Nestle G. Taala presenting her paper during MEDCOM 2018.
The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) in collaboration with the Dhurakij Pundit University, Thailand held its Fourth World Conference on Media and Mass Communication (MEDCOM 2018). The event was hosted by Universiti Teknologi MARA of Malaysia and the University of Rome Tor Vergata of Italy last April 5-7, 2018 at Bangkok, Thailand. The theme for the event was “Power of Media: Shaping the Future.” The conference included research presentations and discussions from different academicians, professionals, and industry experts.
Nestle G. Taala, a graduating student of AB Mass Communication, was invited in the said conference. She presented her undergrad research paper, “What Went Wrong: An Analysis on the Actions Taken by the Media in Mendoza’s Case Documentary.”
Miss Taala is one of the only two Filipinos who represented Philippines in the said event. The other presenter was Mr. James Beltran, a former reporter at ABS-CBN and TV5.
Miss Taala extends her gratitude to the administration that supported her and made her attendance possible.
Francis Immanuel O. Fuentespina, with high honors, encourages the graduates to trust in the timing and purpose of God for their lives.
Immanuel O. Fuentespina is a Ten Outstanding Elementary School Pupils of Iloilo Awardee, 2018. This speech was delivered during the awarding ceremony at Diamond Jubilee Hall, Mabini St., Iloilo City last March 16, 2018
According to Pele, one of the greatest football players who ever lived, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do”.
Good afternoon to everyone. I feel honored to be one of the Ten Outstanding Elementary School Pupils of Iloilo. Like the other awardees, I am very excited to receive the award and I feel proud to be part of the Outstanding Student Circle of Iloilo.
I would like to show my humble and sincere appreciation however, to the people who helped me in my accomplishments. Without them, and without their help, I would not be where I am today. I feel truly blessed. “Thank you” to my teachers who are very supportive. You are my source of knowledge. To mention some of them: Thank you Ma’am Saladar, my Grade VI-EXCEL adviser. Thank you for spending time with me before, during, and after the OSCI screenings. Thank you for always giving me the encouragement. To my subject teachers and other grade level advisers-thank you for supporting me and for letting me join different activities and competitions. To our CPU Elementary School Principal, Ma’am Janet P. Jaco, thank you for encouraging me to join the TOESP and for being proud of my achievements. To CPU, my Alma Mater, for giving us EXCEL or Exemplary Education for Life. To my football varsity team family, thank you for the support, and for giving me some time off during some of our practice games. Thank you Lion’s Club International for making me part of the family. I enjoy our Saturday outreach activities. I only have simple words to say to my family, but what you did for me is always special. Mama, Papa, my siblings, Ida and BenJ, thank you for all your efforts, your energy, financial help, and prayers. You have made many sacrifices just to provide me with needed support. Salamat gid to the rest of my family. I know that you are more proud of my achievements than I am. To Mama Alice for always praying for us—you are our strongest supporter. Most of all, I thank the Lord God Almighty. Without Him and His perfect will, everything would not be possible. He is the source of all that is good. I praise Him and I thank Him for who I am.
To all the other awardees, congratulations!
To OSCI and the organizers, thank you for this award. This will be one of my most unforgettable experiences. May this activity inspire more elementary pupils to strive hard and excel in whatever they do.
I hope that we will serve as role models to others—by studying well, and by being a source of inspiration to those around us.
2018-2019 CPUR President, JM Suelo formally accepts the Key of Responsibility from 2017-2018 CPUR President, Jan Christian Española.
The newly elected President John Michael Suelo (more popularly known as JM) of the CPU Student Republic hails from the province of Capiz and is the only son of Mr. Efren Suelo and Mrs. Lorelie Suelo. He is currently a second year Law student. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree from Central Philippine University.
His first political engagement with CPU is as governor of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council in 2011. He was spokesperson of the Law Students before running for the CPUR Presidency as standard bearer of the Reform Party. Student politics aside, JM was Mr. CPUR (2ndRunner Up) in the Search for Mr. CPU in 2015.
The athletic campus personality maintains his healthy outlook with a healthy lifestyle. One of his regular activities when not in the classroom is body building or working out at the CPU Lifestyle Learning Center. Not only his active outlook on life but more importantly his intelligence may have inspired his fellow students to vote for him. During the campaign, he spelled out his capability to govern using his acro-name: S-trengthen the checks and balances during his watch, U-phold the rule of law, E-mpower the students, L-ead by example, and O-perate intelligently.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mrs. Sabine P. Claudio, Executive Director, Camelion Association, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding witnessed by CPU Vice President for Student Affairs Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico and Camelion Advocacy Coordinator Ms. Japhet Grace J. Moleta.
In 1962 the United Nations General Assembly secured a report on the role of women in development. It resulted to a liberal paradigm of women in development and later involved Gender and Development in society, mostly concerned with equity and empowerment.
On April 3, 2018, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President and Mrs. Sabine P. Claudio, Executive Director, CAMELEON Association, Inc., signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Knowledge for Development Center, Henry Luce III Library, CPU. The MOU Signing was witnessed by CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico and CAMELEON Advocacy Coordinator, Ms. Japhet Grace J. Moleta.
The Memorandum of Understanding sealed a commitment between the two signatories that, among others, a partnership has been formed “to promote Gender and Development Security; to support and help one another push for equality and welfare programs for women and children.” Behind it is a CHED memorandum to Universities and Colleges putting Gender and Development as a mainstream program in their curriculum.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mrs. Sabine P. Claudio, Executive Director, Camelion Association, Inc. with the CPU faculty and staff.
According to their Facebook profile, “CAMELEON Association, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization that provides protection and rehabilitation services to sexually abused young girl-survivors in Western Visayas. Likewise, the association provides educational assistance and livelihood opportunities to economically disadvantaged children and their families in the neighboring communities through its Community Development Program. It has also established its advocacy program to raise awareness on child’s rights and prevention of any child abuse cases.” They inspire these victims to go beyond their limits so they can reach their dreams and have better lives. Most of these girls now are studying at CPU. CAMELEON was founded by Laurence Ligier, a recipient of the Legion d’Honneur, the highest French National Award given by French President Francois Hollande.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles expressed his message of support to the welfare of women.
Dr. Robles, in his message of support during the signing program, encouraged everyone to help and to do more for the welfare of women survivors in society. “There+s more to do to address the issues among children,” stressed Dr. Robles. Mrs. Claudio expressed gratitude for Central Philippine University, as she promised to push for more beneficial activities and projects for Gender and Development.
A special office for Gender and Development (GAD) Project in CPU is located at the Ground Floor of Henry Luce III Library. The CPU Focal Person in Charge of the Office is Pastor Ruth A. Tamonan
Dr. Joseph Lenwood Edge came to CPU in August 1954. He was an agronomist with special preparation in Agricultural Extension and Research. Dr. Edge took up his undergraduate degree in North Carolina State University and received his master’s and doctorate degrees from Pennsylvania State University.
In 1969, Dr. Edge, together with Dr. Wilfredo Espada of the College of Agriculture, established the Master of Science in Agronomy program. He continued to serve the university in the 1970’s and was responsible for the research program of the college. During the Filipinization years of the university, Dr. Edge was nevertheless appointed as the Dean of the College of Agriculture as no Filipino at that time was qualified to be the dean. Dr. Edge with his wife Joy Edge continued to be the consultants of the College of Agriculture until their retirement.
Dr. Joseph Lenwood Edge’s contribution has made CARES to what it is today. Recently, the college was recognized by CHED as one of the Top 10 schools and is one of the Centers of Excellence in Agricultural Education in the country.
During the University Week, ISO showcased the different cuisines of member countries in a food booth. Photo Credits: Park Beom Cheol
Central Philippine University is internationally known not only for its exemplary Christian professionals but also for its hospitality to everyone who enters its portals from whichever part of the globe they may have come. For years, the university has welcomed students from every part of the continent. It has become a global corner where Centralians, regardless of language and background, come together to experience the “central life.”
With the growing number of foreign students every year, CPU created the International Students Organization (ISO), a student group catering to the needs and concerns of foreign students. Park Beom Cheol, current ISO President, shared that his stay in the university has been more memorable because of the said organization.
Park, a graduating Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication student, has been a Centralian since 2010. According to Park, he chose to study in CPU after visiting the university because of a football program. “I was studying in Dasmariñas when I visited CPU back in 2006 to play football. I liked the university atmosphere and also the fact that it is a Christian university. I chose Mass Communication because I want to be a sports reporter.”
ISO held a Christmas Party for the Kopino kids. Photo Credits: Park Beom Cheol
As President, Park, along with his fellow officers, has been spearheading programs that promote cultural awareness of the different countries represented by their members. They also conduct outreach activities to different communities in the city.
One of their activities is reaching out to Kopino (Korean-Filipinos) children. They organize arts and crafts sessions, storytelling, and book drives to create a healthy and fun learning environment. “Together, with a local church, we reach out to the children and hold activities for them. Most of the Kopinos have been left behind by their Korean father but we want to assure them that there are people who care for them. We want to motivate them.”
During the celebration of the university week, the organization also set up a food booth showcasing the different cuisines of the members’ countries.
ISO members and officers during the University Parade. Photo Credits: Park Beom Cheol
Currently, ISO has 80 members and to unite the group, Park said it was important to promote an environment where diverse ideas and opinions could be heard. “We have 80 members from 16 different countries. It’s really important that we listen to them and to address their concerns and to motivate them to participate.”
Park encourages other foreign students in CPU to be positive and to make the most of their stay in the university. “It is really hard at first but I want to encourage and motivate foreign students to voice out their concerns. ISO will be there for you. Don’t be afraid to share your difficulties because there are people who will help you.”
He also advises them to trust in God’s plan. “Be patient and positive. Everything depends on God’s plan. Changing plans is okay but do not change your goal. Change how to get there; do not change where God is leading you.”
Park’s study in the university made him appreciate Filipino culture and values and he gladly shares his experiences with fellow Koreans by writing in “Manila Seoul,” a feature page in the website www.srook.net. Here, Park promotes Iloilo City as a fun and friendly place for Koreans to stay at or visit.International Student Organization A.Y. 2017-2018 President: BeomCheol Park (John) e-mail address: beomkey91@yahoo.com Internal Vice President: Chaelim Hong (Cherry) e-mail address: richcl110210@gmail.com External Vice President: Saad Alaa S. Abdel Azim e-mail address: abdelazim.saadalaa@gmail.com Secretary: Nahyun Kim (Rachael) e-mail address: skgusdldhk@naver.com Assistant Secretary: Dan Mark C. Tumbagahon e-mail address: dm.tumbagahon@yahoo.com Treasurer: Sun Yu Lee (Sophia) e-mail address: sm04080@naver.com Assistant Treasurer: Wang Hai Ming e-mail address: wanghaiming1997@gmail.com
The activity was held in line with the approval of Mr. Prim Vergara III’s Bamboo Grant project entitled, “Institutionalization of Campus Sustainability Program” by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA). Mr. Vergara is the Technical Assistant to the President and Occupational Safety and Health Officer.
According to Mr. Vergara, the activity seeks to promote a greener and livelier CPU Campus. “When these trees grow into a full grown trees, then we have contributed oxygen supply for 303 people. Thank you so much to Mr. Fred Salvania and Ms. Jocelyn Funtecha for the support they gave to the sustainable campus program of the University and to the men and woman of the Campus Grounds Maintenance Department who fully assisted the students in their tree planting activity.” Mr. Salvania and Ms. Funtecha are matrons of the Weston and Franklin dormitories.
As part of the said project, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications, placed environmental awareness tarpaulins along the Centennial Walkway and Halfmoon Drive. The tarpaulins contain Bible verses emphasizing stewardship of God’s creation and quotations from his “Seeds of Faith” devotional letters.
The project noted the Philippine’s global ranking in terms of disaster risk. The project seeks to provide programs on climate mitigation and disaster risk reduction management and it will implement a campus sustainability program as part of the whole person education to provide a regional campus model for environmental stewardship. It will include, among others, benchmarking and production of videos and teaching modules for the University community and other schools.
CPU Sustainable Campus Committee pose at Silliman Hall at the Silliman University, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.
The CPU Sustainable Campus Committee conducted a bench marking visit in three universities in Negros namely, Silliman University and St. Paul’s University in Dumaguete and the Central Philippine Adventist College in Murcia on March 13-15, 2018. The visit is part of the the Bamboo Grant given by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) in relation to the institutionalization of a sustainable campus program.
Spearheading the project is Mr. Prim Vergara III, Technical Assistant to the President and Occupational Safety and Health Officer. The visit focused on the following areas with the corresponding focal person: Corporate Culture on Environmental Stewardship by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Energy Efficiency Programs, and Renewable Energy Programs by Engr. Jeriel Militar; Solid Waste Management and MRF Management by Engr. Aries Romallosa; Biodiversity, Green Education Programs, Eco-tourism, Carbon and Nitrogen Production by Dr. Stella Fernandez; Sustainable Food Supply and Natural Pest Control Programs, Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Climate Change Adaptation Programs by Mr. Prim Vergara III; and Environmental Compliant Purchasing Procedures by Mrs. Hermely Jalando-on. The group also tackled Water Efficiency, Waste Water Quality, and Clean Air and Clean Water Act Programs.
CPU Sustainable Campus Committee observed the vermiculture program of St. Paul+s University, Dumaguete. Mr. Prim Vergara III, Technical Assistant to the President and Occupational Safety and Health Officer observing a D.I.Y. insect collector at St. Paul+s University, Dumaguete. One of the goals of the visit is to observe the best sustainable campus practices of universities in Visayas.The CPU Sustainable Campus Committee benchmarked three universities in Negros, one of them is Central Philippine Adventist College.Mr. Mark Garcia, Director of the Office of Information and Publications in Silliman University shares the role of his office in the promoting sustainable progams of the university.CPU Sustainable Campus Committee together with Silliman University faculty and staff. CPU Sustainable Campus Committee at Agustin A. Pulido Hall.
Mark Clemens Ortaliz and Edwin Laru-an of the Office of Communications were also present to document the benchmarking visit.
Through the project, CPU aims to promote faithful stewardship of God’s creation and a regional awareness on environmental issues affecting the community at large. The visit also aims to learn and observe the best practices of other universities with regards to campus sustainability.
CPU Bio-Diversity on Wheels Team together with GSFFAAAI Officers, Guimaras Provincial Capitol officers and Hon. Samuel T. Gumarin, Governor, Province of Guimararas (second from right).
Prof. Levi O. De Los Santos (CESLC Director) brought along an audio-video van, video coverage equipment (courtesy of the Haribon Foundation and the CPU Office of Communication) for the environmental roadshow presentation at the Good Shepherd’s Fold Academy (GSFA), Buenavista, Guimaras and some coastal communities on March 9, 2018. The environmental program extends to community awareness and commitment to change.
The roadshow presentation includes a workshop for senior high school students, a lecture forum, and community consultations on environmental concerns. These activities were facilitated by a team composed of Prof. De los Santos; Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa, a CPU Agri-Engineering professor; Dr. Myrna Luceño, CHM Outreach Coordinator; Mr. Cyrus A. Natividad, GSFAAAI President and CPU Media Relations Officer; and Mr. Dionisio Coronado of CPU TV.
Before proceeding to GSFA, the team made a courtesy call at the office of Guimaras Governor Samuel T. Gumarin. Helena Vilches Quezon, the first licensed environmental planner of Guimaras, accommodated the team on behalf of Gov. Gumarin.
Students of Good Shepherd’s Folds Academy post their promises to take care of the environment.
In a CPU TV interview later with the Governor at GSFA, Gumarin announced the approval of the budget for concreting the main road of the campus. The project which was proposed by the GSFA Alumni Association, Inc. is very significant to the environmental development cooperation undertaken with CPU-Haribon. Gumarin, who is also an alumnus of GSFA, thanked CPU and Haribon Foundation for its “Biodiversity on Wheels” outreach program and for the privilege extended to GSFA.
The roadshow presentation started at 10:00 A.M. with the Senior High School and their faculty. Mr. Cyrus Natividad, on behalf of the GSFA Alumni Association, Inc., welcomed the participants and acknowledged guests, faculty, and staff and the CPU team.
Prof. De los Santos gave a brief background about the CPU-Haribon “Biodiversity on Wheels” outreach project. Ms. Quezon expressed concerns regarding the environment and conveyed the provincial government’s support for the activities at the GSFA; she added, “We do not want what happened in Boracay to also happen in Guimaras. That is why we are implementing programs now to pre-empt the problem.” She also appreciated CPU and the Haribon Foundation for the support.
Dr. Romallosa and Dr. Luceño took turns in giving the presentation. Afterwards, the students wrote down their resolutions that would help conserve natural resources and sustain the environment. The advocacies were posted on the wire fence of the school.
The biodiversity program of Central Philippine University CESLC and the Good Shepherds Fold Academy Alumni Association Inc. provided insight and environmental awareness while the students, faculty, and staff of GSFA gave their commitment to change and help protect the environment.
Prof. Levi O. De Los Santos, Director for Community Engagement and Service Learning Center.
One of the important items in the Mission Statement of Central Philippine University is community service. It involves, among others, programs of scientific, technological, cultural and allied studies intended to help people and communities from the local to the national level.
As the official arm of the university in carrying out its function in extension service, this is where CPU Community Engagement and Service Learning Center (formerly University Research and Outreach Center) embarks on its program for the communities. Beneficiary response and valuing of what CPU extends to the communities is reciprocal to the active support and assistance of students and organizations in CESLC outreach programs.
Prof. Levi O. de los Santos, CESLC Program Director, came from the NGO sector before joining CPU. He has developed stronger partnerships and linkages with many other institutions, government agencies, and alumni organizations.
De los Santos has been trained in Community and Micro Business Development. He has organized many outreach projects—among them, health and nutrition for school-age students, environmental conservation and technical assistance to farmers, and related assistance to survivors of disaster (such as the survivors of typhoon Yolanda).
Among the successful and sustaining partnership and linkages of CESLC are Haribon Foundation International, Greg Secker Foundation, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Agriculture (DA), and a number of overseas alumni chapters.
The Greg Secker Foundation was responsible for building homes in a village in the Lemery municipality in Iloilo. Dressmaking projects were awarded by the CPU outreach program in cooperation with DSWD to community recipients. The CESLC is also a benefactor to the Work Study program in the university.
For the cause of global environmental concerns and climate change, CESLC is focused at the moment on natural and environmental outreach activities. One relevant activity for CPU CESLC is the Haribon Foundation Roadshow Presentation on March 9 at the Good Shepherd’s Fold Academy (GSFA) in Salvacion, Buenavista, Guimaras. The activity is also in cooperation with the Good Shepherd’s Fold Academy Alumni Association and the CPU Office of Communications.
The activity will benefit GSFA and will impart additional knowledge and education to the students with regards to the environment and nature. The Good Shepherd’s Fold Academy sits on a hill overlooking Guimaras Strait and Iloilo City.
cpu articles 