Central Philippine University congratulates its two new professional electronics engineers for successfully passing the technical evaluation as Professional Electronics Engineer.

Central Philippine University hails its 15 new lawyers who successfully passed the 2018 bar exams held on November 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2018.

According to Bar Chair, Supreme Court Associate Justice Mariano C. Del Castillo, 22.07% or 1,800 out of 8,158 passed the 2018 Philippine Bar Examination.

Subjects covered in the exam included: Political Law and Public International Law (15%), Labor and Social Legislation (10%), Civil Law (15%), Taxation (10%), Mercantile Law (15%), Criminal Law (10%), Remedial Law (20%) and Legal and Judicial Ethics (5%).

The new lawyers will take their oath on June 13, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) while the Signing of the Roll of Attorneys will start the following day, on June 14.

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By Keziah G. Huelar

Mental Health First Response team together with CPU faculty and staff.

Promoting mental health awareness—Central Philippine University is partnering with Mental Health First Response to establish a mental health first response training, crisis intervention. and other psychology-related seminars and workshops.

According to its website, https://www.mhfirstresponse.org, Mental Health First Response is a mental health crisis skills prevention and intervention workshop for Filipinos who want to gain valuable skills in mental health concerns and suicide intervention. ​This training program will assist Filipino adults or anyone to intervene with someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis and/or other mental health conditions that may or may not be a crisis situation.

On April 27 and May 2, 2019, MHFR conducted a one-day basic mental health first response training with CPU faculty, staff, and students.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Sports in action – the summer sports programs aims not only develop skills in sport but a habit of sportsmanship, team work and self-confidence.

The CPU Office of Sports and Athletics held its culminating activity for the Summer Sports Program 2019. The event called Football Festival was held on Tuesday, May 7 at Central Philippine University’s Big Field. Eighty boys and girls aged 4 to 16 years old participated in the two-week long sports clinic in CPU.

Marc Hermel Agriam, Jaro Football Club President and coach of CPU Football Club, said that the CPU football team were able to play “friendly games” with invited teams from Ateneo de Iloilo and Westbridge School.

The summer sports program had enrolled 80 boys and girls aged 4 to 16. Each young participant was given a set of jersey uniform upon enrollment.

The sports clinic has played a role in honing the skills of these young athletes. Jesher Balde, a product of the summer sports program, successfully made it to the Palarong Pambansa in Davao City this year, and representing Region 6 and Central Philippine University.

Edwin Caro Laruan, Acting Director of the CPU Office of Sports and Athletics, said that the summer sports “program for kids” is a joint project of his office and Jaro Football Club.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Prof. Edgar A. Eriman, CPU Senior High School Principal together with the 2019 SHS graduates. 

As the next school year 2019-2020 approaches, parents can only look up to an institution where their sons and daughters can move to a good school. However, quality education is a prime consideration in choosing the school where their children could enroll. Parents and their children contemplate and discuss which school is competitive, which school is the best for their Senior High Education. Many parents prefer their children to enroll at Central Philippine University Senior High School.

As of this time, enrollment in the Senior High School has exceeded its target. A 5-storey building has been constructed in preparation for the expected increase in enrollment and to better supply the needs of the students.

Quality education is top among the reasons why there is an increase in the senior high school enrollment. CPU’s competitive edge according to Prof. Edgar A. Eriman, CPU Senior High School Principal, is that “it teaches faith in God, has competent teachers and an environment conducive to [learning].” For example, senior high school students are encouraged to attend the Christ Emphasis Week every semester, where they encounter moral-spiritual learning and fellowship.

Another advantage to enrolling in the CPU Senior High School is that the students enjoy enriching campus events. They are provided with opportunities to develop their creativity, initiative and cooperation. For example, students are urged to participate in sports, literary-musical, and research activities. Also, the CPU Republic, known to be the oldest student government in the country, introduces students to team building and leadership.

CPU Senior High offers Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS); Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); and Accountancy and Business Management (ABM).

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Kurt Nathan E. Langga hopes to help improve the status of aquatic ecology in the county. Photo Credit: Kurt Nathan E. Langga

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has three top examinees in Region 6 for this year’s Fisheries Scholarship Program. Kurt Nathan E. Langga, a recent graduate of the Central Philippine University Senior High School, topped the exam.

Langga is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Dexter and Rowena Langga of Sibalom, Antique. His father is a businessman and his mother is a government employee.

A group of 20 examinees from other schools in Region 6 will receive the Fisherfolk Children Educational Grants.

By Mysel E. Taladhay – BSAE 4

Engr. Jose Emie S. Siojo was hailed as an Agricultural Engineering Entrepreneur Awardee during the 69th Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers. 

Engr. Jose Emie S. Siojo, the owner and general manager of Turbulent Drip Sales, Inc., was recognized as Agricultural Engineering Entrepreneur Awardee during the 69th Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) Annual National Convention, 30th Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week, and 16th International Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference and Exhibitions on April 21-27, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

“During my college years, my friends often teased me that agricultural engineers are jack of all trades and masters of nothing, but now I can say that agricultural engineers can be masters of something,” Engr. Siojo shared during a video feature that was presented during the convention’s Welcome and Awards Night on April 23, 2019.

Engr. Siojo finished his degree Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering in CPU in 1992. After his graduation, he started his career as an agricultural technician, greenhouse worker, greenhouse salesman and eventually, greenhouse manufacturer and contractor.

He started his business in 2009 with his employer, Farm-Based Company, as a maintenance provider specially in Tagaytay areas. In 2012, he put up his new business, Turbulent Drip Sales, Inc. and invited some investors who believed in his vision to help current greenhouse farmers and growers with their maintenance activities and supply and install low cost greenhouse, sprinkler irrigation systems for small scale Filipino farmers. Engr. Siojo installed motorized and computerized-based greenhouses and fabricated them based on Philippine conditions and greenhouse client’s requirements.

Today, Turbulent Drip Sales Inc., accepts total farm development by converting raw land into greenhouse complex. They also have research stations on vegetable seeds and rice field trials for multi-national companies.

As proof that his company believes in greenhouse technology, they operate their own 15,000 sq m area for the production of flowers and vegetables. “With greenhouses, we can produce vegetables and flowers year-round,” Engr. Siojo claimed.

Aside from greenhouse technologies, they are also doing landscape irrigation, plantation drip irrigation and work houses.

Truly, Engr. Siojo proved that agricultural engineers play a significant role especially in technology development and may others be inspired by his achievement.

By: Mysel E. Taladhay – BSAE 4

Four faculty members and 17 students of Central Philippine University participated during the 69th PSABE Annual National Convention, 30th Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week and 16th International Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference and Exhibitions held at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City last April 21-27, 2019.

The CPU delegates were headed by Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Chairperson of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Management under the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES), together with the Department’s faculty, namely: Engr. Dee B. Lucena, Director of CPU’s Community Engagement and Service Learning Center; Engr. Levi O. De los Santos, Jr.; and Engr. Efren G. Amit.

The CPU Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering students attended the annual event led by Richard M. Manolo, who is presently the President of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers-Pre-Professional Group (PSABE-PPG), both of the CPU and Western Visayas Chapters.

With this year’s theme, “Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers: Catalysts for Infrastructure Modernization in Agriculture and Fisheries,” the one-week event started on April 21 with a roadshow of agricultural machineries, fellowship golf, and agri-fishery exhibits and posters.

The succeeding days were highlighted by the cutting of ribbon and formal opening of the activities. The program started with an opening remarks from PSABE President and ASEAN Engr. Aldrin Badua, the presentation of delegates, the welcome address from Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, messages of support from the Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Remelyn Recoter and Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, a keynote address from Senator Cynthia Villar, and the formal declaration of the opening of the convention by PSABE Vice President ASEAN Engr. Dennis Tactac.

The delegates were updated on the international and Philippine perspectives of modernizing agro- and fishery-machineries and processes towards the fourth industrial revolution. They also looked into food security and product quality amidst the effect of the new Rice Tarrification Law. Technical presentations on Agricultural Mechanization, Power, Machinery and Equipment; Soil and Water Conservation, Irrigation and Drainage and Rural Electrification and Agricultural Processing and Structures were also part of the convention. The weeklong event ended with city tours and visits to agri-related facilities near Bacolod City.

The PSABE also presented awards on different categories; one of which, the Agricultural Engineering Entrepreneur Award, was presented to CPU CARES alumnus, Engr. Jose Emie S. Siojo. Engr. Siojo is the owner and general manager of Turbulent Drip Sales, Inc., a company that helps farmers and growers by supplying and installing state of the art greenhouse technologies, sprinkler irrigation systems, landscape irrigation and plantation drip irrigation facilities.

Knowledge and skills competitions for the pre-professional group of the PSABE were also conducted to underscore the competence of the agricultural and biosystems engineering students coming from different student chapters all over the country.

The 17 CPU student delegates reaped the following awards: 2nd Place in Combine Harvester Parts Identification (Jasmin Ilyanna Gallego); 2nd Place in Agricultural Structure Design (John Patrick Casipe, Jasmin Ilyanna Gallego, and Lyka Hisu-an); 3rd Place in Electrical Wiring Installation (Kyrlle Dianne Deasis); 3rd Place in ABE Quiz Bee (Riolyn Lao, Philip Francis Jagunap, and Mysel Taladhay); 4th Place in Poster Making Contest (Trina Evangelista); 4th Place in CAD Challenge (Sheralaine Briones); 4th Place in Tractor Parts Identification (Emheryn Grace Calitisin). Meanwhile, Richard Manolo, who is, at present, the Prime Minister of the CPU Republic, was elected as the National PSABE Secretary.

The three activities of the PSABE are held annually on the fourth week of April and aim to gather all the agricultural and biosystems engineers of the country, including its pre-professionals (students) for updates and generation of new knowledge and technologies.

By Nestle G. Taala

Celebrating the tradition of faith and excellence – the CCINAA alumni homecoming is a time of sharing testimonies and celebrating the goodness of the Lord to CPU nurses.

The CPU College of Nursing, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses’ Alumni Association (CCINAA) celebrates their 94th Alumni Homecoming and 30th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City on May 8 with the theme, “Synergizing Human and Technological Competency in Nursing Care: THE CCINAA WAY.”

CCINAA President Cynthia J. Mendoza formally set off the program through her opening message. She gave a brief explanation about this year’s CCINAA theme: “We [are] nurses of different generations, beliefs, [and] backgrounds. Hence, our acceptance of the application of technological advancement in nursing care varies. It is undeniable, however, that we encounter and use technology in nearly every aspect of our profession.”

The program was also graced with the presence of Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President; Atty. Salex A. Alibogha, CPU College of Nursing Dean; and Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, CPUAAI President. They all warmly welcome and congratulated the BSN batches for conducting such event. Meanwhile, the director of IMH, Dr. Elemer Q. Pedregosa, sent his earnest greetings through a letter since he was unable to come to the event.

BSN batch 1974 representative, Elsie S. Italia, then rendered a tribute to the late Loreto D. Tupaz through a binalaybaywhich recalled Ms. Tupaz’s humble beginning as a nursing student and how her influence was passed on from generation to generation. At the end of the tribute, Italia encouraged the nursing fresh graduates to aspire for greater heights as what Ms. Tupaz would do.

Mary Ann Rico Jamandre, BSN Batch 1971 receives a plaque of appreciation as speaker during the 30th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture from CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena.

The memorial lecture was given by Mary Ann Rico Jamandre, BSN Batch 1971. She worked as a nurse in the United States, particularly in California. In the course of her lecture, Jamandre talked about the advantages of technology in nursing. “Every nurse today is expected to use their knowledge to maximize their nursing care and [to] improve [their efficiency] of working in the health care system. Emerging technologies are being integrated in our practice for reasons such as reducing medication errors, improving safety and efficiency, freeing workers from tasks, providing evidence for care plan decisions, making health care information accessible to patients, monitoring workforce, empowering patients to be involved in care and coordinating care across settings.”

After the Jamandre’s lecture, the CCINAA elected new board members. Engr. Jalbuena then inducted the seven new members of the CCINAA Board of Directors as well as the newest alumni members, the BSN Batch 2019.

The said alumni night and memorial lecture concluded with a class song, bestowed by BSN Batch 2019, and a message from Mrs. Annalie D. Gilongos, Batch 1995.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Ninfa Zarriz Esteban (2nd from left) will be serving Centralians as the president of the CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter.

What factor makes some people achieve or realize their plans despite so many difficulties and hurdles in the process?

One must have a desire from the very start—long before the opportunity even presents itself. Whether it’s an educational or professional pursuit, the strength of desire will heavily impact one’s realization of his/her dream.

The story of Ninfa Zarriz Esteban is about a desire to become a successful business woman.

Ninfa grew in a poor family that hardly assured her of an opportunity to go to college. However, she had a desire and she found a way to fulfill this desire through the work-study program at Central Philippine University. and finished her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

While working and keeping up with her studies to finish her BS in Chemistry degree, Ninfa encountered difficulties, such as her allowance not being enough for her food and other needs in school. One of the things she did to survive was to budget, not only her money, but also her ulam (viand): “I had to divide the large tabagak (dried anchovy) into three so I can I have ulam for breakfast, lunch, and supper. This was what I called the Large-T strategy”

After college, she worked as a teacher from 1981 to 1986. She became a full time business woman in the northern town of Concepcion later. Her desire was strengthened by her faith: in her belief that God would help her realize her dream.

Her small business eventually grew. In the process, she not only realized her dream, but she was able to support her four children so that they could lead successful lives. Two of them are now professional aircraft mechanics while the other two are chemists.

Ninfa now operates several businesses in Concepcion. Because of the blessings she has received from God, Ninfa extends help to poor parents in Concepcion.

Currently, she is the president of CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter. As part of her mission, she has encouraged the CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter to adopt as its first project to provide poor but deserving students scholarships.