By Cyrus A. Natividad
The 9th DA-CPU Organic Agrifair is all set to open on November 19 to 22, 2019, after the Steering Committee met at the Rex D. Drilon Conference Room on Tuesday, November 12. The committee agreed on the schedule of activities. The main venue of this year’s Agrifair will be at the CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. The registration will be at 8:00 A.M. with the opening program to start at 9 A.M. All seminars will be held at the Knowledge for Development Center at Henry Luce III Library.
Earlier at 7:00 in the morning, there will be a corporate cycling event to take place around Metro Iloilo – to be participated in by biking enthusiasts of Iloilo City.
Prof. Levi O. De los Santos, Co-Chair for the 9th DA-CPU Agrifair said in an interview on November 14 in Looking Forward (public affairs program of CPU TV) that “there are about 6-7 interesting lectures in – store for the agriculture enthusiasts and participants. The topics are to be shared by Resource Speakers from the agriculture industry, agribusiness, and the academe.”
One of the things De los Santos discussed was about this year’s Agrifair theme “Backyard Gardening for sustainable Food Production.” He cited the valuable outcomes that backyard gardening can bring; how the strategy can support the government’s thrust in sustainable food production.
There will be several exhibits of products from backyard gardening, healthy organic vegetables, and crops from municipalities and provinces of Western Visayas. The Department of Agriculture will give out complimentary seedlings during the Agrifair exhibits at the CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park (APCP). The compliments are on a first-come, first-served basis.
This year’s Agrifair is chaired by Mr. Joel Somosierra under the CPU Office of the President.
by Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Atty. Alibogha has been teaching in the College of Nursing for 29 years.
Atty. Salex E. Alibogha has been the Dean of the College of Nursing since 2018. He served as Associate Dean from 2016 to 2017 and has been a professor of the college since 1992.
A consistent honor student since grade school, he graduated Salutatorian and Valedictorian from Leganes Central School (1984) and Leganes National High School (1988), respectively. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Latin honors (magna cum laude) from Central Philippine University (CPU) in 1992. He received scholarships from CPU, the Iloilo Provincial Government, Commission on Higher Education, the family of Esther Villanueva Nolasco and the The CPU College of Nursing, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses’ Alumni Association (CCINAA) for his outstanding academic performance. He took the June 1992 Nursing Licensure Examination and placed 9th with an average of 88.6 percent.
Alibogha completed his Master of Arts in Nursing from CPU in 1996. Aside from being an educator, he is also a lawyer specializing in General, Family, and Civil Law. He pursued his Bachelor of Laws in the same university and graduated magna cum laude in 2001. He passed the Bar Exam the next year with a rating of 85.65 percent . A professor at the College of Law since 2002, he finished his Master of Laws from San Beda University in 2017.
He served as Bedside Clinical Instructor of the Iloilo Mission Hospital from 1992 to 1997. He was also the Program Coordinator of the Kabalaka Health Center HIV/ AIDS Program and Master of Arts in Nursing of the CPU Graduate Studies from 1996 to 1997 and from 2002 to 2005, respectively.
Alibogha is also an acclaimed researcher. His work particularly in the areas of Maternal and Child Nursing as well as HIV/AIDS studies has been recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
In his first two years as Dean, two phases of the virtual laboratory Phase 1- Apollo and Phase 2- Lucina, multimillion state of the art facilities were actualized through donations by the CCINAA. It was also through his initiative that funds were gathered for the realization of virtual classrooms for remote classes and remote virtual simulations of the students and faculty. During his incumbency, he was able to obtain multimillion research grants from DOH and research funds from Palm Concepcion Power Corporation and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for impact studies on health and environmental issues.
Presently, he is the President of the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing- Region VI (ADPCN) and a member of the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) for Nursing Education of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). He is also a fellow of Royal Institute of Nurses Singapore, Royal Institute of Lawyers Singapore, Royal Institute of Researchers Singapore, and the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia Leadership Institute (2021-2022).
According to Alibogha, among some of the adjustments the college had to cope with during the height of the pandemic were the Training and Retraining of Faculty on the new Learning Management System, Retrofitting of classrooms to include Phase 1 and Phase 2 Virtual classrooms as well as the Implementation of Flexible Clinical and Related Learning Experience (RLE) activities.
Even in these trying times, Alibogha envisions the College of Nursing to be a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education in the country and in the world. He also plans to enhance faculty competencies and qualifications through graduate education, research publication and scholarly works as well as establish a Center of Transcultural Studies for the Internationalization of Nursing Education. He also wants to maintain strong alumni ties worldwide as they are the strongest partner and supporter of the College in all its endeavours.
Alibogha hopes for the students of the College of Nursing to be resilient and adaptable. “We are entering the FIRe – Fourth Industrial Revolution and our present challenges are gateways to embrace technological advancement. Be positive, dedicated, diligent and maintain care and compassion amidst the pandemic. Always Rise and Shine amidst the COVID 19 Pandemic,” he said.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
29 graduates of the CPU BS Psychology program passed the Psychometrician Board Examination held last October 2019 in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lucena, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.
With an over-all passing percentage of 45.31%, 29 out of 64 takers from CPU passed the said examination given by the PRC Board of Psychology from October 27 to 28.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPUAAI President Atty. Joshua Alim.
People remember him in public service for his advocacy on the urban poor, human rights and anti- smoking in Iloilo City. Atty. Joshua C. Alim served 18 years as Iloilo City Councilor and authored more than a thousand helpful ordinances and resolutions. One of those resolutions declaring Central Philippine University as a Tourism Site was well approved.
Atty. Alim is currently President of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. which has its office inside the CPU compound; favourable to him not only in viewing the attractive 24-hectare campus anytime, but also in seeing what else the CPUAAI can add on to its beautification program during his watch.
One of the strategies that made Atty. Joshua Alim an achiever, he said, was to “dream, strive and succeed”
The Centralian Link asked the CPUAAI President the following questions:
1. As Chapter President of your alumni association, can you share some developments or achievement of your group in relation to CPU, the community and CPUAAI as a whole?
“This pandemic brought us Members of the BOT closer thru technology. We did our virtual meetings online. We passed and approved Resolutions thru zoom meetings. At the height of the pandemic last year, we distributed Vitamin C to senior citizens of the surrounding Barangays of CPU. We donated 50 Thousand Pesos out of our Alumni fund to the City government. We allocated funds to our stranded students in Cebu and gave out relief (food packs) to the CPU security guards. “
2. What are the values that you have learned in CPU that you continue to impart?
“The values of sharing and faith that I learned from CPU made an impact on me in living outside of CPU”
3. What are the challenges in building a strong, cohesive and cooperative alumni association?
“The distance caused by this pandemic and the restrictions imposed by the government prevented us from doing what we normally do in the Alumni Association. So far, there is no problem with our members. We are strong. We are united for the CPUAAI and our Alma Mater.”
4. What is the impact of Covid 19 pandemic to your association? What strategies have you applied,or have used in coordinating with your group?
“Technology made our meetings possible and we coordinate thru virtual meetings.”
Atty. Joshua C. Alim was born on September 13, 1964 in Surallah, South Cotabato. His present address is Sambag, Jaro. He finished his Bachelor of Arts degree, Major in Political Science in 1985 and his Bachelor of Laws in 1990 (both from Central Philippine University). He passed the Bar Exam in 1990. He finished his Master in Business Administration in 2002 from the International Academy of Management and Economics (I/AME Makati). In 2017, He finished his Master of Laws from San Beda College.
He has been a Law Professor at Central Philippine University from 1992-2019. While studying law in CPU from 1989 -1991, he was a Bombo Radyo Iloilo News Reporter. He became a host of the CPU TV Channel talk show, “Central Point”
Alim was a Dangal ng Bayan Awardee, by the International Academy for Leadership and Management. He is a Realtor, Owner and President of Alim Realty and Development.
by Rusieljs Lunasco
With an over-all passing percentage of 80.00%, CPU placed 7th in the top-performing schools in the recently concluded November 2019 Civil Engineering Board Examination.
56 out 70 Centralians passed the said examination given by the Board of Civil Engineering in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga from November 9 to November 10.
The names of the new Centralian Licensed Civil Engineers will be released in the next week of the Weekly Centralian Link.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Rotarian Lydia Grio oversees a water sourcing project of RCJC in one of the public schools in Iloilo.
The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline (CPU RCJC) will hold its Club Induction and Turn-over on Friday, July 16, 2021 online via Zoom. This year’s Rotary theme is “Serve to Change Lives.”
The program will start at six in the evening with a Call to Order by RCJC President Rene G. Abordo. An invocation will be led by President-Elect Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado. Outgoing President Abordo will acknowledge and welcome guests and participants. Past Assistant Governor Evelyn Rose A. Catilo, Current Assistant Governor Zone 2, Miss Japhet Grace Moleta and District Governor Elect John Michael Ng will send greetings to the participants.
The Oath of Office will be led by District Governor Edwin G. To, RFMD (Life Changing Governor). To be inducted are RCJC Club and Rotaract Officers, and invited New Club Members. First Lady Herme A. Borlado will make a challenge, and President Jec Dan Borlado will deliver his Inaugural Address.
The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline is a Special CPUAAI Alumni Chapter, whose officers and members are mostly Centralians. Some are based or employed at Central Philippine University. RCJC is a benefactor for poor but deserving students of Central Philippine University. An annual RCJC scholarship certificate is given during the awarding ceremony to a selected student based on his/her scholastic achievement.
RCJC is actively involved in community service to barangays and communities in Iloilo; providing assistance and projects on basic needs particularly on water sourcing, basic education and medical missions. One of its productive outreach activities is Tree Planting. RCJC with the CPUAAI continues to support Central Philippine University towards development and progress.
ROTARY CLUB OF JARO CENTRALINE CLUB OFFICERS (RY-2021-2022)
Club President: Jec Dan Borlado
Club Treasurer: Rene Abordo
Club Secretary: Ruth Joy Quimba
Club Foundation Chair: Maria Teresa Balogo
Club Membership Chair: Evelyn Rose Catilo
Club Public Image Chair: Cyrus Natividad
Honorary Member: Lydia Grio
Members: Rey Balogo
Salvador Senorio
ROTARACT CLUB OF JARO CENTRALINE CLUB OFFICERS (RY-2021-2022)
President: Christian Linterna
Vice President: Maylen Eduria
Secretary: Jessa June Doronila
Treasurer: Tiffany Lamparero
PIO: Ma. Ara Shayne Velasco
Auditor: Ernabelle Babiera,
Sergeant at Arms: Raven Grio,
Director: Denver Cabig,
Adviser: Ruth Joy Quimba
New Member: Micah Danielle Villanueva
By Mr. Fluellen M. Ortigas
Mr. Fluellen M. Ortigas (AB Pol Sci ’68) delivers the Commencement Address.
(Delivered during the 92nd Graduation of the University Colleges, November 10, 2019, Rose Memorial Auditorium)
President Ted Robles, Members of the CPU Board, Officers and Members of the CPU Alumni Association, Honored Guests, My Treasured Friends, Graduating Class of 2019, Ladies and Gentlemen. 50 years ago, I left the hallowed halls of Central and went to Manila to face the challenge of the future as a 20-year-old fresh graduate armed with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Political Science and a Minor in Philosophy. It was both an adventure and a search for identity. How would I fare in an environment completely different from young student living in 426 A Lopez Jaena Street, in a home along the “Riles”, a home by the side of the road where the race of men went by. A homegrown product of CPU, from Nursery, Kindergarten, Elementary. I was enrolled in elementary when I was five and a half years old (5 1/20) and was considered too young for High School if I went straight from Grade 6. Grade 7 was not mandatory, so I was one of the pioneer students enrolled in Grade 7 under Mrs. Chan. I enjoyed my Kindergarten (under Rebecca de Leon and Mrs. George ) and Elementary School Years but was always a student with excess energy which was a problem with some of my teachers. It was Mrs. Chan who was able to channel this excess energy with challenging assignments and using my verbalizalizing motivations to do reports and active recitations. Gardening and shop made me discover my interest in planting vegetables, soil fertilization building wood projects.
I do not intend to bore you with my narrative of how I grew up. I intend to give you however, a picture of my boyhood and a brief background of how Central helped and develop me to be who I am. My upbringing and the values instilled, strongly internalized in me made me survive many of the challenges in life, ranging from torture to six months in solitary confinement, or taking the Kumpit from Bonggao in Tawi Tawi and landing in Sandakan, Sabah, East Malaysia, a foreign land not knowing anyone and asked for asylum in the hope that I would be allowed to find sanctuary in the United States. Another such challenge also involved opening business relations in a foreign and strange country known only to many as Vietnam, not being able to speak the language and not knowing anyone landing alone in the airport in Hanoi with no one meeting you and no transportation. Worse, Vietnam was still under an International embargo, since the United States could not stand losing the war. These are just some of the few challenges I faced in life, where my values as a Centralian helped me not only to survive but eventually succeed. Persistence and the will to succeed is the most important strength that CPU had taught me.
What are the values I have learned and experienced from CPU which I learned to internalize, which helped me greatly, to meet the challenges, difficulties and learned to overcome. Let me share them with you, among them:
- Strength in belief, know where you stand and regardless of the consequences that come believe that you will finally overcome.
Remember the legendary Davy Crockett, who died at Alamo, he was best remembered for his motto “be sure you’re always right, then go ahead”. But remember knowing that the cause you stand for is just.
- Belief in your fellow men, which includes your friends, relatives, and mentors knowing that they fully understand makes you feel you are not alone in your fight.
As the saying goes, “Hindi ka nagiisa.” Sometimes, you should be prepared to give up your life. In a life and death situation, your commitment to friends, relatives, and the community demands that you make the Ultimate Sacrifice. I have been through that test. I am proud to know and that I have worked closely with Centralians who understood the commitment to friends and the community, making the Ultimate Sacrifice, among them, Edward de la Fuente, John de la Fuente, Vic Beloria, my brother Virgil Ortigas, Alex Gonzales, Pablo Fernandez, and others. Centralians who took up the cudgels of defending Freedom and Democracy during the dark days of Martial Law, it is also worth mentioning those who survived, although some are already gone but many are still alive. Let me mention them, Josil Jaen, former CPUR President Alan Zamora, Alex Castigador, Romulo, Legarde, David Diel, Boy Pestano and others who went to the frontlines and gave up everything to become one with the people in the struggle for Freedom and Democracy. Most of the names I have mentioned have been officially recognized as Heroes by the Bantayog ng mga Bayani and the Memorial Commission. I am proud to have known and worked with these Centralians who have held high the principles of CPU which was not only the love of God but also our Fellowmen as shown in Matthew 25: 35,36,37,38, 40 “If you fed the hungry, clothe the naked, …” After the First Quarter Storm, mass action Ilonggo veterans who were studying in Manila decided to organize in Iloilo to replicate the struggle in Manila. These core group of students organized what would later be known as the Federation of Ilonggo Students (FIST). This would be the forerunner of other mass organizations, KM, SDK, Masang Prop, Christians for National Liberation. Among the pioneering students and original founders were Antonio Tagamolila ( UP who died in Aklan), Jacinto Pena (UP died in Isabela), Rolando Llorca (Lyceum of the Philippines died in Aklan), Alberto Espinas (Lyceum of the Philippines who died in Antique) Pablito Araneta (UP), Concha Araneta (UP), Bebop Belicena (UP), Chippie Orendain (UE), myself (CPU UP) and local students which included Vicente Jalandoni (CPU), Francis Montfort (Univ. of San Agustin), Van Corteza (UP Iloilo), Ed Legislador (UP Iloilo died in Antique), Vic Beloria ( CPU died in San Joaquin), Josil Jaen (CPU), Boy Zamora (UP Iloilo) Quirico “Kiks” Villareal. Personally, believing in nationalist principles, which became the guideposts to pursue a clear vision and a mindset that all things are possible if there is a commitment to sacrifice. They believed it could bring a convergence of factors that could happen if the committed individual could consciously influence to make meaningful changes happen. One should be a catalyzer to make things happen and it should happen because there are those who not only believe in you as capable in making changes to our society, but also rely on you, as the committed person, for their safety, well-being and the uplift of the communities they live in.
As I look at you, graduates of class 2019, I can sense the excitement of having finally reach a major milestone in your life and the climax of your graduation. Tomorrow you will embark on your second milestone which is pursuing your potential career based on the academic discipline you chose. The success of your career building pursuit should now be fortified by the fundamental value of Belief in self coupled with a vision of service to the community so that individual success will always be measured by the positive impact in terms of its contribution to the people. As I ended my speech in 1968 when I accepted the Most Outstanding Student of the Philippines Award, I said: “Ideals are like stars, reaching for them but never touching them, but like a beacon guides a mariner to his destiny.” Vision becomes the foremost guarantee of your success because they become your guide and benchmarks for the measure of your success in how close it is bringing you to your goals in life.
The anxiety of looking at your future, as a fresh graduate, could create some degree of insecurity as you determine what lies ahead of you. This is expected. But remember the future is what you make of yourself. You are the mariner guiding yourself to your destiny. CPU provides you with a vast array of activities that complement your academic development in preparing you to have a variety of skills in surviving when you get liberated from academic life. The skills you have been offered vary according to the interests you pursue and you could choose drama, the Christian Youth Fellowship, sing in the choir, athletics, dance, be a part of Student Government, Math and Chemistry organizations, Men’s Glee Club and a host of extracurricular activities, with facilities which include a fully stocked library and a full service Radio TV Broadcasting facility supported by the University which is World Class and a pride for any academic institution.
It is with pride that I say that I am a product and an example of how effective the institutions of leadership and training by CPU helped me to navigate, survive and make good in a very complex world I had lived in and overcame the challenges faced.
Starting from Nursery to Kindergarten, Elementary (including Grade 7), High School and College all the classes and extracurricular activities I was exposed to were geared to produce the ideal CPU Student, be they songs or learning how to speak English with the right enunciation. The other factor worth mentioning was we also grew up with the sons of missionaries and this was good exposure to another culture and lifestyle which would later prove valuable to students who would be going to America. Whether it was going to Camp Higher Ground every summer or learning to read notes in the choir to eventually becoming a member of the Debating Team Coached by a Pastor (Luel Bacerra) or learning how to orate (coached by Ralph Dumaran). It made me realize and appreciate that I was learning skills that were not imposed but slowly absorbed as I advanced with age made tremendous strides and achievement. From a happy go lucky guy who never cared for anything except fun with friends both from the “riles” and in school I realized I could articulate very well in the English language and could communicate effectively. It was in my third year that I represented High School and won a gold medal in the University Day Extemporaneous Speaking Contest that I realized I had the talent for speech. I always thought of myself of being just a talkative student who always got into trouble with my teachers for disrupting classes. I never realized the evolutionary process of training in school, the interaction with my classmates and teachers helped me develop my gift of speech. The winning in the extemporaneous speech event propelled me into other things, foremost Campus Politics. Narciso Maravilla outgoing Governor of the High School Province asked me to be a Candidate for the Governorship of the Province. The rest was history, I won by a landslide and that started my career in Campus Politics, running for Senator of the Student Republic when I was only in my Second Year in College, then ran again for Senator in my third year and garnered the highest number of votes among winning candidates so became Senate President of the Student Republic, in 1969 I won a hotly campaigned election and became the President of CPUR. Even before I became CPUR President I had attended already various National Student Conferences, the participation which made me realize the CPU had really developed my leadership qualities as I confidently interfaced with students from UP, Ateneo, La Salle and other well-known Universities. I realized that CPU trained me well because I had stood and made outstanding contributions in these conferences. I was recognized and realized other student leaders sincerely believed and trusted me, which became the basis of closely working together and eventually becoming part of a network that would spearhead the struggle for democracy. The well-known organizations were the College Editors Guild, the National Union of Students and the National Student’s League.
The CPU experience brought two very important milestones in my life. They happened in 1968 and 1969. The first Milestone happened in May 1968 while I was attending the 7th Rizal Youth Leadership Training Institute held in Cebu City. I was informed by wire that I was to go to Manila to be interviewed by the Search Committee of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. The Interview was Chaired by the Secretary of Education, Onofre Corpus, Jose Concepcion the Chairman of the Ten Outstanding Students, the Head of the Catholic Educators of the Philippines, to mention a few of the Search Committee members. There were 100 finalists from over 3,000 nominees from the different colleges and universities in the Philippines. Ten were to be selected to be the Ten Outstanding Students for 1968. The Search Committee selected me The Most Outstanding Student of the Philippines for 1968. At my acceptance speech in the Philamlife in Auditorium on June 19, 1968, I had the chance to meet Pres. Ferdinand Marcos who would eventually become my nemesis and had me imprisoned for four and a half years. The second Milestone was in 1969 when as Student Republic President I invited a Young and Dynamic Senator, Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. to be the Guest Speaker for University Day. That occasion to meet and be with him on stage started a committed friendship which ended only he was assassinated in August 1983. I still am with him in spirit as I Memorialize his Martyrdom by attending every August 21 event at the Manila Memorial Park.
There would be other Milestones in my Life, my imprisonment at Fort Bonifacio where we dug a tunnel to escape to freedom but was discovered so I spent six months in Solitary Confinement. My escape from the Philippines through Sabah, East Malaysia and eventual relocation in the United States as a Refugee. I became part of the Movement for a Free Philippines with Raul Manglapus, Eugenio Lopez Jr., Steve Psinakis, Serge Osmena, Lorenzo “Tits” Tanada Jr., Jake Lopez and many other Filipino Americans. From there we continued the struggle until the overthrow of Marcos. On February 23, 1986, together with Jerrold Garcia (CPU Alumnus) and 22 others, we filed the first Human Rights case against Marcos led by the famous Tort Lawyer, Melvin Belli Jr., in the Sala of Judge Real in Hawaii. The rest was history, an international hold order was imposed freezing all known Marcos assets around the world.
In closing, let me again congratulate the Graduating Class of 2019 and my appreciation to Dr. Robles for giving me the chance to go back to my roots again, my Beloved CPU and share my narrative which I hope can inspire and guide as you make your own individual struggles. To all my friends thank you for coming and remembering together with me the good times that we shared in CPU and Iloilo. Our generation’s time is coming to a close and it is our duty to share our experiences and lessons learned in the hope that it can help the younger generation succeed in life. Thank you and all the best.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
Major General Samuel G. Gotico, PAF.
Major General Samuel Gaitano Gotico of the Philippine Air Force is known as a bemedalled Centralian whose outstanding leadership in the Armed Forces of the Philippines Tactical Operation made him a multi-awarded and decorated officer with over one hundred medals, awards and commendations.
The accolades include three Distinguished Service Star Medals, 3 Distinguished Service Star Medals for Outstanding Military Service and Three Aviation Cross Medals for Outstanding Airmanship, among others. This resulted to his assignment as the 50th Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, J5 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (effective March 24, 2020); responsible in the formulation, evaluation, analysis, review and preparation of force restructuring, military strategy, plans, programs and policies and management of the international affairs of the AFP, as approved by the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Another notable assignment of Gotico was being the Squadron Commander of the 16th and 17th Attack Squadron.
Gotico was a Combat Ready Pilot, an Element Leader of the AT-28D “Tora-tora” aircraft and Instructor Pilot as well. He was designated as Wing Inspector General, Inspector for Operations of the 15th Strike Wing, and many other calls of duty which Gotico responded with high esteem.
He was Chief of the Air Force Modernization Projects Management Office in 2011 and the Assistant Chief of Division Staff for Operations, 3rd Air Division, Zamboanga City in 2012-2014 and furthermore with what seems to be a long list of laudable military and civilian service; how his fellow soldiers regarded him as “an officer and a gentleman.”
His excellent service and dedication to his call of duty came a long way from his time in College at Central Philippine University where he was the Corp Commander of CPU Army CMT Unit at which time he also finished his Advanced Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). “CPU graduates are trained to be excellent”, or so it seemed to be with Centralian Major General Gotico. His dedication at work is also attributed to his faith and trust in God. “Whatever God has given me, I must commit and work hard for it,” he said.
After finishing his Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting from Central Philippine University in 1985, Gotico joined the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Aviation Cadet Program in 1986 at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City and ranked 4th in his graduating class in 1988.
Major General Gotico was born on August 3, 1965 in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, but grew up in Guimaras. He is happily married to Gina Merto Tibayan, a registered nurse and Assistant Director of Nursing of Excell Health Care Center in the United States of America. They are blessed with a son, Aaron Samuel, who is also a registered nurse and pursuing his studies in Medicine.
By Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara
Rev. Dr. Bernabe Pagara, Dean of the CPU College College of Theology, delivered the Baccalaureate message on November 10, 2019 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
(This message was delivered during the College Baccalaureate Service on November 10, 2019, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium)
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
We would like to congratulate the CPU Administration, Board of Trustees, deans, principals, supervisors, directors, heads, faculty, staff, alumni, students, and parents for the renewal of CPU’s autonomous status as well as the second-best performing academic institution in Western Visayas this 2019 according to the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities of the Cybermetrics. The rankings are based on a university’s web presence, impact, and openness, and excellence. (Iloilo Metropolitan Times).
The “Summum Bonum of Life” is the title of my homily. Summum bonum is a Latin phrase which means the principle of goodness in which all moral values are included or from which they are derived. In the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, the highest good is a state where the desire to perform one’s duty is accompanied by happiness. The question is, “What is the summum bonum of your life?”
Allow me to say “Thank you!” to our Registrar, Ms. Charissa Deocampo, for her timely suggestion for our homily this morning. She said, “I think it’s a good message for our graduates during the Baccalaureate Service to ponder upon the topic in the Daily Bread today which is “Finding a Quiet Life.” An excerpt says, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The question is born in curiosity, and the answer is often heard as an indication of ambition. We don’t want to discourage children from pursuing their giftedness or passions but maybe we could encourage them that whatever they choose to do, they do with a quiet spirit.
In his privilege speech, Board Member Matt Palabrica called for urgent attention to address the rise in mental illness and suicide among the youth. He said a total of 179 suicide cases involving youth aged nine to 21, were recorded from 2016 to June 2019, some 35 of which resulted in death. Methods that were used ranged from suicide by hanging, use of chemical poison, use of guns, to willful drowning. “Family-related problem(s) topped the reason for committing suicide, followed by love life or break-up of the relationship.
Also, alarming (are) problems related to school, most probably the inability to cope with academics, bullying, or other reasons.” The municipality of Leon listed the most cases of suicide with nine; Cabatuan and Passi City with six each; Badiangan with five; and Alimodian, Anilao, Dingle, Igbaras, Lambunao, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin, with four each. DepEd regional information officer Dr. Lea Belleza said: “Our young people are at crossroads. They need guidance,” as she stressed the importance of creating a caring, happy atmosphere in schools. “Sa ila panimalay ginaakigan na sila, pag abot sa school akigan pa gid sila. It shouldn’t be like that.” Schools should be places where there is compassionate open communication between teachers and students, she added.
The question is, “Why were some of these young people resolved or succumbed to commit suicide?” “Don’t they experience a life that is quiet, that is peaceful?”
As to the context of the passage just read, Thessalonica was a big city—a bustling metropolis with a lot of activity. Paul said, “Make it your business and your ambition to live a quiet life.” The Greeks were very active people, who had a love for personal distinction—and Paul knew there would be danger of their being occupied with less important affairs, thus neglecting to give their best to spiritual matters.
Though there is a great urgency in the imminent coming of the Lord, Paul did not command the Thessalonians to live lives of noisy. Instead, they were to make an ambition. He gave them a general admonition that would cover whatever specific plow they put their hand to, and in today’s profession or job … to be an engineer, a pastor, an educator, a chemist, a pharmacist, a medtech, a lawyer, a doctor, a nurse, a hotel manager, an agriculturist , a businessperson, a technician, a social worker, a guidance counselor, an IT expert, a lifestyle enthusiast, a librarian, and the like. Paul wrote, “Make it your ambition or your aspiration to lead a quiet life.” What did Paul mean by that exactly? What is the highest good of your life?
I would like to suggest three things or advices from Paul about responsible living in a form of an acronym, that is, LAW. The first letter is L which stands for “LEAD”.
I. To Lead a Quiet Life (An Ambition to be Quiet)
In that phrase, Paul used the two verb forms in almost a contradictory fashion. “Make it your ambition” (from philotimeomai) means to be zealous and strive eagerly, even to consider it an honor, whereas “lead a quiet life (from hesuchazo) means to be silent, not speaking out inappropriately, remaining at rest and tranquil. In anticipation of the Lord’s return, believers are to lead peaceful lives, free of conflict and hostility toward others, which is a witness to the transforming power of the gospel.
In the KJV, the phrase “make it your ambition” is “ye study to be quiet.” The word “study” means literally, “be ambitious.” Hiebert notes that the verb “hesuchazo” basically means “to be at rest” and was used of silence after speech, rest after labor, peace after war; it was also used of tranquility or peace of mind; here it is used to urge the living of a calm, restful life.
The present tense … stresses that they must constantly strive to lead such a life. They must eagerly endeavor to be eminent in the effort “to be quiet,” live tranquilly and restfully. It is as though Paul said, “You have been ambitious to make a noise in the world; reverse your aim: be ambitious of quiet.” Probably the Church at Thessalonica was largely composed of working-men. There was a danger lest the new privileges of Christianity should make some of these men foolishly anxious to make themselves conspicuous. In the excitement and expectancy about when Jesus would return, Paul urged them to keep calm to go back to work because God is in control, as for instance, when strong earthquakes in Mindanao were experienced, only God can control, not Mr. Quiboloy. We should aim at doing much good without attracting attention to ourselves. The Christian should not clamor for recognition.
He/she should be content that his/her work prospers, though he/she remains obscure. We should be too busy with work to have much time for talk. The noisy man is too often the quarrelsome man. In the ambition to sound a name abroad, bitter envy and jealousy are excited.
There are some Christians who make a great noise. Their religion seems to be formed on the model of the earthquake, and the whirlwind, and the fire, and knows nothing of the “still small voice.” They have to learn that in “quietness and confidence” lies their strength.
- Denton narrated a conversation between the pastor and her member in the church. A certain woman once called upon her minister to tell him how much her mind had been hurt. Her pastor received her with all tenderness and inquired into the cause of her distress. She went on to say, “She could assure him that her mind was very much hurt indeed, but she did not know how to tell him.” The minister judging it must be something serious, urged her to be explicit upon the subject of her distress. At last, she said, “It is the length of your bands in the pulpit“(a pair of strips hanging at the front of the neck as part of a clerical academic dress) “Oh,” said the minister, “I will take care that/// that distresses you no more.” So fetching his bands he said, “Here is a pair of scissors, cut them to your wish.” After she had done this, she thanked him and professed to feel her mind relieved. “Well, my friend,” said the minister, “I may tell you that my mind has also been very much hurt, perhaps even more than yours.” “Oh, sir, I am sorry for that; what, sir, has hurt your mind so?“ He replied, “It is the length of your tongue. And now, as one good turn deserves another, you will allow as much to be cut off as will reduce it to about its proper length.“ It need not be remarked that she was speechless, and it is hoped, learned an important lesson with respect to that unruly member (W. Denton).
Another lady went to a “tongues meeting,” and the leader thought she was interested in speaking in tongues. He asked her, “Madam, would you like to speak in tongues?” She answered, “No, I would like to lose about forty feet off the one I have now!”
Guzik’s comment brings this verse home: The quiet life contradicts the hugely successful modern attraction to entertainment and excitement.
This addiction to entertainment and excitement is damaging both spiritually and culturally. We might say that excitement and entertainment are like a religion for many people today.
This religion has a god: The self.
This religion has priests: Celebrities.
This religion has a prophet: Music video channels.
This religion has scriptures: Tabloids and entertainment news and information programs.
This religion has places of worship: Amusement parks, theaters, concert halls, sports arenas;
And we could say that every television is a little chapel.
The religion of excitement and entertainment seduces people into living their lives for one thing – the thrill of the moment. But these thrills are quickly over and forgotten, and all that is important is the next fun thing. This religion conditions its followers to only ask one question: “Is it fun?” It never wants us to ask more important questions such as, “Is it true?” “Is it right?” “Is it good?” “Is it godly?”
People these days love loud noise. However, we need to live the quiet life so that we can really take the time and give the attention to listen to God. When we live the quiet life, we can listen to God and get to know Him better. (1 Thessalonians 4). The second letter is A which stands for “ATTEND.”
II. To Attend to Your Own Business (To Mind your Own Business)
Paul issued them a follow-up exhortation, “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.” Those who did not attend to their own business were “acting like busybodies” (periergazomai, “wasting their labor”), running around meddling in everyone’s problems. May ari man di bala sini nga klasi sang tawo or estudyante sa CPU?
Paul’s exhortation here is that the believers should not go out into their town telling everybody how to live their lives.
The three classes addressed here are fanatics, busybodies and loafers (don’t work hard); and, as Hendriksen noted, “Often one and the same person is all three!” Someone joked, “To do nothing is tiresome because you can’t stop and take a rest.”
Busybodies are carriers of gossip, disturbers of the peace, troublemakers, and thorns in the body of the believers wherever they appear. Loafers are especially detestable. While doing little or nothing on their own behalf, they require attention, goods, and services of others that might be far better employed than in the maintenance of idlers and spongers off others. The antidote for all three classes is concisely stated in the great work ethic of the New Testament.
Have you ever said to someone, “Mind your own business?” Or, has anyone ever said that to you? Say to your neighbor, “Mind your own business.” It’s a hurtful thing for anyone to say to another person. In Paul’s case, it perhaps points to a tendency to interfere in the running of the church by those who were not church officers.
Christianity forbids us to be envious of the more prosperous condition of other people. It is not for us to snatch at their privileges to the neglect of our own duty. Every man has his Divine vocation. It is the Christian’s duty to find his special vocation and to follow it, whether it leads him up the Beulah heights or down through the valley of humiliation. In the Church let each man find his/her own place and do his/her own work. There is a diversity of gifts. One has a gift of speech, another a gift of deft (expert/skillful) handiwork. Let neither be ambitious to usurp the place of the other.
Christians should be too busy with their own work to have time to judge their neighbors. We are workmen, not judges. To his own Master each man stands or falls.
A worthy paraphrase suggests, “Keep your nose clean and keep it out of others’ lives! Mind your own business. Attend to your own business. /// The third and last letter is W which stands for “WORK.”
III. To Work with Your Hands (“To Do Your Own work”)
Paul believed that manual labor would be good for them, so he commanded them to work with their hands. He challenged them to remember how he worked hard to support himself when he was with them before. Paul was certain it would be better if, when Jesus returns, He found them productive and working.
This duty is clearly brought out in the Revised Version, which omits the word “own” before “hands,” so that we read the clause, “Work with your hands.” Thus, we have a direct recommendation of manual labor. Manual labor is necessary. There is hard, rough work of this kind that must be done. It is cowardly to shirk it. Any work done with a good purpose is honorable. The work of the carpenter is often more honorable than that of the financier. The dirtiest work is not always done by the roughest hands. The crowding of the sons of working men into the ranks of clerks is not a healthy sign if it betokens or shows a shame of honest toil.
Paul recognized and acknowledged the danger of idleness. One of those great British preachers of a past generation provided this insight in one of his sermons: “If we cannot be holy at our work, it is not worth taking any trouble to be holy at other times . . . . If experience proves anything, it proves that nothing is worse for most people than to have nothing to do but be religious . . . . The daily life of toil . . . . does not rob us of the Christian life; it really puts it within our reach.” There can be no better preparation for the coming of Christ than to be faithful in ordinary duties. The man who is doing his work faithfully at the right time (the second coming of Jesus Christ) is ready to meet Him. As Ward expressed it, “This is the charter of dignity for manual labor … work is not beneath the dignity of a free man.” Christianity did not hesitate to insist on the dignity of common labor.
Now, if you lead a quiet life, attend to your own business, and work with your hands, what happens?
Paul concluded …. “so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.”
The purpose underlying Paul’s exhortation on work and motivating all his other injunctions was evangelistic so that the Thessalonians would behave properly toward outsiders. For him, the key to evangelism was the integrity Christians manifest to a sinful, confused, and agitated world. When believers display diligent work attitudes and habits and live in a loving and tranquil manner that respects others’ privacy and does not intrude or gossip, it constitutes a powerful testimony to unbelievers and makes the gospel credible.
Allow me to narrate the story of Ann Hasseltine which reflects a lifelong illustration of a Quiet Sacrifice or Quiet Offering.
“Young Ann Hasseltine was a woman consumed by the world. She attended all the highest fashion parties and quickly became a woman of class in 18th century America. Though her father was the co-founder of Bradford College, Ann cared much more for improving her appearance than her mind. Eventually, God showed her the emptiness of her pursuits. She wrote in her journal that Jesus “appeared to be just such a Savior as I needed. A view of His purity and holiness filled my soul with wonder and admiration. I desired to commit myself unreservedly into His hands.”
“The change in her life was obvious to all. She sought practical holiness and studied diligently because she felt it was her obligation to improve her mind for the glory of God.”
“A few years later she met Adoniram Judson, a man called to be a foreign missionary. He later wrote to Ann’s father for his permission to court Ann. But his request was different than what was typical for the day.
“I have to ask whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring to see her no more in this world. To expose her to every kind of distress, to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death,” he wrote. Ann’s father agreed and the two married the next year. Two weeks after their wedding, Adoniram and Ann Judson set sail for India. Due to political problems they were refused entry. Rather than returning home, they landed in Burma and began sowing the seeds of the gospel.”
“Life in Burma was difficult for both Adoniram and Ann. Adoniram would spend weeks away from their home on preaching tours. This left Ann at home without another Christian companion. Their firstborn child died at seven months old.”
“Some years into their ministry, the British Burmese War began. Adoniram was accused of being a British spy. He was moved from camp to camp, eventually landing in what was called Death Prison.”
“Ann, with their newborn daughter in town, would plead with prison guards and government officials for her husband’s life. Food was scarce for Ann. But she took what she could find and gave it to Adoniram. She moved into the corner of a jailor’s house and lived there for two years.”
“When the war ended and Adoniram was released, he finally laid eyes on the wife that kept him alive. Her head was shaved, she was shrunken (became smaller in size) to the last stages of emaciation (to cause to lose flesh so as to become very thin). Adoniram moved her to governor’s house where she began to recover.”
“The Judsons moved to the areas of Burma controlled by the English because they would have the freedom to evangelize. Three days after their relocation, Adoniram was called away to help the British government in their negotiations with the Burmese. The trip lasted longer than either expected and, five months after he left, Adoniram received a letter that said, “Mrs. Judson is no more.” She died a month earlier.”
“Ann’s life was filled with difficulty. But it was also filled with the presence of the living God. She wrote in her journal, “Every additional trial was ordered by infinite love and mercy.”
“Why would she endure all this pain and suffering? She sought a great treasure. She wrote, “This is the reward of all our exertions (laborious efforts both physical and mental), ‘Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.’”
God never promised His children a life of ease and comfort. Ann Judson’s life is proof of that. But she held to the promise God makes all His children: that He will be with them, especially in difficult times.
That presence was the treasure Ann pursued. It never disappointed or left her wanting.
Graduates, this should be your ambition, aspiration and goal, finding a quiet life, a life of quiet sacrifice, the summum bonum of life: to live a quiet life. Speech is good—but often times silence is better.
Centralians ought to impact the lives of those that claim to be Christians in such a way that they, in turn, impact their work, culture, and community in a positive way. The question is not whether we will impact our work, culture, and community, that is a given. The issue is whether that will be a positive or a negative influence.
A brilliant young concert pianist was performing for the first time in public. The audience sat enthralled as beautiful music flowed from his disciplined fingers. The people could hardly take their eyes off this young virtuoso. As the final note faded, the audience burst into applause. Everyone was standing – except one old man up front. The pianist walked off the stage disappointed. The stage manager praised the performance, but the young man said, “I was no good, it was a failure.” The manager replied, “Look out there, everyone is on his feet except one old man!” “Yes,” said the youth dejectedly (brokenhearted), “but that one old man is my teacher.”
Do we have the same desire for God’s approval as that pianist had for his teacher’s praise? Our Lord’s approving smile is what really matters.
At this juncture, may I request all the faculty to please rise to show your affirmation that these graduates are to be praised for their performance. Let us give them and their proud parents a big round of applause for the job well done.
Graduates, when you find your work or job after CPU, the truth of Christ will be adorned and bridges will be built for the gospel, not for money, not for gain, not for recognition, but finding a quiet life for God and for His kingdom. As Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Augustine said, “Love God first and do whatever you please,” meaning “for the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.” When you love God, probably you won’t do things, which can harm him. Would this be your godly principle, aspiration, and goal, the summum bonum of your life, to obey the will of God? And what is God’s will for you? This is it, “We are all scattered like salt and light in all legitimate vocations to lead a quiet life, to attend to our own work and to work with our hands.” Dear graduates, CPU loves you. Again, be the salt and light to the world and experience this summum bonum. Congratulations and God bless!
Let us pray.
Give us grace, O Lord, to work while it is day, fulfilling diligently and patiently whatever duty You appoint us; doing small things in the day of small things, and great labours if You summon us to any; rising and working, sitting still and suffering, according to Thy word. Lord of the stillness, call forth in our hearts the peace and purpose that shows itself in a gentle and quiet life. Help us find peace within, no matter what is going on around us, now and in the future. Amen.
References
Adeney, W.F. The Industrial Life. https://biblehub.com/sermons/auth/adeney/the_industrial_life.htm
A Lifelong Illustration of Quiet Sacrifice. https://mediagratiae.org/blogs/media-gratiae-blog/a-lifelong- illustration-of-quiet-sacrifice
Barnes, Albert. “Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:11”. Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/1-thessalonians-4.html. 1870.
Beza, Theodore. “Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:11”. The 1599 Geneva Study Bible. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/gsb/1-thessalonians-4.html. 1599-1645.
Clarke, Adam. “Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:11”. The Adam Clarke Commentary.
Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:11”.
Gail Momblan. 2019, https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082046
Gray Matters. https://www.nextsunday.com/a-quiet-life-living-at-peace-with-ones-self/
Harmon, Robert. The Quiet Life.
https://dailyguardian.com.ph/suicide-rate-in-iloilo-alarms-ippo/
https://www.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0168/how-do-ambition-and-quiet-living-fit-together
https://www.panaynews.net/teen-suicides-upset-schools-deped-to-teachers-parents-be-more-sensitive/
https://gracegems.org/Miller/quietness.htm
https://ministry127.com/resources/illustration/the-wisdom-of-silence-0
https://readingacts.com/2011/10/20/1-thess-41-8-the-quiet-life/
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/index.php?view=article&aid=34359
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bcc/1-thessalonians-4.html. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/acc/1-thessalonians-4.html. 1832.
https://biblehub.com/sermons/auth/adeney/the_industrial_life.htmThe Pulpit Commentary,
https://www.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0168/how-do-ambition-and-quiet-living-fit-together
Jamieson, Robert, D.D.; Fausset, A. R.; Brown, David. “Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:11”. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jfb/1-thessalonians-4.html. 1871-8.
Lowe, John. To Work With Their Hands, https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/lesson-13-to-work- with-their-hands-john-lowe-sermon-on- quiet-life-234772?page=3&wc=800
McGee, J V. Thru the Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos
Momblan, Gail. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082046
Piper, John. Why God Wills Work. https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/why-god-wills-work
Robertson, A.T. “Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4:11”. Robertson’s Word Pictures of the New Testament. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/rwp/1-thessalonians-4.html. Broadman Press 1932,33. Renewal 1960.
Santiago, Dan. Living to Please Our God. https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/living-to-please-our- god-dan-santiago-sermon-on-pleasing-god-179906?page=2&wc=800
Wiersbe, W. Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989.
By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Garingalao finished his BS Agricultural Engineering degree from CPU in 1985.
The CPU Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs conducted the fourth lecture for “Laye: A webinar series on Philippine Statutory and Regulatory Laws.” on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 via CPU TV Facebook live. The speaker for the said lecture is Mr. Inigo Garingalao, OIC of the city’s Agricultural Office and Director of the Anti-Smoking Task Force.
The webinar touched on the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Iloilo City.
Garingalao discussed the ill-effects of smoking and vaping especially during the pandemic. He also talked about the implications to students or young people who violate the city’s anti-smoking ordinance.
The Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Iloilo City aims to protect the health of citizens from the hazards of smoking and second hand-smoke and instill health consciousness
Through the webinar series, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs aims to enlighten the Centralian community especially students about some recent laws of the Philippines.
By Cyrus A. Natividad
CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio gave the opening remarks.
The Commencement Exercises for the 1st Semester 2019-2020 started at 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 10, 2019, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. Four hundred four graduates of the Bachelor, Masteral and Doctoral Degrees joined in the processional. Members of the Board of Trustees, Members of the CPU Corporation as well as the Officers of the Administration, Department and Unit Heads, Faculty and Program Participants were also present.
A rousing applause welcomed everyone as the CPU Symphonic Band led by Mr. Asencion O. Bautista played the music. Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor, University Church, led the invocation. Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for student affairs gave the welcome remarks and encouraged the graduates to be active alumni and to be generous enough to respond to their Alma Mater.
The Commencement Speaker, Mr. Fluellen M. Ortigas (AB Political Science 1968) was introduced by Prof. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Acting Vice President for Student Affairs. The Speaker is the Most Outstanding Student of the Philippines in 1968 and is currently a Director of Pan Pacific Power Corporation. In his message, Ortigas challenged the graduates to be prepared to give up their lives. He said, “In a life and death situation your commitment to friends, relatives and the community demands that you make the Ultimate Sacrifice.”
Graduates of Class 2019 during the singing of the Alma Mater Song.
A product of the “Last Quarter Storm” (prelude to Martial Law), Ortigas sought political asylum in the United States. He shared his experiences during those difficult times and shared with the graduates the values he learned in CPU; how it helped him to meet and overcome the challenges. First is that “you must have the strength in belief, know where you stand and regardless of the consequences that come, believe that you will finally overcome, believe in your fellow men which includes your friends, relatives, and mentors knowing that they fully understand. It will make you feel you are not alone in your fight.”
Ortigas congratulated the graduates and expressed appreciation to CPU for giving him the chance to go back to his beloved Central. “Our generation’s time is coming to a close and it is our duty to share our experiences and lessons learned in the hope that it can help the younger generations succeed in life,” he added.
An intermission number by Luke Isaiah S. Ismael, Grade 12 Student followed after the Conferral of Degrees and Investiture of Hoods. Richen A. Noynay, a BS Business Administration major in Business Management Cum Laude, delivered the Response on behalf of the Graduates.
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church offered a Prayer for the Graduates. It was followed by the Pledge of the Alumni led by CPU Alumni Association, Inc. President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena. The Graduation and the Alma Mater Song was led by Mrs. Crista S. Huyong and was followed with a benediction by Rev. Sian. The Commencement program ended at around 5:00 P.M. Miss Carmelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer, Office of the President was the Master of Ceremony.
By Margen A. Java
Dan & Mae Rafols, kins of NorCal AA Treasurer handing in cash donations to Engr. Bert & Dr. Margen Java.
To help fulfill the dreams for a better future of needy but deserving college students, the Northern California Alumni Association (NorCal-AA) of Central Philippine University will finance a grant-in-aid program starting School Year 2021-2022. Aside from the grant, the Chapter also donated ₱27,140.00 to the God’s Grace Ministry to support the needs of work students.
The grant-in-aid program is also a gesture of loyalty and support of the Chapter and its members to their beloved Alma Mater.
The funds will come from the individual sponsorship of the Chapter members. This School Year 2021-2022, they have 16 slots with the following categories and donors: with 4 years of sponsorship – Pastor Edward & Katherine Pormilos (one recipient out of 4 total, distributed in 4 years); Rod & Kathy Leyble Kriewall (3 recipients); and Marah Rafols Torres (one recipient); and with 1 year sponsorship – Pablo & Mildred Cababaan (2 recipients); and the following with one recipient each – Jewel Joy Borja Castillon, Jahzielle Pineda Chiappetta, Ma. Patria Onate Desales, Pastor Eduard Faalam, Pio Go, Teresita Delipe Pedrola, Lisear Carlo Pineda, Lee & Girlie Hudierez Plagata and Eduardo & Amy Soldevilla.
The said grant is open to all second, third, and fourth year college students from any course of study, as well as from incoming first year students who have completed a senior high school curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 85.0%. The criteria for the selection of the recipients are: Economic need – 50.0%; Academic performance – 20.0%; Extra-curricular involvement -10.0%; and, Character – 20.0%, a total of 100.0%.
The recipient of this grant will receive five thousand pesos (₱5,000.00) annually which can be used for any education-related purpose, including tuition, fees, books and lodging.
Selection of grantees will be handled by the CPU NorCal AA Grant-in-Aid Committee, with the approval of the whole Chapter assembly but may be delegated to the Student Development and Programs Office which takes charge of scholarships in the University.