By Rinand C. Escuban

CPUFOAA President Mrs. Flora Cuadiamat visits the Centralians in Toronto.

On Saturday, June 9, members and friends of the CPU Alumni Association of Greater Toronto Area (CPUAAGTA) Chapter led by its President, Norma Van Dusen, gathered for a fellowship and some fun during its annual picnic at the Centennial Park in Etobicoke, Ontario. Flora Grace Cudiamat, President, CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association (CPUFOAA), flew all the way from Chicago, Illinois to attend the annual gathering of Centralians.

During the fellowship Ms. Van Dusen, touched on the recent success of the concert of the Bahandi Singers. The event raised funds for the Scholarship Program of the Association for the benefit of deserving students at Central Philippine University. She expressed the association’s gratitude to the Bahandi Singers who volunteered their time and resources to support the program. Ms. Van Dusen encouraged the members to plan for and attend the worldwide reunion of Centralians, which will take place at the CPU campus on February 5-7, 2020. Ms. Van Dusen informed the members that the election of the new set of officers would be on July 7. In connection with this, she read to the members the names of the nominees.

Centralians from the Greater Toronto Area.

Edwin Arroz, Vice-President of the association, gave a brief reflection and offered his thoughts on the significance of the association to the members and of how the Central Spirit had been kept alive among the members.

Ms. Cudiamat, on the other hand, shared with the members of the association the preparations being undertaken by Central Philippine University, led by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President, for the 2020 Grand Alumni Homecoming.

In the event, everyone enjoyed the potluck Ilonggo food prepared by the members. The games which brought laughter and fun to the fellowship was hosted by Rod Gonzales, Member, Board of Director.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Looking Forward host, Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad together with Prof. Necile C. Magno, Mrs. Cecilia J. Somodio and  Mr. Mauro Somodio.

Former CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe leader and instructor Prof. Necile C. Magno was the invited guest speaker at the recently held Philippine Festival in Australia. The Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland invited Prof. Magno to the international event held from May 9 to June 8, 2019.

Magno also conducted a dance clinic and attended the Gala Night at the Sunny Bank State School. Magno is one of the recipients of the Filipino-Australian Scholarship (Grant-in-Aid).

This year’s theme of the Philippine Festival is “One World, One Spirit.” It was hosted by the Filipino-Australian Foundation whose current President is Centralian alumnus, Mauro Somodio (BSA, Batch 1973).

The festival included the showcase of Filipino dances and food, according to Somodio. Prof. Magno also observed that Filipino and Australian businessmen have given financial support for the success of the festival.

Somodio and his wife, Cecilia (Pre-Nursing, Batch 1971), are currently spending their vacation here. Somodio, along with Magno, was invited to this week’s Looking Forward, a CPU TV public affairs program.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

The CPUAAI headed by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena aims to connect Centralians throughout the globe. 

The 2019 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly at the Alumni Conference Hall held an organizational meeting last June 21, 2019, Friday.

Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, Chairperson, Steering Committee, announced, among others, the developments of the annual Alumni Night’s Search for the King and Queen for 2019.  Assignments for the different committees were then given to the members; plans for the activities and venues were also discussed.

He encouraged cooperation and volunteerism among members of the Steering Committee. Developments and updates will be announced by the CPUAAI from time to time.

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

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 3^rd and 4^th year college students. It will take another two school years before the colleges will settle back to normal.

By Keziah G. Huelar

CPU faculty and staff together with the officials of Kawachinagano International Friendship Association.

Promoting Filipino culture through dance—Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Director, CPU Cultural Affairs Office; Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Dean, CPU College of Education; and Mr. Randy Lero, Artistic Director, CPU Dance Company, together with seven student-dancers from the CPU Sari-Saot showcased the Filipino culture to five schools in Kawachinagano City, Japan on June 6 to 12, 2019.

Together with the said CPU faculty and staff, members of the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Company namely: Shyra Thyryss C. Cerbas, Ronald Bryan G. Siao, Mizzy Kaye T, Rosaldes, Marjorie March A. Berso, Rizza Mae M. Genovata, Joe Francis L. Antonio and Jewellyn Imee O. Pediangco gave dance workshops to the students of Amami Elementary School, Seikyo Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, Osaka Chiyoda College, Nagano Senior High School and Kagata Junior High School.

A medley of Philippine dances was shown to Japanese students; among them are Cariñosa, Lo Jota Sevillana and Pansak sa Laley.

The group also highlighted Central Philippine University as a center of excellence and development in the region.

A video presentation of the university was also presented in each school. Dr. Junsay talked about CPU as a hub of cultural diversity and an educational institution that is globally competitive with various partnerships with academic institutions around the globe and locally rooted being a community-based academic unit that focuses on holistic training.

She also discussed the English language programs of the university, encouraging Japanese students to study in the university and avail of its academic services.

During the seven-day visit to Japan, the CPU group had host-families who catered to their board and lodging, local trips, and sightseeing in the city.

The said cultural-exchange was made possible through a partnership with Kawachinagano International Friendship Association. CPU and KIFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding for future cultural and academic partnerships.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Dr. Jeffrey P. Ganzon together with Senator-elect, Bato Dela Rosa. Photo Credit: Dr. Jeffrey P. Ganzon

Dr. Jeffrey P. Ganzon, a graduate of the CPU High School Batch 1969 will be serving his second term as Vice Mayor of Iloilo City next month.

Before becoming the Vice Mayor, Ganzon was elected four times as a City Councilor. He was even voted as the no.1 councilor during the 2016 election. He received an Asia Pacific Excellence Award in 2017.

Speaking at a banquet held in CPU on a previous special occasion, Ganzon emphasized his being a Centralian in spirit, claiming that, “I have benefited from the Christian education and discipline at Central Philippine University.”

Ganzon shared his first three guiding principles in life:

1. Believe in the Divine Providence who guides the destiny of men and nations.
2. Believe that education will free the country from the bondage of ignorance and poverty.
3. For the growth of democracy, build an intelligent, strong and vibrant middle-class who shall bridge the wide gap between the rich and poor.

Ganzon’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6: 33. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added into you”.

Ganzon is the son of the late Rodolfo “Roding” Ganzon, who served as Senator from 1963-1969. He was also elected twice as Representative of the Lone District of Iloilo City and four times as Iloilo City Mayor. Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon’s grandfather, Leopoldo G. Ganzon, on the other hand, also served as Mayor of Iloilo City from 1931-1934.

The elder Ganzons left a legacy of excellence in public service that Dr. Jeffrey P. Ganzon vows to continue.

By Nestle G. Taala

CPU faculty, staff together with Hon. Mark P. Palabrica, Bingawan Municipal Mayor, Hon. Matt P. Palabrica,  Board Member-elect of the 3rd Congressional District  and members members of the CPUAAI Bingawan Chapter.

Central Philippine University Alumni Association Bingawan Chapter held its 4th Bingawan – CPU Day during the 50th Municipal Founding Anniversary and 11th Paghani-an Festival Celebration of Bingawan, Iloilo on June 19.

The event kicked off with the launching of their program, “Gugma Ko, Tsinelas Mo” in which slippers were given out to the pupils of 15 schools in Bingawan as a symbol of the association’s compassion and service and to demonstrate the Central Spirit.

CPUAAI Bingawan Chapter President, Hon. Joy L. Quimba, expressed her heartfelt thanks as she warmly welcomed all the guests, visitors, and beneficiary of the said program. To lighten up and set the mood, the CPUAAI Bingawan Chapter performed a special song number. It was then followed by a countdown to unveil the project which was facilitated by CPUAAI Bingawan Chapter Secretary, Marvin Saladar.

Hon. Mark P. Palabrica, Bingawan Municipal Mayor, shared that as a Centralian leader, the Central Spirit has always been his guiding principle. Moreover, Hon. Matt P. Palabrica, the town’s Municipal Vice Mayor and the Board Member-elect of the 3rd Congressional District, expressed his gratitude to CPU for being a big part of the town’s development through its Centralian leaders.

Hon. Matt P. Palabrica thanked CPU for its continuous love and support to the Municipality of Bingawan.

Meanwhile, Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, CPUAAI President, congratulated the chapter for this milestone and for the strong bond and support they exhibit. He then encouraged them to attend the Alumni Homecoming General Meeting on September 28, 2019.

In an Interview, Hon. Quimba shared that the project came about because of the positive response from the CPUAAI Bingawan Chapter.  It was made possible through solicitations and donations from each one of them. Though they had fear of not reaching the quota on time, they were able to achieve it because of their cooperation. As the President of the chapter, she was glad with the outcome of their activity.

The event was also graced with the presence of Engr. Aurora Lim, CPUAAI Consultant; Mrs. Ninfa Esteban, Chapter President of Concepcion Centralians; Engr. Rey Balogo and Andresito Millamena, CPUAAI Trustees; and Tina Hortelano, Alumni Liaison Officer.

By Cyrus A.Natividad

The CPU Medical Center aims to protect and promote health safety and security within the campus.

The Medical Clinic offers high quality basic medical services to CPU employees and students CPU.

The Medical Clinic conducts annual physical examination which is required by the University. The physical examination of students and University faculty and staff members includes referral of cases necessitating appropriate specialty care.

Other services offered by the Clinic include consultations regarding and treatment of minor ailments and injuries during official school days and hours; administration of vaccines; emergency response to life threatening medical events that occurred inside the campus during official school days and hours.

The Medical Clinic also collaborates to comply with occupational safety and health policies and programs as well as disease monitoring and reporting among other valuable medical services.

The medical operation at the Medical Clinic is in line with the administration’s program of quality and excellence.

By Keziah G. Huelar

A testimony of faith and discipline – Jacqui Rosee “CPU Ironwoman” V. Lamparero continues to inspire generations of athletes.

Jacqui Rosee “CPU Ironwoman” V. Lamparero, a 2^nd year CPU BS Psychology student, received the Women of Distinction Award for Sports by the Zonta Club of Iloilo II at the Gateway Hotel on June 14, 2019.

Lamparero is a champion triathlete and a member of the Philippine Triathlon Team. In 2015, she bagged the top spot in the Women’s Sprint Distance NAGT Leg 4 and was 2^nd place in the Women’s Elite Category, National Dualathon Final held in Cebu City.

In 2016, she placed 1^st in both the Women’s Sprint Distance NAGT LEG 2 and LEG 4 held in Danao City and Cagayan de Oro, respectively. She also dominated the 2017 NAGT LEG 1 earning the top spot in the Junior Elite Women’s Sprint Distance in Subic Bay.

She is also a finisher in both the 2017 ASTC Women’s Junior Eliter held in Palembang, Indonesia and 2018 ASTC Hong Kong Women’s Junior Elite.

The said award recognized outstanding Filipino women who not only contributed positively in strengthening and shaping Iloilo’s future but also served as catalysts for economic, social and cultural development, and national unity by sharing their time, talent and resources. The evaluation process included a thorough evaluation based on career achievement, personality, community involvement, and educational accomplishment.

Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Engr. Dany C. Molina,  Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, and Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo together with Hide-Fumi Yokoo (Hitotsubashi University), Engr. Molina, Dr. Romallosa, Engr. Cangrejo and Dr. Masahide Horita (The University of Tokyo).

An observation on the actual operation of Potato harvester equipment by Fujishita Company Ltd. was conducted at the Fukouka University of Japan from May 10 to 17, 2019 with a team from Central Philippine University led by Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean College of Engineering, with Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Chair, Department of Agricultural Engineering, and Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo, Chair, Dept. of Packaging Engineering.

Dr. Romallosa observed that the “Bullgirl” potato harvesting equipment could still be improved. “As a topic for research, it was proposed that CPU and Fujishita Company Ltd. collaborate for an enhancement which could become a challenge for a technology transfer to CPU,” she added.

The team also observed the potential for Fukouka University to link up with CPU College of Agriculture and other departments and to strengthen an existing partnership in Tokyo, Japan.

Dean Molina, who is currently the President of the Philippine Association of Engineering Schools, linked once again with the University of Tokyo during their visit to Japan. The team also observed the advancement of the agriculture industry in Japan.