Rev. Wella Hoyle-De Rosas, Minister for Students and Campus Chaplaincy, Silliman University together with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU Board of Trustees Chairman, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona and Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church.
The Baccalaureate Service for the college graduates of 2019 was held on April 28, 8:30 AM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, welcomed everyone. He expressed gratitude for the efficient performance of the teachers and employees, resulting in a big turnout of college graduates for this year.
The Bahandi Singers performed the choral introit before the congregation. The invocation was led by Rev. Samuel R. Escobin, Associate Pastor, University Church, and was followed with the reading of the Word by UC Associate Pastor Mary Grace F. Labis.
Chriselda Elaine V. Ador, BS Psychology, Magna Cum Laude shared her testimony of faith and hard work to her fellow graduates.
Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, Associate Pastor, University Church, introduced the Baccalaureate speaker. Rev. Wella Hoyle-De Rosas, Minister for Students and Campus Chaplaincy, Silliman University, delivered her message to the graduates, imploring them to “dare to make a difference.” This message was inspired by Matthew 14:22-23. Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, gave the commissioning and said the prayer for the graduates afterwards.
Graduates and their parents flock the Rose Memorial Auditorium during the Baccalaureate Service.
Chriselda Elaine V. Ador, BS Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, delivered her response, centered on the witness of faith. She narrated about the faith and discipline that her parents imposed on her so that she could graduate with honors: “I am so thankful for this award which I should share as a challenge and inspiration to my fellow grads.”
Rev. Roger Quimpo gave the benediction before the recessional.
The Honors, Awards and Recognition program is a celebration of the hard work, faith and perseverance of awardees.
The program for this year’s Honors, Awards and Recognition was held on April 26, 2017 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The program started with an invocation led by University Church Outreach Pastor Rev. Roger T. Quimpo. Dr. Domingo L. Rio, CPU Vice president for Academic Affairs, congratulated the graduates for their pursuit of excellence. After which he joined Vice President for Student Affairs Joniel Howard H. Gico in presenting the Awards and Certificates.
CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, congratulated the awardees, their parents and the CPU faculty and staff for a fruitful school year.
The first part was the recognition of those who topped the board exams; among them, the 5th placer for the August 2018 Pharmacist Licensure Examination; the 7th and the 9th placers during the November 2018 Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination; the 10th placer of the November 2018 Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination; and the 4th Placer of the March 2019 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination.
For the Honor Graduates, there were two summa cum laudes, 42 magna cum laudes and 124 cum laudes.
Special awards were also given to those who excelled in various areas. These include the National Finalist for the 2018 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, The Rotary Award for the Most Outstanding Graduate; Professional Organization Awards; Academic, Scholarship and Loyalty Awards.
Graduates, parents, university faculty and staff celebrated the momentous occasion at the CPU Big Field.
Celebrating God’s faithfulness in the lives of our graduates – the Central Philippine University held its 91stCommencement Exercises at the CPU Big Field on April 28, 2019.
The invocation was led by Rev. Samuel R. Escobin, Associate Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by the Singing of the National Anthem with Ms. Crista S. Huyong conducting.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles encouraged the graduates to pursue a path of faith and excellence.
For the words of welcome CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the graduates, their parents, and the university faculty for their hard work and perseverance. “I welcome all of you to this year’s 2nd semester commencement exercises. Graduate students, we celebrate your graduation today. We recognize the hard work and commitment [you exerted] to excel in your chosen fields. You will soon crossover to the professional world and will be facing another chapter of your life.”
Dr. Robles goes on to remind the graduates to carry the CPU banner and proudly testify their faith in Christ as they enter the professional world. “It is our prayer that you seek excellence in your careers – that you will not sacrifice your character and your Christian values when faced between choosing what is right and what is easy. Remember, it is God you should seek to honor. Remember also that wherever you go and whatever you do, you carry with you the name of Central Philippine University. The name carries with it an honored legacy of faith and Christian education we should all protect and maintain.”
Commencement Speaker, Dr. Betty C. McCann, President, Silliman University received a plaque of appreciation from CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU Board of Trustees Chairman, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona.
After the welcome remarks, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration introduced guest speaker, Dr. Betty C. McCann, President, Silliman University.
In her commencement address, Dr. McCann encourage the graduates to reflect on their upcoming professional journey. “Each one of you, I’m sure, has a story to tell about the time you studied here. Some stories which have more joys than anxieties, others bittersweet. Whatever story you spin, the fact is you have hurdled formal education successfully. The question however to reflect on is: where do you go from here? What now? Dr. Seuss, a famous author of children’s books that resonate so well with adults had one of those books entitled “oh the places you’ll go. The opening line of that book says – Congratulations! Today is your day, you’re off to great places, you’re off and away, one thing is for sure you will now move on from learning within the confines of the classroom towards a borderless learning community.”
It was then followed by the conferral of degrees by Dr. Robles assisted by Miss Charissa June G. Deocampo, Acting Registrar and Miss Emerald Joy E. Perucho, Asst. Registrar.
One by one, the graduates received their diplomas, starting with the College of Agriculture, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Accountancy, the College of Computer Studies, the College of Education, the College of Hospitality Management, the College of Medical Laboratory Science, the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Engineering, the College of Theology, the College of Law and the School of Graduate Studies.
The response in behalf of the graduates was given by Elmer C. Ermitaño, Summa Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
After which a prayer of dedication was given by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by the pledge of alumni led by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPU Alumni Association Inc. and the singing of the Alma Mater Song led by Ms. Huyong.
CPU continues to inspire and encourage its faculty and staff to pursue initiatives for the glory of God and the pride of Central.
Recognizing the initiative and hard work of its faculty and staff, the Central Philippine University awarded professorial chairs and recognized incentive awardees during the school year 2018-2019.
The following are the list of awardees:
A. PROFESSORIAL CHAIR AWARD
Unit
Name
Name of Professorial Chair
1. Arts & Sciences
Prof. Mercy A. Japitana
Magdalena L. Sapereira
2. Business andAccountancy
Prof. Althea U. Denuevo
Jose Marie Chan Fund on Entrepreneurship
3. CARES
Dr. Jaime C. Cabarles, Jr.
Dr. Michael Lewin
Dr. Reynaldo M. Dusaran
Len & Joy Edge
4. Education
Dr. Maridel A. Ambos
Dr. Pedro E.Y. Rio
Prof. Eden P. Gomez
Spring of Joy
Dr. Margen A. Java
Dr. Alfredo P. Catedral & Esperanza M. Catedral
5. Elementary
Prof. Janet P. Jaco
Ben H. Kapili
6. Nursing
Atty. Salex E. Alibogha
Estate of Esther I. Salzman
Dr. Charlie D. Baldon
College of Nursing (SPEF)
Prof. Adelfa D. Dusaran
College of Nursing Faculty (CCDF)
Prof. Josephine P. Gales
Dr. Alicia Alteros-Riego
Prof. Cynthia J. Mendoza
Loreto Tupaz
Prof. Melba C. Sale
Class of 1969 Loreto Tupaz
7. Theology
Prof. Lydia G. Gal
IM Grant
Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara
College of Theology
Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza
IM Grant
B. INCENTIVE AWARD
Unit
Name
Name of Incentive Award
1.Business andAccountancy
Dr. Lorna T. Grande
Ida Mowry Memorial Fund for BusinessChair from the Estate of Donald Swallow
Mr. Carl A. de la Peña, member, CPU Board of Trustees and Corporate Treasurer led the opening prayer.
Keeping the Central Spirit burning—The Central Philippine University Alumni Association-Greater Manila held their annual picnic at the Corvera Farm in Brgy. Tibig, Silang, Cavite on April 9, 2019.
The said event was attended by around 40 Centralians together with their families. Present during the picnic were Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Vice Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees and his wife, Dr. Rumalie A. Corvera; Mr. Carl A. de la Peña, member, CPU Board of Trustees and Corporate Treasurer.
The opening prayer was led by Mr. De la Peña. It was then followed by the singing of Central Songs led by Mrs. Nancy Arandela-Fernandez.
After which Mrs. Phebe Pendon recognized the attendees per batch and college.
Centering the event on the Word of God, Mr. Sam Dorillo led the devotional. After which Atty. Corvera thanked the alumni for the making the said event successful. He also highlighted the importance of meeting together to keep the Central Spirit alive throughout the globe.
The gathering was an occasion of rekindling ties, remembering their time at Central, and looking forward to more memories with fellow to Centralians. It was also a time to celebrate God’s faithfulness in the lives of the alumni.
Denia Santos served as the host of the program and festivities.
Judge Meliza Joan. P. Berano-Robite continues to inspire a generation of Centralian legal practitioners.
Inspiring Centralian women across the globe—Judge Meliza Joan. P. Berano-Robite and Katchry S. Golbin were awarded as part of the 2019 Outstanding Women of Iloilo for judicial service and for persons with disability, respectively, by the Iloilo City Government at Robinsons Place Iloilo on March 22, 2019.
Judge Robite is the presiding judge of the Branch 2, Municipal Trial Court in Iloilo City. She is a 1996 Summa Cum Laude graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Cum Laude graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Laws in 2006.
The testimony of Katchry S. Golbin is one of faith and passion.
Before her promotion, Judge Robite worked as a Public Attorney at the Public Attorney’s Office. She is currently a faculty of the CPU College of Law. She was the President of the CPU Republic in the SY 2004–2005.
On the other hand, Golbin, also known as Alienette Coldfire, is a 2016 graduate of Bachelor of Arts in English of Central Philippine University. She hails from Tapaz, Capiz. Golbin placed 3rd among 12 finalists during the France Got Talent Season 11, in 2016.
Back in 2008, Katchry auditioned in Pinoy Idol but was not able to make it the top 12. She, however, captured the attention of singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, who helped her get a visa for her trip. Alcasid sought the help of Solenn Heusaff and her father to assist her in acquiring travel documents to France.
Finishing a degree means more than just a diploma or a certification. It is one of the most awaited events in the life of every college student to wear a toga and hashtag it as best OOTD (Outfit of the Day) ever!
Some conquer the process with patience, dedication and faith in God; others come with specific and concrete strategies to do well in and survive college life. But whatever schemes an individual uses, to graduate is one of the most fulfilling experiences, knowing that all the sacrifices not just of the graduate, but that of his/her parents/guardians, finally pay off.
During CPU’s Commencement Exercises, students’ efforts are affirmed through various awards. Some of the distinguished awards given by CPU aside from the Latin honors to recognize academic excellence are The Rotary Award for Most Outstanding Graduate, the Dr. and Mrs. Nelson Pomado Leadership Award, Dr. Margen Java Leadership Award, and the Alton Bigelow Alma Mater Award.
According to Rev. F. Neil G. Jalando-on, the Alton Bigelow Alma Mater Award is “the highest award given to an outstanding graduate of CPU who excels not just in the academics but in extra-curricular activities and is actively involved in the area of Christian Ministry especially related to the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.” Over the years, remarkable students have been bestowed this honor.
However, what makes this award “the highest award” is the life of Dr. Alton Ezra Bigelow.
Dr. Bigelow was born in Gridley, California on December 3, 1876. After attending public schools in California, he studied at William Jewell College and Shurtleff College in Missouri receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the latter. He received the Bachelor of Divinity at the University of Chicago Divinity School three years later.
He married Miss Marie Christensen shortly after his graduation from college. In 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow arrived in the Philippines. He was put in charge of evangelism of the Baptist Mission and also served as a faculty member of Jaro Industrial School. Teaching religion and English classes, “he developed a reputation [for] producing students who spoke English with unusual exactness, clarity, and correct articulation.”
As Dr. Bigelow continued his mission work which included being one of the original incorporators of Jaro Industrial School and being in charge of Iloilo Mission Press in 1913 to 1915, Mrs. Bigelow became very ill and died suddenly in a hospital in Oregon in 1916.
In October 1917, Dr. Bigelow married Miss Alice Stanard, a missionary in Negros who was on furlough. A year after, he became the acting principal of Jaro Industrial School until 1922. A few months later, Alice died. In August 1919, he sent his three children to the Home of the Missionary Children, then located Chicago where they lived until each finished high school.
Dr. Bigelow’s notable works include the establishment of the School of Theology in 1926. He became the dean until 1934. He served as Mission Treasurer of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society for Philippine Mission from 1913-1927, Treasurer of Central Philippine College, and Treasurer of CPC Board of Trustees in 1930-1935.
He also made an outstanding contribution to the Philippines in the field of Visayan grammar and literature in which he was able to produce a Visayan-English, English-Visayan Dictionary. Furthermore, Dr. Bigelow was the editor and manager of Manugbantala, the first Hiligaynon newsletter in the Philippines. Because of this, Dr. Francis Howard Rose pointed out that Bigelow “did much to shape the theology of churches and the opinion of the public on Protestant Churches.”
He was also able to make revisions in the Hiligaynon Bible produced by Rev. Eric Lund and Rev. Braulio Manikan and made collaborations with Mrs. J.A. Hall in preparing an Ilonggo hymnal in two editions: one with musical notation and one with the verses only.
Another significant contribution of Dr. Bigelow is the overall Christian Program in the campus and the organization of “school church” in 1910 wherein the boys themselves could participate in the conduct of the services.
Dr. Bigelow was also always interested in athletics, specifically in playing tennis. In his later years, he was into collecting orchids, shrubs and forest trees. In fact, Dr. Bigelow was responsible for the beautiful travelers’ palm standing majestically at the corner of Roblee Science Hall and the anahaw trees along the road from Lopez Hall to Weston Hall.
In 1935, on the way to Hawaii, Dr. Bigelow died while the ship was still at sea. As per his request, his body was lowered into the waters. His final resting place being the seas between America and the Philippines was a fitting symbol that in his life and ministry, the West met the East.
Many were saddened by the death of Dr. Bigelow since he indeed served as an inspiration through his well-spent life. Mr. Eleuterio Plagata paid tribute to his former instructor, “But Dr. Bigelow was more than a teacher. To us in the older days he was like a father, just and understanding. We called him daddy.”
Mr. Abe S. Gonzales, one of Dr. Bigelow’s pupils and who later became his colleague, quoted Dr. Bigelow as “an inspiring mental and spiritual mentor. He had his opinion that a true Filipino Christian citizen must not only be mentally and physically fit but must be, above all, morally straight.”
All those who had personally known and associated with Dr. Bigelow can certainly testify how they were enthused by him to always run an extra mile. Prof. Melquiades Gamboa of the University of the Philippines even shared, “Few people have put into practice such fidelity to our Lord’s second commandment, ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself.’ Fewer people devoted their lives with so much singleness of purpose to the service of others. What a beautiful expression of sacrificial life we find in him!”
Central Philippine College President, the late Dr. Francis Howard Rose, also expressed his admiration to the ideals of Dr. Bigelow: “I found his counsel sane and workable, constructive and conservative and advice followed usually led to happy solutions of missionary problems. Almost a quarter of century have we been associated in one way or another with the work of the college and we have found Dr. Bigelow a good man to work with ‘down through the friendly years.’”
The medal which is given during recognition day is Dr. Alton Bigelow’s “passion made tangible.” What truly makes an Alton Bigelow Alma Mater Awardee is that one can testify how faithful God is in one’s life in the midst of all the struggles and that one finds joy in serving God, Central Philippine University, and humanity.
However, not just the Dr. Alton Bigelow awardees but all Centralian graduates are groomed to excel in their chosen field and to serve carrying the Central Spirit wherever they are called and planted.
Note:
The writer of this article, Nestle G. Taala, is an Alton Bigelow Alma Mater Awardee in 2017.
Daryl Jasyl Lim Cañon credits his success to the support of his family, the guidance of his mentors and favor and faithfulness of God.
The journey towards success is never an easy road. Most of the time, one has to go through hardships brought about by failures and self-doubt. College journey is certainly not an exception as one moves forward: there is the uncertainty on which course to take up, who the instructors would be, what kind of classmates one would encounter, and even what university to attend. Yet those who accept the challenge of the unknown and persevere until the end receive their due reward in time.
As a University committed to proclaiming Christ’s Lordship in and outside the campus, CPU has developed students to succeed in their chosen fields while acknowledging God as the source of true wisdom and strength. This is demonstrated by many Centralians, such as in the life Daryl Jasyl Lim Cañon, a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology Batch 2018. He placed 4th in the March 2018 Medical Technology Board Examinations.
Mr. Cañon is from Oton, Iloilo. His mother works as a nurse and his father is a taxi driver. Mr. Cañon graduated as the first ever summa cum laude in BS Medical Technology. He shared how much he depended on God, not only during the board exam, but throughout his college journey: “As humans, we will always fall short in whatever we do. So we need God’s strength, His [guidance] and everything he gives to us to overcome the problems and trials we are going through.”
Mr. Cañon is grateful to have enrolled at CPU where he was not only honed academically but also guided and strengthened spiritually. He believes that it is God’s help that enabled him to top the board exam. Just like the other examinees, he was anxious and frustrated especially when he encountered difficult items, but he told himself to fully entrust to God whatever the result would be. “I just silently prayed to God; asking for His wisdom,” he shared during an interview.
Receiving the good news was unexpected for Mr. Cañon. According to him, he was then playing a mobile game as a way of channeling his anxiety while waiting for the result. A message suddenly popped up on his screen. Many of his classmates and teachers congratulated him for his achievement as top 4.
One thing he learned as a valuable lesson from Central Philippine University is that “it just not enough to know the science of things. It’s more important to also complement [science] with faith because when these two work together, [they] strengthen your academic foundation.”
Mr. Cañon acknowledged and thanked his parents for their undying support; his dean and professors from the College of Medical Laboratory Science; his friends for being his support system; and the Lord God Almighty for his unending provision and grace.
The expedition is not yet done. The road towards God’s will continues. In his life, and in the lives of other Centralians who just started exploring, God has more in store.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, with his wife Mrs. Angel Robles, and CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena with the members of the CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter.
The first gathering of the CPUAAI-Concepcion Chapter was held on April 21, 2019 at the Concepcion Municipal Gym. The theme was “Rekindle the Central Spirit and Strengthen our Concepcionanon Ties.”
The program included an orientation for the members of CPUAAI-Concepcion Chapter. A business meeting and presentation of interim officers followed before the election of officers.
CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena addresses members of the CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter.
Concepcion, Iloilo Municipal Mayor Milliard S. Villanueva (CPU Engineering Batch 1975) and CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, delivered their welcome remarks. CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter President, Mrs. Ninfa Z. Esteban (CPU BS Chemistry Batch 1977), introduced Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President and the inducting officer.
The CPUAAI-Concepcion Chapter was organized in December 2018 with 50 members initially, according to Chapter President Esteban. The first objective of the new alumni chapter is to support poor but deserving students through a scholarship program. The second aim is to honor the parents of graduating and honor students of the municipality.
The following is the list of newly elected officers of the CPUAAI Concepcion Chapter 20:
The Senior High School building is a testimony of God’s favor and CPU’s commitment to provide quality and effective senior high school education.
The five-story Senior High School Building was dedicated to God at 4:00 PM on April 25, 2019. This marks another milestone in the history of Central Philippine University’s educational development.
The building contractor first turned-over the building to CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. Dr. Robles then led the ceremonial cutting of ribbon with the Vice Presidents and members of the Board of Trustees. Faculty and staff and other guests also attended the dedication ceremony.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Robles expressed his satisfaction over the completion of the building: “This building is greatly needed in view of the increase of Senior High School students now and in the coming years.” He added that the building is well ventilated and purposely constructed with natural light to reduce the cost of electricity. An elevator is also included for the convenience of everyone who will be coming to and using the building.
University Senior Pastor, Rev. Amorsolo V. Sian, shared his reflection. Rev. Roger T. Quimpo led the dedicatory prayer and benediction.
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