Atty. Alibogha raises funds for the Nursing Virtual Laboratory Phase 2

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Atty. Salex A. Alibogha, Dean, CPU College of Nursing together with the CPU Alumni Association of Central California. Photo Credit: Geoffrey Leysa*

Atty. Salex A. Alibogha, Dean, CPU College of Nursing, raised $20, 450 during a fund raising campaign for the Nursing Virtual Laboratory Phase 2 in the different states of the U.S.A. on February 25 to March 10, 2019.

The members of the CCINAA (association of nurses that are graduates of Central Philippine University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital and Iloilo Mission Hospital) from different states gave the following: Florida Group gave $2,100 and pledged $1,000 more, the Las Vegas, Nevada Group gave $1,500, the Los Angeles California Group gave $2,300 and pledged an additional $2,500. On the other hand, the nursing alumni from Chicago, Illinois gave $1,500, the Seattle, Washington group gave $4,300 and pledge $300 while the Central California group gave $4,750.

In total, Atty. Alibogha was able to raise a cash on hand of $16,450 and $4,000 in pledges.

The said amount will be used to fund the Phase 2 of the CPU College of Nursing Virtual Laboratory located at the 2nd Floor, Loreto D. Tupaz Building. According to Atty. Alibogha, the virtual simulation laboratory will help Centralian nursing graduates to be more competitive and efficient professionals.

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

The fund raising campaign for the proposed project has been ongoing with Nursing Alumni Associations worldwide. Atty. Alibogha is grateful that Centralians here and abroad have been generous, “CPU Nursing alumni have been very responsive to the need of the CPU College of Nursing to have the Virtual Lab project realized. A number of Nursing Alumni Chapters from abroad and some individuals have already turned over checks for the project.” Skills Lab Coordinator, Novie Joy Soledad, RN, is managing the said project.

The Nursing Virtual Laboratory will provide simulation of various nursing procedures such as IV therapy, parenteral medications, procedures for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and others. Furthermore, the virtual laboratory will have doll simulators, IV virtual laboratory monitors, and camera for other students to watch how procedures are 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 actual patients.

CPU 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.ph.

CPUAA chapters to help in organizing Alumni Grand Homecoming in 2020

By Cyrus A. Natividad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Centralian gets promoted to Air Force Inspector

By Prof. Sharon Rose G. Munar

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

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

Gotico received Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting at Central Philippine University, graduating in 1985.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He momentarily left the PAF when he was assigned as the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations (U3), then the Chief of Unified Command Staff of Central Command in 2015. Later, he became the Deputy Wing Commander of the 520th Air Base Wing stationed at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City and in 2016, he was designated the Deputy Commander of Air Education, training and Doctrine Command where he got his promotion to Brigadier General. He was the designated as Wing Commander, 520th ABW prior to his assignment as the Air Force Inspector General where he was promoted to Major General.

Centralian showcases designs in London Fashion Week

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Audrey Dusaran-Albason during the London Fashion Week at the Oxford Fashion Studio. Photo Credit: Manila Bulletin*

Audrey Dusaran-Albason, a graduate of CPU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Batch 2006, and CPU Masters in Nursing, Batch 2010 showcased her designs during the London Fashion Week at the Oxford Fashion Studio on September 21, 2018.

Her collection entitled Pag-laum, which translates to “hope” in Hiligaynon, highlighted the hablon, a locally woven cloth made of piña and cotton fibers from Miag-ao and Aklan. She also incorporated locally woven rattan bags in her presentation.

Albason’s work expressed the artistry, creativity, and environmentalism of Ilonggos. The designs tell of the developing relationship between the Ilonggos and their surroundings and the their growing awareness of developing sustainable, environmentally-friendly fashion pieces.

In 2007, it can be recalled that Albason also presented six of her designs under the collection Gugma in the Oxford Fashion Studio Paris Collection Autumn/Winter 2017 at the Hotel D’Evreux, Paris, France. She was the only Filipino designer who was invited in the said event.

Centralians in Canada attend PCUAA

By Rodney Gicana

*Centralians with former College of Computer Studies Dean, Rodney Gicana (standing).*

Alumni members of the Central Philippine University Alumni Association of Greater Toronto Area (CPUAAGTA) attended the Philippine Colleges and Universities Alumni Association (PCUAA) Autumn Dinner Dance on September 15, 2018 at the Kalayaan Cultural Cultural Community Centre in Missisauga, Ontario, Canada.

The annual event is a fund raising endeavor in support of the PCUAA activities. The organization was founded to foster friendship and unity among Filipino alumni associations in the Greater Toronto Area.

The names of the members are Edwin Frank Arroz (CPUAAGTA Chapter Vice President), Jun Faldas (CPUAAGTA Board of Directors), Kellah Dayao (CPUAAGTA Chapter Trasurer), Jade Yocogco (CPU Alumna, Kella’s sister), Rodney Gicana (CPUAAGTA Chapter Webmaster), Faith Hope Gicana (CPUAAGTA Chapter PRO), and Lisha Charity Gicana (CPU Kindergarten Alumna).

For more information about CPUAAGTA please visit their website: http://www.cpuaatoronto.com

CSC hails Centralian as “Dangal ng Bayan” Awardee

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Centralian Iñigo D. Garingalao promoting his advocacy for a smoke-free Iloilo.*

For his outstanding commitment to public service, Centralian Iñigo D. Garingalao, Executive Director of the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Taskforce, was awarded one of the regional winners in the 2018 Search for Outstanding Workers under the Honors and Awards Program, Dangal ng Bayan Category at SM City Iloilo on September 6, 2018.

The said award is given to outstanding public official and employees “for performance of an extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behaviour,” who have created an impact to the organization or to the public, and who have served the cumulative years of service in the government vis-à-vis their accomplishments.

To recognize his achievements and contributions to the community, the city government, in its Resolution No. 2018-536 dated September 11, 2018, congratulated Garingalao for being a recipient of the prestigious award.

Garingalao is a 1974 graduate of the CPU Elementary School, a 1978 alumnus of the CPU High School, a batch 1986 graduate of CPU Agricultural Engineering, and received his Diploma in Christian Ministry in 2011.

CPU 2018 alumni homecoming committees meet for final instructions

By Cyrus A. Natividad

The Alumni Homecoming committees for 2018 met together on September 20, 3:00 PM at the Alumni Affairs Office Board Room. About a week before the highlights of the CPU Alumni Homecoming, CPUAAI President Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena made sure that all members of the respective committees are working hard to achieve their goals for this year’s homecoming. Jalbuena also encouraged everyone to contribute good ideas and suggestions to help make the homecoming successful.

Among the highlights of the homecoming is the reunion at the Rose Memorial Auditorium where old classmates and friends could meet and reminisce the good old days. Alumni can expect various presentations as well as recognition for those who have contributed to upholding the Central Spirit in their various professions. These will be followed by the election of new officers.

The fun and excitement will continue in the evening at 7:00 PM at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in downtown Iloilo on September 29, 2018. The highlight of the evening affair is the Alumni King and Queen pageant.

The Alumni Homecoming has always been something that old Centralians look forward to every year. See you at the events!

Centralian named Executive VP of Administration, Chief Financial Officer of Drury University

Jeff Huinda is a testimony of CPU’s dedication to produce exemplary Christian learners for life.

Showcasing the Centralian brand of excellence—Jeff Huinda, a 1989 graduate of the CPU Bachelor of Science in Accounting program, was appointed as the new Executive Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer of Drury University, a private liberal arts college founded in 1873 in Springfield, Missouri.

Huinda served as Interim Director of Internal Audit for a year. After which, he became the Controller of Evangel University for five years (2013-2018). Huinda was tasked to manage and oversee the university’s financial system.

He finished his Master of Business Administration in Missouri State University in 2013. With over 20 years of experience in the accounting and finance field, Huinda has established himself as a passionate worker whose discipline and faith showcase the Centralian Spirit of excellence and dedication.

CPUAAI Invites Alumni to the 2018 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly

Celebrating the Central Spirit for 113 years – Central Philippine University is inviting its alumni here and abroad to attend the 2018 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on September 29, 2018, 8:30 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

Centralians are encouraged to immerse themselves once again in the tradition of camaraderie and faith as we recall our memories in dear Central and as we thank the Lord for His faithfulness in bringing the university to greater heights.

With the theme, “Fostering CPU’s Legacy: Let the Central Spirit Shine” let us proclaim the goodness of the Lord in our university and His favour in our lives.

The Alumni Night will be held at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel on September 29, 2018, 7:00 PM. On the other hand, CPU’s 113^th Foundation Day Memorial Service will be held at the Philippine-American Cemetery on October 1, 2018, 6:00 AM.

CPU looks forward for its campus to be once again crowded with its dear alumni and friends. This grand celebration is a testimony of CPU’s commitment of placing Christ as the cornerstone of the university for 113 years and its dedication to producing exemplary Christian learners for life.

Centralian to be awarded as Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Woman by SJC

By Keziah G. Huelar

*For her passionate dedication in sharing the love of Christ to others, Jennings was interviewed by the Trinity Broadcasting Network.*

Susie Jennings, CPU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class 1978, is one of the recipients of the Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest Awards by the Southwest Jewish Congress on September 6, 2018 at Eddie Dean’s Ranch, Dallas, Texas.

The Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest Award is given to dynamic women from different professions and background and who have passionately advocated for excellence and community service.

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 Christ and the promise of eternal life. Jennings is known for her commitment and dedication to serving God and the community. She has been tagged as the “the blanket lady” after she gave away blankets to the homeless during the freezing cold of November 1993.

*Jennings during an outreach of Operation Care International in Nazareth, Israel.*

It can be recalled that on January 11, 2017, Jennings was the featured speaker of the International Balik-Turo Program on Global Trends in Nursing at the AudioVisual Room, Loreto D. Tupaz Building.

In their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pg/SouthwestJewishCongress), the Southwest Jewish Congress describes itself as a non-profit membership organization dedicated to protecting US Constitutional guarantees in the Southwest through advocacy, community educational programs, interfaith outreach, research, and cooperation with like-minded organizations, and is committed to the security and prosperity of the State of Israel.