CPU is a 24-hectare campus situated in the heart of Panay Island.
The campus of Central Philippine University is known for its cool environment and old buildings constructed in the early 1900’s. Some of them were chosen as local heritage or legacy buildings by the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council. The buildings are surrounded by manicured lawns, lush green bushes, and flowering plants. The beautiful landscape spans 24-hectares, a property bought by the American Baptist missionaries through a grant given by John D. Rockefeller, an American Baptist philanthropist.
It is interesting to walk through the campus avenues and road networks. Along the Anahaw road is a well-laid Centennial Walkway paved with glazed outdoor tiles made through the generous support of the CPU Alumni. This was inaugurated last 2005 during the centennial year of CPU. The walkway stretches through the length of the Anahaw Road, bordered by iron grill fences. The Engineering Alumni Association had started extending the pavement along the road across the Roblee and Franklin Halls. Four gazebos stand like sentry outposts in the four corners of the Football Field; one is located across Weston Hall, the other stands opposite Roblee Hall, while the other two gazebos are located at each end of the Centennial Nuñez Garden across the University Church and the Kindergarten School.
Several structures other than the gazebos are enjoyed by visiting alumni and friends, students, and CPU employees and families. The Prayer Garden near the Henry Luce III Library is a solemn place of prayer and solace. The place is also conducive for study like any other corner in the campus. It is refreshing to sit on one of the benches and commune with God and nature. Around are green bushes, flowers and trees. These attributes were part of the consideration for Iloilo City Regulation Ordinance 2013-329 declaring CPU as a tourism site. CPU is also ranked No. 8 among 47 attractions in Iloilo on Social Media’s Trip Advisor.
The Anahaw Drive beside the Centralian Walkway is a popular route during University Parades. The University Church is a testimony of CPU’s devotion and faith in Jesus Christ.
One of the most nostalgic places in the university is the curved covered walkway that connects the Third Gate to the university’s Main Gate, the Halfmoon Drive. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors, can always be found along the benches, chatting, eating, thinking, taking in the football game or Frisbee, simply enjoying the day away. The Smile Hill with the portrait of Jesus inside a globe connects one half of the curved shed to the other and stands straight across the University flagpole reminding people that Jesus is Central in the university.
However, at this time of year, during the Christmas season, the Halfmoon Drive is converted into a hub, where people mill around morning until evening. All throughout the stretch of the Halfmoon Shed, students, faculty, staff, and visitors enjoy barbecue, shawarma, ice cream, halo-halo and many other delicacies because of the festival of lights in the university.
Until the closing of the Festival of Lights season on December 15 at Central Philippine University, everyone is invited to drop by, see the lights, witness the nightly shows, experience the carnival rides and taste the many delicious treats offered to everyone.
Engr. Eddie P. Cañuto has been passionate about promoting Agripreneurship.
In a Board of Investments (BOI) Forum held at the Grand Xing Hotel on November 28, 2017, Engr. Eddie P. Cañuto, CPU Board of Trustees member and Ephrathah Agri-Tourism Resort owner, was hailed by officials of the Department of Trade and Industries Regional Office as an “expert consultant” for Agri-business.
Cañuto’s ideas on Agri-Tourism are timely and relevant to the forum regarding Inclusive Business. The Centralian businessman is known in industrial circles as the engineer who helped struggling farmers sell their farm produce which gave them higher income.
The BOI forum was held to heighten Inclusive Business awareness and to start synergies with government agencies and other sectors on Investment Priority Plans (IPP). Inclusive business offers a valuable solution to alleviate poverty by including small community enterprises in the value chain of big businesses.
DTI Assistant Secretary Felicitas Agoncillo, who heads the Investments Promotions Services, thanked the academe for its involvement in helping businesses and policy makers improve the Inclusive Business Ecosystem.
Central Philippine University was represented by Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, Technical Assistant, CPU Office of the President and Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad, Media Relations and Publishing Officer, CPU Office of Communications.
Engr. Eddie P. Cañuto together with Mr. Joel H. Somosierra, Chair, 7th Organic Agri-Fair and Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad, Media Relations Officer, CPU Office of Communications.
It was a Friday afternoon when the CPU Agrifair 2017 team left Barangay Sariri in Badiangan, Iloilo. Earlier, the team walked through a beautiful landscape of Ephrathah Farms. It is a sprawling 7 hectare farm that surrounds an inland resort, rolling hills, and magnificent natural scenery.
Eddie Cañuto considers God as the owner of this land and himself as only the steward.
Cañuto is a Centralian Engineer who became very successful in farming. His farm includes a greenhouse for vegetables, an area for aquaculture, a mini-zoo, and a papaya plantation. He also has a plantation for sweet “pitahaya,” otherwise known as dragon fruit.
Earlier, Cañuto invited the team at the resort’s pavilion. He offered native coffee and shared interesting stories about Ephrathah Farms. Asked why he named the farm Ephrathah, Cañuto said that it is the old name of Bethlehem, and it means “fruitful.”
Ephrathah Farms was realized through patience and hard work. It took Cañuto 35 years to realize his “agri-tourism farm,” making it a popular tourist destination, not only in Western Visayas, but also in the country. Ephrathah is visited by thousands of tourists every year, not only for the luxurious resort within the farm, but for the abundant organic fruits and vegetable grown and managed by Engr. Cañuto.
Engr. Eddie P. Cañuto transformed his passion for farming into agritourism.
‘Ed’ was a work student assistant at the CPU library and engineering laboratories from 1966-1969, and in 1969-1970, respectively. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Central Philippine University in 1971. He ranked 7th place in the Philippine Board Examination for Civil Engineers in 1972. He then took up Master in Construction Management at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila. He finished his Master’s degree in 1980.
After his retirement from professional work, Ed returned to their farm in Badiangan with his wife. Inspired by the biblical promise of God in Micah 5:2, he worked hard and developed Ephrathah Farms. He expanded the business by building an inland resort within the productive farm.
Not only was he rewarded by God for his dedication, he was doubly compensated for his selfless efforts to help the local farmers. Ed recalled that his friends in the barangay admitted that without him, they would not be able to earn much from their farms. With his success in farming, Ed shares his knowledge and management skills to the people needing technical and financial assistance for their own farms.
In his keynote speech during the opening program of CPU-DA Agrifair 2017 in CPU on November 21, 2017, Ed emphasized that “there is money in agriculture.” He encouraged everyone to invest in agriculture, saying that there is a big local consumer demand for organic fruits and vegetables, particularly in Iloilo where local producers supply only 15% of the demand for vegetables. Ephrathah Farms is one of these producers, supplying big volumes of fruits and vegetables to SM Supermarkets.
Ed has also served in various capacities, such as a consultant for some corporations and as president, vice president, and general manager for different businesses in Metro Manila. He was a member of Central Philippine University, Corporation from 2010-2012, and a member of the CPU Board of Trustees from 2016 up to the present. He is also a lecturer on many different topics in different symposia in the Philippines and abroad.
Behind this success, however, is his unfailing devotion to and enduring faith in God. He has a wide range of involvement in the Christian ministry as church administrator, national president, international trustee and member of Gideons International—an association of Christian business and professional men in 200 countries.
Engr. Eddie P. Cañuto is married to Rosalinda Velado Cañuto, also a Centralian, with three children who are now professionals: Ed Roderick, Ainah Rose, and Jonathan Ed. The three children have specific responsibilities in the farm and resort. Two of their three grandchildren are studying at the CPU Elementary School. The whole family now resides at the Ephrathah Farm.
Dr. Jaime Cabarles, Dean of CPU-CARES has been passionate about native chicken production.
Iloilo City – A P55 million program is expected to further boost commercial production of native chickens in the Visayas.
The Central Philippine University-College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CPU-CARES) in Iloilo City and Department of Agriculture (DA) will soon implement the technology transfer program.
Dr. Jaime Cabarles, Dean of CPU-CARES, said this will address the increase in demand of native chickens among health-conscious consumers.
“Native chickens are free from synthetic chemicals, but supply in the Visayas is low,” Cabarles told the Manila Bulletin at the sidelines of the 7th DA-CPU Organic Agriculture Research Fair and Exhibit, which ends today.
The program, Cabarles said, will be replicated in selected areas in Cebu, Bohol, Aklan and Negros Occidental as part of DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRRDP).
Cabarles was one of the 2013 Republica awardees of the Commission on Higher Education for his initiatives on native chicken raising.
Meantime, Joel Somosierra, agri-fair chairperson, noted that the growing interests of organically-grown food are one of the anchors of agri-tourism.
Somosierra added they are urging more farmers to open up their farms to the public to increase their income.
Rotary International District 3850 Governor DG Enigardo Legislador, Jr.
The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline (RCJC) led by Club President Jude Marsh Grande greeted Enigardo ‘Jundad’ Legislador, Jr., Governor, Rotary International District 3850 during the latter’s visit to Central Philippine University in Jaro, Iloilo City on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. The occasion was primarily scheduled for the district governor to meet the RCJC officers and members at their university-based headquarters.
During his visit, the Rotary District Governor admired the new buildings and the way the school grounds and buildings are managed. He informed his co-Rotarians how studying in CPU can prepare the students for a good future. As an example, he referred to three sisters who are currently working as nurses in his clinic. The three are Nursing graduates of CPU.
Dinner and a short program for the Rotary District Governor was prepared which follows a Rotary tradition every year. Legislador gave an inspirational message commending how good it is for RCJC to be a partner of Central Philippine University for progress. He also acknowledged the scholarship program that the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline extends to poor but deserving students of CPU. As a special alumni chapter of Central Philippine University Alumni Association, RCJC has also created projects and events relevant to the humanitarian programs of Rotary International.
Enigardo “Jundad” Legislador, Jr. was born in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental to Enigardo Legislador Sr. and Estelita Buenavista. He is a Doctor of Medicine from Southwestern University in Cebu. He is a general surgeon and the President of Medical Associates Diagnostic Center, Inc. in Kabankalan. He was introduced to Rotary in 1992 when he was selected as a member of the Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team to D-3070 in India. He joined the Rotary Club of Kabankalan in 2000 and served as its President in 2004, during the Centennial Year of Rotary International. District Governor Jundad is a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow (MPHF) and a member of the Paul Harris Society whose members commit to contribute at least US$1,000 a year to The Rotary Foundation.
Engr. Jones H. Somosierra with Pastor Richard Plana.
The chance encounter with CPU’s veteran Spanish Professor Richard Plana took place during lunch time at a mall.
Plana was enrolled in the CPU Bachelor of Arts in 1960, but moved to the Universidad Central de Madrid in Spain shortly before his graduation from CPU in 1961. He also took his Master of Arts degree at the Instituto de Cultura Hispanize de Madrid. He was called back three times to teach in CPU before finally accepting. At that time, 12 units of Spanish were required before a student could graduate from college. One of his unforgettable students who excelled in his class was no less than the present university president, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. “I’m so proud of President Robles. He was the brightest student in my class,” Plana recalls.
He is now a practicing pastor in a local church after his stint at the CPU College of Theology. Asked about his occupation, the ever optimistic professor said, “It’s about my relationship with my Creator, and then the rest is thinking about what good there is to do.”
Those who met him were happy to see him in good health. They immediately greeted him, “?Como usta usted Senior?” One of a few phrases that they still remembered from a favorite teacher’s clase’español a long time ago.
Rev. Manuel “Mawe” L. Dela Fuente with Mr. Jones Somosierra, Staff, Office of the President, and Mr. Cyrus Natividad, CPU Media Relations Officer.
“My transfer to the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK to finish my Masters Degree in Theology in 1991 was pushed through my belief that anything is possible with God,” Rev. Manuel “Mawe” Dela Fuente shares to his friend and contemporary, Office of Communications Director Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on and Media Relations Officer Cyrus Natividad.
Before his stint in Scotland, he was a senior student in CPU’s Master of Divinity program from 1982 to 1986. He graduated from the CPU College of Commerce in 1979. He studied from Kindergarten to High School at Central Philippine University.
The conversation focused on his college days, especially on how he survived the challenges and pains of the Martial Law years. His two brothers, John and Edward, were senselessly murdered by the military. They were Centralians who advanced the causes of the youth such as enlightenment and cultural reorientation. John was a CPU Engineering student while Edward, the eldest brother, was the Editor in Chief of Central Echo. Both bravely fought for the principles of freedom, especially freedom from the shackles of oppression and injustice.
At the same time that Mawe and his family were experiencing these tribulations, change was in the air for the CPUR. The Partido ng Mag-aaral at Sambayanan (Pangmasa) and the Alliance of Democratic Students (ADS) decided to form the Koalisyon ng Demokratikong Mag-aaral Para Sa Sambayanan (Koalisyon) that would embody their changing and growing ideologies. Mawe was the first standard bearer for the Koalisyon Party. He subsequently became the CPUR President.
The Reverends at the Calvary Baptist Church of Clifton, New Jersey. Rev. Manuel “Mawe” L. Dela Fuente (right) with Rev. Felix Colinco (left), President of CPUAA of Northeastern Chapter, and Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso (2nd from right), General Secretary of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
As President, Mawe designed programs in tune with the need for campus freedom and expression. Mawe provided students with facts and updates on the state of the nation. He also published newsletters and magazines. He also pushed for the reopening of the University Student Center. After much discussion with the administration of CPU President Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, the University Student Center opened its doors once more—a symbol that students of CPU can now once again freely play and discuss ideas without fear of the oppressive Marcos dictatorship.
Because of the urgent need to apprise the students on social issues and the spiritual concerns, he helped organize ecumenical projects which were politically progressive. Mawe also joined the Protestant Propagating Human Enlightenment for the Transformation of Society (PROPHETS). Notable leaders of this group were Sharon Rose Ruiz-Duremdes, Nestor D. Bunda, and Edwin I. Lariza.
Rev. Manuel “Mawe” Dela Fuente believes that the Central spirit should be more like the Spirit of Christ: centered on love, righteousness, peace and justice. Thus, for Pastor Mawe, the Central Spirit and his Christian conviction must embrace understanding and forgiveness.
Rev. Dela Fuente is now the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clifton, New Jersey, an international and multi-cultural Christian Church and a member of the American Baptist Churches. His other brother Nelson is now a municipal doctor in Valladolid, Negros Occidental. His two sisters Lilian Dela Fuente Velonia and Josie Dela Fuente McMillan are successful in their chosen careers. Their late father, Mr. Johnny Dela Fuente was the president of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (1968-1972), and a member of the CPU Board of Trustees. Their loving mother, Professor Lucy Lahaylahay Dela Fuente has retired from her teaching profession in CPU, still healthy and enjoying her retirement years.
Mawe goes back to the Philippines every year to visit friends, family, and CPU. He comes home most especially to serve his mother. This annual ministry focused on Arguelles St., Iloilo City, his ancestral home, only shows that, aside from being an advocate for social transformation, Mawe is a caring pastor and a devoted son.
Honesty is the currency of trust—CPU Senior High School student, Mariah Aya Dynah A. Deza, was hailed for returning the lost cell phone of City Hall Special Service Unit employee, Mr. Emmanuel Cabales.
Deza found the missing phone while riding the jeepney. She then returned it immediately to the owner. As an act of gratitude, Mr. Cabales went to CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico to appreciate the Centralian’s honesty. He then thanked Deza, who refused to receive any gift for her honesty.
According to Mr. Cabales, Deza’s actions are a testimony to how Centralians are set apart from others because of their Christ-centered education.
“Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people” (Proverbs 11:3). CPU is true to its commitment of producing honest Centralians by educating its students to be exemplary Christians for life. That is meaning of the CPU Vision of EXCEL—Exemplary Christian Education for Life.
Daniel Kang talks about how CPU helped him become a successful businessman.
Talking about the values he learned from Central Philippine University, young Korean businessman Daniel Kang is grateful for how CPU has contributed to his career and to their growing business in the Philippines.
After a period of studying English in CPU, he helped his father in managing their family business which is engaged in the direct selling of consumer products. He is grateful that CPU gave him a good training in the English language. He also learned skills and abilities that are necessary for their business in the Philippines and which enable him to talk confidently to Filipino customers and friends.
His first impression of the environment in CPU is that of hospitality—welcoming people, caring professors, and understanding students. He believes that it is because of the influence of Christian ethics and the spiritual experience that Centralians have while at the campus. He has also met many friends and valuable associates that he continues to keep in touch with.
Together with his fellow Koreans who studied at Central Philippine University, Daniel sees CPU as a campus where he found security, friendship and valuable experiences. Because of this, Daniel has hired Centralians to be part of his staff at Atomy International, Iloilo branch.
Daniel plans to go back to CPU soon and finish his degree.
Loretizo during the NatGeo Explorers Festival in Washington D.C.(Photo Credit: National Geographic Asia).
Munich, 1883 – people gathered in front of the Residenztheater, the city’s most beloved theater. It was sundown and the grand façade of the theater stood in darkness, surrounded by a crowd of music and laughter. Nearby inns emit the mouthwatering smell of Weisswurts and bratwurst, conversations filled the streets, people were ecstatic as electric lights would finally brighten Munich for the first time.
There was silence, and in a flash, the theater glowed in all her splendor. The light pierced through the crowd as they cheered. No more lamps fueled by oil. Rather electric lights, cleaner and brighter than before were transporting people to the future.
Among the crowd was four year old Albert Einstein. He was atop his father’s shoulders when he witnessed everything. The young boy was astounded, curiosity filled his soul as electric lights seemed like stars he could touch and put in his pocket.
Loretizo chats with Explorer, Lee Berger. (Photo Credit: National Geographic Asia).
Years later, Einstein becomes one of the greatest physicists, changing the world with his revolutionary ideas. A genius in his own right, Einstein paved the way, inspiring millions of young minds to be passionately curious about the world.
NatGeo recently aired “Genius”, a show depicting the life of Einstein. It portrayed the rise of the Physicist from a curious learner into one of the foundations of modern physics. To celebrate his life, the show held “Everyday Genius” a contest encouraging young minds all around the globe to submit ideas that might the world. Hundreds of entries were received by NatGeo, but one stood out from the rest.
John Elmer Loretizo, a 5th year Software Engineering student of CPU, bagged the top spot with his innovative phone application PaDS or Patient in Transit Diagnostics System in the National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius” Contest besting other contestants from around the globe.
PaDS is a mobile app that sends a patients diagnostics to the target hospital for treatment preparation. When asked on how he came up with the idea for PaDs, Loretizo shares that it was his experience when he himself was seeking medical treatment that made him realize the importance of such innovation. “It was three in the morning, and all of a sudden I had asthma. I had to be rushed at the hospital but instead of receiving immediate medical attention, I still had to wait and be diagnosed. I thought to myself that this is all unnecessary. When it comes to providing medical services, every second counts.”
Inside the NatGeo Museum. (Photo Credit: National Geographic Asia).
The background of his study showcases the Philippines as a country with a high percentage of smartphone users. Mobile applications can play a vital role in emergency response situations in order to provide a solution to the prevailing problem of delayed medical services, Loretizo came up with the concept that will allow users to identify themselves during registration as any of three different roles namely: an emergency responder, a regular citizen or a medical practitioner (either an emergency nurse or a doctor).
Both emergency responders and medical practitioners shall be required of a license number or identification card during registration in order to ascertain their identity. Once registered, varying user interfaces shall be made available to each user depending on the role they have and all is set to go. During emergency situations, a responder or civilian will select the hospital to which the patient will be brought to and fill out an information sheet thereafter in the most detailed way possible. No field is required for either the responder or civilian but filling out more fields with accuracy would help the target hospital design a treatment plan while waiting for the patient to arrive.
Visiting the NatGeo Musuem. (Photo Credit: National Geographic Asia).
There shall also be an option to send images of the patient of specific areas of wounds/injury or area of focus to be treated. Once the diagnostics are sent, medical practitioners in the target hospital will immediately receive the data and get notified of the emergency.
They will be able to know the location of the ambulance or vehicle. Through the diagnostics and images sent, doctors would be able to initially plan out a treatment plan (i.e. ready the emergency room, operating materials) or send back a response of what to do while the patient is still in transit. PaDS bridges the gap of emergency response needed especially in countries like the Philippines. It helps elevate the level of technology and its usefulness in saving lives (learn more about PaDs on http://everydaygenius.asia/#winners).
Loretizo shares came to know about the contest through Facebook. “When I stumbled upon NatGeo’s post about the competition around April, I wasn’t really that sure of entering. However I saw it again in my saved post and I finally decided to join.”
On May 26, 2017, NatGeo finally called Loreritizo to tell him that he was adjudged as the Grand winner of the competition. “I felt happy and excited when I heard the news. I wasn’t expecting to win because I came to know about the other entries and some of them were very technical.”
As Grand Winner, Loretizo attended the first ever National Geographic Explorers Festival at NatGeo headquarters in Washington D.C. on June 12-18, 2017. There he met fellow innovators, scientists, NatGeo photographers. During the festival he had a chance to meet Avatar and Titanic director, James Cameron and Astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson. “It was so surreal meeting them, James Cameron is an award winning Director and Neil deGrasse Tyson is famous astrophysicist who is widely known for his wit and humor. The learned so much from the festival, I learned about innovations from people across the globe and I also had a chance to share about my ideas as well.” He was able to watch a live session of an interview session with James Cameron and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
During the festival, Neil deGrasse Tyson received the Habburd Medal, National Geographic’s highest distinction, which recognizes lifetime achievement in exploration, scientific research and discovery.
Loretizo graduated as elementary and high school valedictorian at General Santos City Sped Integrated School. He came to study in CPU after knowing that the university offers Software Engineering. “I knew that I always wanted to take up engineering but I wasn’t sure specifically what kind of engineering. A lot of people did encourage taking up software engineering. I had a chance to talk to a professor from Mapua Institute of Technology and he encouraged to take up software engineering.”
Apart from being an “Everyday Genius”, Loretizo also took up leadership roles in the university as the college representative of the College of Engineering. “I think that everybody has this concept that if you’re smart you have the ability to lead. As a leader, I always motivated my fellow-officers to participate in every activity. I always acknowledge them and help them grow.”
When asked on how he deals with pressure and expectation Loretizo shares that it’s important to be motivated with your passion on what you want to do rather than other people’s expectations. “Always look beyond people’s expectations of you. Make pressure a stepping stone. In your own little way you leave an impact.”
According to Loretizo, one’s mindset is important in creating ideas. The necessity of being passionately curious should be a habit that let’s see the potential of moments. “One should always be curious, to ask how things work or how they don’t work. Good ideas can spring from ordinary moments, your perspective should always be to innovate and to do something that has never been done before.”
Germany had Albert Einstein to share to the world. Now, CPU and the Philippines have John Elmer Loretizo.
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