Students highly satisfied with CPU Graduate School

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on (fifth from right) has made initiatives for CPU to partner with numerous universities around the globe.*

Students of CPU Iloilo City and CPU Extension Schools abroad, Myanmar, Vietnam and Japan, among others, are highly satisfied with the quality of education that CPU Graduate School provides. Dean of Graduate Studies and Director of the Office for Transnational Programs, Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, announced this good news in a recent interview in CPU TV’s public affairs program, Looking Forward.

Moreover, government agencies like the Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam (MOET) recognizes the quality educational programs that Central Philippine University extends to their country. It is likewise satisfied with the relationship of their students and the well qualified Filipino teachers that CPU sends to their universities.

CPU’s transnational programs and scholarship exchanges, according to Dr. Libo-on, is well-coordinated with the Commission on Higher Education at the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam and with the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs in CPU. The program provides good exposure for CPU teachers in other countries.

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, was particularly mentioned by Dr. Libo-on as very supportive of the transnational programs.

South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines visits CPU

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man and CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with CPU Administration officials and CPUAAI officers.*

Promoting Philippine-Korean friendship—The Republic of Korea ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man, visited Central Philippine University on January 28, 2019. Ambassador Han paid a courtesy call on CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; after which the ambassador spent time with CPU faculty, staff, and students in an open forum at the 4th Floor Henry Luce III Library.

For the welcome remarks, Dr. Robles talked about CPU’s growing partnership with numerous South Korean universities and its cultural and academic bond through the hundreds of South Korean students studying in the university.

According to Ambassador Han, 2019 marks the 70th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea. Thus, it is important to look back on the breakthroughs and the future opportunities and partnerships in store for both countries: “This year marks the 70th year of establishing our diplomatic ties. It’s quite fitting and timely to elevate and deepen our ties in many different areas including the academic sector.”

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles with CPU Administration officials talk with Ambassador Han.*

In his message, Ambassador Han discussed about the milestones of the inter-Korean summits between North and South Korea, the US-DPKR Singapore Summit joint statement, and the bilateral relations of the Philippines with South Korea. He also talked about the impact of the ASEAN Chairmanship of the Philippines during the ASEAN 2017 Summit and the possible cultural, academic and people to people exchange and opportunities in tourism, education, and employment.

Partnering with various government agencies, Ambassador Han aims to encourage 2 million Koreans to visit the country this year. He highlighted the potential of Iloilo City to be a tourism hub in the region.

*Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Han Dong-Man highlighted the strong bond of South Korea and the Philippines.*

Expressing his optimism in the relationship between the Philippines and South Korea, Ambassador Han looks forward to more partnerships and exchanges in tourism and research.

After his message, Centralians asked about his stand on climate change, the diplomatic relations between South Korean and the Philippines, and the economic, educational and cultural partnerships both countries can look forward to.

Chinese students commend CPU and its English Language Program

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Bobby Cheng (right), is a CPU MBA student from Chengdu, China. He is grateful for having studied the English language at Central Philippine University. Photo Credit: Bobby Cheng*

Filipino Chinese Youth Culture Promotion (FCYCP), Inc. is a brainchild of Xu Bin, a Chinese chemist who came to study English at Central Philippine University. Xu Bin and twenty students from China in his FCYCP group are enrolled in CPU in the Doctoral Graduate Program in Education and Public Management.

Like most foreign students in CPU, Xu Bin’s group started with English language courses in CPU. Two years after, Xu Bin is grateful for having been to CPU and learned English. He acknowledges that these lessons were very important so that he could continue with his studies: “I could not have enrolled in the Graduate School’s Doctor in Management/Public Administration course at present [if not for these lessons].”

*Mr. Xu Bin and his wife, Huili Chen has been part of the CPU family for two years. Photo Credit: Xu Bin*

Asked who advised him to study in CPU, Xu Bin declares, “It’s God who guided me here.” A Christian convert, Xu Bin attends the University Church with his family every Sunday. Furthermore he explains, “I like CPU very much; Centralian students, faculty and staff are very nice people”.

Bobby Cheng, a CPU MBA student from Chengdu, China is grateful for having studied the English language at Central Philippine University. Admitting that he could speak English when he first enrolled in CPU seven years ago, Bob attributes his current proficiency to the excellent language learning program given to foreign students: “I would like to thank the people who helped me much here in CPU, particularly the faculty and staff at the CPU Department of Languages and Mass Communication. I enjoy studying here in CPU.”

Bob took up his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in CPU and currently in his last year in Master in Business Administration Graduate Studies Degree. He is the only child as a result of his government’s One Child Policy in China. He is staying in Iloilo City with his mother who takes care of him while he is on his thesis dissertation and until he graduates. Bob wishes to work in business back in his country as soon as he graduates.

Centralian Star 2018 – The Joy in Giving

By Nestle G. Taala

*The CS Committee together with the donations to be given to the Manaolan Elementary School, teachers and its pupils.*

The Centralian Star (CS) is just one of the many contests and events taking place during the University Day celebration. It started in 2005 during the Centennial Celebration of CPU as a new major contest. Since the organizers, Ms. Dyna Lynn Madalag, the chair of the committee; Marvin Segura and Doriedel Lozanes, CPUR Officials; and the cultural committee, saw that it was well-accepted and enjoyed by spectators, the contest became an annual inclusion in the U-Day.

One area of the said contest called “For a Cause” collects ticket which cost P1.00 each for Popularity Vote (minor award only). The money accumulated on this is utilized for the advocacy program of the CS Committee. Hence, after every CS contest, the committee conducts an outreach program to a certain beneficiary.

*Giving back to the community – the pupils and teachers of Manaolan Elementary School together with CPU Republic officers and Centralian Star committee.*

This year, the CS Committee together with the CPU Republic and the Community Engagement and Service Learning Center organized an outreach program on January 11, 2019 at the Manaolan Elementary School, Badiangan, Iloilo. The team provided storybooks, sports equipment and a TV monitor to the school which will help teachers enhance the students learning experience. The pupils received hygiene kits as well.

After the outreach, Manaolan Elementary School expressed their gratitude to the CS Team and to the whole CPU community.

CPU Symphonic Band plays for the Home for Christmas Concert

By Cyrus A. Natividad

One of the best mini concerts in Iloilo last Christmas was performed at the Victory Plaza, Municipality of Santa Barbara by the Central Philippine University Symphonic Band.

The local government unit made the people of Santa Barbara happy by sharing the holiday blessings to them through a night of music and entertainment entitled Home for Christmas Concert as part of the Pamaskong Handog ni Mayor Doc Para sa Bayan project of the Santa Barbara mayor, Dr. Dennis S. Superficial, last December 21, 2018.

*A Symphony of Centralian Talent – Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista led the stunning performance of the band.*

The concert was made possible through the coordination of the mayor’s office and the efforts of Mr. Alfredo Y. Alas-as, Sta. Barbara Municipal Administrator and OIC- Office of the Municipal Mayor. CPU Symphonic Band leader, Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista, was then called to coordinate with the Sta. Barbara Tourism Office.

University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; Cultural Affairs Coordinator, Ms. Crista Huyong; and the CPU Symphonic Band were acknowledged by the Mayor during the said event. Mr. Bautista was particularly appreciated for his expertise as band director, arranger, and conductor.

Lessons learned from Dr. Rex D. Drilon

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

*The vision of a great Central – Dr. Drilon was know for his love and unwavering dedication to lead the university to greater heights.*

Dr. Rex D. Drilon has the distinction of being the first Filipino president of Central Philippine University. He was president of CPU from 1966 up to his death in 1971. Every year, in February, CPU honors his legacy by having a Dr. Rex D. Drilon Day. This year the celebration will be on February 21, 2019.

Perusing the old Centralites, here are three things that I have learned from Dr. Rex D. Drilon.

First: We must walk with a purpose.

Dr. Drilon is remembered as someone who would always say, “Centralians, walk with a purpose.” He is telling us to always seek God’s will in our lives.

Dr. Drilon wrote, “The World Outside is greedy, parasitic, deceitful, selfish, slanderous, quarrelsome—also kind, generous, noble, truthful, if you know how to reach hard enough beyond the superficies. You will be discouraged at first, but you need not be. For with your training at CPU, you are theoretically armed with the weapons of Christian character and Christian liberal-minded intellect that can make the difference in the eternal contest between the forces of darkness and the forces of light.” (Centralite 1968)

Second: We must learn to listen.

Dr. Drilon said, “The burden of my message is simple. In this day when the country is on fire, we must talk less and do more. The university world, as well as the outside world, is in terrible agony because we talk too much and do too little. Everybody is talking and nobody is listening. We must learn to listen so we can cure ourselves.” (Centralite 1971)

Third: We must always remember the CPU badge.

“The CPU badge that you will carry all your life long is a badge of honor…

You tarnish that badge and you tarnish yourself and your precious heritage.

You live up to it and you place all that is best on a pedestal for the world to see and perhaps to emulate…

We who remain on the campus will watch you make your mark in the world – a world that will test you by means fair and foul as to the kind of man or woman Central Philippine University has prepared you to be.

Stand fast by your Christian principles…, but in doing so do not be self-righteous. Self-righteous people are not trusted and they do not go very far.

When you do all these things – and more – you will be the salt of the earth wherever you will be and whatever you do – big or small.

Remember – always remember your CPU badge!” (Centralite 1969)

Thank you Dr. Rex D. Drilon for your words of wisdom.

CPU and the Philippine Baptist mission: How are they connected?

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

*A testimony of faith – Central Philippine University stand witness to 113 years of Baptist heritage and perseverance.*

The birth of Central Philippine University is connected to the beginnings of the Baptist mission in the Philippines.

In 1898, Rev. Dr. Eric Lund, a Swedish Baptist missionary, baptized Braulio Manikan, a native of Aklan, Panay, in Barcelona, Spain. Manikan became the first Filipino Baptist. The two soon planned to undertake mission work in the Philippines. While waiting for that opportunity, they embarked on translating the Gospels and Acts into the Hiligaynon language.

Their opportunity was materialized when the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (ABFMS) commissioned and financed their mission work. They arrived in Iloilo City, Philippines in May 1900.

The Philippine Baptist pastors and American missionaries developed a three-pronged mission work, patterned from the ministry of Jesus Christ—preaching, healing and teaching. This pattern was developed as a means to minister to the “whole man” and not just his spiritual needs.

The preaching ministry resulted in organizing churches in Iloilo, Negros, and Capiz. For instance, Jaro Evangelical Church was organized in September 1900, Bacolod Evangelical Church in 1902, and Capiz Evangelical Church in 1908.

As to the healing ministry, the Philippine Baptist mission established two hospitals in the Panay Island. In Iloilo, the Baptists partnered with the Presbyterians in operating the Iloilo Mission Hospital (IMH) in 1901. Later, the IMH became an exclusive Baptist institution in 1925 when the Presbyterians turned over their mission work to the Baptists. In Capiz, a medical mission was started in 1902 which later became the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital in 1912.

The Philippine Baptist mission soon started a Baptist Home School in Capiz in 1904. Later, this became known as the Filamer Christian University. In Iloilo, a Bible School for women was established in 1904 through the leadership of Anna V. Johnson. This later became the Baptist Missionary Training School (BMTS).

In June 1905, the Bible School for men was also opened. A few months later, in October 1, 1905, another school was opened—the Jaro Industrial School. The Philippine Baptist mission commissioned Rev. Dr. William O. Valentine, a pastor and teacher, to head both schools.

CPU, in its core, is a product of the Baptist mission in the Philippines as can be seen in its history. This is the reason why the CPU Constitution and By-laws stipulates that 33 out of 65 of the members of the CPU Corporation and at least 10 out of 15 of the CPU Board of Trustees should come from member churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.

Centralians worldwide celebrate holidays in December 2018

By Cyrus A. Natividad

There are three important celebrations in the Philippines during the holiday season in December. These are the Christmas Eve, the Christmas Day, and the New Year’s Eve. Filipinos being closely knit, more often than not, celebrate with family, relatives, and friends. Even when they’re in other countries or places, they always find a way to get together and celebrate though away from home.

Social media provides the means for many to reach out to their loved ones around the globe through pictures, videos, and greetings posted online.

Here are some of the greetings of Centralians around the world:

*Greetings from Centralians in Australia headed by Mauro Somodio.*

*Greetings from Maynard Fernando, Sherwin Banusing, Pinoy and Roy Libatique in Houston, Texas. Pinoy Gonzales is the President of CPUAA South Houston and Regional VP of CPUAAFOA.*

*Greetings from Mrs. Lulette Libo-on Carne, CPU Political Science Batch 83. She celebrated Christmas with her family in Christchurch New Zealand.*

*To all fellow Centralians worldwide: Wishing you God’s best in the New Year. Happy New Year from Dr. Manny Palada (Member, CPU Board of Trustees) and family here in Gainesville, Florida USA.*

Looking forward to 2019

by Cyrus A. Natividad

*Let us claim 2019 as a year of gratitude and blessing – looking forward to experience the faithfulness of God.*

My father gave us a lot of meaningful advice before he left for the afterlife. They’re practical—relevant for today as we set our minds for the New Year 2019. One of those was “yesterday is already a dream, tomorrow is only a vision; but today, well-lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope”.

He always reminded us not to live in the past, nor think about the future in excess—over or beyond what normal human beings can expect from the future. Of course, he said, “It is always good to learn from our mistakes in the past; correct it and live with it; enjoy with it as well. The enjoyable moment is at the present, not in the past or the future.”

According to a psychologist who said “health is in our head,” the cause of depression is mostly the recollection (thinking back) of bad things that happened to us in the past. Depression is only felt in the present. With lack of assurance and feelings of insecurity, what we feel for the future is anxiety. The present is very important when we speak of health. Enjoying the present is relevant; it should prepare us and put us in the best condition when crossing over to another year.

The year 2018 has ended and our minds are now set for 2019. Let us forget the unpleasant past. Instead, let us enjoy the achievements of yesterday. Remember this from an unknown author: “What you are today is a result of what you have done yesterday.”

A good reference verse for this is found in Philippians 3:13, 14: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Planning ahead is also important as we approach this New Year. Our attitude in the present will impact our situation or success tomorrow. Do not be afraid of what will happen to us in 2019. Look forward and be confident in yourself as God has plans for us. Just read what He said in Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The prevailing evils of society today are hatred, envy, and lack of love (HELL). On the other hand, understanding and kindness will bring goodness to humanity in the New Year. As Paul wrote, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.”

Welcome 2019!

Facts about Central

By Keziah G. Huelar

*With its unwavering commitment to excellence and faith, CPU is set to make history in the upcoming years.*

Central Philippine University’s 113 years of existence hold a rich testimony of historical breakthroughs. A center of academic, cultural excellence, and faith, the university holds true to its mission of producing Exemplary Christian Learners for Life throughout the years. Here are some notable facts from CPU’s establishment to the present:

Central Philippine University was established in 1905 through a grant given to the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society by business magnate and philanthropist, John D. Rockefeller.
CPU is the first Baptist university and the second university established by Americans in Asia (the first being Silliman University in Dumaguete City).
In 1913, CPU (previously known as Jaro Industrial School) began to admit female students.
Iloilo Mission Hospital, the university hospital established in 1901, is the first hospital and nursing school in the Philippines.
Dr. Henry S. Waters is the first dean of the CPU College of Nursing from 1947-1948.
The CPU Republic is the oldest student government body in Western Visayas.
On April 1, 1953, through a charter, Central Philippine College was named Central Philippine University.
CPU’s first Filipino president is Dr. Rex D. Drilon.
CPU is recognized by the Iloilo City Government as a tourism site.
Dr. Linnea A. Nelson is CPU’s first female president.
The CPU Library is one of the biggest libraries in Asia.
The Valentine Hall used to be the administration building of the university.
CPU currently has the most number of Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development in Western Visayas.
CPU is the only fully autonomous university in Iloilo.
The first Filipino anthropologist, Felipe Landa Jocano (1920-2013), is a Centralian.