Alumni donate to CPU

The Centralian Spirit of Generosity—The Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Associations, Inc. donated $3,400 to the university on March 1, 2018. Rachel Villanosa and her family donated $2,000 of the said amount to the CPUFOAA Grant-in-Aid and Recognition Endowment Fund while $1,000 came from Evelyn Turalba to be added to the College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory Project. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class 1979 gave $400 to the said project also.

The said amount was presented to CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles by Mrs. Perla G. Londres Waters, former president of the CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUFOAA).

Alumni Imelda G. Quimpo and Michael F. Quimpo donated $55 dollars; $30 of which is for the renovation of the tennis court and $25 for the Occupational Safety Program. The said amount was turned over by the couple on March 1, 2018.

On March 4, 2018, the CPU Alumni Association Midwest Chapter, headed by Mrs. Mae Celiz Rogers, donated $700 to the God’s Grace Project of the University Church.

The university recognizes the role of Centralian alumni around world in propagating the Central Spirit. Thus, the Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association and CPUAA Midwest USA is inviting all CPU alumni around the globe to attend the 10^th CPU Alumni Global Reunion to be held at Crowne Plaza, Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, Illinois on July 5-8, 2018. This year’s global reunion will banner the theme “Fostering CPU’s Legacy-Let the Central Spirit Shine!”

Alumni are expected to be part of this grand event of rekindling the Centralian flame of friendship. Let us celebrate the Central Spirit with pride and joy as we gather together and immerse ourselves in the years of camaraderie and faith that CPU has helped shape.

For more information on the event, please check www.2018cpuglobalreunion.com for the itinerary and registration.

CPU hopes that more donations will be raised to complete the Nursing Virtual Laboratory Project before 2018 ends. For your donations and inquiries, please call (033) 3291971 loc. 1037 (College of Nursing Secretary’s Office) or loc. 2107 (Faculty Room), or email nursing@cpu.edu.

For other inquiries about CPU’s other projects and donations drive, please email communications@cpu.edu.ph.

Gerry Escolta: Labor is honor

*Escolta with his friend and former co-worker Mr. Cyrus Natividad.*

From a humble working student at Central Philippine University, Gerry A. Escolta has realized his dream of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. He is now a CPA who owns the G. Escolta Management Consultancy Services that provides management consultancy services to several companies in Sta. Rosa City Laguna and parts of Metro Manila.

His hardships and difficulties during his college days only made him more determined to pursue his plans to finish college and become a CPA. Escolta recalls that he would wake up very early from the municipality of Passi where he came home to every weekend and catch one of the few jeepneys that go to Iloilo City every Monday. Escolta finished his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at Central Philippine University in 1981 and succeeded to pass the CPA Board Exam in Manila the following year.

He came back to CPU very recently to visit friends, former classmates, particularly his co-work students at the Student Service Enterprise. He did not forget his work 40 years ago—checking the enterprise stocks and serving his customers with courtesy. He studied his lessons diligently during work intervals and learned from the accounting process of the enterprise as well.

Escolta believes in quality and to have studied at CPU is a fortunate experience. He constantly thinks about how he could have succeeded if not for the Work-Study Program of Central Philippine University.

He emphasized that “labor is honor.” Labor was what made him a deserving work-student, a determined career person and now a very successful Certified Public Accountant.

Escolta revisited CPU with a plan to organize a Student Service Enterprise Alumni Association (CPU SSEAA). For those who have been a work student before and assigned to the SSE, please contact Gerry Escolta on this number: 09155477296.

Eric Otayde: A journey of success that began in CPU

*CPU Political Science Alumni Association President Eric Otayde with Former CPU President Dr. Agustin A. Pulido.*

The President of the CPU Political Science Alumni Association (PSAA), Eric “Noy” Otayde, takes some time to visit his old friends and classmates at Central Philippine University when in Iloilo City.

He drives his own car from Antique, and, as the President of the CPU Political Science Alumni Association, he calls up his PSAA officers one by one, making use of extra time apart from his many appointments in Iloilo City, to update and plan for this Special Alumni Chapter. While a hard working ranking official of the province of Antique, Otayde is a multitasker who seriously works for the advancement and development of his province.

A seasoned government official of Antique, Otayde comes from a political family. “Pres. Noy” as he is called by PSAA circle has his humble beginnings in CPU. He was a Bachelor of Arts graduate of Political Science 1984. He was President of the CPU Political Science Students Organization during his college days and the Governor of the College of Arts and Sciences. His involvement in the CPU Student Republic must have a political training ground for a colorful career in governance in Antique after his graduation.

He has served as Provincial Board Member of Antique and Appointed Adviser for Semirara Coal—a difficult task which he handled intelligently especially during calamities and labor situations. He was also appointed as Member of the Tripartite Monitoring Team for Environmental Compliance. His love for public service continues for the betterment of his people and province. His current work for Antique is being the Public Information Officer and Executive Director of Binirayan Festival 2018. While serving as Public Information Officer, he had a public service program on radio.

Taking a night cap in Iloilo City with this CPU alumnus is always an interesting and valuable experience. He updates us on his job and shares his experiences with powerful corporate entities. He is a close friend to the likes of coal and construction magnate, the late David Consunji, Senator Loren Legarda, former Governor Sally Perez, and a string of government officials and businessmen.

“It took me a long time to reach this far, but in every step I made, I feel the Central Spirit within me; I recall the kindness of God and how He prepared me for this career through the training and knowledge I earned from Central Philippine University,” said Otayde.

From his humble beginnings in CPU, Eric “Noy” Otayde accomplished the wishes of his proud parents, Victoria and Maximo Otayde of Sibalom, Antique.

Agustin Pulido: A Distinguished Centralian

*A testimony of commitment to faith and excellence – Dr. Agustin A. Pulido continues to inspire a generation of Centralians.*

Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, nicknamed “Gus,” was born to the couple Agustin Pulido, Sr. and Sol Aguilar-Pulido on March 20, 1932 in Cadiz, Negros Occidental. He was brought up by his parents to follow their footsteps as educators. His mother and father were both teachers who believed that “it runs in the family.” For Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, it is an experience that strengthened him to become one excellent educator.

He started his education with a younger brother in a primary school in Cadiz. He was a consistent honor student, until World War II broke out in 1941. He transferred residences with his family several times during the war. They stayed in Isabela with his aunt but later moved to Escalante.

He finished his secondary education in Bacolod City then took up his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Silliman University, Dumaguete City. He graduated in 1953, magna cum laude. He pursued his Master of Science in Chemistry from U.P. Diliman in Quezon City. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (Physical Chemistry) from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.

Turning his back to far more lucrative roles as an educator and researcher elsewhere, Dr. Pulido assumed the presidency of Central Philippine University on September 8, 1971, a post vacated by the passing away of senior friend and fellow Christian, Dr. Rex D. Drilon, the first Filipino president of CPU. He shelved his expertise, as a chemistry professor, to assume a position, which he declared “required a different and higher level of chemistry.”

After 25 fruitful years as President of CPU, Dr. Pulido retired in 1996. Immediately after that, Silliman University’s Board of Trustees chose him to be their 11^th President.

Dr. Pulido has served as member of the CPU and SU Board of Trustees and CPU Corporation. He has also served as Dean, Department Chair, Professor and Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines in Iloilo City. He has carried out duties in different committees in these three universities. In other institutions, he has served as Chair, as Vice Chair, and/or as a member. After Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, Dr. Pulido became Chairman of the Management Committee while the search for the new CPU president was ongoing.

With able leadership and selfless dedication, he developed the physical infrastructures, strengthened the financial resources through endowment funds. He upgraded the influence of CPU to make it one of the great centers of higher education in Asia. The Distinguished Centralian Award in Education was presented to Dr. Pulido for his outstanding accomplishments as an educator and University President last 1996 during the 91^st University Day celebration of CPU.

The concrete proof of this development under his administration are the Engineering Building, New Valentine Hall, the Elementary School, Henry Luce III Library, the new Rose Memorial Auditorium and other buildings. On the other hand, Dr. Pulido worked hard in the field of alumni relations. He successfully reached out to the CPU alumni all over the Philippines and many other countries, mobilized them into active chapters to support CPU in pursuit of its various programs and projects that offered an Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL).

Now, he is simply enjoying life with his loving wife Dr. Dorothy Ann Bermejo Pulido, a medical doctor, in their residence near CPU. Dr. Pulido shared some of his secrets in staying active and mentally alert. First of all, he says, “We need to free up our minds with problems, by choosing which one to solve first.” He added, “We can simply subsist on fresh fruits and vegetables, and a bit of exercise by walking.” But the activity that the Pulidos love most is reading.

Their children, Cybele Ann, an elementary and high school graduate of CPU, and married to Engr. Luther C. Risma now lives in the United States with their child Idra Ann. Deneel, also an elementary and high school graduate of CPU and married to Col. Ezra James P. Enriquez, a graduate from the Philippine Military Academy, have two children, Mark James “Wofie” and Joshua James, a famous photographer in the campus and in the Visayas region.

Ann Catedrilla Seisa: Sharing her success to CPU

*Seisa challenged the students to strive hard for success in her message at the Loreto Tupas Building Audio Visual Room.*

Born to a family of 17 children in Lambunao, Iloilo, Ann Seisa (formerly Ann Catedrilla) resolved to overcome poverty. She worked her way towards graduating from the College of Nursing at CPU. She struggled and faced all the challenges with a faith and determination.

On February 1, 2018, Seisa shared her experience with CPU Nursing students at the Loreto Tupaz Audio Visual Room. Everyone was silent as Seisa came up on stage and introduced herself. Everyone was in anticipation to hear the story of one of the most successful CPU nurses who have worked in the US. They would receive her challenge for today’s generation of would-be nurses from Central Philippine University.

The challenge began with a background of how her life was before she got what she desired. She lived in a mountain farm with her parents and her 16 siblings, but she was determined to get a degree in Nursing from Central Philippine University.

Lambunao is a faraway town from Jaro, Iloilo City where her dream school CPU is located. Sometimes, she would ask the bus driver or the conductor if she could just stand up during the trip so that she would not be charged with the fare or if she could pay only half of the fare. She worked hard from home to school. She would wake up very early and cook rice with some eggs boiled on top. She would use charcoal embers in ironing her clothes as she had only one set of school uniform back then.

Ann resolved to pursue her desire to get a diploma in Nursing, and to become rich, because she said “it’s a matter of choice.” She was reading Napoleon Hill’s book “Think and Grow Rich” at the age of 13. This was something she divulged to her father who blessed her on her quest for success.

All those hardships had prepared her to be a success in all her plans and desires. Upon graduation from CPU, Ann was able to proceed to Manila. She got a job as a nursing aid with the help of a Centralian supervisor in the hospital where she was employed. After a year, she went to the United States with only a suitcase and a hundred dollar pocket money. No relatives, no family.

She did her best at every opportunity and managed to climb, step by step, up the ladder of success. She started as an attendant in a nursing home, then after 6 months became a nursing head. All those hardships “made me what I am today,” she stressed. “Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to accomplish it,” she added.

Seisa encouraged the nursing students to be a thousand percent confident. “Know what you want, go after it, and learn everything you need to achieve it. Develop people skills—know how to deal with people, to get along well with people.” She also shared to them the 3E’s of success: Energy (by eating well, sleeping well, and exercising), enthusiasm (being dynamic and believing in what you can do), and excellence (as what Centralians are known for).

“When you have accomplished, do not forget where you came from. Give back to Central Philippine University,” was her strong advice to the nursing students who gave her a long round of applause.

Ann Catedrilla-Seisa is married to a banker from the U.S. Federal Reserve back in the 80’s. They now have two professional daughters: Christen, 32 and Andrea, 26 who are managing two of their businesses in the U.S.

The Seisa Family gave a donation to the CPU College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory and to the Senior High School.

Alumna donates $40, 000 to CPU

1977 Nursing Alumna, Ann Catedrilla-Seisa presented two checks amounting to $20, 000 each for the the construction of the Senior High School Building and the College of Nursing for its 5-million-peso Virtual Laboratory.

Following her inspiring message as speaker of the College of Nursing International Balik-Turo Program, 1971 CPU High School and 1977 Bachelor of Science in Nursing alumna, Ann Catedrilla-Seisa donated a check amounting to $20, 000 for the construction of the Senior High School Building and another $20, 000 to the CPU College of Nursing for its 5-million-peso Virtual Laboratory. Together with Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, CPU College of Nursing, Seisa presented the checks to CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, at the CPU Administration Building, BOT Conference Room on February 1, 2018.

During the turnover of the checks, Mrs. Seisa shared how her stay in CPU has inspired her to pursue excellence and success in her career. “CPU has been an instrument to where I am today. I believe that they molded me with great Christian values, good ethics, professionalism and I am who I am today because of my training at Central Philippine University and it’s time to give to the university that gave us so much to ensure that the next generation of Centralians will be able to sustain the greatness of this university.”

Dr. Robles expressed his thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Seisa and to Centralians here and abroad who continue to love and support the university. “I would like to express my deep gratitude to Ann and Loy Seisa for their valuable contribution to the university, not only in terms of financial contribution but also for their moral support to the university.”

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, CPU College of Nursing with BSN Batch 1977 Ann Catedrilla-Seisa, her husband, Mr. Narciso “Loy” Seisa and batchmates.

It can be recalled that in 2008, Mrs. Seisa and her husband, Mr. Narciso “Loy” Seisa, sponsored the construction of the covered stage located in the center of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building in honor of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Ponciano Catedrilla. She and her Batch BSN 1977 donated 2 million pesos for the repainting of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building.

In 1986, the couple founded the Vagthol’s Residential Care Center, Inc. in Los Angeles, California. The center started as a boarding facility for senior citizens. Now, the center serves individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU).

Mrs. Seisa is also the Chief Executive Officer of Solarex Energy International. She was a volunteer at the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center and later became a member of its Board of Directors and the chair of its Program Services and Strategic Committee. Currently, Mrs. Seisa serves as managing partner for ASN, LLC and Vagthes, LLC, real estate holding companies.

CPU hopes that more donations will be raised to complete the project before 2018 ends. For your donations and inquiries please call (033) 3291971 loc. 1037 (College of Nursing Secretary’s Office) or loc. 2107 (Faculty Room) or email nursing@cpu.edu.

BSN Class 1990 donates to College of Nursing Virtual Lab

A commitment to a greater Central – the completion of the Nursing Virtual Laboratory will help catapult the CPU College of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in the region. Shown in picture is CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean of the College of Nursing accepting the donation from Dr. Helen A. Hofileña, sister of BSN Class 1990 graduate Mr. Jessie Almonares.

The Central Philippine University College of Nursing Class 1990 donated $1, 156 or 58, 724 pesos for the completion of the soon to be constructed P5-million Virtual Laboratory of the College of Nursing. The said donation was received by Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean of the College of Nursing and CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles at the Board of Trustees Conference Hall on January 30, 2018.

According to Atty. Salex, the funds for the said laboratory have reach 2 million pesos. He hopes that funds can be completed before 2018 ends. The Virtual Laboratory will help the College of Nursing attain a “Center of Excellence” status in the region. The fund raising campaign for the proposed project has been ongoing with Nursing Alumni Associations worldwide. It will continue until the amount is enough to finance the proposed project.

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles signs the receipt of the donation from BSN Class 1990.*

The Nursing Virtual Laboratory will provide simulation of various nursing procedures such as IV therapy, parenteral medications, for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and others. They expounded that this is part of the Outcome-based education (OBE) curriculum. The lab will help prepare students develop their nursing skills, depicting real life situations, before doing it on actual patients. It will be a facility that will have doll simulators, IV virtual laboratory monitors, and camera for other students to watch how procedures are being done while in another room. With this Virtual Laboratory, CPU students will be able to practice their delivery of health care and errors will be minimized on real patients.

CPU President, Dr. Robles thanked the CON Class 1990 for their continuous love and support to the university. He also encourages Centralians here and abroad to support the cause as the College of Nursing gears for new heights in the field of competitive nursing.

The College of Nursing hopes that more donations will be raised to complete the project on time. For your donations and inquiries please call (033) 3291971 loc. 1037 (College of Nursing Secretary’s Office) or loc. 2107 (Faculty Room) or email nursing@cpu.edu.

10th CPU Alumni Global Reunion to be held in July 2018

*The Central Spirit across borders, languages and years for the Glory of God and for the pride of CPU.*

With the theme, “Fostering CPU’s Legacy-Let the Central Spirit Shine!” the Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association and CPUAA Midwest USA are inviting Centralians all around the globe to attend the 10^th CPU Alumni Global Reunion to be held at Crowne Plaza, Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, Illinois on July 5-8, 2018.

For more information on the event please check: www.2018cpuglobalreunion.com for the itinerary and registration.

Please send your registration early to avail of special pricing in both registration and lodging. Invite your family and friends to join you—the more the merrier!

CPU High School Batch 2007 holds Grand Reunion

*Reunited after 10 years the CPU High School Batch 2007 celebrated the Central Spirit through a reunion last December. Photo Credit – Ma. Roma Angela R. Miranda-Gaton.*

Friends and teachers who have become family—The Central Philippine University High School Batch 2007 held its first Grand Reunion at Esca’s Garden Restaurant on December 18, 2017—10 years after their graduation.

Alumna, Ma. Roma Angela R. Miranda-Gaton shared, “A decade and a lot has changed: the name of our high school, the buildings, the curriculum, and of course, us, the students. But whatever that changes have been, they will always be for the better. We are Centralians and we aim to excel.”

The reunion gathered Centralians here and abroad. The batch celebrated their days at Central by reminiscing dear old high school memories, “High school was the time of our lives. We experienced extreme emotions—the happiness of friends and teachers who have become our family, the pain of the first heartbreak and the joy of moving on, the victory in extracurricular activities, and the satisfaction of being compensated for hard work.”

CPU holds pride in its closed-knit alumni community around the globe, providing the testimony that excellent education coupled with the Christian values creates a lasting journey of faithful friends, sharing their love for CPU and commitment to the Lord.

Centralians all over the world are invited to attend the global reunion of the Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association in Chicago in 2018 and the Grand Global Reunion on campus on February 2020.

For details on the reunions for 2018 and 2020, you may contact Mrs. Tina Hortelano at the CPU Alumni Office for more information.

CPU BSN Batch 1978 holds International Balik-Turo Program on Global Trends in Nursing

*College of Nursing Acting Dean, Atty. Salex Alibogha presents the token and Certificate of Appreciation to guest speaker, Susie Jennings, CPU BSN Class 1978.*

With the aim of producing globally competitive nurses, the Central Philippine University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Batch 1978 held the International Balik-Turo Program on Global Trends in Nursing at the AudioVisual Room, Loreto D. Tupaz Building on January 11, 2017.

Susie Jennings, guest speaker and CPU a BSN Class 1978 alumna was introduced by Ma. Lourdes Sampiano, Clinical Coordinator. Jennings is the founder and president of Operation Care International (OCI), established in 1993. OCI is a ministry-based foundation dedicated to caring for the homeless in Dallas, Texas and impoverished children around the world. OCI’s goal is to connect impoverished children and the homeless to Jesus Christ by providing for their physical needs through God’s provisions both at home and abroad and to facilitate worldwide opportunities to experience the love of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. Her commitment and dedication in serving God and the community has tagged her as the “The Blanket Lady” after she gave away blankets to the homeless in the freezing cold of November 1993.

*College of Nursing Acting Dean, Atty. Salex Alibogha with guest speaker, Susie Jennings, Ma’am Angel Robles and CPU College of Nursing faculty.*

*Alumni and participants alike eagerly listen to Jenning’s lecture.*

In her lecture, Jennings emphasized the importance of being aware of the global trends in nursing. She interposed that the challenges can be met with preparedness and cognizance as a student, before one enters professional practice.

She also inspired the participants by encouraging them to pursue nursing not only as a profession but as a God-given ministry to serve others and to glorify God. Her testimony has uplifted the Centralian alumni community here and abroad through her heart for community service.

In his opening remarks, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean of the CPU College of Nursing thanked the batch for hosting the seminar-forum and for their continued commitment and support to the college. He also highlighted the importance of holding seminar-forums like this to orient Centralian nursing students about the global trends in nursing which will be crucial for their practice later on.

The general objective of the International Balik-Turo Program is to conduct an academic exchange to update and enrich the perspective of Centralian nurses on international health care issues. Its specific objectives include discussing health care issues confronting the world, explicating the roles of nurses in global health care issues confronting patient care, and encouraging aspiring nurses to express their own perspectives on international health care issues affecting the nursing profession.

The CPU BSN Batch 1978 will also be spearheading this year’s 2^nd Natividad C. Caipang Memorial Lecture. The final date will be announced soon.