CPU HS batch 1964 acknowledges God’s faithfulness during 55th Year Reunion

By Nestle G. Taala

*CPU HS batch 1964 celebrates their 55th year reunion.*

Honoring memories of their high school life, the CPU HS batch 1964 celebrated their 55th Year Reunion on February 4 at Damires Hills, Janiuay, Iloilo inspired by Psalm 92:14 (NIV): “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”

The event was graced with the presence of their classmates, both from here and abroad. There was a total of 21 attendees. The reunion started with a thanksgiving service where they recognized God’s faithfulness. Pastor Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes said that in a class reunion, participants “remember” and “re-member”: “The call to remember is to bring to mind not only the happenings of yesterday. To remember is to draw forth meanings that reshape us and make us better persons. We become who we are because of what we remember.” She added, “A reunion is an attempt to ‘re-member’ because the relationship that we built 55 years ago are too precious to be thrown to the dustbin of forgetfulness… and so at this 55th anniversary, we have come to remember in order to re-member.”

*Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes leads the batch in their thanksgiving service.*

Afterwards, the batch enjoyed each other’s company through fun games and the sharing of their life stories and things they look forward to in the years to come.

The organizers had prepared for this event since April 2018 through online communication. In addition, Emelda Frange-Varcacel, a retired registered nurse and one of the organizers, said that after their 50th year reunion in 2014, the group had been meeting each other annually through their mini reunions.

*The CPU HS batch 1964 enjoys the parlor games prepared by Emelda Frange-Varcacel (center).*

Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes, also their President, shared in an interview their memorable experiences and the great lessons they learned from CPU: “One of the most exciting… experiences is to challenge each one to do our best.” Moreover, she said that “trying to understand what Central Spirit is [is] to live out that spirit in our own daily lives.”

CPU HS 1964 is looking forward to another fellowship with former classmates, especially in the Grand Reunion at Central Philippine University in 2020.

“To God be the Glory for the Things He has done!”

CPU HS batch 1964: Blessed to bless others

By Nestle G. Taala

*Ms. Tapasii Ranii Sinha (at the back, fourth from left) shares that she will give back the kindness CPU HS batch 1964 when she finishes college and finds stable job.*

The CPU HS batch 1964 held their 55th Year Reunion at Damires Hills, Janiuay, Iloilo on February 4. Aside from the presence of the alumni of the said batch, the event was attended by Tapasii Ranii Sinha, the batch’s scholar.

Ms. Sinha is taking up Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology and is now on her 4th year. She was one of the three students who were nominated to avail of the said scholarship. For her, it was a blessing from God when she was chosen since the scholarship helped not only her but her family as well. Moreover, Ms. Sinha is grateful to CPU HS batch 1964 for their generosity. This is the reason why she strives to give back by passing on the kindness she has experienced from CPU HS batch 1964.

Meanwhile, the CPU HS batch 1964 is now preparing to support another student since Ms. Sinha will soon graduate from college.

Former CPUR President delivers paper in 1st DLSAU International Multidisciplinary Research Conference

By Keziah G. Huelar

Jason Troy F. Bajar presented his study entitled Technology: Drop-out Prevention by Increasing Parent Involvement Through Text Messaging” during the 1st De La Salle Araneta University International Multidisciplinary Research Conference.

Jason Troy F. Bajar, former CPU Republic President and a 2015 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science presented his study entitled “Technology: Drop-out Prevention by Increasing Parent Involvement Through Text Messaging” during the 1st De La Salle Araneta University International Multidisciplinary Research Conference at Osmena Hall, DLSAU on January 25-26, 2019.

Bajar co-authored the said study together with his mother, May Ann F. Bajar who is currently a Master in Educational Management student of Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges.

The said study discusses high drop-out rate as a serious problem that the Philippine academe is facing. In order to prevent this, researchers conducted an action research aimed at preventing student drop-out by increasing parent involvement through text messaging.

Essentially, researchers constantly updated the parents on the attendance, standing and progress of the students to see how it affects their performance in school.

Bajar is currently a Master in Public Administration student of the CPU School of Graduate Studies.

Centralian gets promoted to Air Force Inspector

By Prof. Sharon Rose G. Munar

*Major General Samuel G. Gotico (left) continues his service to God and country now as a the 72nd Air Force Inspector General of the Philippine Air Force. Photo Credit: Philippine Air Force*

Major General Samuel G. Gotico, a CPU alumnus, was recently designated as the 72nd Air Force Inspector General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) effective November 7, 2018.

Gotico received his high school diploma from CPU in 1980. After which, he took up Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting at the same university, graduating in 1985.

He served as the corps commander of the CPU Army Citizen Military Training Unit in 1984-1985 and was a graduate of the ROTC advanced course. In the same academic year he was corps commander, he was also a senator of the CPU Republic. For the entirety of his college life, from 1981-1985, he was a member of numerous organizations.

Gotico was a recipient of the CG, PAF Award for graduating number one among Philippine Air Force General Staff Course students in 2006. In 2008, he was conferred the Bene Meritus Award, a gold medal, for graduating at the top, with an overall average grade of 1.05 in his Masters in Business Administration at San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite. In all the military courses he took, he remained among the Top 10 of his class.

He is a multi-awarded and decorated officer, with over 100 medals, awards, and commendations. Some of his accolades include 3 Distinguished Service Star Medals for outstanding military service, 3 Distinguished Aviation Cross medals for outstanding airmanship, 2 Bronze Cross Medals for conspicuous heroism, 27 Military Merit medals for his meritorious achievements, and 11 Military Commendation Medals for his commendable performance among others.

Aside from being awarded 2 Kahusayan Awards for his outstanding feat of airmanship, one of which was because he safely landed his aircraft which encountered engine failure while on flight, he was also given 2 Haribon Awards for exemplary and outstanding Operations Management as Director for Operations of 15th Strike Wing during the conduct of Operation Lighting Sword against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and for his performance as Assistant Chief of Command Staff for Operations of the 3rd Air Division during the Zamboanga Crisis.

He was also awarded the Military Police Officer of the Year of the Philippine Air Force in 1996, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Military Police Officer of the 1997 due to his outstanding leadership and management when he was the Squadron Commander of the 594th Air Police Squadron, 15th Strike Wing.

Some of his notable assignments include the following: Squadron Commander of the 16th Attack Squadron and the 17th Attack Squadron, Wing Inspector, Director for Operations of the 15th Strike Wing, and Group Commander of Tactical Operations Group 6 based in Dingle, Iloilo. He was also Chief of the Air Force Modernization Projects Management Office in 2011, and the Assistant Chief of the Division Staff for Operations, 3rd Air Division in Zamboanga City in 2012-2014.

He momentarily left the PAF when he was assigned as the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations (U3), then the Chief of Unified Command Staff of Central Command in 2015.

One of the 1994 Ten Outstanding Young Men for Military Science, Gotico is a graduate of Philippine Military Academy Class 1987. He became the commanding officer of the Philippine Marine Force Recon Company (61st Marine Company). One of his tasks as commanding officer was to recover kidnap victim Anthony Biel III in the camp of Abu Sayyaf Camp Al Madinah in Basilan.

In 2017, CPU President, Central Philippine University gave Gotico a Plaque of Distinction for his unwavering service to God and country.

CPU BSN ‘79 donates for Nursing Virtual Lab

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles receives the donation from Pastor Lloyd Basco, a faculty of the CPU Junior High School and a cousin of one of the graduates of BSN ’79.*

The CPU BS Nursing Batch 1979 recently donated US$900 and PhP22,300 for the laboratory. This is just one of the various batches of the CPU College of Nursing that has contributed to the Nursing Virtual Laboratory.

The said donation was received by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, on January 29, 2019 at the CPU Alumni Affairs Office. It was turned over by Pastor Lloyd Basco, a faculty of the CPU Junior High School and a cousin of one of the graduates of BSN ’79.

At present, the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory is already operational. The latest addition to the lab is Apollo, “an adult male patient simulator [that] has the most authentic physiology in the industry. Apollo offers simulation facilitators a range of opportunities with which to expose their learners to immersive training scenarios: scenarios where they may suspend disbelief and develop critical thinking, stress management, and patient care skills—all while gaining confidence and competence in procedure and protocol.” (https://caehealthcare.com/blog/cae-apollo-new-face-new-name-same-high-quality-simulation/)

The aim of the lab is to prepare students and develop their skills through depictions of real life situations in the laboratory.

The following are the members of the BS Nursing ’79 who gave towards the completion of the Nursing Virtual Laboratory:

Al-Rawas, Mila Landoy

Caligdong, Beth Gordoncillo

Caligdong, Ray

Catalan, Girlie

Cerbas, Grace Uy

Gabio, John Mark

Geria, Geva

Orleans, Nelia Japsay

Padernilla, Godfred

Sagun, Leda Robles

Garcia, Marietta Tumasis

Santiago, Bobbie Cheryl Primero

Arandela, Mary Grace Prudente

Sandig, Sylvia Fernandez

Dollolasa, Leah Castor

Pagtanac, Geralyn Honorario

Paredes. Ma. Lourdes Bugna

Datuin, Helen Moscoso

Camporedondo, Nora

Britanico, Josephine Miane

Perea, Charity Yanson

Bamberger, Eden Jopson

Banares, Helen

Alvarez, Gilda Muyco

Rosales, Renee Fe Abrigo

CPUAA chapters to help in organizing Alumni Grand Homecoming in 2020

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Celebrating the Central Spirit – Centralians here and abroad are invited to come to CPU Campus on February 5-9, 2020 to celebrate its Alumni Grand Homecoming.*

“There is work to do.” This was how CPUFOAA current President Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat explained how the many CPUAAI chapters will get involved in the preparation of the Alumni Grand Homecoming at Central Philippine University in 2020.

The oneness of Centralian alumni comes with the general sentiment of the Central Spirit of love, cooperation and generosity, between and among 156 CPUAA chapters all over the world.

In a meeting with members of the CPUAAI Board, Perla G. Londres Waters, Chair of the CPUFOAA Endowment Committee, agreed that there’s such a thing as Central Spirit at work that bring the alumni together towards the achievement of success for the coming grand reunion at CPU.

The idea of a global reunion started in Chicago in 1998, with the founding of CPU Alumni Association of North America. During the Centennial Celebration of CPU in 2005, the idea came up again with a group of overseas alumni who met and discussed possibilities.

The global celebration takes place every two years; hence, the reunion in CPU in 2020 is supposedly the 11th. However, as it is going to be a grand convergence of CPU alumni worldwide, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles proposed to call it the 1st CPU Alumni Grand Homecoming and this was unanimously supported by the CPUAAI Board of Trustees.

A gala night will be held at the premier Grand Xing Hotel in Iloilo City.

Come and bring back the memories after many years. Attend the 1st Alumni Grand Homecoming at Central on February 5-9, 2020.

CPU to celebrate Alumni Grand Homecoming on 2020

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Come home to Central and rekindle the Central Spirit centered on Christ!*

Raise a song for dear old Central!
Fair and far renowned
Let her campus ring with echoes
Let her halls resound!

“Raise A Song” by Dr. Francis Howard Rose

The Central Spirit leads us back home—Central Philippine University alumni here and abroad are invited to attend the university’s Grand Alumni Homecoming to be held at the CPU Campus on February 5-9, 2020.

A time for rekindling friendships and recalling fond memories, the event will be a celebration of God’s faithfulness to the university and of the ties that have united Centralians all over the globe.

CPU takes pride in its alumni from all fields of professions and practice. The Central Spirit has been thriving because of Centralian men and women who have proudly carried the CPU banner across continents and regions.

Come home to CPU and be part of this momentous occasion!

Deadline for registration will be on October 31, 2019. To properly accommodate you and your guests, we highly encourage you to register early.

Please register here: click to download

For questions and inquiries please don’t hesitate to contact us at:

e-mail: homecoming@cpu.edu.ph
contact numbers (CPU Alumni Office): (033) 329 2904 or 329-1971 to 329-1979 loc. 1033

CPU High School Batch 69 celebrates Golden Anniversary Reunion

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Bonds that last – the CPU High School Batch 69 celebrates 50 years of embracing the Central Spirit.*

The High School Batch of 1969 converged at Central Philippine University on January 17 to celebrate their 50^th year anniversary with the theme “Remember and Celebrate.” An opening program was held at the Educational Media Center at 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The reunion will continue at Sol y Mar beach resort in Tigbauan, Iloilo this weekend, January 20.

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomes the CPU High School Batch 1969.*

University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, welcomed the alumni. Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, President CPUAAI, congratulated the participants and extended his support to the new alumni association to be confirmed after the election of officers.

Included in the batch is Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jeffrey P. Ganzon. The Vice Mayor thanked his classmates for organizing the reunion after 50 years. He left a sentimental remark when he said, “They can take me away from Central, but they cannot take Central Spirit away from me.”

*Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAAI Inc. thanks the batch for their continuous love and support for the university.*

The organizing members were led by the working committee’s chairperson, Dr. Perla A. Suyo, former Dean of the CPU College of Education and College of Hospitality Management. Dr. Delvy V. Balasbas, Municipal Administrator of Concepcion, Iloilo and Judy Grace Regalado Galuna, who works with the Government of Nunauut, Canada, were with her during an interview with CPU TV’s Looking Forward.

The High School Batch of 1969 expressed their gratefulness to the Lord for letting them enjoy life with success. They talked about the Central Spirit that has been guiding them, giving them the chance to still meet their high school classmates after a long time. The 1969 batch originally had about 170 members.

RCJC – CPU WS Scholarship – building excellent Work Student graduates

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*The RCJC is committed in serving CPU by providing different scholarships and opportunities for Centralians. Photo Credit: RCJC*

A work student’s desire to graduate from college is determined by his/her patience in his/her work while studying. Countless alumni from Central Philippine have become successful in their chosen careers after graduation from college because of the Work Study Scholarship Program.

Success in their lives and careers resulted from years of perseverance. The work students are admired for their commitment to help their parents. They work in order to study and graduate from a prestigious university like CPU. However, sometimes, being a work student is not enough. There are more requirements that need more financial support so that some work students do menial jobs outside of school and duty.

For this reason, the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline and Central Philippine University started a fund campaign to support deserving work students in their financial needs. The RCJC-CPU Work Student Scholarship started with 100,000 pesos from the University and another 100,000 pesos from RCJC as seed money. This fund will serve as a counterpart for the WS Scholarship endowment fund. One work student for every semester will receive the cash award out of the interest from the endowment fund during the scholarship recognition ceremony at CPU every year.

The incentive encourages the work student to perform well in academics to be deserving and to become the excellent student that he/she is supposed to be.

The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline is a special alumni chapter of Central Philippine University and has been a partner in educational and socio-cultural programs and projects of the University.

Engineering Alumni Batch 2003 donates 55K to College of Engineering

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Batch 2003 enjoying a night of food, friendship and fun.*

Centralian Engineers of Batch 2003 donated 55,000 pesos to the Central Philippine University College of Engineering during their Grand Alumni Reunion held at the Diversion 21 Hotel on December 28, 2018.

The said donation is for the advancement and development of the college’s activities and programs. In behalf of the college, the donation was received by Engr. Walden S. Rio, former Dean of the CPU College of Engineering.

*Former CPU College of Engineering Dean, Engr. Walden S. Rio, received the donation in behalf of the college.*

Engr. Alberto A. Java, faculty, CPU College of Engineering expressed his admiration to the batch for their unwavering love and support for the college.

The batch responses, delivered by Engr. Winthur Marabe, Engr. Joanne Rey Andrada, and Engr. Reyben Rubio, strengthened the alumni’s strong support in the endeavors of CPU.

On the other hand, Engr. Rosie Jane Puig-Siosan assured the college that its alumni officers will continue to find ways to uplift and promote the Central Spirit among its batch members.

*Incumbent Batch President, Engr. Rosie Jane Puig-Siosan welcomed the batch to their Grand Alumni Reunion.*

During the said reunion, the batch also elected their new set of officers namely:

President: Elaine June O. Delonguines

Vice President: Joan Ruth Barcenal-Cabansagan

Secretary: Yeseil Sumalde-Sacramento

Treasurer: James Russel Obregon

Muse: Riza Para-unda-Pelopero

Escort: Gideon Marfil