By Cyrus A. Natividad with notes from Nestle G. Taala
Mathias Hallerbach, Business Development Manager of C&C Human Resource Pro Civitate and his Senior Supervising Consultant during an interview with Mr. Natividad.
Mathias Hallerbach, Business Development Manager of C&C Human Resource/Pro Civitate (a German health provider) based in Germany and his Senior Supervising Consultant Kristine Brisenio, based in Metro Manila announced their commitment to recruit Filipino nurses particularly, CPU graduates.
In an interview on CPUTV public affairs program Looking Forward, Hallerbach and Brisenio detailed on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the German Agency and Central Philippine University at the CPU Administration Conference Hall on Friday June 28, 2019.
Hallerbach impressed upon the viewers that Filipino nurses are much needed in Germany. He also admired the attitude and quality of service of the Filipino nurses in several nursing care facilities in Germany.
CPU joined the Adopt-an-Estero Water Body Program Orchestrated Cleanup last June 22 2019.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau orchestrated a clean-up drive called, Adopt-An-Estero or Water Body Program which is a “collaborative undertaking between and among communities along esteros or creeks and rivers, concerned local government units, private sector and the DENR to achieve a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.”
In line with this, Central Philippine University Republic, CPUR local government units, various CPU student organizations, and Centralian volunteers participated on June 22 at Dungon A and B (Dungon Creek), Jaro, Iloilo City. The CPUR dubbed the activity as “CPUR Environment Celebration Day.” The groups gathered and assembled at 5:30 A.M. in the CPU Big Field before their deployment to the venue.
Mr. Prim Vergara III, CPU’s Safety Officer and Chairperson of the CPU Sustainable Campus Committee, gave a briefing before the students dispersed in the clean-up drive.
CPU students helped in the clean-up of Dungon Creek, Jaro, Iloilo City.
Aside from the fact that the activity promotes environmental awareness, CPUR President, Riego Ferrer Garcia, saw the activity as an opportunity to create networks that would be beneficial to the upcoming projects of CPUR. “Building linkages with government agencies and [creating] an avenue to collaborate with school organizations is one way of helping and extending support to maintain cleanliness within the area (Dungon Creek) and to sustain its biodiversity,” Mr. Garcia shared.
Members of CPU Search and Rescue Team, CPU Red Cross Youth Medical Team and CPU Sustainable Campus Committee were also present during the activity to ensure and monitor the safety of the students in the whole course of the Adopt-An-Estero/Water Body Program.
The graduates of the CPU College of Medicine together with CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Dean Dr. Henry D. Gonzales, Administration Officials, Guest Speaker and their faculty and staff.
Central Philippine University College of Medicine held its 13th Commencement Exercises for school year 2018-2019 on June 23, 2019 at Rose Memorial Auditorium. The said college hit a milestone as they also celebrated the 1st Commencement Exercises of the BS Respiratory Therapy Program.
The occasion began with the Entrance of Colors and the processional of the graduating students together with the Dean, Dr. Henry D. Gonzales; the administration officials; the guest speaker; and the faculty and staff of the College of Medicine.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, gave the welcome remarks. In his message, he hoped that the graduating class would never neglect the fact that “without God, we are nothing” since “He is the source of all wisdom and strength.” Dr. Gonzales then introduced this year’s commencement speaker, Dr. Mae Concepcion J. Dolendo.
The Commencement Speaker, Dr. Mae Concepcion J. Dolendo, challenged the graduating class to live out the values that they have learned.
Dr. Dolendo finished her elementary, high school and Medical Technology degree from CPU. She holds various positions in different institutions, such as Head of the Children’s Cancer Institute; Director of PayWard Services, Southern Philippines Medical Center; Medical Director of St. Jude Global, Davao, Philippines and Program Director of the World Child Cancer Mindanao Pediatric Cancer Care Network Project.
To inspire the graduates, Dr. Dolendo shared her life experiences as she faced her fears through the course her journey. According to her, “We must acknowledge our weaknesses and try to be better not only for ourselves but for the people we care for.”
She reminded the graduates, “Please choose not only to be successful but also to be significant. Please choose to walk your talk. Live your values—‘wag niyong sabihin; ipakita niyo. [Don’t just say it. Show it.] I am confident that with the Central Philippine University education, you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and values to make the right choices.” She then ended her message with the Bible verse, Romans 8:28.
After the message, the program went on with the conferral of degrees and investiture of hoods with Dr. Robles and Registrar, Miss Charissa June Deocampo, assisting. CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, led the graduates in making the Pledge of the Alumni. Meanwhile, Rev. Roger Quimpo, ended the activity with a prayer and the benediction.
By Sarla Ferrer-Duller and Emelda Frange-Valcarcel
CPU Batch 1969 at the Henry Luce III Library.
Memory… just like the famous song from the Broadway musical Cats, the Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Nursing class of 1969, a.k.a. the 69ers, dreamed of the old days and remembered that life was beautiful then as they commemorated their Golden Jubilee from February 7 to 12, 2019. Attended by 25 69ers and some 12 husbands, the class reunion was celebrated in the provinces of Iloilo and Antique, and in six different venues: CPU; Iloilo Mission Hospital (IMH); Tambaliza/Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion, Iloilo; Dingle, Iloilo; San Jose, Antique; and Pavia, Iloilo.
Deafening laughter, bear hugs, and beso-beso filled the first floor of the Hence Luce Library Knowledge Development Center in CPU as the Jubilarians trickled in as early as 7:30 in the morning on the first day of the six-day class reunion. The Iloilo-based organizing committee was busy signing-in the attendees as they came in, handing out mini buri fans, made-to-order gold tees for the occasion, and the Jubilee mug adorned with each 69er attendee’s college graduation picture! Ahhhh… so young, innocent, and vulnerable-looking! How nostalgic—the image in the mug was taken at least 50 years ago!
CPU Batch 1969 met with Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, a member of CPU’s Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital
The venue was almost standing-room-only, and like clockwork, the Texas-based classmates led off the program: Elpa Lagora-Drooglever led the invocation and followed by Terry Camiña who sung her own rendition of one of the songs from the Sound of Music, “Climb Every Mountain.” Indeed, the song resonated the challenges and opportunities in climbing one’s mountain, in following the byways and rainbows until dreams were found! After 50 years, Terry could still deliver!
The next number was the welcome address by the CPU President, Dr. Teodoro (Ted) Robles. The emcee, Lydia Fernandez-Robles, an Iloilo-based member of the Golden Jubilee organizing committee, did the honor of introducing Dr. Ted Robles. Lydia admitted the task was easy since President Robles needed no introduction at all as the husband of a 69er, Angel Antonio. The introduction was sweet and succinct. After the warm welcome, the group was called upon to sing their class theme song, “My Task,” the hymn that buoyed them up through the years, throughout the world:
“To help a wand’ring child to find his way
To follow the truth as blind men long for light
To do my best from dawn of day till night
To keep my heart fit for His holy sight
And answer when He calls…”
Wow! The words were a power saw cutting through souls and tear ducts!
Sharing her love for music – Princess Bales is one of the rising local artists in Iloilo City.
Her song broke the silence like sunrise piercing twilight. Every note was a reflection of something more profound than a memory; every word an opportunity to reveal a testimony far greater than joy or pain—the truth.
For Princess Bales, the truth of the songs she writes speak not only of the vulnerability of her soul but of the impact of her faith in God and the power of words to introduce beautiful melodies to the senses.
A storyteller by heart, Ces, developed a love for writing at an early age. It not only helped her to cope with life’s struggles but it also gave her a profound sense of purpose knowing that her talent can help empower others: “I wrote a lot back when I was in high school. It’s very therapeutic—It’s an avenue to share what I feel and I think it’s also a way for me to share what I love doing with others.” Coupled with her interest in music, Ces began to compose songs with the help of her brother JM Bales: “As a family, we really love music. We like to sing together. Especially with kuya, sometimes we would compose songs together. I would write the lyrics and then I [would] show it to him then we [would] work on the melody together.”
Consistent with its missions and vision – Central Philippine University continues to provide Exemplary Christian Education for Life.
As of the end of the college enrollment on June 26, 2019, CPU has 12,789 students in all levels. This is a 1% increase to that of the last school year. More increase is expected once the enrolment from the College of Law and Graduate School ends on July 6, 2019 and the College of Medicine on August 2, 2019.
So far, there are 7,673 college students, 812 elementary students, 1,600 junior high school students, 2,004 senior high school students, 135 kindergarten students and 565 graduate school students. The total number of students enrolled in the University will be known on August 2, 2019.
During the Faculty and Staff Conference on June 14, 2019, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles said that CPU is grateful to God because the University has survived the challenges brought about by the K-12 program. This school year, due to the K-12 program of the government, there are no regular 3rd and 4th year college students. It will take another two school years before the colleges will settle back to normal.
Prof. Renia F. De La Peña together with fellow CPU Doctorate students Regie C. Regalado and Darnelle P. Moscoso sharing their research entitled “Level of Good Governance and Leadership Styles Among Punong Barangays in Iloilo.”
Central Philippine University and Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) conducted a joint workshop entitled “The Challenges in MSMEs, Economy, Governance and Leadership: Philippine and Vietnam” at TUEBA, Thai Nguyen City.
Doctorate students from both universities taking up Doctor of Management, majoring in both Public Administration and Business Administration, presented their research studies in the said forum.
Participants of the workshop were welcomed by the Dr. Do Anh Tai, Associate Professor and Vice Rector of TUEBA.
CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, gave the congratulatory address. He highlighted the importance of establishing research partnerships across the ASEAN Region to share innovations and knowledge gearing towards development.
CPU doctoral students, Ms. Jerelyn Joy G. Catadman, Althea U. Denuevo, Christine B. Gelilao, Joan A. Militar and Sheryll P. Saromines presented their study entitled “Business Performance of a Private Higher Education Institution’s Auxiliary Enterprise Focused on Dormitories: Basis for Operational Innovation”; Karenina P. Depamaylo, Jennefer N. Galarga, Marivic C. Santos, May Rose O. Suerte and Mary Ann B. Tagaytayan discussed their research, “Entrepreneurial Pursuits of Faith Based Organizations: Cases in Western Visayas”; Rhea V. Martesapo and Annaline L. Palmaira talked about the findings of their study entitled “Environmental Awareness and Practices on Recycling of Solid Waste Materials: Basis for Material Recovery Facility” while Prof. Renia F. De La Peña, Regie C. Regalado, and Darnelle P. Moscoso shared the results of their study, “Level of Good Governance and Leadership Styles Among Punong Barangays in Iloilo.” On the other hand, Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh from TUEBA presented his research entitled “Research on Public Health Services Quality: A Case Study at Thai Nguyen National Hospital.”
The workshop aimed at exposing doctoral students from both universities to international research fora.
According to Dr. Rio, both universities are working on two international collaborative researches: the first to be presented by CPU during TUEBA’s Foundation Day in October 2019 and the second, in February 2020 during an international business conference to be hosted by the CPU College of Business and Accountancy.
The Central Philippine University Technopreneurship Hub aims to promote CPU as a regional center for technopreneurship excellence.
Promoting technopreneurship in the region—The Central Philippine University Technopreneurship Hub in partnership with the Philippine Development Foundation held a three-day seminar on technopreneurship at the Educational Medica Center on June 27-29, 2019.
Engineering professors from all over Western Visayas participated in the event. Among the goals of the said workshop was to generate ideas and solutions using the Human Centered Design Thinking Process, to introduce value proposition and components of the Value Proposition Canvas and introduce the Business Model Canvas.
For the opening ceremony, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, talked about the importance of continued innovation and development of science and technology for the betterment of the community-at-large. He also thanked PhilDev and CHED for partnering with CPU in the said endeavors.
After which, Engr. Rex C. Casiple, Chief Education Program Specialist, CHED RO VI, in his message, highlighted the importance of forums, such as the one being held, to discuss ideas and innovations. On the other hand, Emil Tapnio, Program Director, PhilDev Foundation, thanked the various sectors that recognized technoprenership as a vital tool to national development.
Following the messages was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the three institutions to partner for future efforts to promote technoprenership.
The activity overview of the seminar was discussed by Engr. Bernie C. Cangreo, TBI Manager, CPU Center of Ideation, Realization and Commercialization.
Topics of the seminar included “Introduction to Design Thinking and Design Thinking Process: Defining the Problem” and “Ideation and Protyping” by Micah Asistores, Mentorship Manager, PhilDev Foundation; “Introduction to Value Proposition and Value Proposition Canvas,” “Customer Profile: Jobs, Gains and Pains,” “Product Map: Gain Creators and Pain Relievers,” and “Introduction to Business Model Canvas” by Goldy Yancha, Entrepreneurship Manager, PhilDev Foundation.
At the end of the seminar, Ms. Patricia Siriban, Program Officer, PhilDev Foundation gave a reflection on the lecture and workshop activities. It was then followed by the closing remarks given by Mr. Emil Tapnio.
Mr. Mauro Somodio with his wife Cecilia J. Somodio. Photo Credit: Mr. Mauro Somodio
Centralian alumnus and Filipino-Australian Foundation President Mauro Somodio was with Prof. Necile Magno as guests in the special edition of Looking Forward—CPU TV’s public affairs program. Both were guests on Thursday, June 27, 2019. Magno gave updates on the activities she attended in Australia with observations on the lifestyle and relationships of Centralian alumni in Australia.
Meanwhile, Somodio, also known as “Mau” to his friends at Central, revealed some of the foundation’s plans that would benefit Central Philippine University’s global promotion and partnerships. These partnerships, according to him, include the educational programs with Griffith University—primarily the faculty/student exchange program, research collaboration, dual doctoral program partnerships, and New Colombo Plan Scholarships among others.
Somodio is a CPU graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1973. He Founded the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. in 1996 and is currently the foundation’s President. He was responsible of promoting the outreach project-grant-in-aid scholarship program.
Memory… just like the famous song from the Broadway musical Cats, the Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Nursing class of 1969, a.k.a. the 69ers, dreamed of the old days and remembered that life was beautiful then as they commemorated their Golden Jubilee from February 7 to 12, 2019. Attended by 25 69ers and some 12 husbands, the class reunion was celebrated in the provinces of Iloilo and Antique, and in six different venues: CPU; Iloilo Mission Hospital (IMH); Tambaliza/Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion, Iloilo; Dingle, Iloilo; San Jose, Antique; and Pavia, Iloilo.
Deafening laughter, bear hugs, and beso-beso filled the first floor of the Hence Luce Library Knowledge Development Center in CPU as the Jubilarians trickled in as early as 7:30 in the morning on the first day of the six-day class reunion. The Iloilo-based organizing committee was busy signing-in the attendees as they came in, handing out mini buri fans, made-to-order gold tees for the occasion, and the Jubilee mug adorned with each 69er attendee’s college graduation picture! Ahhhh… so young, innocent, and vulnerable-looking! How nostalgic—the image in the mug was taken at least 50 years ago!
CPU Batch 1969 met with Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, a member of CPU’s Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital
The venue was almost standing-room-only, and like clockwork, the Texas-based classmates led off the program: Elpa Lagora-Drooglever led the invocation and followed by Terry Camiña who sung her own rendition of one of the songs from the Sound of Music, “Climb Every Mountain.” Indeed, the song resonated the challenges and opportunities in climbing one’s mountain, in following the byways and rainbows until dreams were found! After 50 years, Terry could still deliver!
The next number was the welcome address by the CPU President, Dr. Teodoro (Ted) Robles. The emcee, Lydia Fernandez-Robles, an Iloilo-based member of the Golden Jubilee organizing committee, did the honor of introducing Dr. Ted Robles. Lydia admitted the task was easy since President Robles needed no introduction at all as the husband of a 69er, Angel Antonio. The introduction was sweet and succinct. After the warm welcome, the group was called upon to sing their class theme song, “My Task,” the hymn that buoyed them up through the years, throughout the world:
“To help a wand’ring child to find his way
To follow the truth as blind men long for light
To do my best from dawn of day till night
To keep my heart fit for His holy sight
And answer when He calls…”
Wow! The words were a power saw cutting through souls and tear ducts!
A video presentation followed the class song. Important class activities and memorable events flashed before their eyes. Just like the proverbial day of reckoning, the video accounted some of the things the 69ers did with their talent, time, and treasure for the last 50 years, including their pre-nursing and student nurse’s days. More silly laughter, ohhhs, and ahhhs reverberated around the room. Some classmates were amazed at how petite they were—30-40 lbs. ago. Oh well. Snacks and more snacks followed—rare native delicacies like ibus nga tapul (thank you Gretchen Martinez-West), Ilonggo favorites, and much much more. So irresistible!
As if trying to shed off the calories from the snacks, the group then walked a few meters to the Loreto D. Tupaz (LTD) Hall that houses the College of Nursing where the Dean, Atty. Salex Alibogha, was waiting right at the doorstep to personally welcome the Jubilarians. Beaming from ear to ear, Dean Salex led the group to an ocular visit of the classrooms, faculty offices, and the newly acquired high tech simulation laboratory (sim lab), among other activities. The sim lab is the first of its kind in the Iloilo region, which made the 69ers ooze with pride, considering that the class was among the firsts to remit its 100,000-peso contribution towards the fruition of the project. The sim lab was replete with tech-driven manikin that simulates the normal and abnormal heart, lungs, and abdominal sounds depending on the scenario appropriate to the students’ related learning experience. The group took the opportunity to take photos: with the manikins, with Dean Salex, with each other, in front of the LDT Hall, and under the tarpaulin proclaiming IMH/CPU as the first School of Nursing in the Philippines.
Moving along, the next stop was IMH. The Hospital Administrator, Dr. Elmer Pedregosa, welcomed the Jubilarians in the conference room adjacent to his office, and after a brief prologue, he walked with them to the Healing Garden, cutting through an all familiar-looking Department A. Once again, the 69ers were ecstatic with pride as the benefactors who made the installation of the waterfalls to add serenity to the landscape possible. Selfies and group photos here and there then ensued.
Strolling along, the group noticed a missing landmark. What happened to the Nurses’ Home, the home away from home when they were student nurses? And the garden? Dr. Pedregosa explained that the years had taken its toll on the aging building. He continued that with the changes in the curriculum, student nurses were opting to stay in off-site boarding houses of their choice. Oh, how they missed the Big Hall! It was there where sisterhood developed, was nurtured, and flourished! Where the Nurses Home used to be, now proudly stands the four-story Medical Arts Building housing the multi-specialty clinics/offices.
Lunch followed after Emelda (Daday) Frange-Valcarcel led the prayer. More photo shoots followed at every opportunity. The singing of “Blest be the Tie that Binds” signaled the end of the IMH sojourn.
Back to the waiting vans and on the way to the drop off point at CPU, the Jubilarians were treated to a tour of Iloilo City guided by Angie Majaducon in one van, and Lydia in the other. Iloilo City is oozing with progress; notably among the changes it its city-wide SMOKE FREE policy. Well, CPU has been a smoke-free campus for over a century. The city was finally catching up.
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