A Cord of Three

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Angeli and Peter Billiones’ love for each other is testimony of obedience and surrender to God’s will. Photo Credit: Peter Billiones*

Growing up in the same church, Jil and Pete knew each other since they were young. Now a married couple, their relationship is not an account of young love blossoming into permanent affection. Rather, their journey as husband and wife is a testimony of how God favors a relationship that puts Him first at all times.

Back then Angeli Aragona-Billiones (Jil) and Peter Billiones (Pete) often crossed paths at Full Gospel Community Church when they were little but it was not until they studied at Central Philippine University that they got to know each as close friends.

Pete took up Bachelor of Science and Accountancy and later shifted to Marketing Management. Jil, on the other hand was a Tourism student. Both served as student leaders in the Chi Alpha, a Christ-centered organization aimed at spreading the Gospel among the youth.

According to Pete, his stay in CPU influenced him to be excited about serving God through others. “[Being in CPU] helped me learn to live by faith and not by sight. It also taught me the value of impacting one life at a time especially during Christ Emphasis Week. Being in CPU made learn about the importance of having global impact through local leadership. CPU encouraged me to put God in everything I do.”

With his father and all of her uncles as Centralian alumni, Jil developed a deep appreciation for CPU’s dedication to cultivate an atmosphere of community and family. Sharing her fond memories of CPU, Jil talks about how her professors would go beyond academic lessons to mentor her and her classmates about Christian values. “I still remember how my teachers would take the time to talk about how good God has been and they would always tell us that their door is open if we need to talk about anything. [My stay in CPU] encouraged me to be resilient and to always look forward to better things in life. I felt God moving in my life while I was in CPU.”

Pete and Jil dated after they graduated from CPU in 2014. With the guidance of their parents and mentors they earnestly sought a God-centered relationship which was not easy but according to them was definitely worth it.

The couple eventually married in July 2015. Now, they are serving full-time in the ministry and managing their business Rosy’s Delicacies, now known as Teddy Bear Treats, a business started by Jil’s parents.

Teddy Bear Treats markets authentic Filipino delicacies in the local and international market. They offer all kinds of Ilonggo delicacies such as pinasugbo, toasted mamon, biscocho and many others.

On discovering God’s will for their relationship, Jil talks about how she sought God’s guidance through prayer and reading the bible. “The moment I realized I was falling for him, I asked God to keep him away if he’s not for me. God always did that in the past I didn’t even have to ask, boys just come and go it’s important they don’t know I ever like them, because then it would be awkward and Peter and I have such a good friendship I didn’t want to lose that. When I knew he was the one, I said to God, “He’s yours not mine so I’ll always be second in his life because he has to put You first.”

When asked how they maintain a God-centered relationship, in unison, Pete and Jil share that it is by putting God first and obeying His word that helped them love and respect one another as God would have intended. “I earnestly asked God to help me love Jil as He commanded men in the bible to love their wives”, Pete says.

In 2016, Pete and Jil decided to go to Zamboanga and serve a newly planted local church. “[When] we realized that our 1st baby wasn’t formed, instead of being bitter with God [we submitted to His will]. He talked to us personally in our devotionals to respond to the call and trust His plan rather than our own personal dreams and desires.” Their experiences in the mission field strengthened their reliance on God – how He provides and promotes and most importantly how He blesses two people who pursue to glorify Him wholeheartedly.

When asked what advice they would give to young couples, Pete and Jil emphasizes that it is pursuing God first that makes a healthy and God-centered relationship. “Read the bible. There are a lot of dos and don’ts. The bible will explain what real love is and how it is different from lust. My parents told me, no trial and error. If a guy pursues you, he has to be serious about it. Don’t go into a relationship with him unless he has plans to marry you. So one day randomly while I was at home, God told me, not audibly, that I’ll meet [the man] I would marry two years from now. I said two years from now are you sure? Like this exact same day. I didn’t believe it but I took note of the day. At that time Peter and I weren’t even close. He never crossed my mind. Exactly two years from that day. He courted me. And so many affirmations I believed he was the one. God is not mute that He cannot speak. He speaks, but we don’t even read His word so how can we tell if it’s Him or not?” Jil shares.

Looking forward, Pete and Jil are considering joining foreign missions. “Our heart is to the Unreached People Groups who have never really heard of Jesus. Imagine how unfair that we in the Philippines could go to church, read the bible, and pray to Jesus and millions are dying without even knowing the name of Jesus.”

Pete and Jil’s testimony is a powerful description of how two people can uplift and support each other but it is ultimately a crowd of three with Christ at the Center that ultimately makes a relationship shine for His glory.

Dr. Mario A. Tajanlangit: On education and business

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Dr. Mario A. Tajanlangit together with his wife Nenita Tajanlangit. Photo Credit: Dr. Mario A. Tajanlangit*

On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, the guest in CPUTV’s public affairs program Looking Forward was Dr. Mario A. Tajanlangit, a professor at the CPU School of Graduate Studies.

Dr. Tajanlangit has a doctorate degree in management. He is also a social entrepreneur and a management consultant among several local and international business and enterprises. He is a former Director of the Department of Trade and industry in Guimaras. He also operates some acres of land planted with trees, a lumber enterprise and a diagnostic center in Iloilo City. Moreover, he has foreign partnerships with distributions, export and import companies. These experiences and business ventures enabled him to be proficient in teaching business and management as well as a valuable resource for his students.

He attributes his successful management, entrepreneurship, and teaching careers to how he was educated. “Education is a matter of choice,” he emphasized. He also considers a degree in post graduate education as very important in today’s socio-economic environment. “Many of our students would abandon the idea of proceeding to a [master’s] and [doctorate] degrees after graduating from college,” he added. He further explains that out there, in the search of a good job, an “undergrad” realizes that the first base occupation is good enough to sustain primary needs or financial requirement—until his/her achievement level is no longer competitive for executive or higher positions. Business, as an alternative, requires good family support, wealth and entrepreneurial background. Dr. Tajanlangit reiterated the value of excellence, pursuing higher education as a matter of commitment, “with determination through and through “.

Dr. Tajanlangit also shared some insights on business trends particularly on operating a business abroad. He said that “most of the difficulties in the import-export industry are brought about by barriers in local and international customs.” In addition, Dr. Tajanlangit said, “Foreign trade requires educated and expert entrepreneurs.”

He also suggested that the BPO industry (call center jobs) are, at the moment, the most progressive industry Filipino college graduates can be employed in, but maintained that a rather competitive chance at landing a good job is having a post graduate degree.

Central Philippine University has, among others, a good educational ground for training in post graduate education. He cited the quality of students who enjoys the prospect in career excellence through CPU’s post graduate studies.

Former DA Technical Director speaks on Looking Forward

By Cyrus A. Natividad

Former Department of Agriculture Region 6 Technical Director, Dr. Joyce S. Wendam, expressed admiration for the initiatives of Central Philippine University College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CPU-CARES) for their outreach and educational extensions related to organic food production.

Dr. Wendam has consistently supported projects that have contributed to the development of agriculture, especially in organic farming, organic vegetable gardening, and agri-business in region 6. She has consistently promoted organic food production and has, for several years, helped CPU in its annual agrifair. The DA has been a partner in the annual regional agrifair held in CPU.

In an interview on CPUTV’s public affairs program Looking Forward on February 12, 2019, Dr. Wendam acknowledged that CPU agriculture students have many opportunities that can prepare them for their future—in agriculture and in business.

Dr. Wendam teaches agro-economics at CPU-CARES and at the CPU Graduate School. She was once the representative of the DA at the Bio Industry Expo in Osong, Korea where Philippine products were being showcased.

To her credit, Dr. Wendam was able to help a rural family in Baranggay Igtuble, Tubungan Iloilo improve their living standards.

“I consider agriculture a big help to all Filipinos in times of food shortage, and in strengthening the family through economic development in agriculture”, Wendam said.

Insights: Fast transition in technology and CPU’s response to the changing times

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Technology in action – The CPU Community is a witness of how technology shapes university programs and events.*

Some thirty years ago, people started saying goodbye to their Remington and Underwood typewriters. Correction fluids also started losing business as typewriters became obsolete. At the same time, computers and electronic gadgets began to dominate offices and businesses. Computers did everything: from encoding to storage and retrievals; one is able to format and edit documents in minutes—sometimes, with just a touch of a finger.

The early desktop or personal computers (PCs) were popularly known as the IBM PC and its clones. It was followed by Apple Macintosh and later the Commodore Amiga throughout the ‘80s and the ‘90s. Those were all programmable computers equipped with a keyboard, a monitor, and drives for floppy disks. These computers were sold mostly for business and scientific operations.

It didn’t stop there. Innovation continued and the transition from one innovation to another got faster and faster. New computer models were produced one after the other, modifying the old office with sleek portable units. Excess items included boxes of floppy disks for operating and storing data. These were disposed of or discarded when operating disks and software were later imbedded in the system.

Laptops, notebooks, and tablets, smartphones equipped with user-friendly interface and programs, came later. New models arrive with new systems. Smart companies use computers and electronics technology including the internet to create a whole new way of doing business.

People enjoy the convenience that computer technology brings to individuals, the family, and the community. Now, where does this end? It was once said that “the trouble with our age is all signposts and no destination.”

The problem lies in how the users act as catalysts in making the computer and the internet trends work towards a unified system for human beings and society. We are glad to know that there are geniuses lending themselves to the community to ultimately create newer technology that will lead up to another period of ease and betterment for humanity.

CPU has also invested much in new infrastructures in relation to the software development and the internet. All offices are connected with a LAN. The university website, www.cpu.edu.ph, is one of the top websites in Western Visayas for the last 2 years. The social media accounts of CPU are always buzzing with posts. Soon, the university will have an RF ID System at the CPU Elementary School, and then for the whole university for security purposes. There are also plans for an online enrolment system and payment.

It is best to keep in mind though that at stake is not the equipment but the person behind it.

For Central Philippine University, personnel development comes ahead. Most of the trainings for employees are designed to provide or improve their skills, expertise, and attitudes. Suggestions and proposals on procurement of needed tools and equipment come from the end users. The University Computer Service Center (UCSC) are on hand in helping the departments and units in the University.

The transitions are fast but the university is ready to keep abreast with technology.

CPU signs partnership agreement with Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd.

By Keziah G. Huelar

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mr. Tomohiro Yanagisawa, Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. Executive Officer officially signs the partnership.*

Central Philippine University and Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. signed a partnership agreement at the Administration Building Conference Room on February 7, 2019. The agreement between the two parties aims to provide employment and training opportunities for CPU nursing graduates in Japan. It also seeks to establish cooperation and mutual trust and pursue a formal, integrated, and long-term agreement between CPU and Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President and Mr. Tomohiro Yanagisawa, Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. Executive Officer. Present during the signing are Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Dean, CPU College of Nursing and Prof. Anna May Y. Zerrudo, Officer-in-Charge, CPU Office of International Relations and Cooperation.

Starting April 1, 2019, Japan will be accepting foreign caregiving staff. This is in line with the Japanese government’s revisions on its Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act which created a new residence qualification for the “designated skilled labor” visa.

Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. hopes to invite Centralian nursing students to join in a mentoring program until graduation for definite employment in Japan.

After the signing, Atty. Alibogha and Prof. Zerrudo gave the representatives of Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. a tour of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building and the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory.

CPU hopes that the said agreement will open more doors for global competitiveness in nursing practice and education. The university believes that the partnership is an opportunity for the university to showcase and promote the Centralian brand of nursing to Japan.

Services that Nichiigakkan Co., Ltd. offers include medical support, long term care, child care, health care, language education and therapy.

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.

CPU College of Engineering holds talk: “If I were an Engineering Student Again”

By Keziah G. Huelar

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Engr. Constantino M. Senon and Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean, CPU College of Engineering together with the students faculty and staff of the college.*

Recollecting memories as CPU College students—The Central Philippine University College of Engineering held a talk entitled “If I were an Engineering Student Again” at the University Church on February 6, 2019.

The opening prayer was led by Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne, faculty member, Electrical Engineering Department.

It was then followed by the welcome remarks given by Engr. Dany C. Molina, Dean, CPU College of Engineering. In his message, Engr. Molina highlighted the importance of reflecting on and learning from past experiences not only to apply its lessons to the present but to mentor future engineers that they too may gain a heart of wisdom.

Engr. Ceasar Rico S. Acanto, Chairperson, Electrical Engineering Department, introduced CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, as first speaker.

A graduate of the CPU Electrical Engineering program in 1964, Dr. Robles shared his journey as a working student. He encouraged aspiring Centralian engineers to tread their academic and professional journey with excellence, faith, and perseverance.

Engr. Jeriel G. Militar, Chairperson, Mechanical Engineering Department introduced Engr. Constantino M. Senon, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Batch 1967 and the current Senior Vice President Emeritus of Stantec, Washington, USA.

Engr. Senon, who is a frequent speaker of the college’s seminars and lectures, talked about the importance of pursuing knowledge and experience. According to him, it is a crucial skill to love learning and to be open to new ideas.

Both speakers shared their testimony and emphasized that one’s faith in God and surrender to His will that will make one not only a successful engineer but a happy and purposeful person.

After the talks, an open forum was held. After which Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo, Chairperson, Packaging Engineering Department gave the closing remarks.

Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on speaks in CPU TV’s Looking Forward

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the CPU School of Graduate Studies (seated far left) continues to promote CPU to the international academic community.*

Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the CPU School of Graduate Studies, is the guest of CPU’s public affairs program Looking Forward on Friday, February 1 on CPUTV’s Facebook page. Dr. Libo-on, who is also the Director of CPU’s Office for Transnational Programs (OTP), will present insights on the activities of the OTP, its main functions and impact of development to foreign students in CPU.

The Office for Transnational Programs caters to the needs of foreign students in CPU. It is also tasked with the recruitment of students from abroad, accommodation, and exchange scholarship programs. Dr. Libo-on facilitates CPU’s services as well as faculty visits to foreign universities.

Dr. Libo-on has been invited as a Foreign Visiting Professor to Fukuoka University in Japan. She delivered lectures on globalization from August 5-15, 2018. Other foreign universities where Dr. Libo-on has served in her capacity as visiting professor are Tom Yong University in Busan, South Korea, Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Management in Nguyen, Vietnam and Myanmar Institute of Theology (Liberal Arts Program) at Yangon University in Myanmar.

Dr. Libo-on is the former Vice President for Finance and Enterprises in CPU. She attained a Doctor of Management degree from Central Philippine University. She was appointed Dean of the School of Graduate Studies in June 2018.

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.

CPU holds 11th Genaro “Totik” D. Diesto, Jr. Memorial Lecture

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Dr. Lily F. Apura, alumna, CPU College of Theology and faculty, Siliman University talked about the importance of contextualizing our social engagement.*

Celebrating the life, love, and works of Rev. Genaro “Totik” D. Diesto, Jr., Central Philippine University held the 11^th Rev. Dr. Diesto Genaro “Totik” D. Diesto, Jr. Memorial Lecture at the Celis-Ancheta Chapel, CPU College of Theology on September 21, 2018.

The invocation was led by Prof. Excelyn C. Landero, Chair, Religion and Ethics Department of the CPU College of Theology. It was then followed by the words of welcome by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. In his message, Dr. Robles emphasized the importance of remembering the legacy of Rev. Dr. Diesto in order to emulate and to preserve his legacy.

Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean, College of Theology, in his message, encouraged the participants to learn from the testimony of Rev. Dr. Diesto whose life sought to glorify God first and foremost.

Prof. Evangelica D. Padernilla, on behalf of the Diesto family, thanked CPU for their continuing support to the memorial lecture. She shared the meaning of the word “Totik,” Rev. Diesto’s nickname, which is a combination of toto, a Hiligaynon term of endearment for a son, and diutik, which means “small.” Mrs. Padernilla also hopes that beyond the lectures, participants would be able to translate into action all that they have learned.

As a tribute to the late Rev. Dr. Diesto Diesto, Lean Hope D. Atanoso, faculty, College of Theology, read a poem written by Omega Diesto-Moore, sister of Rev. Diesto. The poem was written when Dr. Diesto was in poor health. It tells a story of a younger Diesto who was full of life and talked about the love of a sister for her brother. It can be recalled that “Totik” was actively involved in the CPU Republic and became an activist during the Martial Law years while enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science. He was imprisoned for his activism and this imprisonment opened his eyes and eventually led him to commit his life to full-time ministry. He enrolled at the CPU College of Theology and finished his Bachelor of Divinity degree, cum laude.

Dr. Margen A. Java, Director of the CPU Student Development and Programs, performed a binalaybay, an ode to Rev. Diesto Sr. and written by Rev. Elias Arandela, a friend of Rev. Diesto.

Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, faculty, CPU College of Theology, introduced the seminar lecturer, Dr. Lily F. Apura, CPU alumna and faculty, Siliman University. Rev. Dr. Apura, in her lecture entitled “Contextualizing our Social Engagement,” talked about the importance of understanding ourselves and understanding others through love, faith, and practice in order to improve our social engagements.

After the lecture, an open forum moderated by Pastor Elizer G. Geromiano, President, Convention Baptist Ministers Association, was held. The declaration of commitment and the hymn of declaration then followed. Lastly, the closing prayer and benediction was led by Pastor Joshua Z. Zonita, Faculty, College of Theology.