Engr. Felix Ojario, member of CPU Engineering Batch 1979, looks forward to their batch reunion.
Looking Forward CPUTV program Wednesday edition’s guest was one of the longest serving faculty of the College of Engineering –Engr. Felix Ojario. A member of CPU Engineering Batch 1979, Ojario announced their Batch’s Grand Reunion and Ruby Jubilee (40 years) celebration on April 26-27, 2019.
Members of Batch ‘79 who will come from different parts of the country and the world – will have an early morning convergence-breakfast in CPU on the 26th before proceeding to their hotel – in Diversion 21. The organizing committee has prepared several activities to be enjoyed by the alumni. Long lost camaraderie and the memory lane will be there to be enjoyed. “Reminiscing the past, Enjoying the Present and Looking Forward to the Future”, is the theme of Batch’s `79 Reunion, Ojario said.
Centralian camaraderie – the growing number of new alumni chapters is a strong testimony of the Central Spirit.
Central Philippine University Alumni Association has a new alumni chapter created during a Centralian Fellowship and Organizational Meeting on March 28, 2019 (Thursday) 6PM at the Ancient Dynasty Kitchen at SM City Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The event was attended by twenty Palawan Centralians.
The said establishment of the new chapter was made possible through the initiative and efforts of Mr. Carl dela Peña, Chairperson, CPUAAI Membership Development Committee.
CPUAAI President Engineer Isagani Jalbuena was present, with CPUAAI Board Member and CPU Outreach Director Levi O. De Los Santos and Liaison Officer Tina Hortelano. Palawan Centralians Mr. Lara Ho and CPU Board Member Engr. Carl de la Pena welcomed everyone after an opening prayer by Pastor Dennis de los Reyes (CPU Bachelor of Theology 2003).
The Election and Induction of Officers was presided by CPUAAI President Jalbuena.
Following are the elected Palawan Centralian Officers:
President: Rev Harold Penacerada
Vice President: Engr. Carlo Plagata
Secretary: Mrs. Lut De Guzman
Treasurer: Janelyne Yu Lara
Auditor: Mr. Madeline Dajay
PRO: Mr. Rey Gloria
Business Manager: Pastor Dennis de los Reyes
Muse: Madel Thelia Lucena
Board of Directors:
Christopher Caipang
Francis Lara Ho
Joseph Dajay
Debbie Delos Reyes
Adviser: Engr. Benjamin Dofitas (Ret. Col.)
The move to organize the CPU AA-Palawan Chapter, the 159th CPU Alumni Chapter around the world was initiated by Mr. Carl De la Peña, member of the CPUAAI Board of Trustees and CPU Board of Trustees.
The graduates of ROTC at the CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park.
On Saturday 30 March 2019, the ROTC Graduation and Oath Taking of the Reservist and Downing of Ranks Ceremony were held at the CPU Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. Four hundred and eighty two (482) CPU ROTC Cadets received their certificates in military training.
The program started with a processional at 0800H (military time). Annalie D. Gilongos, NSTP Coordinator gave the Welcome Remarks. The candidates for graduation were presented. Major Jo-An D. Petinglay, (PA), CPU ROTC Commandant. MSg Florante G. Geruldo (Res) PA read the Orders and Declaration of Graduates. 1LT Argie G. De Leon (Res) PA, Assistant Commandant, Introduced the Guest Speaker Dr. Irving L. Rio, VP for Academic Affairs, Central Philippine University.
The CPU cadets were dressed in fatigue uniform with buffed metal accessories and shiny black shoes. They marched in cadence – following orders from their officers. It can only be the same discipline and unity of the CPU ROTC through the years. It continues in the tradition of excellence that gave the ROTC many awards. The consistent performance and quality of discipline among the cadets CPU ROTC unit was once again shown during this year’s Tactical Inspection.
Centralian ROTC graduates dedicate themselves in the service of the community and for the glory of God.
Previous to the graduation, the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection was held for the CPU ROTC Unit. The Inspection Team arrived in CPU on 26 February 2019 and made a courtesy call to the University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles at 0730H (military time). The commandant, Major Jo-Ann D. Petinglay briefed the President on the activity of Central Philippine University ROTC Unit (Headquarters of the 604th Community Defense Center, 6RCDG, ARESCOM).
At 0830H, LTC Nathaniel R. Villasor PA (RES), Chairman, RAATI Team was introduced by Major Petinglay. He was to assume the command and control of the CPU ROTC Unit immediately during the period of evaluation which ended up at 1130H.
The Evaluation included the Ceremonial Parade, Rank Inspection, Simultaneous Company Drill, Theoretical Exam and Military Stakes; Small Unit Leadership Tactics and Administrative Inspection.
The legacy and testimony of Anna V. Johnson continues to echo in the lives of CPU students and alumni.
All Centralians after World War II have had their share of stories about Johnson Hall, the home of the BMTS, the Religion and Ethics classes (which was previously called Bible 101), and also, the College of Theology. Johnson Hall was constructed in 1939 and reconstructed after the war in 1950 in honor of Anna V. Johnson, a visionary missionary who helped in the theological education of women pastors. Most graduates call Johnson Hall as “House Beautiful.”
In 1904, Missionary Anna V. Johnson began teaching Bible to women in her own living room. On October 20, 1905, Missionary Johnson started the Baptist Missionary Training School (BMTS) for women. The school was housed in the spacious residence of Missionary Briggs. From 1908 to 1914, 229 women were trained as “Bible Women” in that school.
The Bible Women played a key role in evangelizing people and organizing churches in the rural areas of Western Visayas. Feldman reported that “the Missionary Training School is the place where the Bible Women and Kindergarteners are trained and prepared for their share of work in the Islands. In addition to the classroom work, they are given the practical experience, which takes the shape of Kindergartens and Sunday Schools in the nearby barrios. Sunday Schools are conducted in this way in eleven different places, and there are seven Kindergartens within the radius of one-half mile from the Missionary Training School.”
The women spent six months in the school and six months in the field with different missionaries. While in the field, Missionary Forshee reported that the women “sold more books with less loss than any men whom I have ever had working for me, which I believe is a good testimonial to their training. In evangelistic service they also made a good showing.” Missionary Munger testified that “these nut-brown maidens in their cheap patadyongs, their colorful kerchiefs confining their jet-black hair, carried their tracts and Bibles carefully wrapped in white cotton handkerchiefs… trudging along the country lanes in rain or shine on their errands of Light, bearing their torches… they were earnest, faithful workers who brought light to many a darkened mind and life to numberless sin-sick souls.”
On June 7, 1930, Miss Anna Johnson, who served for 25 years as a missionary particularly in teaching “Bible Women,” died at Iloilo Mission Hospital and was subsequently buried at the American Cemetery in Jaro. Because of this, the BMTS was transferred to Burgos St., La Paz. Later, in 1936, the BMTS was moved again to the Baptist Student Center Dormitory in La Paz. After a few years, in October of 1938, the BMTS was merged with Central Philippine College (CPC) as the Women’s Division of the College of Theology.
Gregoria Jaime was the first “Bible Woman” who taught at the BMTS. Jaime was also the first woman to be baptized by immersion in the Jaro River in February 1901 after she was examined on December 9, 1900, one among the first 30 candidates for baptism in Iloilo. In 1915, it was reported that Gregoria was still active in the ministry.
Another teacher of BMTS was Simprosa Sobremisana. Her death in 1910 was described as “a serious loss” for she was “a valued helper in the school and one of the earliest converts in the mission.” Simprosa was remembered as a courageous “Bible Woman” who preached in front of a band of outlaws who were accused of burning a village and killing several people. These outlaws repented and corrected their wicked ways.
The “Bible Women” became involved in the mission work in many ways. They were both teachers and evangelists. Their work included Christian education, house to house visitation, and personal evangelism. They opened Sunday Schools in rural areas and diligently taught children about Jesus. They also preached in public places amidst prejudice. They even risked their lives evangelizing in areas where the American missionaries could not go because of the war. Some of them established local churches. They also taught women simple home industry and how to read the Bible in their own language.
Munger bore witness to their earnest, faithful, conscientious work. They often put to shame male preachers by their activities and zeal and the results of their mission. Such was the case of Listina Alabi. In 1917, Alabi organized a church in Libakaw, Capiz. At first she started a kindergarten school which won her friends. By the time Missionary Anna V. Johnson visited her, two baptisms had taken place and a young woman from Libakaw decided to study at the Baptist Missionary Training School.
Women in the ministry should be considered as pastors not only because they were trained, earlier than men in a missionary training school starting in 1904, but also due to their contributions towards the growth of local Baptist churches.
After 80 years of Baptist mission in the Philippines, the “Bible Women” were finally ordained in the Baptist ministry. Bible Woman Angelina Buensuceso was given her proper recognition and proclaimed by the Bakyas Evangelical Church and Cosmopolitan Evangelical Church, Bacolod City as Reverend on March 22, 1980.
The ordination that happened in 1980 is a significant milestone that awakened the consciousness among CPBC member churches of the role of Filipina pastors in history and their right to be recognized as pastors and not simply as “Bible Women.”
Today, we do not call women in the pastoral ministry as “Bible Women” but as pastors. We thank the Lord for women trailblazers such as Missionary Anna V. Johnson.
A testimony of faith and discipline – BGen Tyne Bañas, BGen Reuben Basiao and BGen Ezra James Enriquez are inspiring a generation of Centralian military servicemen.
Pastors Kids and CPU High School Batch 1981 Alumni, Tyne Bañas, Reuben Basiao and Ezra James Enriquez have been promoted to Brigadier General by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Basiao and Bañas were promoted on 2017 while Enriquez was promoted on 2019.
BGen Basiao took up his Kindergarten, Elementary and High School Education at Central Philippine University. He thereafter pursued Chemical Engineering in the same university but stopped on his 2nd year to pursue his love for military service.
During his stay in the Philippine Military Academy, he became the Class Baron. He graduated in 1988. In January 20, 2017, then Col. Basiao assumed leadership of the Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade from Brigadier General Bienvenido R. Datuin Jr., the change of command was held at the 701st Brigade Headquarters in the City of Mati. He also served as the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché in Thailand.
Known as a man of peace and prayer, BGen Basiao has carried the Centralian spirit of camaraderie and faith. He is the son of the late Rev. Melecio T. Basiao, former Head of the CPU Religion and Ethics Department, Mrs. Esther S. Basiao, a long time University Registrar of CPU. BGen Basiao has made the Centralian community proud.
On the other hand, BGen Bañas is one of three sons of a former CPU teacher – Rev. Prudencio Bañas. He studied at CPU Kindergarten School in 1977 and finished his High School in CPU in 1981. He spent 2 years in Mechanical Engineering in CPU before he was admitted to the Philippine Military Academy. He graduated in the PMA class of 1987 and was deployed to several assignments before becoming a Brigade Commander at Camp Agaab in Sarangani Province, Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City. He also served as an Army Officer in General Santos City for 18 years.
He attributes part of his military success to the ROTC training he underwent in CPU – where he imbibed Christian values and integrity; two important pillars in living a Christian life. Bañas recalled the knowledge he earned from spiritual convocations and Sunday Schools in CPU. He would share these to his officers and men; encouraging them to do it on regular basis. Love, friendship and generosity are important ingredients in his career as military officer. His group has volunteered in extending humanitarian missions to Panay Islands, especially during disasters and calamities. These, he considers as Christian missions.
About the Central Spirit, Bañas believes that it’s there when there is something in common, “I often observe in times when other people learn that I am a Centralian. Anywhere they go, Centralians are accommodated and welcomed”, he added.
Asked what he could extend to the CPU ROTC Unit in view of the decrease in enrolment brought about by a new military curriculum, he suggests that there has to be more exposure to the cadets in terms of advocacy programs and information dissemination. He would like to include the cadets in a complimentary study program which he is going to prepare for the CPU ROTC Unit.
B.Gen Tyne Bañas is presently based in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila with his family. His 3 sons TJ, RJ and EJ are all professionals, and one of them following the military footsteps of their father.
On March 4, 2019, Pres. Duterte 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.
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
A night of fun, food and friendship, the Faculty and Staff Summer Fun Night 2019 is a celebration of God’s goodness to CPU.
The Faculty and Staff Summer Fun Night 2019 started at 4:00 PM on Friday, April 5 at the CPU Big Field. Everyone dressed in their attractive summer wear—mostly, Hawaiian-inspired outfits. This year’s theme is appropriately called “Aloha.”
University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, welcomed the faculty and staff with an inspiring message for the employees—reminding them of the importance of cooperation and relaxation. He expressed his appreciation for the organizers’ hard work in putting the event together.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, thanked the CPU faculty and staff for their service to the university.
CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on highlighted the essence of celebrating the CPU faculty and staff Fun Night.
Before offering a prayer, CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, impressed upon the employees the essence of the evening celebration. He reminded them that “It was on April 1, 1953 when the Department of Education approved our request for university status.” He added that it was but fitting that the historical changing of Central Philippine College into Central Philippine University be celebrated.
The winning performance of the CPU Elementary School faculty and staff during the dance competition.
The host, Engr. Bernie Cangrejo, enjoined everyone to join the contests—the Hawaiian dance competition, hula-hoop and videoke challenge.
It was a night filled with joy and fun—a memory that will probably stay with the faculty and staff of the University for a long time
The seminar aims to equip Centralian faculty, staff and students with trauma management skills.
Advocating for efficient response during emergencies—Central Philippine University held a Trauma Emergency Management Training at the College of Nursing, Audio Visual Room, Loreto D. Tupaz Hall on April 4, 2019.
For the opening remarks, Prof. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Director, CPU RCECC highlighted the importance of promoting the safety and security of the CPU students, faculty and staff.
The seminar featured as guest speaker, Dr. Roy Joseph Trinidad, Diplomate, Philippine Board of Surgery, Fellow Philippine College of Surgeons, Fellow Philippine Society of General Surgery, Specialized in General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Medical Director of International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)-Philippine Chapter.
Mr. Prim C. Vergara III demonstrates how to apply first aid to a trauma victim.
Attendees included Chief for Search and Rescue Group of CPU; Mrs. Luz Evelyn Buensuceso, Consultant; university clinic physicians; nurses; clinical secretary; student assistants headed by Dr. Ma. Carmen Salcedo; the Medical Clinic Coordinator; and clinical instructors from the College of Nursing serving as first aiders in the university.
The training focused on different Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) in the Philippines, the different scenarios of “On-site Trauma Management,” “Triage Management” and Table Top Exercise on Incident Command System (ICS) focusing on Bomb Blast Incident Scenario. In the afternoon, the training focused on a simulation exercise (SimEx) on Mass Casualty Incident Management.
For the closing remarks, Mr. Prim C. Vergara III, Technical Assistant to the President and Occupational Safety and Health Officer, emphasized the “dream and need” of CPU in conducting trauma and disaster management seminars for its employees. The said initiative was started by the CPU Nursing Batch 1968 through their continuing donations for Occupational Safety and Health Program of the university.
A fruitful 2018-2019, the Parents and Pupil’s Recognition Day is a memorable event of recognizing the hard work of the parents, pupils, faculty and staff.
Celebrating God’s faithfulness and recognizing the hard work of our parents and teachers – the Central Philippine University Kindergarten Department held their Parents and Pupil’s Recognition Day at the University Church on March 22, 2019.
The opening prayer was led by Marian Elaine Rose A. Quijano, K2, Mercy Pupil while the Pambansang Awit was conducted by Ms. Joyce Guides, K2 Gentleness Parent.
For the greetings and welcome, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo I. Rio congratulated the parents, pupils and faculty and staff for the new milestone in the lives of the Kindergarteners. He also highlighted the importance of moving forward and excelling for the glory of God. “Children, I just want to remind you to be humble in your achievements. You are about to move to the academic next level. God wants you to move forward.”
The inspirational message was given by Dr. Carmen Pama-Santos, Basic Education Consultant, Central Philippine University. In her message Dr. Santos encouraged the parents to take heart and trust in the promises of God as their children move forward into the elementary level. She also highlighted the university’s dedication in providing the best methodology and instruction for Kindergarten education.
In recognition of their achievements, the students received their awards from Dr. Rio and Dr. Santos assisted by Prof. Hannah C. Siosan, CPU Kindergarten Principal.
The closing remarks was given by Prof. Siosan. It was then followed by the prayer and benediction by Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado, Nursery Charity Parent and the singing of the Alma Mater Song by Mrs. Vina Luz P. Lopez, faculty.
The annual Honors and Awards Program is a recognition of outstanding Centralians and of God’s faithfulness to the university.
An ode to our hardworking awardees and thanksgiving to the Lord for a fruitful 2018-2019 school year – the Central Philippine University Senior High School held its Honors and Awards at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on March 28, 2019.
The event started with a musical meditation.
It was then followed by the invocation and singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Asst. Prof. Lloyd U. Basco, faculty, CPU Junior High School.
In behalf of CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio gave the words of welcome. In his message, Dr. Rio recognized the awardees for their hard work and perseverance.
Ms. CPU 2018 Chris Sain Lyn N. Bongars is one of the awardees.
After which a song number was rendered by Fervince T. Benoman, member, CPU Symphonic Band.
In behalf of the mothers, Mrs. FelisaS. Gatilogo, in her message, thanked the university for the guidance and encouragement they poured out to their children. For the message for the fathers, Prof. Ernesto S. Saquibal highlighted the importance of gratefulness and hard work in reaching one’s dreams.
The presentation of honors and distribution of awards was led by Dr. Rio, Prof. Janet S. Jalbuena, Junior High School Principal, Mr. Michael S. Maravilla and Dr. Carmen P. Santos, Basic Education consultant.
The awards given were: the academic awards, the scholarship awards, the cash awards and the special awards. After which, Miss Joy Lyn F. Visto, faculty, CPU Junior High School led the closing prayer. It was then followed by the singing of the Alma Matter Song and the recessional.
Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPUES Principal together with the CPU Elementary School faculty and staff.
Celebrating God’s faithfulness to CPU and honoring our young achievers – the Central Philippine University Elementary School held Honors and Awards Program at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on March 28, 2019.
The CPUES Boy Scout Marshalls led the Entrance of Colors.
Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, Christian Education Director, University Church gave the opening prayer. It was then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by Viza Gale Q. Espada, Grade 5, Excel.
In behalf of CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico gave the welcome remarks. In his message, Rev. Gico recognized the hard work and dedication of the awardees. “Today we give honor to whom honor is due. I believe that this recognition program is one of the anticipated events – a time when all the efforts which have been expended will be recognized.”
After which the scholarship and incentive awards, special awards and sports awards were given. It was then followed by the presentation of the academic awardees by Prof. Janet P. Jaco, CPUES Principal.
The awarding of academic medals by the parents was assisted by Dr. Robles, Dr. Rio, Prof. Jaco, Ms. Donna D. Jimena, Assistant Principal and Dr. Carmen P. Santos, Consultant.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications, led the prayer for the awardees.
For the closing remarks, Miss Ruth Marie B. Trance, Chairperson, Honors and Awards Committee congratulated the awardees, their parents and the CPUES faculty and staff and God almighty for the blessings received this school year 2018-2019.
It was followed by the singing of the Alma Mater Song led by Viza Gale Q. Espada, Grade 5, Excel and then, the recessional.
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