CNAHS Dean Mrs. Lily Lynn V. Somo is all smiles as Mrs. Daisy Gensaya Jimenea (2nd from left) and Mrs. Emelyn “Chiquit” Uytiepo Armonio (3rd from left) College of Nursing batch 1977 present the check to CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles
Forty years after their graduation, the College of Nursing batch 1977 held one its frequent reunions last February 2017. They also attended the re-dedication of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building last February 3, 2017. In the said reunion, they decided to donate for the soon to be constructed 5-million Virtual Laboratory of the College of Nursing.
Led by two batchmates, Mrs. Emelyn “Chiquit” Uytiepo Armonio, and Mrs. Daisy Gensaya Jimenea (a current faculty of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences – CNHAS), they presented a check amounting to P292,704.29 to CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, and CNAHS Dean Mrs. Lily Lynn V. Somo. Chiquit explained that the donated fund was their surplus money from a reunion that they had ten years ago. When their batch heard of the plan to have a Virtual Laboratory, they exchanged communications through social media and finally decided to donate the entire extra fund. Only about 30 out of the 150 batchmates are in the Philippines; the rest are working abroad. In addition, one of their classmates, Mrs. Ann Catedrilla Seisa, pledged to donate 1 million pesos for the project.
Dean Somo and Prof. Jimenea explained that the Nursing Virtual Laboratory will provide simulation of various nursing procedures such as IV therapy, parenteral medications, for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and others. They expounded that this is part of the Outcome-based education (OBE) curriculum. This will surely prepare students and develop their skills, depicting real life situations, before doing it on actual patients. It will be a facility that will have doll simulators, IV virtual laboratory monitors, and camera for other students to watch how procedures are being done while in another room. With this Virtual Laboratory, CPU students will be able to practice their delivery of health care and errors will be minimized on real patients.
The empty paper is her stage. Pillars of ink pouring out on a white canvass, creating words that paint infinite pictures and superlatives, hope gushes out like a fountain on gasping paper that is finally brought to life – a woman who can create life through ink is powerful.
A writer always lives a life of adventure – Edel enjoying the South African vista.
Such is the woman behind the byline, Edel Carmela E. Subong-Cscoka. Growing up in home with a deep appreciation for reading, she learned to love writing at a very early age. “It started with me seeing my mother, who’s a journalist, with her writing jobs and student papers to check on her table when I was barely three. I would be sitting on the floor next to her desk and doodle something. I thought imitating her was fun. Until I was writing unrelated sentences or phrases and eventually had to go to Creative Writing courses during summer. And well, being exposed to books since I was a baby, I think, contributed to why I wanted to write.”
Edel now lives in Johannesburg, South Africa with her husband Imre and daughter Lily Liv.
Edel grew up with an eclectic taste when it comes to books, she read any book which she could lay her hands on, but her heart would always go back to the mysteries of Khalil Gibran, magic realism of Nick Joaquin, poetries of Pablo Neruda, and the works of Thomas Hardy, F. Sionil Jose, Michael Connely. And yes, even the cheesy novels of Nicholas Sparks. She read any book which she could lay her hands on.
Seeing her strong interest in literature and her potential in writing, Edel’s mother sent her to writing classes. “We had summers when she would give me a vocabulary and spelling book then check my answers to the exercises on a weekly basis. But it was never a burden. To me, it was all play. So, she actually encouraged the writing interest without pressure.”
In 2001, She eventually took up Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Central Philippine University, Edel shares that it was the stories and testimonies she heard about the Central Spirit that made her choose CPU. “I fell in love with CPU even before I was able to decide what particular degree to pursue. My mother and her two sisters are also Centralians, most of our relatives are. I know this sounds too cliché but truly, CPU has that Spirit that one couldn’t just ignore. That kind of Spirit that’s passed on from generation to generation and it just feeds your soul. “
Her stay in the university further honed her as a writer. She became the Editor-in-Chief of the Central Echo, the official student publication of Central Philippine University in her junior year. “There were unexpected turns of events everyday with Central Echo. I will always remember getting to know different personalities that ‘disturb’ your own principles but opened doors for reflection and strengthening your own character, developing friendships among these personalities without even compromising, and the press works which are supposed to be a hassle, but well, we got to have free snacks so what’s more rewarding for a student writer?”
Taking up Mass Communications exposed Edel to different issues and topics, applications of basic and advanced principles of the writing discipline. According to her, their professors were open-minded with class discussions and gave pieces of advice on matters and difficulties related to the course.
When it comes to her fondest memories in CPU, Edel shared her top five all of which she wrote in her journal when she was in college. “I’m sharing five, which are closest to heart: First, are TV and radio production classes at the EMC were always a mix of laughter, cheers, and tears. Second is my DJing stint at the CPU Radio Station was seriously “un-free” of bloopers but definitely enjoyable. Third, are the welcome and send-off parties were a hit. First was the Kantahan sa CPU which gave me the chance to be the Director of the entire show for some episodes. And the last is meeting “new” people at unexpected moments; one day while I was walking to the library and a person asked me if I am Edel Subong. I said ‘yes’ and he said, ‘I thought so. I’ve seen your name all over the borrowers’ cards for the Kahlil Gibran books!” He recognized me through Central Echo.”
Aside from being a student, Edel had odd jobs which exposed to the realm of the media. She wrote for Cream de la Crème Magazine, Iloilo’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine from 2003 to 2008, she was a Peer Counselor and Program Anchor of the Adolescent Health and Development under the Philippine Family Planning Office and Commission on Population, and she was the scriptwriter of the Iloilo Dinagyang 2004 VTR under Dr. Ted Reyes. “I was assisting CPU with the Centennial Activities publications and press releases, and the Centralian Link, with Dr. Felnor Importante. On the side, I wrote for a lifestyle magazine from 2003-2008, which I used to be an intern for when I was in school. “
In 2005, Edel received the first CPU Journalism Award for excelling in the field of Mass Communication. “I do not think I was conscious that I was the first recipient of that award. As a graduating student then, I was just grateful to reap something out of hard work in keeping my grades alright and joining some extra-curricular activities. I mean, most would tend to prioritize one thing and sacrifice the others. To keep a balance chemistry of grades and worthwhile activities in college is a challenge. The award was a reassurance I did just well.”
After graduation Edel entered the CPU academe as a Part-time lecturer of the College of Arts and Sciences, she also became the Co-advisor of Central Echo from 2006-2007 and worked as a Publishing Assistant of the Centralian Link from 2005-2007. She then became an Assistant Professor of the West Visayas State University College of Communications. From 2008-2012, she was the Chair of the college’s Division of Journalism. “I was thrown into the journalism academe rather, which I embraced with both arms. I believe being in the academe; I was more helpful, especially to those who were aspiring journalists.”
When asked what is her most fulfilling achievement as a journalist, Edel shares that it is seeing her students excel in their own field. “Honestly, it is seeing kids I taught in my classes or in my lectures for the nongovernment organizations, or those who said they “imitate” me, learning how to write better than me. I love that. I take delight in that kind of fulfillment.”
Edel encourages aspiring journalists to work hard and pursue tasks with discipline. “The students who were under me may have heard these over and over again: First, it is important to know when to use your capital letters and how to use your punctuations. You can learn all the techniques and principles in writing, whether in journalism and creative writing, but these two things are quite tricky. Second, no matter what you’ve achieved, be sensitive, stay grounded. I’d rather see my students as better persons than good writers without a heart and third, time won’t wait for you. Set and meet deadlines.”
“Practice and keep on practicing. Even veterans keep on learning and re-learning. Once you’ve started, you just cannot stop and settle with being the writer that you think you are. It becomes a calling, some could not sleep without it.” Edel encourages Centralians to make the most of their stay in the university and pursue exemplary Christian education for life. “As Centralians, you must not forget what you’re taught in this University. It isn’t just about helping you excel academically in the field of expertise that you want to pursue, but it is about continuously molding you as Christians who value human dignity and practices humility and justice.”/ Keziah G. Huelar
With the aim of inspiring Centralian junior high school students to pursue a career in Engineering, the student organizations under the CPU College of Engineering conducted seminar lectures and workshops at the CPU SHS Building on March 28, 2017.
Student-lecturers from the CPU College of Engineering mentors CPU Senior High students during the workshop.
Members of the CPU Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers, Philippine Society of Software Engineers, Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, and Institute of Electronics and Communications Engineers of the Philippines lectured about the importance of engineering in developing and strengthening the community. They also taught basic software programming and mentored the students during the coding workshop.
CPU Senior High School students learned about the basics of software programming and its importance to globalization.
According to Engr. Gelvie Lagos, the goal of the activity is not only to promote the courses offered by the CPU College of Engineering but also to see potential talents who can represent the university in engineering and robotic summits. “We want to sell and promote the College of Engineering. Our workshops will help high school students develop an interest in taking up engineering in the future and we also want to see talents who could represent the university in robotics, technological fairs and other contests.”
Bernard Ceasar P. Susbilla, a 4th year Electronics and Communication Engineering student who was part of the organizing committee shared that the students were very participative during the lecture. “It’s very fulfilling to be part of this event. It’s a nice experience to be the one teaching the lessons you learned inside the classroom.”
On the other hand, Carl Daeben G. Dumala-og, a STEM 3 Senior High student said that he enjoyed the lecture workshop. “I discovered new things and ideas about electronics. I enjoyed the workshop part. In the future, taking up engineering is part of my plan.”
Meliza Joan Perez Berano-Robite is the newly appointed Judge of MTCC Branch 2, Iloilo City, Photo Credit Meliza Joan Perez Berano-Robite Facebook Page.
Meliza Joan Perez Berano-Robite, a 1996 Summa Cum Laude graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Cum Laude graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Laws in 2006 has been recently appointed as Presiding Judge of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 2, Iloilo City.
Before her promotion, Hon. Robite worked as a Public Attorney in the Public Attorney’s Office. She is currently teaching Restorative Justice at the CPU College of Law.
It can be recalled that Hon. Robite was the President of the CPU Republic in the SY 2004–2005.
Go and let your light shine – 61 Kinder 2 students received their Certificates of Graduation as Central Philippine University Kindergarten held its annual graduation at the University Church on March 15, 2017.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles with the Kindergarten faculty and staff.
Vivienne Rhone G. Del Castillo, K2 Mercy welcomed parents, guests, faculty and staff in her Opening Remarks. She thanked the parents for their love and support and congratulated her fellow graduates. “Graduation is a celebration, to dream dreams and to try our new wings.”
Mother-daugther duet – Mrs. Hermely Jalando-on and Francheska MJ, alumni of the CPU Kindergarten sings “A Gift To You” as a tribute to graduates.
For his message, CPU President – Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked the parents for trusting CPU with their children’s pre-school education. He also encouraged graduates to continue living out the Centralian spirit of discipline and excellence as they continue their journey in the academe. “You have shown patience, obedience and courtesy to your parents and also to your teachers. We are proud that you have showcased affection towards your studies and your classmates as well. After this you will encounter pupils from different schools, backgrounds and families and we are confident that you will continue to live out exemplary Christian as you move to another level of education. To the parents, we are grateful for your trust, it is a manifestation that you give importance to pre-school education.”
We made it! Kindergartners gleefully show each other their diploma.
After the University President’s message, a song number was given by Mrs. Hermely A. Jalando-on, Kinder Alumna 1985 and her daughter Francheska MJ A. Jalando-on, Kinder Alumna 2015.
The distribution of certificates was headed by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Prof. Hannah C. Siosan, Principal of the CPU Kindergarten. 21 Kindergarteners from the Kinder 2 Gentleness class, 22 from the Kinder 2 Kindness class, 13 from the Kinder 2 Goodness class and 10 from the Kinder 2 Mercy Class were given their Certificates of Graduation for having completed their Kindergarten education.
The Closing Remarks was given by Dave Lorenz B. Abelarde, Kinder 2 Gentleness. After which, the graduates sang their graduation song “Go, Light Your Word.” Hera Jon Victoria O. Alipala, Kinder 2 Goodness then conducted the singing of the Alma Mater Song “Central, My Central.” A prayer for the graduates was then given by Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, Christian Education Director, University Church.
CPU College of Medicine alumnus, Dominique Ariel Bingcang Tomampos ranked number 10 and led the 16 new Centralian doctors in the Physician Licensure Examination.
Dominic Tomampos receives his diploma as an official Centralian Medicine graduate.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced last March 16 that 813 out of 1,317 passed the Physician Licensure Examination given by the Board of Medicine in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Zamboanga this March 2017 or a National Passing percentage of 61.73%. CPU got a passing percentage of 88.89%.
Nic Tomampos leads the reading of the 2015 College of Medicine graduates´group commitment.
CPU HS Batch 1967 presents the two donated EPSON LCD Projectors.
In line with the celebration of their 50th Grand Reunion, CPU High School Batch 1967 “Klasmitz” visited the CPU High School Building and donated 2 EPSON LCD Projectors on February 21, 2017. The said projectors will be installed in HS 116 and in the Science Building Room 101.
CPU HS Batch 1967 Klasmitz with CPU HS Principal Prof. Janet S. Jalbuena and Purchasing Officer, Hermely A. Jalando-on.
Prof. Janet S. Jalbuena, Principal of CPU High School thanked the batch for their donation and for their continuous support to CPU High School. She assures that the donations will be utilized for the academic advancement of CPU High School students.
“Blood is thicker than water, but Centralians are thicker than blood” – this is how Dir. Larry Nacionales, CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association President, described the Central Spirit that permeates all Centralians. Dir. Nacionales led the CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association meeting last February 18, 2017 at Nena’s Chicken House in Bacolod City. The purpose of the meeting was to give updates for the upcoming Grand Reunion of the College of Agriculture alumni on October 20-21, 2017 at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel.
College of Agriculture alumni plan for the Grand Reunion on October 20-21, 2017
The Negros Chapter President, Mr. Roberto “Francis” Jalando-on, Jr., updated the group with regards to the venue and accommodation. The Bacolod Pavillon Hotel has a big area that can accommodate up to 2,000 people. The Negros Chapter already made reservations for the hotel rooms. (If you plan on attending the reunion and make hotel reservations, you may contact Mr. Roberto R. Jalando-on, Jr – 0920-326-8505). The Negros Chapter is also planning to tour the whole Negros island to campaign for more attendees to the reunion.
Dir. Larry Nacionales challenged the gathered group that it is high time for them to encourage the next generation to enroll at the CPU College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences because the alumni who are in the government service and in the agriculture sector will soon be retiring. He stressed that the government needs new Centralians to lead the way.
The core group that plans for the College of Agriculture Grand Reunion keeps on growing
Mr. Dan Dorillo, CPU Alumni Association President, remarked that the CPU College of Agriculture alumni are in the forefront of leadership in the CPU Alumni Association with 5 officers who are graduates of the college including himself. The college can also boast to have the most number of alumni who became Presidents of state colleges and universities, and the most number of Regional Directors. Mr. Dorillo further said that the first night of the Grand Reunion will be open for all Centralians. The first night will be a cultural show presenting “CPU’s Finest” – cultural groups such CPU Handbell Ringers, Sari-saot Dance Troupe and some winners of the U-Day 2017 will be going to Bacolod. The 2016 Miss Paraw Regatta, Vanessa Tse Wing, and Engr. Riego Ferrer Garcia, one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, will also be invited to give testimonies for both of them are alumnus of the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences.
Mrs. Delma Umadhay reported that more than 50 pages of the souvenir program have subscribers already. The group is still campaigning for more subscribers. (If you are interested to subscribe, you may contact Delma at 0920-519-0506).
“The CPU Board of Trustees assure you of our support and we always encourage our alumni to come together not just to fellowship but to praise God for what He has done in and through our lives” – These are the words of Mrs. Josette G. Jalando-on’s in her closing remarks to the gathered alumni.
Celebrating its 10th year of existence in the university, the CPU Packaging Engineering Department with the theme “10 Years of Excellent Packaging Engineering Education” held its homecoming and gala night at Amigo Terrace Hotel on February 18, 2017. The celebration is also in line with the 80th year anniversary of the College of Engineering.
The CPU Packaging Department staff, alumni, faculty and students.
The event was attended by students, alumni, faculty, university officials and partner companies. In his Opening Remarks, Mr. Ron Adrian Dionaldo – an alumnus and the first Magna Cum Laude of the College shared the timeless success of the College throughout the years. “There is a saying that a knight in shining armor is a man who never had his armor tested. Now, let us ask ourselves is the department still wearing its armor? Has its metal been tested? Yes, our metal has been tested for 10 years and we shined brighter after facing those testing and challenges. The bond of the pack is strong, the alpha helps the omega and the omega helps the alpha.”
Engr. Bernie Cangrejo delivered the State of Department Address highlighting the accomplishments of the department throughout the years. The College has produced strong ties with local, national and international company and industry changers that provide OJT to employment system of Centralian Packaging Engeering graduates.
Engr. Bernie Cangrejo, Head of Packaging Engineering Department awards the Homecoming King Queen, Prince and Princes.
The event was graced by its “Pack Leader” Dr. Lejo C. Braña, former CPU President Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, current CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and other administrative officials of the university. During the event the department thanked its partner agencies and key personalities.
CPU is the first and only university offering Packaging Engineering in the country. The CPU Packaging Engineering Department was established back in 2006 through the efforts of its “pack leader” Dr. Lejo C. Braña – a High School 1953 alumnus, and the founder and President of G. Packaging Technology Partners Inc.. He donated 11.5 million pesos worth of packaging testing equipment from the United States to CPU. The college produced 19 pioneer graduates with 10 Cum Laudes. Now, it has hundreds of graduates working all over the country and abroad.
Engr. Riego Ferrer Garcia, a BS Agricultural Engineering graduate of Central Philippine University was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) on February 9, 2017 at the Malacañan Palace.
CENTRALIAN EXCELLENCE – Engr. Riego Ferrer Garcia, a CPU BS Agricultural Engineering graduate awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.
As a student Riego served the CPU Republic as an official, and was chosen as Mr. College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES). His commitment to Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL) has been rewarded by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Riego with TOSP founder, Jose Concepcion, Photo credits Engr. Aries Roda Romallosa
The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) is a program that annually recognizes exceptional youths for their academic excellence, leadership, good morals and diverse involvement within the community. TOSP seeks to promote integrity, excellence and service as a way of life. It is believed that a unified commitment and understanding the importance of establishing high quality of living among scholars are crucial to the success of the Filipino community. (wikipilipinas.org)
With Engr. Aries Roda Romallosa, faculty of the CARES. Photo credits Engr. Aries Roda Romallosa
The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) is an annual project of RFM Foundation, Inc. with the help and cooperation of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), National Bookstore, The Rotary Club of Makati Central and the RFM Group of Companies. Mr. Jose Concepcion, a prominent businessman was inspired by the tenets of Dr. Jose Rizal, the National Hero of the Philippines and because of that inspiration TOSP was born. Concepcion’s desire to honor students who are exemplars and leaders in their own academic fields and in their contributions to society, established TOSP on June 19, 1961, the 100th birthday of Dr. Jose Rizal, the embodiment of a model student who not only achieves academic citations, but also gives of himself to those in need. (www.tospac.org)
Engr. Riego Ferrer Garcia, one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines with Dr. Margen A. Java, Director of Student Development and Programs. Photo credits Engr. Aries Roda Romallosa
Alumni Updates 