Multitasking passions: The Allyn Sta. Maria story

*Allyn Margarejo Sta. Maria with Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.*

Allyn Margarejo Sta. Maria could still recall the very first time she stepped onto the volleyball court of the CPU Gym. She could still remember the cheers and shouts from spectators, the look of determination in the eyes of her fellow Centralian athletes, and the sweat and tears they poured to claim victory. These are lasting memories etched in passion and with faith.

Allyn currently works as the Marketing Head of Generika Drug Store which has over 750 pharmacies all over the country. Apart from her task to promote and establish Generika as a trusted brand, she is also the Team Manager of the Generika Ayala Lifesavers, a volleyball team franchised by Generika Drug Store. Allyn shares that the team is part of health and wellness advocacy of Mr. Ted Ferrer, President of Generika Drugstores.

She is a 2002 graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program. During her college days, she devoted herself to different passions such as student leadership, debates, and even beauty pageants. She was a CPU Republic official, a former Miss CPU High School, and subsequently chosen as Miss CPUR. However, according to Allyn, “Volleyball is my first love.”

According to Allyn, her employment at Generika gave her the opportunity not only to make a living but to continue her passion for volleyball: “I wasn’t really expecting that in my professional employment volleyball would still be part of my life. This is really a favor from God. All my passions intersect with my current job—only God could give me that kind of blessing.”

Allyn shares that in CPU, her mentors have always encouraged her to excel and to develop her skills by engaging in various activities and competitions. It was also in CPU where her faith was developed into a habit of depending on God on her next endeavors: “In CPU, I found a wealth of experience to interface with people from all walks of life. CPU taught me to excel, to stand, dress and talk properly, and most importantly, to give back to the glory of the Lord.”

Sharing her testimony, Allyn recounts how her faith helped her deal with the struggles and challenges along her way: “A philosopher once said that every man has a God-shaped void only God can fill.”

As a mom and an advocate of wellness, Allyn emphasized the importance of physical as well as mental health. According to her it is important to take care of oneself: “Mental hygiene is really about knowing yourself, getting the right emotional support, being open to guidance. It’s really about how well you know yourself and how you respond to your needs. Parents have a big role in the lives of their children. Educational systems cannot be substitutes for good parenting and nothing can substitute human interaction.”

For her advice to aspiring Centralians who also want excel in their passions, Allyn says, “Keep working hard. It’s all going to be worth it soon.”

Dr. Jaime C. Cabarles shares about CARES

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Dr. Jaime C. Cabarles, Dean, College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Science shares his insights to Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad, host, CPU’s Looking Forward.*

Central Philippine University College of Agriculture—now the College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CARES)—not only changed its name but has evolved into a research institute for CPU.

Along with the practice students avail from the University farms, CPU students also participate in community outreach and activities that promote resource generation in partnership with identified LGUs. This project, initiated by Cabarles, is helping poor communities and farmers in selected areas in Western Visayas.

As part of the work-study program of CPU during his college days, Dean Cabarles has had experience in laboratory research and farm management. He finished his post graduate studies namely: Master in Agriculture in 2005 from West Visayas State University and his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 2009 His biggest achievement, thus far, is being declared the National Winner of the 2014 CHED Republica (Outstanding Research and Publication Award for Natural Sciences and Agriculture Category).

Dr. Cabarles’ work was further rewarded when CPU implemented his research program for a sustainable free-range chicken production in the farms located in Leon and Zarraga. CHED recognized that Cabarles’ research made significant contributions to the advancement in the field of agriculture and to the goals for development of the nation.

BSP Awards Outstanding Regional Partner to CPU

By Keziah G. Huelar

In behalf of CPU, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration, received the award from Antonio S. Abacan, Jr., Monetary Board Member and Chairman of the Board of Judges and Chuchi G. Fonacier, Deputy Governor and Financial Supervision Sector.

Recognizing the University’s dedication in promoting financial literacy in the community, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) awarded

Outstanding Regional Partner in the Knowledge Resource Network category during its 2018 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch at the BSP Complex, Manila on September 11, 2018.

The presentation of awards was led by Antonio S. Abacan, Jr., Monetary Board Member and Chairman of the Board of Judges together with Chuchi G. Fonacier, Deputy Governor and Financial Supervision Sector. On behalf of CPU, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration, received the award.

The CPU College of Business and Accountancy was also chosen as a finalist in the Outstanding Regional Partner in the Conduct of Public Information Campaigns in Western Visayas for the college’s exemplary support for various statistical initiatives, information requirements, and advocacy programs of the BSP.

*Trophy awarded by BSP to CPU for being its “Outstanding Regional Partner” in the Knowledge Resource Network Category.*

It can be recalled that on December 6, 2017, CPU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BSP for the launching of BSP’s Knowledge Resource Network (KRN) in Iloilo City.

One of BSP’s KRN is situated in the CPU Library. It provides the general public with research network libraries, BSP publications, and access to BSP’s print collections, national and international journals, magazines, and newspapers.

The KRN has been providing learning and reading materials on subjects aligned with BSP’s mission and vision, namely, banking, economics, money, credit, finance and investments, business management, payments and settlements, and supervision. Information services offered to KRN partners include access to BSP’s print collections which include more than 10,000 books at their main office and branches; open shelves for BSP publications and statistical collection; on-line subscriptions within BSP libraries; online journals and e-books through EBSCO, Science Direct, Springer, and McGraw Hill on subject areas of economics and finance; analytical reports such as Economist Intelligence Unit and Business Monitor International, Mylegal Whiz; and also on Philippine law, jurisprudence, principles, forms and legal research assistance.

BSP hopes to establish 285 Knowledge Resource Networks by the end of 2018.

CPU students attend Filipino Youth Summit

*CPUR Senator Niegil E. Libo-on represented CPU during the 1st Filipino Youth Summit held at De La Salle University, Manila.*

Students from Central Philippine University attended the first ever Filipino Youth Summit held at De La Salle University, Manila last August 30-September 2, 2018.

In this summit, CPUR Senator Niegil E. Libo-on (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration) was chosen as the Filipino Youth Leader for Region 6. He was also selected to be part of the FYS Central Committee.

*The participants of the* *1st Filipino Youth Summit held at De La Salle University, Manila..*

The other delegates from CPU included Mikhie Shane Tolentino (Bachelor in Secondary Education major in English), delegate for Public Health Pillar and awarded as the Outstanding Delegate of her pillar; Therese Brasileño (Bachelor of Science in Packaging Engineering), delegate for Environment Pillar; Patrick John Miclat (Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy), delegate for Public Health Pillar.

The first ever Filipino Youth Summit is an “advocacy-based youth conference in the country where student-leaders gather to participate in reviewing local and national government initiatives, addressing national issues, and collaborating towards a more empowered and progressive nation.”

*Mikhie Shane Tolentino (CPU, Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English) delegate for Public Health Pillar, was also awarded as the Outstanding Delegate of her Pillar.*

“Through greater awareness and understanding among the regions, FYS 2018 envisions to provide a platform for youth leaders from all over the country to share ideas for social transformation. In line with this, the FYS is comprised of five (5) pillars namely: Business Ethics, Education, Environment, Human Rights, and Public Health. The delegates are expected to review the initiatives and policies of the government, and come up with brief policy statements to be presented in the plenary afterwards.” (http://filipinoyouthsummit.org/)

The Art of Value: The Rymer and Laurie Joyce Gengoni Story

*Rymer G. Gengoni and his wife Laurie G. Gengoni together with Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.*

A blank canvass speaks of a billion possibilities—countless probable strokes and unlimited conceivable shades of color. The process of creating a masterpiece requires the mastery of making infinite choices until finally something of artistic value is born.

More often than not, the task of choosing is easy for the artist, for he has already seen the final output in his mind. The challenge now is choosing among the options, separating intentional output from the incidental mimicry.

For Rymer G. Gengoni and his wife Laurie G. Gengoni, being an artist is not only a decision but also a free expression of one’s desire to introduce something beautiful to the world. Having graduated from the Central Philippine University Bachelor of Science in Advertising program in 2009, Rymer and Laurie use their artistic skills not only to produce memorable aesthetics, but to give art value.

Rymer is currently a currency and medallion illustrator while Laurie is a minting machine operator and 3D artist engraver, both at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Their works range from designing commemorative coins to presidential medals, medallions, and others.

When asked how their passion for art started, Rymer shares that he developed an interest in digital arts during his stay in CPU. Formerly a commerce student, Rymer shifted to software engineering then finally advertising. Laurie, on the other hand, had no plans to take up advertising. She initially wanted to take architecture or fine arts but being a CPU High School alumna, Laurie decided to stay in the university and take up advertising.

Rymer and Laurie relate that apart from the high standard of education offered by CPU, it was the promotion of Christian values that made them choose the university. According to Rymer, CPU taught him to persevere and to have faith in God: “During my stay in CPU, I learned how to depend on God. There were many hardships along the way but I persevered.”

Laurie explains that her stay in the university taught her to chase quality over quantity: “In CPU, our professors taught us to always be excellent in our work and to be tedious with the details. It’s not about how much output you’ve [produced] but the quality of your output that matters. It’s about presenting the artwork in an eloquent way.”

One of their favorite memories from CPU, apart from the programs and club events, is their friendship with five other advertising students. The seven of them were known as “Sevendipity” – Alexis Gequilasao, Sheila Mae Estares, Dabbie Basero, Scarleen Yvette Bautista and Bernea Jesseluz Gadayan.

All seven of them have shared their highs and lows with each other, creating a strong bond of camaraderie under the Central Spirit. They still share their milestones, one of them being the wedding of Rymer and Laurie last August 24, 2018.

The encouragement of friends and family played a crucial role in the success of not only Rymer and Laurie’s marriage but in their professional career as well.

After graduation, Rymer worked at a studio and a cable station. It wasn’t until 2010 when he decided to go to Manila and seek out new opportunities. When he applied for the position in BSP, Rymer shares that he applied with other students coming from more prestigious schools. Although he was not expecting to get the position, Rymer knew that the skills he developed in CPU could rival any competition. In 2013, Laurie was also employed by BSP.

Both Rymer and Laurie share the same heart for their work. According to Rymer, they give their best at any given task: “What we are doing is our passion. We are in love with our work.”

When asked how they handle the pressures of their job, Laurie recounts that every time she is about to start on the molding and engraving of any medal or coin, she first prays to God for guidance: “I always pray before I start designing. It’s the drill for me. I ask God to guide me and to give me wisdom on how to do my work.”

Apart from their love for art, Rymer and Laurie also share the love that they have for each other. They were in a dating relationship for almost 11 years before they decided to get married. Rymer shares that during their college days, Laurie was always known as the simple and quiet girl in their group. He, on the other hand, was the class clown. In the words of Rymer, “Opposites attract.”

It was their strong foundation of friendship, the acceptance of their family, and ultimately, their faith in God that made them steadfast in their love for each other. Laurie explains that their love story is a journey of accepting and bringing out the best in each other: “We love each other’s imperfections and we celebrate each other’s victories. We always communicate with each other, even if we have the same workplace, we always make an effort to have quality time with each other.”

When asked about their advice to Centralians, who want to pursue not only a good career but a God-centered relationship, Laurie counsels that it is important to constantly pray and to stubbornly pursue their passion: “Always ask God for guidance. We are all in our own journey and it’s important to love what God gave you.”

Rymer, on his part, says that it starts with loving God: “Love God first and foremost. Love yourself, love the people around you. Everything is planned by God and when you seek Him, He will direct you to the right career path and the right person. We must believe in our faith and in the wisdom and guidance of God. Always remember to be grateful to God and to the people around you.”

CPU College of Nursing Dean speaks on “Looking Forward”

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Atty Salex E. Alibogha shares his plans and goals for the CPU College of Nursing to Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad during an episode of Looking Forward.*

The Dean of the College of Nursing, Atty Salex E. Alibogha, was the guest in the CPUTV program “Looking Forward” last Friday, August 31, 2018. After answering several questions about the College of Nursing, Alibogha apprised viewers and alumni about developments of the Nursing Virtual Laboratory. According to the Dean, the laboratory will not only serve CPU nursing students, but allied sciences departments and other schools as well.

“[It] will be a big help for biological research and instructions,” explains the Dean. The project, when it becomes operational, is another achievement for the College of Nursing, which has been recognized as one of the best nursing schools in Western Visayas by Professional Regulation Commission and as one of the top ten nursing schools in the national licensure exams for nursing in the recent years. For example, PRC awarded CPU a Certificate of Recognition as the 6th Top Performing School in the November 2017 Nursing Licensure Examination.

The Virtual Laboratory is a collective project of the CPU Nursing Alumni Association worldwide and the CPU College of Nursing. It will soon be operating in the College of Nursing at the Loreto Tupaz Building in CPU.

In pursuit of realizing this dream, batches of nursing graduates and different alumni chapters worldwide have been supporting the fund drive.

CPU PolSci students get elected in APPSI

*Niegil E. Libo-on (AB major in Political Science and Public Administration – is now the Vice President for External Affairs of APPSI.*

The Alliance of Political Science Students of Iloilo (APPSI), the official organization of Political Students in Iloilo, held their AY 2018-2019 election last August 27, 2018. The following CPU students were elected with their respective positions:

Vice President for External Affairs: Niegil E. Libo-on (AB major in Political

Science and Public Administration-4)

Head Public Information Officer: Geroel James Salvador (AB Political

Science – 4)

Public Information Officer: Joanne Pauline Guillermo (AB Political

Science – 4)

School Representatives: Jeanine Marquez and Rustico Baydo III (AB

Political Science – 1)

The CPU Association of Political Science and Public Administration Students is one of the founding pillars of APPSI.

CLSEC speaks on CPU Outreach Program

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Sharing CPU’s insights to the world – Mr. Levi O. De Los Santos talks about the plans and the programs of the Community Engagement and Service Learning Center.*

On August 24, 2018, Prof. Levi O. De Los Santos, Director, Community Engagement and Service Learning Center (CESLC) talked about the extension programs of Central Philippine University in a live interview in “Looking Forward,” a CPUTV Channel program.

With the outreach program, students, faculty, and staff are guaranteed to benefit from the exposure they have in selected communities, particularly in Iloilo and nearby provinces.

The CESLC is the official arm of the University that carries out the third function (Extension or Outreach) of the University as a Higher Education Institution (HEI). The CESLC, according to De Los Santos, has the capability to undertake impact studies and trainings to enhance outreach services. The main objective is to make CPU valuable to the community as a provider of outreach programs that are anchored on Christian values and responsive to the needs of the community for economic development, people empowerment, and self-reliance.

De Los Santos emphasized that the CESLC’s main task is “to coordinate the outreach activities of the different colleges or units of the University. The CESLC are responsible in preparing outreach projects, strategies, and policy formulation for the identified community. It is also engaged in training and assisting faculty and staff members in assessing the needs of the outreach community.”

The CESLC also prepares the proposal to extend outreach programs, services, and activities and conducts impact evaluation on the serviced community. According to De Los Santos, CESLCt monitors and evaluates as well the implementation of outreach programs, as well as the documentation and dissemination of results.

He added, “Programs and activities should strengthen the capability of the faculty, staff and student to do outreach work.” Cooperative relationship with other offices in the University and with the government and non-government organizations are expected of the Outreach Team which is organized by the CESLC.

Among the remarkable activities of the CESLC was the disaster extension support to victims of typhoon Yolanda, a foreign partnership on a housing project in a northern town in Iloilo, soy-feeding program to the indigent students in Ingore, Lapaz, and a Haribon International-sponsored project in cooperation with CPU Outreach for bio-diversity and the environment held in a school in Buenavista, Guimaras.

College of Agriculture supports Bio-diversity through “Paint-A-Bin” project

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Paint-a-Bin participants pose with their artistic works.*

Awareness of cleanliness and discipline can result from creative campus activities. This year, an awareness project entitled “Paint-A-Bin” was undertaken by the College of Agriculture on August 25, 2018. The activity was led by Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa, Department Head of CPU Agricultural Engineering, and member of the Sustainable Campus Development Committee. This recent project is part of the several painting competitions on garbage bins that have been done previously at in the campus.

Forty-six (46) fourth year Agriculture students participated in the event. Painting 10 garbage bins, the students related the artworks to campus discipline and bio-diversity found in nature. Dr. Romallosa thanked the students and acknowledged their talent in painting. “Let’s aim for a clean and sustainable CPU Campus,” Romallosa emphasized. “Matahum (beautiful),” Engr. Jeriel Militar of the College of Engineering added.

*Artistic designs on campus garbage bins done by Agriculture students.*

The activity theme, “Agriculture and Environment” from which the project stems, brings a reminder that from Dee Lucena, one of the faculty members of the CPU College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences that “what may be good for consumers, may be bad for the environment and animals, unless they pass through some treatment process.”

The Paint-A-Bin Project is an awareness activity that supports CPU’s bio-diversity drive, an advocacy for a sustainable campus development.

CPU College of Law holds testimonial dinner for Master of Laws graduates

By Keziah G. Huelar

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the CPU College of Law for its earnest efforts to promote excellence.*

The Central Philippine University College of Law held a testimonial dinner at Diversion 21 Hotel on August 11, 2018 for its faculty members who recently finished their Master of Laws degree.

The opening prayer was led by Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs. It was then followed by the opening remarks by the University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, who commended Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean CPU College of Law, for his dynamic leadership. Dr. Robles also expressed the University’s support in providing CPU faculty and staff opportunities for further studies: “The University is always supportive of the desires of our faculty, or our deans or staff to advance themselves in the area of education. We hope that in the future [we can provide our own] program for Master of Laws.”

Guest Speaker, Hon. Emerson B. Aquende, Chairman, Legal Education Board, congratulated the Master of Laws graduates: “I will begin by addressing the reason for tonight’s affair—the 15 law professors of the CPU College of Law who are being honored for successfully earning their Master of Laws degree through the faculty development program of CPU. I am warmly and happily congratulating all the 15 of you for your individual and personal achievements in earning the coveted L.L.M. degree. Of the approximate 60,000 plus lawyers in the country, you now belong to the elite few.” Hon. Aquende also encouraged the graduates to continue their passionate devotion to legal education and to pursue excellence in their legal practice.

Guest Speaker, Hon. Emerson B. Aquende, Chairman, Legal Education Board encouraged the graduates to continue their passionate devotion to legal education and to pursue excellence in their legal practice.

In can be recalled that on August 31, 2017, 15 CPU College of Law alumni and faculty—Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Atty. Joshua C. Alim, Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Jr., Atty. Ian Thomas Besana, Atty. Aila Rae B. Endonila, Atty. Eugenio S. Hautea, Judge Globert J. Justalero, Atty. Liza Lyn S. Lamason-Garcia, Atty. Suzette A. Mamon, Judge Renato D. Muñez, Atty. Noel C. Siosian, Jr., Judge Meliza Joan P. Berano-Robite, Judge Gemma B. Tady and Atty. Salvacion T. Venus—received their Master of Laws degree from San Beda College (SBC) Graduate School of Law.

For the response on behalf of the honorees, Judge Renato D. Muñez Sr., faculty member, CPU College of Law, highlighted the importance of the law degree in shaping the concept of equity and justice: “Tonight is the night of law. That is the law that delineates and defines what is right and what is wrong. The concept of what is right and wrong to a high degree is performed and exercised by persons possessed of adequate learning and skills, of sound mind, moral character and one who acts at all times under the heavy trust of dedication to uphold the majesty of law.”

The Master of Laws graduates together with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean CPU College of Law, Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, member, CPU Board of Trustees, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, member, CPU Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital.

For the closing remarks, Dean Bedona expressed his gratefulness to Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, former University president, for encouraging him to be dean of the College of Law. He also thanked Dr. Robles for his continuous support for the college.

The said faculty development program is in view of the mandatory requirements of the Legal Education Board (LEB), that effective school year 2016-2017, only those with Master of Laws degree can teach in the College of Law. CPU provided scholarships to its law professors as part of the University’s faculty development program.

Also present during the event were Mrs. Angel Robles, wife of the University president; Dr. Pulido, and his wife Dr. Dorothy B. Pulido; Rev. Job A. Santiago, member, CPU Board of Trustees; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, member of the CPU Board of Trustees and Director of Iloilo Mission Hospital.