CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU College of Engineering Dean, Engr. Dany C. Molina with Susan P. Jovero, BS Chemical Engineering, Batch 1982.
Susan P. Jovero, BS Chemical Engineering, Batch 1982, presented, on behalf of her batch, the receipt of the initial donation worth 35,000 pesos to University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, and College of Engineering Dean, Engr. Danny C. Molina, on March 12, 2019 at Dr. Rex D. Drilon Building (formerly known as the Administration Building).
The said donation is intended for the construction of the walkway going to the Engineering Building. Mrs. Jovero shared that they started preparing for this project two years ago and the funds were collected last January 9, 2019 when their batch had their most recent reunion. She also emphasized that this is only the first of donations that her batch intends to make. Dr. Teodoro C. Robles suggested that the construction of the walkway be started after this school year’s graduation and be finished before the rainy season starts.
Engr. Danny C. Molina, in response, acknowledged the effort of the BS in Chemical Engineering batch 1982 and expressed his thanks.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Jovero encourages the Engineering students to do well in their fields since the alumni are supporting them: “I would like to let them see who we are now because of the nurturing and the mentoring [we received from] the professors… in the College of Engineering, and the education that CPU had provided us, especially [for giving us the foundation for our faith in] our Lord Jesus. He really is the reason why we are now what we are.”
Engr. Molina and Dr. Robles then called on other alumni of different courses and batches around the world to attend the Alumni Grand Homecoming on February 5-9, 2020 at Central Philippine University.
Centralian Excellence – Rene Aventura is a testimony of the CPU brand of competitive nursing training.
Rene Aventura of CPU College of Nursing Class 1996 received the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses last February 19, 2019 at the Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park Medical Center, California, USA. Rene is a nurse assigned in the Step Down Unit of the medical center. This unit provides intermediate care or a transitional care unit between the Intensive Care Unit and the medical/surgical floor.
Rene was nominated by Dr. Vincenza D. Sorrells, Area Medical Director of Kaiser Foundation Hospital Medical Group, whose father in law was his patient. The physician’s recommendation said, “There was one individual that stood apart as going above and beyond in his level of extraordinary care and compassion to Walter, his patient, but also to Walter’s family. Rene is that individual.” The letter also mentioned how the family looked up to Rene: “It was absolutely our honor to be cared for by Rene who is not only a hero to us, but an American hero who has served at least 4 tours of duty as an Army RN.” As proof of the Rene’s compassionate care, he even presented his patient, who is a fellow war veteran, an American flag that had flown in the skies over Iraq during combat missions to defeat ISIS.
The CPU College of Nursing is proud that one of its graduates continues to uphold the mission of the University to produce exemplary and excellent nurses who live out their Christian faith wherever they are. In an interview with the Centralian Link, Rene said, “CPU has instilled to me the Christian values link integrity. I always try to do the right thing even if no one is looking.” Rene Aventura is already a four-time Daisy Awardee.
The Daisy Award was created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who received skillful and compassionate care from his nurses during his hospitalization. Its objective is to honor extraordinary nurses. According to the Daisy Foundation (https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award), the award started in 1999 and as of today there are over 3,400 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing in all 50 states of the USA and 20 other countries who are committed to honoring nurses with The Daisy Award. In order to receive the award, the “nurses are nominated by anyone in the organization—patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, other clinicians and staff—anyone who experiences or observes extraordinary compassionate care being provided by a nurse.”
Dr. Margen A. Java and Engr. Alberto A. Java together with their sons: Albert Jan Matthew and Pastor Albert Mark. Photo Credit: Matt Java
The dancing sunbeams filled the turquoise sky with glee as billows of clouds hang to and fro its blue canvass. Central Philippine University bears witness to another day. Centralians hurry to get to their classes, professors armed with class cards prepare their quizzes while kiosk owners at the Uy Building inch their way to every dish, filling the place with aromas sure to please the eye and the palette.
For Dr. Margen A. Java and Engr. Alberto A. Java, it’s more than just a beautiful day. Rather, it is another testimony of God’s goodness, not only to their marriage but to their God-given ministry serving the Centralian community as members of the faculty and staff of the university.
As a pastor’s kid, Dr. Java was a scholar of the University and graduated cum laude with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Religion from CPU in 1981: “I am the youngest in the family and my father really wanted one of his children to follow [in] his footsteps. I knew how difficult the life of a pastor was and so I took up AB Religion as a compromise… between my father and [me]. My stand was that I would be of help to more people if I would work in a school setting rather than a church setting.”
Leaving her hometown, Lambunao, Dr. Java transferred to CPU when she was in the fifth grade. Recalling fond memories, she shares that she spent her elementary and high school days playing in the Big Field and eating barbecue and spending afternoons talking with friends at the Half Moon Drive.
The Big Field, according to Dr. Java, holds a special place in her heart. There, her two sons, Albert Jan Matthew and Pastor Albert Mark also grew up playing, learning and discovering life in the process: “The Big Field is the playground of my children. It’s where my children learned their first steps, how to ride a bike, etc. Every weekend we spend a lot of time there, sitting and talking.”
Dr. Java first met her husband, Engr. Java, while studying in CPU. There being only two students studying AB Religion, Dr. Java joined other students taking different subjects: “We were mixed together with those taking Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology. I really just got into classes that accommodated my schedule since there was no block section back then so, I gained a lot of friends. [My husband and I] were classmates then in one of the education subjects.”
However it wasn’t until after college that they became acquainted with one another. In 1982, Dr. Java worked as a guidance counselor for CPU. During the same year, Engr. Java was employed as part of the teaching staff of the College of Engineering. Later, he obtained a scholarship and went on a study leave for two years for his master’s degree at UP Diliman.
Being part of the young crowd of employees serving CPU, Dr. and Engr. Java got to know each other deeply as friends before becoming a couple: “We were friends for quite some time, I had friends from the guidance office and he also had friends from the College of Engineering and we [went] out as a group. He informed his family that he was courting me after we both talked about it. Our older siblings gave [us] their affirmation.”
Highlighting her Christian upbringing, Dr. Java shares that her view on courtship and marriage has always been traditional: “I really belong to the old school so to speak and I’m a little bit [of a] conservative. When I had suitors back then, I really emphasized that even [if they gave all their efforts to show their affection], I would not brand it as courting until such intention is really expressed.”
She goes on to talk about how her parents molded her perception on love: “My parents had a really big impact on my perception on love. My father kept on reminding us… of the sacredness of marriage. When I was studying in CPU, my parents lived in Lambunao but every time my father visited us, he would always remind and assure us that whenever we would have problems we would always tell them first. Both of my parents really showcased the value of family in their marriage.”
From her parents’ example, Dr. Java learned to pursue God first. When her sons were still small, Dr. Java recalls her father asking her if she was still active in the ministry. His father significantly influenced her to love and serve the Lord: “Right now, if there’s a speaking engagement in the church or camp, I volunteer without pay as a speaker and my husband and kids [come] with me.”
One of the challenging phases in their relationship happened in January of 1987 when Engr. Java had a mild stroke. After spending 15 days in the hospital, Engr. Java spent most of his time at home. Eventually with the help of family, friends and colleagues, he was able to return to work and even obtain a doctorate degree in education.
Dr. Java shares about the love and support her family gave Engr. Java, which according to her attested to their love and faith in God and in one another: “Can you just imagine an engineer going literally back to his 123s and ABCs. When that happened, I wrote a letter to my parents telling them what happened. My father came the day after and prayed for Bert. Indeed God is the third party in the relationship. It’s the habit I established with my children—that God should always be present in the relationship.”
When asked what made Dr. Java fall in-love with her husband, she recounts Engr. Java’s faith in God and his devotion and hard work to support their family: “My father was a pastor, so my suitor had to be a Christian. We had to have the same faith. [My husband is hard working]. He doesn’t mind manual labor and he really made efforts to support our family.”
After four years of being in a relationship, Dr. and Engr. Java got married in 1989 at Baptist Center Church.
After 37 years, Dr. and Engr. Java continue to serve CPU, as Director of the Office of Student Development and Programs and as faculty of the Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, respectively.
Dr. Java talks about her husband’s dedication to help CPU work students, a ministry close to his heart: “To borrow the words of my husband, CPU is our mission field. Serving the students is our mission. When my husband became the Coordinator of the Work Student Study Program, [he felt fulfilled. It was really one of his long-term goals. When we serve students even our children support us.”
For Dr. and Engr. Java, marriage should be accompanied by strong family values and togetherness, a strong commitment to follow the Word of God and a complete submission to His will. With great joy, the couple takes pride on how their two sons emulate their love in reading the Word of God, sharing the Gospel to others and how they use the Central Spirit to proclaim the goodness of the Lord.
Their marriage is a testimony not only of perseverance and faith but of the greatest role of family in helping to bring two people together for the glory of God and for the advancement of His Kingdom.
Mr. Joseph S. Beloria, President of the CPU-AAI Thailand Grants-In-Aid hands over the donation to Dr. Margen A. Java Director of the Office of Student Development Programs.
The CPU Alumni Association Inc. Thailand Chapter donated 20,000 pesos to the Student Development and Programs on August 1, 2017. The whole amount was handed over by Mr. Joseph S. Beloria, President of the CPU-AAI Thailand Grants-In-Aid.
The donation is for the scholarship fund of their newly chosen scholars for academic year 2017-2018. CPU-AAI Thailand has four scholars currently enrolled in the university namely:
Crystal Mae M. Braña
Kimberly C. Caño
Hyazinth G. Demotaño
Jason L. Eraula
The CPU Student Development and Programs will be conducting a Scholarship Awarding Recognition Program on August 7, 2017 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park. The event is to honor the generosity, commitment and service of Scholarship sponsors for their service towards the development of deserving Centralian students.
The officers of CCINAA hand-over the check to Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
The CCINNA (Central Philippine University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, and Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses Alumni Association) made a donation to Central Philippine University for the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory Project last July 3, 2017. The check amounting to P240,277.01 was handed over to CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.
The soon to be constructed 5-million Virtual Laboratory of the College of Nursing is “in preparation for the College of Nursing plan to become a Center of Development or Center of Excellence” according to Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, CPU College of Nursing and Outgoing President of CCINAA.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio discuss the Nursing Virtual Laboratory with the officers of CCINAA.
Present at the turnover of donation were Mrs. Mageline B. Catedral (CNINAA President 2013-2015), Mrs. Cynthia Mendoza, Current Vice President of CNINAA, and Dr. Irving L. Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Last February 3, 2017 the College of Nursing batch 1977 also donated P292,704.29 for the said project. Mrs. Ann Catedrilla Seisa, a member of batch 1977, pledged to donate 1 million pesos for the project.
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. 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 Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association, Inc. spearheaded by Florence G. Cudiamat donated $3,500 endowment and scholarship fund to CPU. The donation will be used to help five deserving Centralians with their educational expenses.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles with Dr. Margen A. Java, Director, Student Development and Programs.
Together with CPUFOAA Consultant, Ms. Perla G. Waters and the scholarship committee, Centralians who applied for the grant were interviewed and assessed. CPUFOAA hopes that they can sponsor more Centralians in the future. The scholarship program is one of the major projects of CPUFOAA that gives back to CPU.
The newly elected officers of the WSSA took their oath of office during their reunion.
Members of the CPU Work Student Alumni Association came back to a grand reunion last Saturday December 15. A city-wide motorcade took off from CPU at 7 AM. The registration started at 8:30 AM as participants arrived at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park, the venue for this year’s WSAA Homecoming.
Pastor Jec Dan S. Borlado, Director, Pastoral Placement for Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns, delivered the message during the devotional held at 9 AM. The program proper started at 10 AM. CPU Alumni President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, welcomed members of the WSAA, congratulating them for sustaining and making the organization strong. The Grand WSAA Reunion was also sponsored by the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. through the efforts of Engr. Jalbuena.
Mrs. Remy E. Alog, a member of the Board of WSAA, in her message, recognized the work student alumni who continue to help the current work students.
The former work students then shared their testimonies—how being a work student had helped them realize their dreams and led them to success. The testimonial part of the program gave them a chance to look back to their experiences and share their stories during their time as work students. Both sad and happy stories were shared, but the former work students who are presently successful in their careers, have all expressed gratefulness to their Alma Mater for giving them the opportunity to study for free and graduate through the Central Philippine University Work-Study Program.
Dr. Reynaldo N. Dusaran, CPU Director for Accreditation, facilitated this year’s election of officers. Dr. Alberto A. Java from the College of Engineering won as president of the WSAA. The induction of officers followed after lunch.
Raffle prizes were drawn as the alumni enjoyed the rest of the afternoon with games and surprises.
For the information of everyone, there are four classifications in the work study program. These are the Janitorial Student Assistants (JSA), Clerical Student Assistants (CSA), Library Student Assistants (LSA), and the Services and Laboratory Student Assistants (SLSA).
Loretizo was hailed as the Grand Winner of National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius”.
Centralian leadership and excellence—John Elmer Loretizo, a graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, and John Christian Española, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate, were named as national finalists in the 57th Search of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.
They bested 19 regional awardees and national nominees during the national screening assembly on November 24, 2018 at the RFM Corporate Center in Mandaluyong City.
Loretizo was hailed as the Grand Winner of National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius.” He is also a recipient of the GMA Network Excellence Awardee-Technology Based Category and of the Top Ten Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines Awards.
Under Española’s leadership, CPUR was recognized as one of the student organizations embodying the vision of #NowPh, an advocacy campaign of the National Youth Commission.
Española, on the other hand, is the 2016-2017 CPU Republic President. Under his administration, the CPUR was hailed as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the country. Through his leadership, CPUR’s advocacy, “Recycling Paper, Advocating Development in Society (REPADS) Project,” was recognized as a program that embodied the vision of #NowPh, an advocacy campaign of the National Youth Commission and the Climate Change Commission aiming to promote environmental awareness and initiatives.
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 resulted to TOSP being established 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).
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with CPU College of Nursing Dean, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha and BSN Class 1979 Member and Donor Ms. Rossini Gayares-Jovero.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, received several manikins and equipment in support of the Virtual Laboratory of the CPU College of Nursing from BSN Class 1979 President, Rossini Gayares-Jovero, on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. The turnover, held at the Board of Trustees Hall, was witnessed by CPU College of Nursing Dean, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha; Iloilo Mission Hospital Director, Dr. Wilmer Pedregosa; and other members of CPU BSN Class 1979.
Among the donated items endorsed to Dr. Robles for the virtual laboratory are Peritoneal Dialysis Simulator, 4 in 1 Adult CPR Manikins, 4 Incentive Spirometer, assorted drapes, dressing packs, and other items.
The donated laboratory equipment will be placed in the Virtual Laboratory of the CPU College of Nursing in the Loreto D. Tupaz Building.
In their endorsement letter to the University President, the benefactor nurses expressed delight to learn about the significant improvements in their Alma Mater, particularly in the College of Nursing. They assured the Dr. Robles that their class will be very supportive of the efforts of the Administration.
Engr. Dany C. Molina and Dr. Cirilo C. Calibjo were elected as national presidents of the Philippine Association of Engineering Schools, Inc. and of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers, respectively. They are the first Centralians to head these national organizations. This is also the first time since 1955 that the presidents came from non-Manila universities.
Engr. Dany C. Molina has been passionate in taking the CPU College of Engineering to greater heights.
Molina is the current dean of the CPU College of Engineering while Calibjo was a previous dean of the College of Computer Science
When Molina earned his BS Mechanical Engineering degree at Central Philippine University in 1987, he was recognized as the Most Outstanding Graduate. In October 1987, he placed 11th in the National ME Board Examinations with a rating of 92.4%. He proceeded to take his Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City in 1995 and pursue his post-masteral study with specialization on heat and power at the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, Australia in 1997.
Dr. Cirilo C. Calibjo, CPU alumnus and Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture of Angeles University Foundation, carries the CPU banner of excellence wherever he goes. Photo Credit: http://www.auf.edu.ph
Engr. Cirilo Calibjo, for his part, obtained his MS in Electrical Engineering and PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 1996 and 2011, respectively. He completed his postgraduate fellowships in Computer Information Systems and Engineering at the University of South Wales, Australia in 1997 and Milwaukee School of Engineering in the United States, 2002. In 2014, the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) named him as the Most Outstanding Electrical Engineer in the field Education. Currently, Dr. Calibjo is the National Treasurer of IIEE. He is a Professional Electrical Engineer, ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer and an ASEAN Engineer.
Alumni Updates 