CPU College of Agriculture all set for 2017 Grand Alumni Reunion
The Central Philippine University College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences is ready for its 2017 Alumni Grand Reunion to be held on October 20-21, 2017 at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel, Bacolod City.
Highlighting the theme “CPU Agri Alumni Soaring High Towards Global Agri-preneurship,” this year’s grand reunion will feature exhibits, seminars, and other exciting events.
According to Director Larry Nacionales, President of the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association, alumni and guests alike can look forward to a fulfilling two-day activity. “This will probably be our biggest grand reunion yet. The Negros Chapter of the CPU Agriculture Alumni Association headed by Mr. Roberto “Francis” Jalando-on, Jr. will be hosting the event in Bacolod City. We have planned a lot of exciting and learning-filled activities for our alumni and guests.” CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; CPU Board of Trustees Chairman, Atty. Von Lovel Bedona; the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. President, Mr. Dan Dorillo; and the members of the CPUAAI will be coming over to support the event.
Director Larry Nacionales, President of the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association talks about the activities during the COA Alumni Grand Reunion.
On the first day, outstanding alumni will showcase their expertise in simultaneous seminars. Dr. Jaime Cabarles, Dean of CPU CARES, will discuss about native chickens; Mr. Tim Arandela will lecture about GAP Production of Coffee cum Cost and Return Analysis; and Engr. Ed Cañuto will talk about Entrepreneurship. On the other hand, Dr. Manny Palada will talk about Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs for Improved Health Nutrition, Dr. Isagani Catedral will lecture on Mushroom culture and production, and Engr. Benie Cangrejo will share his expertise in Packaging Technology.
In the evening, a cultural affair entitled, “An Evening with Mayor Bing,” will showcase CPU’s finest talents. Performers will include Katchry Jewel Golbin, 3rd Place Winner, France Got Talent; the CPU Hand Bell Ringers; the U-Day Champion of the Men’s Barbershop Quartet; and the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe.
The second day will feature an excursion around Bacolod City’s historical and tourist sites and the “Governor’s Night”—a gala dinner together with Negros Occidental Governor, Gov. Alfredo G. Maranon, Jr. CPU Professors and Instructors who have taught at the College Agriculture will also be honored and recognized in the same dinner. The oath taking of newly elected officers will then follow.
Dir. Nacionales shares that the event is CPU’s commitment to creating a pool of connected alumni that strengthens and contributes their skills and talents in the agricultural industry. “We want to continue our advocacy of discovering new skills and sharing them with other fellow agriculturists. We want to continue to grow and to promote Centralian education especially in agriculture.”
CPU, Alphacrest Academy together with Big Heart Development Schools Inc. hold U.N. Day Celebration
Young citizens of the world – kindergarteners perform a song number during the U.N. Day Celebration.
Kindergarteners from the CPU Kindergarten, Alphacrest Academy, and Big Heart Development Schools Inc., clad in their costumes representing countries from around the globe, paraded with much fun and laughter as the schools commemorated the United Nations Celebration on October 12, 2017.
Friendship Day—the celebration centered on John 13:34 which says, “Love one another.” The verse emphasizes the importance of respecting and loving one another despite coming from different backgrounds and cultures.
During the program that followed, held at Rose Memorial Auditorium, Mrs. Hannah C. Siosan, Principal of the CPU Kindergarten gave the welcome greetings where she thanked parents and students for their participation. She also encouraged the students to love and help one another by being a true friend.
A Parade of Flags – kindergarteners make their way to the CPU Rose Memorial Auditorium for the U.N. Day Celebration.
The CPU Kindergarten, Alphacrest Academy and Big Heart Development Schools Inc. faculty and staff.
Sir Bong A. Mabilog, Director of Alphacrest Academy, shared that celebrating UN Day helped students have a heart for others. “Whenever we Filipinos meet a fellow Filipino abroad, we always greet them and talk to them as much as possible. We are known to be friendly and warmhearted people and it is because of events like this. We break borders because we celebrate this event that teaches us respect and love for others.”
Students from both schools showcased their talents through dance and song performances. For the closing song, the kindergarteners sang “Heart to Change the World.”
The closing remarks were given by Mrs. Prel Faith V. Somosierra, Chairman of this year’s UN Celebration. After which, the closing prayer was led by Mrs. Beverly S. Samson, Head Teacher, Alphacrest Academy, Lower School Department.
The event is a celebration of friendship and love that is shared around the globe through the Love of Jesus. It is the goal of the CPU community to teach young Centralians the value of loving and respecting others as a citizen of the world and as a child of Christ.
CPU KDC supports World Bank’s End Poverty Campaign
Centralians place their notes in the freedom wall at the End Poverty Campaign booth in front of the CPU Enterprise.
Pursuant to its goal of developing communities through resilient action, Central Philippine University Knowledge for Development Center supports the “End Poverty Campaign” spearheaded by the World Bank. CPU has launched a “Hugot Line Contest” encouraging CPU faculty, staff and students to post their hugots regarding poverty alleviation.
Submissions are still open for this year’s “Hugot Line Contest”. Just post your hugot line on the CPU End Poverty Campaign Facebook Page. Do not forget to add these two hashtags: #CPUEndPovertyCampaign and #EndPoverty on your post. The contest will end on October 16, 11:00 AM, and the awarding will be on October 17, 2017.
The line with the most number of likes will win the contest. There will be 4 grand winners: P1,000, P750, P500, P250, and five consolation prizes. The contest is open to all students, faculty and staff of CPU.
Last year, the five winners were:
1st Place – Arjhon Coronado
“Mabaho man pawis ko, tanda lang to ng pagsisikap, para sa ikababango ng buhay ko!”
2nd Place – Sarah Salcedo Lacerna
“Sana ang pag-asenso parang virus sa Train to Busan, mabilis makahawa!”
3rd Place – Novi Pascua
“Ang paligid amoy Pasko na. Ang bulsa mo, amoy Semana Santa pa. Aba, magsumikap ka!!”
4th Place – Shammy Üy Marquez
“Biskan mabudlay, makipagbato ko, kay bal-an ko sa ulihi, maging matawhay ikaw kag ako.”
5th Place – Chester Salvaloza
“DREAM ko gid ya mag manggaranon. Pareho sang pag DREAM ko sa imo nga maging AKON.”
The CPU End Poverty Ad Hoc Committee has the following officers and members:
Chairperson: Dr. Mary O. Penetrante, Director of the University Research Center
Vice Chairperson: Prof. Gilda C. Monsole, College of Business and Accountancy,
Members: Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the Office of Communications
Engr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director of the Institutional Advancement
Prof. Levi O. De Los Santos, Director of the Service Learning and Engagement Center
Prof. Renia F. De La Peña, Coordinator of the Center for Local Governance and Indigenous People Studies
Prof. Cynthia T. Peleña, Coordinator of the Knowledge for Development Center
Prof. Ana Mae D. Cantel, CPU Senior High School
Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, Office of the President.
CPU’s End Poverty Campaign booth can be found in the gazebo in front of the CPU Enterprise. Centralians are encouraged to visit and write on the freedom wall their thoughts and ideas about ending poverty.
According to the United Nations, this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the declaration by the General Assembly assigning October 17 as “International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.”
College of Eng’g holds Part 2 of Pumping Design Theory and Application Seminar
Engr. Jeriel G. Militar introduced guest speaker Mr. Constantino “Tino” Senon.
The CPU Mechanical Engineering Department in partnership with the Junior Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers and CPU Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center held Seminar on “Pumps Part 2: Pumping System Efficiency Optimization and Pump Hydraulic Performance Verification Testing” on October 12, 2017 at the Audio-Visual Room and the ME Power Laboratory, College of Engineering Building.
The guest lecturer was Mr. Constantino “Tino” Senon, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering graduate of CPU in 1967. He is a Technical Specialist in hydraulics, pumps and mechanical systems. Senon is a newly retired Chief Mechanical Engineer of MWH, an international company founded in 1980 that is engaged in the engineering, construction, and management of some of the largest and most technically advanced water, hydropower, mining and transportation projects for municipalities, governments and multi-national private corporations throughout the world.
CPU College of Engineering Dean, Mr. Dany C. Molina together with Engr. Jeriel G. Militar, Mr. Constantino “Tino” Senon and participants.
His relevant project experiences include being the Project Manager of the Olivenhain Pump Station, San Diego County Water Authority in San Diego, California; Pump Station Design Specialist, Replacement of Utah Lake (Intake) Pump Station for the Bureau of Canal Presidents, Salt Lake, Utah; Pumping Station Task Leader, Lake Powell to St. George Raw Water Pipeline Project State of Utah Division of Water Resources, Utah; Pump Station Design Specialist, American River Intake Pump Station, Placer County Authority, Sacramento, California; and Chief Mechanical Engineer of Spring Mountain and Durango Pumping Station for Las Vegas Valley Water District, Las Vegas, Nevada.
The seminar-workshop included lectures on new pumping efficiency optimization focusing on work flow diagram and case studies, why and how pump hydraulic performance is required for energy efficiency, performance testing and simulation tests of various conditions.
URESCOM conducts a seminar-workshop on research writing
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio together with CPU Research Center Director, Dr. Mary O’ T. Penetrante and Prof. Emma T. Gico.
The University Research Committee (URESCOM), conducted a seminar-workshop on “Simplifying Ontology, Epistemology, Methodology” and “Form and Style in Research Writing” on October 12, 2017 at the Nursing Audiovisual Room, Loreto D. Tupaz Building from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The seminar-workshop is part of a series of trainings for teachers in the University who will encourage students to use various research methods.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications, opened the seminar-workshop with a prayer. Afterwards, Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante, Acting Director, University Research, welcomed the participants.
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio answers questions from participants during the Seminar-Workshop.
The speaker for the morning session was Dr. Irving Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs. In his topic “Simplifying Ontology, Epistemology, Methodology in Research Writing,” Dr. Rio presented methods in making a good research paper. He referred to one of his research papers presented abroad, “The Conflict Resolution of Indigenous People in Central Panay,” as an example. The afternoon topic of the seminar-workshop, “Research Report Form & Style,” was presented by Dr. Anita U. Ellenberger, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Prof. Hope G. Patricio, Faculty, College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences. The valuable presentations were also followed by an open forum.
Certificates were distributed during the closing program at 4:00 PM. The closing prayer was led by Prof. Emma T. Gico, Member, URC Sub-committee on Research Training, Education, and Symposium. The program was hosted by Prof. Marigold Jutary, CPU Junior High School Faculty.
CPU College of Commerce alumni take part in Alumni Homecoming
The BSC Batch 1988 celebrates the shared friendhsip and faith.
Reunions are a time of reminiscing and rekindling memories that have shaped friendships throughout the years. This year’s CPU Alumni Homecoming, held on September 30, was no exception. Centralians gathered from all throughout the globe and revisited their Alma Mater. Their nostalgia, laughter, and heartfelt gratitude filled Rose Memorial Auditorium.
One of the batches that joined this year’s reunion is the CPU Bachelor of Science in Commerce Batch 1988 headed by its Alumni President, Mrs. Hayley C. Excell. According to her, the Central Spirit is a lasting testimony of the faith and camaraderie of Centralians. “The unity of Centralians is really felt during reunions. There is always love and respect. I’m so happy every time I come home to CPU. I deeply enjoy the company of my fellow alumni, especially my batchmates.”
Now married and living in the UK, Hayley recalls her first visit to CPU, “I was already enrolled in Cebu but then I visited CPU and I really liked the campus and Christian based education that they were offering. I think a lot of people choose CPU because it is faith-centered.” Furthermore, Hayley said that her stay in the university had taught her about perseverance and camaraderie. “Being in the College of Commerce taught me to be dedicated and to be strong willed. With everything I’ve been through, I advise young Centralians to be disciplined not only in their studies but in the way they handle resources, like time and money.”
Classroom Throwback – Batch 1988 smiles for a picture before the Professor arrives.
Ties that bind – the Central Spirit is felt in the friendships molded by Batch 1988.
The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants is a venue for Batch 1988 to engage in extra-curricular activities.
Batch 1988 in a group picture in front of the Old Valentine Building.
The College of Commerce opened in 1935 under the deanship of Ms. Natividad Sitchon. It was formerly called the Junior College of Commerce. Its course offering was Certificate for Associate in Commercial Science with only 20 students.
In 1946, it became a full-fledged College, offering majors in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, and Finance. Its student population steadily grew year by year. In 1966, Dean Sitchon retired and was honored as Dean Emeritus by the Board of Trustees. She was replaced by Acting Dean Othelo de Leon. The college administrative staff was composed of Ms. Serena Luntao, Officer-in-Charge; Dr. Agustin Pulido, Mr. Caezar Traviña, and Isabelo Pedregosa were members of the Administrative Committee for School Year 1974-1975.
Dr. Milagros V. Dignadice became the second dean of the College holding the longest term of office from 1975 to 1996. Under her leadership, the College offered more academic programs: Entrepreneurship, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, Accountancy, and Computer Science. In 1987, the College was chosen as one of the five pilot schools in Entrepreneurship in the country. Mr. Bruce Borquist, a missionary to CPU through the Board of International Ministers, made tremendous contribution to the Entrepreneurship program.
The College of Commerce was first accredited in 1981 by the Association of Christian Schools and Colleges Accrediting Agency (ACSC-AA). The College has been responsive to the changes and challenges of business and industry. In effect, it has been reviewing the curricula of the different academic programs and creating linkages with professional organizations, commerce and industry sectors, both public and private.
The college is now known as the CPU College of Business and Accountancy.
Hard work and the will to succeed: Story of a former CPU work student
Manuel S. Sombilon’s life is a testimony of perseverance and faith.
Manuel “Manny” Sitjar Sombilon comes from a humble family in Brgy. San Isidro, Ibajay Aklan. Farming was their source livelihood, which was not enough to send his four siblings to school. He left his hometown to find work so that he could study and help his family. Armed with determination, faith in God, and a belief that there was no substitute for hard work, he accepted menial jobs in Manila. His situation was rather difficult and gave him no opportunity to work and study at the same time. After quite some time, he decided to go back to Ibajay, but was prevailed upon to try to continue hoping for an opportunity to study by the idea of a Christian school that provided education to students who were willing to work.
He took a ship to Iloilo City where he was charged free by a sailor friend working on board. As soon as he found Central Philippine University, he befriended a student who let him stay temporarily in his boarding house. The next day he asked people around the campus, and learned where to find the work student’s office. He was later referred to a kind, generous officer, Mr. Ruel Nuñez, who facilitated his appointment. Mr. Nuñez, also found him a place to stay while working and studying at CPU. He provided Manny with used clothing and sometimes shared food, and some other “extras” for Manny’s needs.
Manny resolved to pay back Mr. Nuñez for his generosity. So other than working for his tuition fee, he worked overtime and on Saturdays, he volunteered his services at Mr. Nuñez’s residence. Lawn mowing and gardening were some of the things he did as a gesture of gratitude towards Mr. Nuñez.
His “work and study” life in the University was rather challenging, but inspiring, in that he was able to work his way up to success. He was able to gain friends like Perfecto “Jun” Yasay who stayed with him at the dorm. Yasay later became Chairman of the SEC Commission during the Estrada Administration, and as Secretary of Foreign Affairs in the Duterte Administration.
After finishing his Bachelor of Arts degree, he proceeded to take up Law at the CPU College of Law. He graduated in 1971. During his stint in CPU, Manny was elected Senator the CPUR in 1965 to 1966; he was President of the Order of Kalantiao from 1969 to 1970; CPUR Atty. General from 1969 to 1970. He was CPUR Chairman on Good Government and President of the Work Students Organization from 1965 to 1966. He was actively involved in working with Student Advocates for Democracy, along with other student leaders, including Fluellen Ortigas.
After finishing his studies in CPU, Manny Sombilon proceeded to work in Metro Manila as an Executive in a tourism and airline company. He then worked abroad as a Supply Specialist in the American company, Arab American Company (Aramco). Manny married Genevieve Natividad, also a work student, and established his family in Manila. Sadly, Genevieve “Baby” Sombilon died in 2016, leaving her husband and three children. Their two sons are both engineers, employed in big international corporations. Their youngest daughter is a registered nurse in a Manila-based hospital.
Manny, now retired from his profession and business, traced back his life at CPU, “How hard I worked, how blessed I am. Thank you Lord for providing me Central Philippine University, and for giving me success.”
Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr. described Manny in the following Facebook post: “Distinguished looking, my BFF during our days in CPU campus. My continued and profound admiration to one determined Centralian who, despite overwhelming odds, never gave up and succeeded in liberating himself from the shackles of poverty, ignorance and hopelessness. I hope that his example can be retold and serve as encouragement of many a struggling youth.”
Centralian lauded for honesty
Honesty is the currency of trust—CPU Senior High School student, Mariah Aya Dynah A. Deza, was hailed for returning the lost cell phone of City Hall Special Service Unit employee, Mr. Emmanuel Cabales.
Deza found the missing phone while riding the jeepney. She then returned it immediately to the owner. As an act of gratitude, Mr. Cabales went to CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico to appreciate the Centralian’s honesty. He then thanked Deza, who refused to receive any gift for her honesty.
According to Mr. Cabales, Deza’s actions are a testimony to how Centralians are set apart from others because of their Christ-centered education.
“Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people” (Proverbs 11:3). CPU is true to its commitment of producing honest Centralians by educating its students to be exemplary Christians for life. That is meaning of the CPU Vision of EXCEL—Exemplary Christian Education for Life.
CPU librarian engages in Library Exchange Visitor Program at John Bulow Campbell Library, Columbia Theological Seminary
By Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña
Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña (far left) is part of the CPU Knowledge Development Center Team.
Central Philippine University, Iloilo City, Philippines, offers Master of Library and Information Science with Specialization in Theological Librarianship (MLIS-TL). As academic coordinator of the program, I was a library exchange visitor to John Bulow Campbell Library, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia.
This library exchange program, from August 2- October 1, 2017, is part of the Professional Enhancement and Training Program of Central Philippine University (CPU). It aims to provide training and exposure in administering quality theological library education especially to students of diverse nationalities. The MLIS-Theological librarianship students come from Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
I was fortunate enough to have experienced and learned the different perspectives of theology library work. I am thankful to John Bulow Campbell Library (JBCL), Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia. The library, headed by the proactive and dedicated library Director, Dr. Kelly Campbell, with her passionate and supportive librarians, welcomed me and they were open to impart their knowledge and skills. They made me feel as though I was part of their team.
The JBCL librarians are service oriented. They see to it that the students feel comfortable and they make sure that a library is a conducive place for learning. The librarians have different strengths and qualifications and they work together and organize their work in sync with one another. I also learned from them that work flows are very important for the collection development process, cataloging of books, batch processes using various library software, and the distribution of processed materials to the different sections of the library. They do their work efficiently, hand in hand, in order to provide the seminary students, faculty members, CTS community, and researchers quality library information resources just in time.
One lesson I learned during these eight weeks included the many different types of work a librarian has to perform. This lesson, in turn, provided me with more insight into the different types of roles and responsibilities that I could perform, as a teacher-librarian. The Collection Development and Acquisition Librarian of JBCL taught me the features of various library software like OCLC Connexion. OCLC is used for batch processing, searching, adding to OCLC WorldCat, and exporting records for authority work and to the OPAC. The Sirsi ILS-Sirsi workflows client contains back office, acquisitions, cataloging, serials, circulation, utility, reports, back office for metadata, and OPAC. The JBCL uses the Library of Congress Classification Web (Classweb). Coffee cup direct FTP software, and Library Technologies, Inc. (LTI) for authority control processing.
The JBCL staff conducted the library orientation program for new students that met the learning preferences of the students by incorporating fun, experiential activities, exposure to people, personal interactions, and rewards. The best thing is that one librarian is assigned to every five students. This librarian will be their personal librarian while they are in the seminary and for the duration of their study at the seminary. I learned that this is the best practice to have a dynamic library orientation program that provides new students with a positive first impression of the JBCL library.
My library exposure enhanced and widened my perspective in theological librarianship, specifically by working in the C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives. It has been a rewarding and challenging experience. I learned a lot and had fun as well.
Overall, my work experience at John Bulow Campbell Library has been positive. I was very happy with a number of things that I have learned and experienced during the short stay at the library. My personality has improved, being immersed in a place with a different language and culture. I have gained skills in inter-cultural learning and understanding. I have learned a lot, more than I thought I would be able to do in a short span of time.
Lastly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Foundation for Theological Education in Southeast Asia (FTESEA), Association of Theological Education in Southeast Asia (ATESEA), Central Philippine University (CPU), and Columbia Theological Seminary (CTS), and especially to the John Bulow Campbell Library (JBCL) librarians. I thank all of you who have been part of my journey.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, KJV).
To God be the glory!