Maxine Angela Acejo, SHS Vice Governor , talked about the programs of the SHS Student Council. Photo Credit: Maxine Angela Acejo

Maxine Angela Acejo, Senior High School Vice Governor and Anne Nicole Tulayba, SHS Board Member guested Looking Forward, CPU’s public affairs program to share primarily about the week-long Hinampang 2019 and share their thoughts on some issues concerning senior high school students.

Tulayba shared that Hinampang 2019 is CPU Senior High School’s first sports festival. The event includes basketball, volleyball, futsal (indoor football) and e-sport involving two popular online games. Hinampang 2019 was conceptualized by Tulayba and she served as the chairperson of the event, with the support of the governor and vice governor of the Province of Senior High School. She shared that there were other events scheduled in the evening, such as a singing competition on March 25, a dance competition on March 26, spoken poetry on March 27 and Mr. & Miss Senior High School Republic on March 28. A music festival will then be held on Friday, March 29, to cap the event.

When asked why e-sport was included among the events when addiction to online gaming is an issue among the youth, the event chair explained that the e-sport event was a tribute to all the students who have done their best to make everyone aware of the trend which actually facilitates camaraderie and sportsmanship. These kinds of events gather students, and even faculty members, together, creating enthusiasm and cooperation. Furthermore, she pointed out that although some people may be critical of online games because it encroaches on students’ study time, students actually learn to work together by sharing strategies, not just when they are playing but even on how to manage their time so they could cope with their studies.

When questioned about their parents’ opinion on having to study for two more years in high school, Acejo shared how they and their parents were looking forward to the results of their extended studies on their performance in college: “It is actually in preparation for our college. The strands are all related to our future chosen courses.” Maxine and Anne are planning to take up courses in medicine and engineering in college, respectively.

Participants and speakers of the post-evaluation program for the project Capacity Building through Service-Learning for Teacher-Librarians of Antique and Capiz.

Central Philippine University, in cooperation with the United Board for Christian Education in Asia (UBCHEA) held a post-evaluation program for the project Capacity Building through Service-Learning for Teacher-Librarians of Antique and Capiz. The program was held at the Knowledge for Development Center (KDC), at the Henry Luce III Library, on March 27, 2019.

Prof. Ma. Cynthia Peleña, Acting Director of Libraries and Project Coordinator, and Prof. Ana Mae Cantel, Asst. Project Coordinator, identified the need for training teacher-librarians of the Department of Education (DepEd) on the core competencies of basic library organization of information resources, and skills training, such as cataloging and other library training. The project seeks to train librarians by using tailored instructional materials that are basic, simple and adoptable. Clusters of teacher-librarians from Capiz and Antique were given training on basic competencies and familiarization of Henry Luce III Library system and set up.

Prof. Ana Mae Cantel, Asst. Project Coordinator, identified the need for training teacher-librarians of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Agricultural Engineer Levi O. De Los Santos, Director University Outreach, welcomed the participants and thanked the University libraries for partnering his office to the program. The overview of the project was presented by Prof. Peleña while Prof. Cantel presented a video of the overview of service-learning. BLIS/MILS-TL Students of CPU then gave their reflections on service-learning. A response was then given on behalf of the DepEd Roxas City and DepEd Antique Province.

Towards the end of the program, a manual for cataloging was formally turned over to the Henry Luce III Library. Pastor Ruth Tamonan, Coordinator, Gender and Development Office ended the event with a prayer.

Brig. Gen. Ezra James Palomero Enriquez with his wife Deneel Pulido-Enriquez and sons: Mark James  and Joshua James.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recently promoted Ezra James Palomero Enriquez, (CAV) MNSA to the rank of Brigadier General effective March 4, 2019. BGen Enriquez is currently the Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Lanao del Norte. He hails from Cateel, Davao Oriental and Badiangan, Iloilo, and is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988. He is a graduate of the Central Philippine University Development High School (CPUDHS) batch 1981.

He is happily married to Deneel Pulido-Enriquez, his classmate in the CPUDHS ’81 and AB English ’86 of the CPU College of Arts and Sciences. Deneel is the youngest daughter of Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, former President of CPU from 1971 to 1996 and former President of Silliman University, and Dr. Dorothy Bermejo-Pulido, former director of the Iloilo Mission Hospital.

Brig. Gen. Ezra James Palomero Enriquez dedicates his life in service of the country and for the glory of God.

BGen. Enriquez and his wife are blessed with two sons, Mark James who is married to Dr. Fiona Bianca Velasco-Enriquez and Joshua James. He is a graduate of the MBA for Executives from Southwestern University, Cebu City and Master of Management in Defence Studies from the University of Canberra, Australia. He is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program from the National Defense University in Washington D.C., USA.

He served as the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and was the National Contingent Commander of the 7th Philippine Contigent to the Golan Heights in the Israel-Syria border in 2014. He was also directly involved during the Marawi Crisis in 2017, serving as the Task Group Commander and Deputy Commander of Task Group Bakal, providing armor support to the Philippine Army units fighting the Maute-ISIS.

BGen Enriquez had undergone the following military courses: Basic Airborne Course (1988), Special Operations Team Training (1988), Air Intelligence Officer Course (1993), Armor Officer Basic (1994) and Advance (1999) Courses, Command and Staff Course (2005) at the Australian Command and Staff College. He is a trained pilot and a Private Pilot License holder.

BGen Enriquez is a recipient of 2 Distinguished Service Star awards, about 60 military medals, badges and ribbons and about 50 Letters of Commendation for his combat and administrative accomplishments and achievements. His latest Distinguished Service Star was conferred to him by former President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III last October 1, 2014 in Malacañang Palace for his outstanding service rendered in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Golan Heights. He was also a recipient of the Order of Lapu-Lapu (Kamagi) Medal which was personally awarded by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on the occasion of the 12th Activation Anniversary of the Mechanized Infantry Division last September 20, 2018. The award is for his outstanding participation in the successful liberation of Marawi from the Maute-ISIS elements.

Cyndi Diasnes is scheduled to train for the Philippine Team in Manila on April 10, 2019. Photo Credit: Cyndi Diasnes

Junior High School varsity athlete and CPU Golden Lions member Cyndi Diasnes is scheduled to train for the Philippine Team in Manila on April 10 this year. She has been a consistent Poomsae gold medalist of Central Philippine University from the PRISAA to WVRAA 2018. She will again represent Western Visayas and CPU in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2019 in Davao City.

A Grade 10 student of the CPU Junior High School, Cyndi is a representation of faith and determination to succeed. She is inspired by her parents Mr. & Mrs. Ariel and Nannette Diasnes, who always remind her to be on top.

She adds her own daily wisdom, especially in her daily fitness program: wake up early, have a good attitude towards exercise, and maintain weight. She shares, “Whatever others say about me, I maintain my principles. Yung iba sabi nila sa ‘kin na chill lang daw ako sa lahat ng ginagawa ko at walang problema na pinagdadaanan, which is kabaliktaran lahat (Others think that I have no problem, but it is actually the opposite of what I am going through).”

She further explains, “I need to be [in] top shape every time, and get up early to exercise and practice even on school days; Yes, I admit that there are times when I am about to give up, but God gives me a reason [to] not to give up.”

She says that although she’s experienced some losses, what she has so far accomplished is enough for her to represent her school, her region, and even her country. This is thanks, of course, to the people who support her and train her—her coaches and teammates. She adds that above all, God is always on her side and that everything that has happened is according to “God’s will and plan.”

Congratulations Cyndi! CPU is proud of you!

For the glory of God and the pride of Central – the CPU Golden Lions aim to represent the best of  the university during sports events and competitions.

Celebrating the testimony of sportsmanship and honoring its athletes—Central Philippine University held the “Golden Lions’ Day” at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park on March 22, 2019.

The event started with a parade of sports teams from the CPU Gym leading up to the APCP.

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications and Coach of the Golden Lions Table Tennis Tertiary-Women, led the devotional and opening prayer. In his message entitled “Let Us Play,” Rev. Jalando-on encouraged the athletes and coaches to be passionate and persevering: “Let us continue to play for God and for Central Philippine University.” His message highlighted the acronym PLAY which meant: be Passionate, Love life to the fullest, Allow God to shape your life and Yearn for more.

Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, Officer-in-Charge, CPU Office for Sports and Athletics congratulated the athletes and coaches for a successful school year.

After the devotional, Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator, Cultural Affairs, led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Alma Mater Song. It was then followed by the welcome greetings of Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, Officer-in-Charge, CPU Office for Sports and Athletics.

Mr. Laru-an congratulated the athletes and coaches for a successful school year: “We are the overall champion in the Iloilo PRISAA with the highest number of championships in the elementary, high school and tertiary level.”

He also thanked all those who supported and rooted for the CPU Golden Lions: “Every team has its own story. We are here to celebrate our victory—and we share the glory to God Almighty, to the CPU Administration, alumni, parents, benefactors and to all Centralians and dedicated coaches.”

Ms. Cara Nicole Vidallon encourages her fellow athletes to use their talents for the glory of God.

Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, in his message, he encouraged the athletes and coaches to use their victory as a testimony of faith: “We have all the reasons to gather, to rejoice, and to be thankful to the Lord for all the blessings we have received.”

For his inspirational message, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the coaches and athletes for representing the university in various events and competitions: “We should thank God for giving you this talent that you share with the rest of the Philippines and, for sure, with the rest of the world eventually.”

The CPU Golden Lions coaches with Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, Officer-in-Charge, CPU Office for Sports and Athletics, former CPU Sports Director, Mr. Alejandro S. Somo. CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico. 

Dr. Robles encouraged the athletes to utilize every experience to glorify God and to inspire others: “We hope that you will continue in your participation. Win or lose. It does not matter. What is important is that you learn from your experiences.”

After the message, a plaque of appreciation was given to Dr. Robles by Mr. Laru-an, Rev. Gico and former CPU Sports Director, Mr. Alejandro S. Somo.

After this acknowledgment, Mr. Laru-an read the team accomplishments. The athlete’s response was then given by Ms. Cara Nicole Vidallon from the Taekwondo Tertiary Women’s team.

The closing prayer was led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church.

Rev. Sian with his fellow participants during the Asian Campus Ministry Forum.

Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, CPU, presented a paper in relation to the CPU campus ministry during the Asian Campus Ministry Forum (ACMF) last March 11-15, 2019 at the International Christian University, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. The forum was co-organized by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) and International Christian University (ICU) and jointly sponsored by the Foundation for Theological Education in Southeast Asia (FTESEA).

The theme of the forum was “The Role of Campus Ministry in a Multi-religious Context” and it was attended by 33 Christian Universities from Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and South Asia. Aside from CPU, the schools from the Philippines that sent participants were De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, Silliman University, Ateneo de Davao, University of Saint La Salle in Bacolod, Pilgrim’s College in Cagayan, and Trinity Christian University in Quezon City.

Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church presents his paper in relation to the CPU campus ministry during the Asian Campus Ministry Forum.

Before the event, the participants were required to pass a write up on their perspective on and challenges and strategies in doing campus ministry in their context. When the selection process was over, Rev. Sian was chosen to be one of the three case presenters, alongside Ateneo de Davao University and Duta Wacana Christian University in Indonesia. Rev. Sian was able to highlight CPU and its campus ministry program, especially the Christ Emphasis Week convocations every semester, and the weekly convocation and Bible study of students and faculty and staff.

Indeed, campus ministry is crucial to the well-being of a university. As mentioned by UBCHEA, “the Campus ministry, also known as chaplaincy in other places, has been traditionally understood as serving the university’s core mission through care of persons in its constituency and through creating and nourishing the overall campus climate that builds up holistically each member of the community. Hence, it is not only the work of a chaplain but requires the help of a thoroughly trained team, including the faculty and staff. More than conducting official religious ceremonies, campus ministry is expected to provide the holistic care of members of the institutions to inculcate a sense of mutual respect and social responsibility for the community.” (https://unitedboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Reminder_Call-for-Application_ACMF.pdf)

The old CPU seal.

Have you ever wondered who designed the seal of Central Philippine University and the story behind it?

Section 2 of Article IX of the CPU Corporation Constitution and By-law states that “Unless otherwise revised per Section 1 hereof, the present logo of the University, circular in shape with the circumferential inscription *CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY *ILOILO CITY*, with the relief map of the Philippines in the inner circle, with lines issuing as rays from Panay Island, with the inscription “SCIENTIA ET FIDES” and “1905”, shall be the seal of the University. This seal bears the University colors gold and blue, with the letters, map, lines and stars on blue against gold.”

The CPU seal was designed by Dr. Francis Howard Rose in 1923 when the school became Central Philippine School in 1923. A year later, CPS became Central Philippine College in 1924. It was adopted by the CPC Board of Trustees in 1924. It is stated in Section 1 of Article IX that the seal should “depict the history and the objectives of Central Philippine University as an education institution.” Indeed Dr. Rose’s design is an embodiment of that provision in the CPC, and later CPU Constitution and By-laws.

The “rays” coming from Jaro, Iloilo City, Panay Island are numbered 12. Why do you think is this so? Since Rose was a pastor, the reason could have been theological in nature. As of this time there are no extant sources that explains this. But in all probability what these 12 rays signify are the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, and as such CPU must continue to be a disciple of Jesus doing the mission of proclaiming the Gospel in every opportunity. These “rays” that represent “light” emanates from the area where Central Philippine University is located. Dr. Rose has made a bold declaration that from the center point of our country, Centralians must continue to bear witness that Jesus is the light of the world and should be at the center of our lives.

More the just a symbol of representing the university, the CPU seal is a testimony of the mission and vision of the university to produce exemplary Christian learners for life.

Another interesting design is the addition of the 12 arcs outside the circle. From 1923 up to 1952, all Centralite issues and extant pictures show that the seal has no arcs. Starting in 1954 in the Centralite, Central Echo and CPUR extant pictures, the seal has now 12 arcs up to the present time. In the same manner, the symbolical meaning of these 12 arcs comes from the 12 disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What about the motto of CPU which is Scientia et Fides? Scientia is a Latin word that means Science or Knowledge while Fides means Faith. Dr. Francis Rose envisioned that CPU must integrate science and faith in its curriculum. One can imagine Dr. Rose who was assigned to the Department of Zoology of Central Philippine College in the 1930s saying, “Here at Central we teach biology or the study of life and living organisms; but at the end of the day, the bottom line of teaching biology is teaching the students how great is our God and how beautiful is our world.”

So every time you see the CPU seal, think about the meaning behind the symbols and say to yourself, “I am going to live up to what CPU stands for.”

Showcasing the best of Central, Mr. Mauro Somodio has been dubbed as the “The Great Advertiser of CPU” by students from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands whom he convinced to the study in the university.

Mr. Somodio is a graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. As the Vice President of the Australasia Chapter of the CPUFOAA, Mr. Somodio has been consistently showcasing CPU to the people of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. As an officer of the Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association (CPUFOAA) Mr. Somodio has not only been promoting Centralian activities in their respective regions but he has also been encouraging enrollment of foreign students by endorsing CPU as an academic institution of excellence.

Promoting CPU to the people of Solomon Island, Mr. Somodio shares that he and his wife, Cecilia Somodio went to Papua New Guinea last June 2013 for a holiday. In their return to Australia they met Levi Wayne Delemani and his four friends – all from Solomon Islands. Delemani and his friends were planning to study in the Philippines. Mr. Somodio and his wife encouraged them to study in CPU. “CPU education is world class so I encouraged them to study there. I left my business card with him and his brother Mr. Kristen William. They contacted me to apply at CPU with his other friends and classmates.  In 2015, there were about five of them who accepted to study at CPU.  However, at that time CPU was not listed as priority list of NTU or Solomon Island Government Scholars, so these students went to other Pacific Island universities.”

During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Mr. Somodio knowing that there will be a meeting of the community leader brought CPU brochures in order to promote the university. “When I was in Papua New Guinea, I stayed in one of the local hotels and I brought with me CPU brochures. At that time, there was a regional meeting of community leaders, so I got the opportunity to talk [to them about CPU].”

When asked about his personal journey as a Centralian, Mr. Somodio recalls the meeting Dr. Bernabe Cocjin, a CPU Professor and the former president of West Visayas State University at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños back when he attended a national convention.

Dr. Cocjin’s kindness and help greatly touched Mr. Somodio. “I was carrying a lot of things for a demonstration competition. All of a sudden, a man tapped me and the back and said – do you want me to help you carry your things? [That moment really moved me].” ­

The said meeting with Dr. Cocjin was Mr. Somodio’s first encounter with the Central Spirit. Before they parted ways, the former gave him a handwritten note to look for the Dr. Andresito A. Millamena.

Upon arriving at CPU, he approached a man to ask him where he can find Dr. Millamena to his surprise the person he was talking to was Dr. Millamena himself. Mr. Somodio recalls the encounter as divine intervention – that indeed God wanted him to study in CPU.

Dr. Millamena eventually referred Mr. Somodio to the Work Students Office. He maintained his scholarship as work student up until he finished his degree. Three years after graduation, he attended a post-graduate study in agriculture at the Oregon State University.

He held a supervisory job at the San Miguel Corporation Poultry Farm in the Philippines for a while.  Immigrating to Australia in 1986, he started as assistant postal officer in Melbourne, became an employment officer, migrant liaison officer, and lately as advertisement representative for Filcom Publishing in Queensland, Australia.

As long-time President of the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland and of the Kahirup Society of Queensland, Mr. Somodio had been very successful in highlighting the cultural heritage and cultural values of Filipinos in the multicultural society of Australia.  His commendations from the Department of Immigration and Cultural Affairs of Australia speak of his invaluable contributions to the alleviation of ethnic tensions leading to greater cohesion and harmony among people from different backgrounds.

Through his leadership and inspiration, the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland and the Kahirup Society of Queensland, Mr. Somodio had been regularly sending delegations to the Philippines every January.  At Central Philippine University, particularly, these organizations have so far given scholarship support to 59 poor but deserving students from six provinces in Western Visayas.   He also arranged the visit of Pres. Juanito M. Acanto to nine (9) universities in Australia in 2000, leading to establishment of Memoranda of Cooperation between CPU and some of these institutions.

Fast forward to 2019, Mr. Somodio is part of the active pool of alumni that keeps the Central Spirit renowned throughout the globe.

To further promote CPU in the international community, Mr. Somodio encourages the CPU faculty and staff to look for opportunities of studying outside the country. According to him, attending post graduate courses will encourage foreign enrollment. “As an alumnus I witnessed the growth of CPU. I believe that if our faculty and staff will be given opportunities to travel outside the country attending post-graduate courses in their field of specialties we can encourage more international enrollment. We also have to market our seminars. The conferences, seminars, workshops organized by CPU have high international standards. If we market them in the region, more partnership programs between universities especially in South East Asia and Pacific Islands including Australia and New Zealand will be established.”

His support and promotion of Central is overwhelming and his fervent efforts to make CPU known throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea and other countries throughout the globe is a tell-tale of his great love for the university.

Dr. Jeffrey Kuan receiving a certificate of appreciation from the seminar committee.

Two relevant forums were conducted by Central Philippine University School of Graduate Studies on March 28 -29, 2019 at 5:30-7:30 PM. The first was a “Forum on Strategic Decision – Making and Best Practices in two Academic Institutions: Canada and USA Experiences.” The second was a “Forum on Leadership and Governance in an Academic Institution: The Myanmar Experience”.

The first forum was held at the CPU EMC Conference Hall and the second at the Audio-Visual Room of the Loreto Tupaz Building. The first forum had two foreign Resource Speakers. They were introduced by Professor Renia De La Peña (Coordinator, MPA/MAELL Programs) as Rev. Dr. Dorcas Gordon, Former Principal of Knox College in Toronto, Canada and Dr. Jeffrey Kuan, President Claremont Theological Seminary in Clairmont, California, USA.

The Resource Speaker on the 2nd evening, was introduced by Dr. April Ann De La Gente (Faculty, School of Graduate Studies) as Dr. Samuel Ngun Ling, Rector Myanmar Institute of Theology in Myanmar.

The Canada and USA experiences dealt on the issue of making strategic decisions and best practices; how managers and leaders cope up with peer pressures and settlements with business partners and the “Higher Ups”. Both speakers put up with persuasion and influence as powerful tools in diffusing conflicts in the organization and business.

On the other hand, the Myanmar experience presented by Dr. Ling, provided insights on how a country under Martial Law was able to sustain operation and management of their educational systems. “Much of Biblical understanding has helped our educators to stay on the right path”, Ling contended.

The “War on Waste”  Advocacy aims to raise a generation of environmental stewards.

The Central Philippine University Elementary School’s War on Waste was launched on September 11, 2018. Seven months later, the said environmental campaign was able to gather 4,160.85kg of PETBot, 273.4kg of Plastic, 721.84kg of Tin Cans and 54.6kg of Aluminum from 133 elementary pupils.

The said materials will be sent to a materials recovery facility for recycling. To date, the committee remitted back to the pupils Php 35, 737.98.

The CPU Sustainable Campus Committee examining the booklets and handing out cash in exchange of the recycled materials remitted. The said initiative is under the “WOW TTC” Advocacy of CPU Elementary School and the CPU Sustainable Campus Committee.

The “War on Waste” Trash to Cash campaign started by giving out booklets to elementary pupils to record amount of recycled materials remitted to the committee. “Trash to Cash” encourages CPU elementary students to gather recyclable materials in exchange for cash and to promote love for  CPU through environmental stewardship and campus cleanliness.

The campaign was an initiative of the CPU Sustainable Campus Committee composed of Mr. Prim Vergara III, Technical Assistant to the President and Occupational Safety and Health Officer; Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications; Engr. Jeriel Militar, Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering; Engr. Aries Romallosa, Department Coordinator, College of Agriculture, Research and Environmental Science; Dr. Stella Fernandez, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Mrs. Hermely Jalando-on, CPU Purchasing Officer; and Engr. Amy Castigador, Director, Office of Institutional Advancement.