queen Ms. Gigi T. Supeña; 2019 Alumni Homecoming King Mr. Kim M. Laraza; and CPUR President Engr. Riego Ferrer L. Garcia. Each one was assigned to a switch that would switch-on the Christmas lights.

The big field and the CPU campus were full of people as the fireworks display went off with the switching-on of lights. The Philippine National Police estimated the crowd to be between 20,000 to 25,000. The Christmas Lights will be on until January 6, 2020, according to Engr. Jalbuena.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

RAFLU officers during their Induction.

CPU staff employees led by Victoria “Ma’am Vicky” Bellosillo, CPU Rank and File Labor Union President, have been distributing food packs and food assistance starting on August 16, 2021 for those who are in quarantine facilities.

“This is a time to support not only our members but every CPU employee who is currently affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially for those who are undergoing tests, and who are currently being isolated from their work, and their family. We are all together in this struggle. We always want to make sure that the help and support for the affected employees are sustained.” Bellosillo said.

She thanked everyone for their generous responses and support. “Food packs and food assistance are being distributed to their fellow employees,” she said. On the other hand, RAFLU members are displaying camaraderie and unity by using their cell phones for a text brigade. “We have positive responses, not only in sending the packs, but also in bringing it themselves personally.” Bellosillo added.

RAFLU President Victoria Belosillo is the Secretary of the Agriculture Department of Central Philippine University.

“These will be ongoing since we are in an uncertain time with this pandemic. Other organizations and individuals have committed to support the assistance drive,” she added.

Bellosillo opened up that programs and projects for the RAFLU-FFW will be pursued. She promised that her plans will be realized with some assistance from the administration and other benefactors. One of her pending projects is a communal garden near the Junior High School. “The lot, she said will be utilized for the benefit of employees. Vegetables and other crops can be planted and shared to them.”

Another project is a proposed monthly “Rice Raffle”. “Sacks of rice may be raffled off to the employees.” She also promised to continue the Christmas Grocery bags that every staff receives every month of December, plus other benefits for the employees.

Bellosillo is Secretary of the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences of Central Philippine University.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU Alumni Association President Isagani J. Jalbuena invited the public and provided an update of the event in an interview on CPU TV’s Looking Forward on Friday, November 29, 2019 with regards to the Festival of Lights and Music 2019.

Jalbuena enumerated the innovations for this year’s Festival of Lights and Music at Central 2019. “One of the big additions is a Christmas Village on a vacant lot between Franklin and Roblee Halls. This is in cooperation with CPUR and the CPU Packaging Engineering,” he said.

Another addition is a giant Christmas tree installed at the Centralian Walkway along Anahaw Road; trees will be adorned with white Christmas lights that look like snowflakes. The materials used in constructing the Christmas Tree are recyclable by-products of other waste materials. The once dark parts of the campus are also lighted at this time”, Jalbuena added. He also mentioned about fireworks display which he said is better, considering that firecrackers are totally banned from CPU.

In previous years, The Festival of Lights and Music at Central held its opening program and switching on ceremony at the Centennial Walkway. This year, the opening program and switching on ceremony are held at the Grandstand. CPU Symphonic Band will play during the nightly music and entertainment shows at the Big Field, Centennial Walkway and the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park (APCP).

Public Officials and VIP’s, members of the Board of Trustees and the Alumni board; University administrators and guests will proceed to the Educational Media Center for the Alumni Fellowship Dinner. The induction of CPUAAI Officers (AY 2020 & 2021) and Board of Trustees (AY 2020-2022) will be held during the dinner.

Jalbuena also assured the public of the security and order under the control of Security Officer, Jonathan Tumalay. “ A yearly challenge is that every year should be a different concept and has to be interested”.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Security guards with the vitamins they received from CPUAAI.

The CPU Alumni Association (CPUAAI) has distributed Vitamin C+ Zinc capsules to CPU personnel and security guards last August 16, 2021. The contribution will help the university employees in boosting their immune health especially in this time of the pandemic.

Mrs. Tina Poblacion Hortelano, CPUAAI Liaison Officer, facilitated the procurement and distribution of vitamins to the personnel. She said “Aside from food and other assistance, vitamins are the best protection against certain diseases brought about by COVID-19.”

By Rusieljs Lunasco

Central Philippine University ranked 8^th in the list of Top Performing Schools in the November 2019 Nursing Licensure Examination. The results were officially released on Thursday, December 5, fourteen (14) working days after the last day of examinations.

Other schools from Visayas that made it to the list are Velez College (Cebu City) and Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation (Tacloban City).

by Edwin C. Laru-an

Nellmer L. Capre is from Calinog, Iloilo.

Name: Nellmer L. Capre
Nickname: Banoy
Height: 5′ 7”
Grade/year: First year College
Team: CPU Men’s Football
Playing Position: Midfield
Coach: Bob Rommel Javellana
Hometown: Calinog, Iloilo

Achievements:
Champion U-week 2018
Silver Regional SCUAA 2019
Champion U-week 2019
Silver Regional SVUA 2020
Congressional meet 2013 to 2017
Best midfielder YBFC invitational tournament U-18 2017

Hobbies: Playing Football/Ml
Favorite Player: Toni Kroos
Most Memorable Game: 2018 Ati-atihan Futsal Cup Championship

Principle in Life: Let go of worry, fear, and anxiety.

What can you say as a player of CPU Golden Lions:
As a player of Golden Lions, I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to be a student-athlete at this University and to improve my skills.

Why did you choose CPU:
I chose CPU because it was a good option for me. I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve, and I have seen my future career through this school.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Pastor Joshua shared his music in the November 13 episode of Jamming at Central.

Pastor Joshua Zonita, a faculty member of Central Philippine University College of Theology is also a prolific a writer and musician.

With a passion to seek the truth and enable a youth ministry program in the campus, Zonita integrates his music and writing talents in his strategies. “It helps that there is a campus ministry that will focus on student behaviors, trends and values formation”, he said.  Zonita was guest in Looking Forward, a CPU TV public affairs program on Thursday, November 28, 2019.

Topics were discussed including how the term “millennial” is associated with materialism. “The youth’s understanding of the term as a generation made them susceptible to the influence of vices, and has been used to promote business and instigate commercialism,” Zonita explained.

In a discussion about campus ministry, Pastor Zonita shared his views on how to understand the youth of today. In particular he said, “Until you listen and you are willing to understand what it means to be human in their era, it will be difficult to make them express their problems; to encourage them to rethink.”

“As a pastor, I start my ministry in the classroom. I use it as a formal platform in order to influence or encourage them to understand. It helps and develops the students emotionally and spiritually. Music as an art influences them to be more creative and dynamic, while we teach them to understand the Bible, pray and communicate love.” Zonita integrates music as a holistic approach in transformation such as enjoining the students to fellowship; encouraging the students to share their problems.

“With regards to technology and its influence to students, I encourage them not to be dictated by any particular technology or gadget.” This and many other concerns on the youth and students in the campus is the reason why Pastor Zonita endeavors to help, through a youth ministry program in the University. Plans to engage the project with the CPUR has already been initiated.

As a writer, Pastor Zonita has already published some books with a new one to be released soon.

By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

From left: Jenny Claire Magno, Ezralene Gadian Ibañez, Maylen Eduria, Lloyd Andre Villaoscarez Rocero.

Among those who were heavily affected by the impact of the pandemic and the shift to distance learning are students who are part of the Work-Study Service Program. Despite the unfavorable circumstances brought about by COVID-19, our work students continue to persevere in finishing their studies.

Three clerical student assistants and one library student assistant share their experiences on how they are coping with online classes.

What keeps you busy aside from online classes?

Lloyd Andre Villaoscarez Recto, BSed-3 (Clerical Student Assistant): I’m perfectly fine. Aside from taking online classes, I spend time in doing portraits and accepting commissions in order for me to have extra income. Through this, I can enhance my skills in drawing and discover things beyond the borders of art.

Jenny Claire Magno, BSBA major in Financial Management -4 (Clerical Student Assistant):
I am very thankful that I am able to focus on my studies during this pandemic but when I go home on weekends, I help my mother with our small business.

Maylen Suganob Eduria, BS Civil Engineering-2 (Clerical Student Assistant):
I’m doing well. Aside from online classes, the things that keep me busy are planting vegetables and flowers, exercising to maintain good health, and also doing household chores.

Ezralene Gadian Ibañez- BS Psych 2 (Library Student Assistant):
As an extrovert, the pandemic has drastically affected my mental, physical and social well-being. It had also instigated hardships in my academics. Fortunately, I was able to keep myself sane and active with the presence and support of the people who are close to me. Aside from my online classes, joining in mental health-related webinars and public speaking competitions keep me busy. Additionally, I applied as a customer service representative in a BPO company to earn additional income. I am studying during the day and I am working at night. It is quite exhausting and tiresome but the pandemic left me with no choice. Despite difficulties, I manage to work well on these activities.

As a work student, how were you affected by the pandemic?

Lloyd: To me, honestly, as a work student, it is not an easy opportunity to work at the same time to study. In a clearer and brighter side, the pandemic helped me to rest and gave me some time for myself and helped me cleanse all the worries and problems.

Jenny: As a working student, the pandemic makes me worried about my health and safety. I was anxious as well since we were not financially ready for distance learning.

Maylen: As a working student I was truly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because I lost my job which covered my tuition fee. I had to stop schooling for a year. I felt sad since I do not have a part-time job and not being able to go visit my cousins and other family members took a toll on me as well.

Ezralene: As a working student, the pandemic had a positive and a negative effect on me. During the face to face classes, I was able to work as a library student assistant and study at the same time. I was also able to make use of my free time to work overtime in the library which was a big help to compensate for my tuition fees and other expenditures. I can somehow say that before the pandemic, my life as a working student is much better than the present. The pandemic affecting our finances. My parents need to work harder so I can pay my tuition on time and so they can procure school supplies particularly printing materials (i.e., bond papers and ink) to print my books since we do not have sufficient money to buy them. On the other hand, it also has a positive side as I was able to focus on my studies without worrying about my duties.

How did you and your family cope during the pandemic?

Lloyd: My father’s fish business still continued despite pandemic. By the grace of God, he still provides for our needs and wants inside the house. Even though it’s hard and limited to sell fish we are still surviving.

Jenny: Our family business is near a school in our province, so our customers were mostly students. When the pandemic hit, and the schools were forced to close, we were also affected. With God’s provision, we were able to find a source of income.

Maylen: During the pandemic, my family and I did a lot of things to earn money by selling vegetable crops and flowers. Planting vegetables and flowers is our way of earning money to buy food and everyday needs. Since we cannot go to the market to sell our crops, we sell it to our friends, old customers, and to our neighbors. We also make and sell washable masks.

Ezralene: Despite the trials that the pandemic brought us, my family and I found ways to somehow survive. My father as a tricycle driver worked persistently so that he can provide for our needs. I may not be able to tell this to him personally, but I am very thankful to have him as my father because even though it is hard to earn money during these trying times, I can see that he is trying his best for us not to worry and for me to continue my studies.

What were the difficulties you experienced and how were you able to conquer them?

Lloyd: When the pandemic happened, I chose to stop studying for a while because I didn’t have enough equipment for online classes.

Jenny: When there was a shift to online classes I was really worried that I will not be able to continue my studies. I don’t have a suitable gadget, we have poor internet connection in our area, plus I cannot pay for my tuition fee due to the pandemic, I cannot render service to my assigned office so I thought that I could not receive any discounts to my tuition. I did not want to stop my education. Knowing that with God nothing is impossible, I still enrolled and did my best in my studies. Blessings came in unexpected ways, relatives and kind-hearted persons let me stay in their house, so I could have a suitable internet connection for my online class. The working student committee and CPU administration extended different help to us especially to those in need. I am also a beneficiary of CHED-TES and God’s Grace. Before the pandemic, I was able to apply to different grant-aids that the school private sponsors offer and I was blessed that I was qualified in the said programs. Now that I am really doing my best when it comes to my studies. I feel blessed to be a consistent Dean’s lister since my first year.

Maylen: There are a lot of difficulties that I encounter in this pandemic. Firstly, I wasn’t able to continue my studies in 2020 because my parents do not have jobs to sustain my school fees. Second, we do not have enough money to buy food because sometimes we just borrowing rice from our neighbor. Third, I am not able to find a part-time job because some of the department stores and other businesses do not hire new applicants. Because of this situation, I decided to work and stay for a pastor’s family in order to sustain the needs of my family and also to continue my studies while working.

Ezralene: To assist in my studies and to help my family, I worked as a CSR. I struggled every day keeping myself awake during my classes and working on my assignments since I have a duty from 9PM to 7AM. I remember a time where I cried in front of my mother telling her how restless I am, and she comforted me with her words. Also, I was bombarded with school activities which made me more exhausted mentally and physically. It is draining to study at home unlike during the face-to-face classes that I was able to share my feelings (e.g., frustrations, anxieties) with my classmates. Fortunately, I was able to cope with the academic stress amid the pandemic through the presence and help of my best friends. Being with them once in a while gives me rest and reminds me to take a breather. They serve as my outlet because I can freely share my struggles if I need to. Thanks to them for keeping me sane.

“What is your message to fellow work students?”

Lloyd: In this pandemic, most of us chose to stop studying first, but we still hope for brighter days to come. We are comforted with the hope that we may still continue pursuing our degrees despite our present circumstances. We must not give up, and encourage ourselves to think positive thoughts and pray always for He will still provide the things that we need.

Jenny: To my fellow working students, I know that we have different battles in life but we must always have faith that God will always provide. Let us be resourceful and “magtutum kag magtuon sang maayo”.

Maylen: To my fellow work students I just want to say that no matter how hard our work and responsibilities in life are, we should not give up. God is always there to help, guide, and provide all our needs. He will protect us from people who will put us down. We just need to surrender ourselves to God so that no matter how big or small problems we encounter in life we can handle them without fear and we will succeed. Trust yourselves and do not rely on other people because sometimes the people who are close to us are the ones who put us down.

Ezralene: To my fellow work students, isang mahigpit na yakap sa inyo! The pandemic continuous to severely affect us all. In spite of this, we also continue to survive and thrive. I salute all of you for trying your best to cope with the challenges that you are all facing. Also, I just want to remind you to take a breather from time to time. This pandemic is not easy to deal with, but I hope you will all continue to find your purpose and reach your dreams. Padayon—they say. May you all remember that in the midst of all the “padayons”, if you feel tired, do not also forget to have your “pahuway”.

Also on behalf of the CPU working students, I also want to take this opportunity to thank Ma’am Anne Gilongos for doing her very best to help up us to remain in the program and for making ways to help us who are struggling financially. We genuinely appreciate your efforts, Ma’am and we are always grateful!

By El John Flor G. Mejia

“CLAY GO” signage.

With the help of some concerned students who voiced out the littering issue on In the Dumps, Facebook Page, the CPUR passed Parliament Act No. 2019-006 or the “CPU Republic Anti Littering and Vandalism Act of 2019.” This act was authored by President Riego Ferrer L. Garcia sponsored by Prime Minister Richard Manolo and Rep. Jirah Mae Cataluna.

They also established a Committee on Anti-Littering and CPUR Patrol, the helping arm of the committee that would help them implement the said act. The CPUR Patrol started reinforcing the law last Monday, December 2. The members of this “helping arm” are composed of accredited fraternities in the university. They also invited other accredited organizations to be part of the implementation.

Here are the list of offenses and their penalties:

This law also promotes “CLAY GO” or CLean As You Go policy which will be implemented through out the different canteens controlled by the university including concessionaries located at Uy Building and other university premises.

Other programs:

• Establishment of newly designed trash bins
• The “PETMALU” Project (to lessen the use of PET bottles)
• Installation of free potable water machine and;
• Re-establishment of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)

It is always our responsibility to take good care of our environment and maintain the cleanliness of our surroundings because God entrusted His creation to us, for us.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU Bikers at the popular “New Zealand” in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

After trying relief exercises from some people with different perceptions, we can simply think that we need to exercise, no matter how. It helps to know that continued inactivity can give us stress. Tiredness can hinder us to perform physical work beyond the average that we are used to. Physical exercise can reverse it, by liberating a flow of neurochemicals that can help support the cerebral infrastructure. According to a professor and psychiatrist from Harvard, John Ratey, “The toxic levels of stress wear out the connections between billions of neurons, and contracts certain areas of the brain.”

Practical physical exercises are simple disciplines on conditioning any part, or the whole of our body by concentrating, bending, stretching; inhaling, and exhaling. Among the many advantages of practical, physical exercise are it helps prevent osteoporosis and retain greater quantities of calcium in the bones.

Exercise strengthens the heart. Lung capacity increases, helping us to efficiently accomplish common tasks. It also adds up to the capacity for learning. Running or walking, biking, swimming, and aerobic exercise fight stress and depression. Exercise helps reverse the situation on some diseases like high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes.

According to a study, practical physical exercise can help maintain one’s health when accompanied by natural food. Practical physical exercise causes a sense of well-being. Exercise helps one to control weight, and improve self-image.

Practical physical exercise has a long list of health benefits that “no medication can offer”. Continued physical inactivity has been proven to cause various diseases. God created everyone for an active life.

During this time of the pandemic, find a way to exercise in order to strengthen your immune system, and improve your outlook in life.

By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

CPU continues to produce Exemplary Centralian Teachers with 101 passers in the recently concluded LET.

101 graduates from Central Philippine University passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers given by the Board for Professional Teachers on September 29, 2019.

CPU attained an over-all passing percentage of 67. 50% for the Elementary Level with 27 out of 40 passers and 68.52% for the Secondary level with 74 out of 108 passers.

By Cyrus a. Natividad

Gabriel Ortigoza, CPU AACC President.

This week, the Centralian Link features CPU Alumni Association of Central California (CPUAACC), Chapter President Gabriel Ortigoza (BSN 1991).

During this time of the pandemic, a chapter president faces the challenges that come with being a leader. Strong as he is, Ortigoza leads a resilient organization with 25 members; about half of which belongs to the nursing profession. The organization is very cohesive and is linked up with other CPUAAI chapters worldwide.

Ortigoza traces back his strength in leadership to his senior years in college. He was a former senator of the CPU Republic. “As a student leader, I lead by example a leadership model with competence, empathy, accountability, and honesty”, he explained. “These have helped me in my career and leadership,” he said.

Asked how he meets the challenges as chapter president, Ortigoza said, “The challenge of being a CPUAAI Chapter President began as we organized a new chapter.”

“We decided to create a new chapter of in the valley: The Central Philippine University Alumni Association of Central California (CPUAACC).The reason why we created the CPUAACC is that the population of Central Philippine University alumni in California is getting bigger and senior active members of the alumni living in Central Valley can no longer afford to drive a long distance to attend CPU Alumni gatherings in the Bay Area. ”

“We were confronted at the start with challenges in creating a new constitution and by-laws, organizing and inviting other Centralian Alumni in the area to join our new chapter.” The major challenge however was the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Ortigoza. “We stopped converging and suspended our quarterly meetings, like any other organizations (thanks to the internet, we have free online communications through virtual media platforms),” he said. He believes that their linkages with other alumni chapters and organizations are added strengths to CPUAACC.

When asked about a possible project he can do in collaboration with CPUAAI and CPU, Ortigoza replied, “I would like to conduct webinars on the timely basics of Backyard Vegetable Farming, where we can grow and eat our own produce.”

While he is an Associate Professor with the CPU College of Nursing (via online platform), he said, “I can teach land preparation, seedling management with pre and post-harvest management.” He added, “There is happiness, fulfillment, and money in farming.”

Among some of the major accomplishments of CPUCCAA are being the first alumni chapter to donate P100,000 for the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory. It also hosted College of Nursing Dean Salex Alibogha, when he came to raise funds for the Virtual Laboratory project on March 24, 2019. CPUCCAA also donated a set of Prestan Manikins and a CPR kit machine to the Virtual Laboratory.

He conducted the CPUR Training using the donated manikins to all clinical instructors. CPUCCAA also distributed relief goods to earthquake victims of Mindanao on November 29, 2019. The CPU College of Nursing received eight (8) sets of blood pressure apparatus from CPUCCAA in December 2019 for the use of students for skills laboratory.

Ortigoza graduated his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Central Philippine University in March 1991. He is married to Gemma Tankiamco-Ortigoza, a registered nurse at the Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento, California. They are blessed with 2 sons: Gamiel, 18, a sophomore nursing student at San Diego State University, and Gamaliel, 17, freshman Aerospace Engineering at the University of California in Davis City, California.

Gabriel Ortigoza was born on September 15, 1970 in Baguio City to parents Marcelo Cruz Ortigoza and Daisy Celestial-Ortigoza.