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.

CPU BS Nursing Batch 1969 tours Iloilo, Antique during 50th Anniversary

By Nestle G. Taala

*Rekindling friendships – Batch 1969 celebrates the Central Spirit by re-exploring Panay.*

The CPU BS Nursing batch 1969 saw more of Iloilo province and Antique as they celebrated their golden anniversary on February 7-12, 2019.

The group started with a mini program at the Knowledge for Development Center, Henry Luce III Library. They then visited the College of Nursing at the Loreto D. Tupaz Buiding and the Iloilo Mission Hospital (IMH) where they had their lunch together with Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, IMH Administrator.

On February 8, CPU BSN batch 1969 sailed to Tambaliza, Concepcion, Iloilo. The batch enjoyed the view, the beach, and a table full of seafood during lunch time. The feast was prepared by their classmate, Erlinda V. Arlos.

*Fun in the sun – CPU BS Nursing Batch 1969 explores Iloilo and Antique during their batch reunion.*

The batch experienced a more fellowship in Dingle, Iloilo on February 9. The event was hosted by Mr. Ramilo and Mrs. Zenaida Tadeo at their residence. On February 10, they headed to Mrs. Zenaida K. Tubianosa’s home in Antique where they commemorated four classmates who had gone on ahead of them. The night was then filled with entertainment through the song and dance numbers presented by the Cultural Group of Antique.

On the last day of their reunion, some witnessed the dedication service for the College of Nursing Virtual Simulation Laboratory and Learning Resource Center while others proceeded to Pavia, Iloilo for a lunch fellowship hosted by Mrs. Delia G. Daus.

In an interview, Mrs. Angel Robles, one of the organizers of the said event, shared that they chose this kind of itinerary “because it’s very simple and we don’t have to do a lot of work. We don’t need to dress up.”

To Lydia Robles, reunions “[are] the time for you [and your classmates] to meet again, to reminisce happy memories, and, sometimes, to share each other’s experienc

CPU BSN ‘79 donates for Nursing Virtual Lab

By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles receives the donation from Pastor Lloyd Basco, a faculty of the CPU Junior High School and a cousin of one of the graduates of BSN ’79.*

The CPU BS Nursing Batch 1979 recently donated US$900 and PhP22,300 for the laboratory. This is just one of the various batches of the CPU College of Nursing that has contributed to the Nursing Virtual Laboratory.

The said donation was received by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, on January 29, 2019 at the CPU Alumni Affairs Office. It was turned over by Pastor Lloyd Basco, a faculty of the CPU Junior High School and a cousin of one of the graduates of BSN ’79.

The aim of the lab is to prepare students and develop their skills through depictions of real life situations in the laboratory.

The following are the members of the BS Nursing ’79 who gave towards the completion of the Nursing Virtual Laboratory:

Al-Rawas, Mila Landoy

Caligdong, Beth Gordoncillo

Caligdong, Ray

Catalan, Girlie

Cerbas, Grace Uy

Gabio, John Mark

Geria, Geva

Orleans, Nelia Japsay

Padernilla, Godfred

Sagun, Leda Robles

Garcia, Marietta Tumasis

Santiago, Bobbie Cheryl Primero

Arandela, Mary Grace Prudente

Sandig, Sylvia Fernandez

Dollolasa, Leah Castor

Pagtanac, Geralyn Honorario

Paredes. Ma. Lourdes Bugna

Datuin, Helen Moscoso

Camporedondo, Nora

Britanico, Josephine Miane

Perea, Charity Yanson

Bamberger, Eden Jopson

Banares, Helen

Alvarez, Gilda Muyco

Rosales, Renee Fe Abrigo

Centralian awarded as Nurse Administrator of the Year

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Mr. Jonathan Gapilango together with his wife Rowena Neri-Gapilango.*

In recognition of his commitment and dedication to the nursing profession, Mr. Jonathan Gapilango of the CPU Bachelor of Science in Nursing Batch 1993 was hailed as the Nurse Administrator of the Year by the Philippine Nurses Association of America during its 39^th Annual Convention at Hyatt Regency in Jersey City, New Jersey on July 28, 2018.

Gapilango is currently the Director of the Outpatient Oncology Service Line of the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center in New Jersey.

The recognition last July 28 was not his first. In 2017, Gapilango was chosen as one of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) Surveyors. He was also a recipient of the Philippine Nurses Association of America Foundation, Inc. 2017 Fellowship Award. His research proposal entitled “The Impact of Nurse Navigation on Emotional Well-Being and Psychological Distress Among Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients in a Community Setting” received US$1,000 in research grant. In 2014, the PNAA hailed him as the “Research Nurse of the Year.” He was also one of the speakers of the International Balik-Turo of the CPU College of Nursing on June 21, 2018. He lectured about the current trends in cancer management.

Philippine Nurses Association of America was established in 1979 as an organization committed to uphold the integrity of the nursing profession and to provide professional opportunities for its constituents.

CPU celebrates 10th Global Reunion

With reports from Gabriel Ortigoza, Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat, and Emelda Frange–Valcarcel

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and his wife, Ma’am Angel Robles together with Centralian alumni.*

Celebrating the Central Spirit across the globe—Centralians, 550 in total, came from different alumni chapters and associations around the world to gather together as Central Philippine University commemorates its 10^th Global Reunion at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel on July 5-8, 2018.

With the theme “Fostering CPU’s Legacy: Let the Central Spirit Shine,” Centralians rekindled their friendships and shared their testimonies during the three day reunion. This year’s global reunion was spearheaded by the
CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association-Chicago Chapter .

CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, thanked the CPU alumni for their undying love and support for the university. He also highlighted the accomplishments of the university and the contributions of the alumni in funding constructions and scholarships. Dr. Robles also expressed his gratitude to the alumni for carrying the CPU torch with faith and excellence in whichever part of the globe they may be. According to the alumni present, Dr. Robles gave a powerful yet simple testimony of how he transcended all of the trials in life and responded to his mission of accepting the challenging task of being the university president instead of just enjoying retirement with his wife, Angel, in their Wisconsin home.

*These boots were made for rockin! The CPU North Texas Alumni Chapter.*

*Members and officers of the CPUAA Midwest USA – host of the 10th Global Reunion.*

*CPU College of Nursing Batch 1972 attending the 10th Global Reunion.*

Also gracing the event is honorary Centralian, Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee. In a concert entitled “An Evening with Music,” Dr. Lee serenaded Centralians. It can be recalled that Dr. Lee performed at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, CPU Campus on February 8, 2018.

For the first evening devotional, Engr. Eddie C. Cañuto shared his experiences as a working student of the CPU Libraries. According to Engr. Cañuto, to help support his studies he worked 2 hours every day for 75 centavos per hour as payment. He was able to graduate with a degree in Engineering and placed 7^th in the Engineer Licensure Exam. At age 55, he retired from his engineering profession, sold all his engineering equipment to live a simple life in the farm, and pursue his passion to spread the Word of God.

Engr. Cañuto established Ephrathah Farms, an organic farm also engaged in agri-tourism in Iloilo. There, he enjoys teaching people how to grow organic fruits and vegetables. He shared that the most important thing he does in life now is to teach people the love of Christ. He encouraged his fellow alumni to trust in the promises and the timing of God.

*CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena thanks the CPU alumni community for their continuous love and support to the university.*

Another devotional speaker who shared his testimony was Rev. Dr. Elmo D. Familiaran. In his message entitled “From Whence We Came,” Rev. Dr. Familiaran highlighted the importance of trusting God through remembering and obeying His Word: “Said another way, not only do we have the capacity to remember the past, but our experience in the present is informed and shaped by what we have previously felt, tasted, learned; and our memory of the past and our experience of the present come together through time to give us a vision of the future not yet realized but only imagined in our spirit and soul.”

He also emphasized the importance of taking root in Christ as the foundation of one’s purpose, “Without the consciousness of that story, we will not have roots; and if we do not have roots, we will be living lives devoid of identity and purpose. Our story is the power that sustains our spirituality, and it is so important for the vitality of our faith for today, more than ever, that it is nourished by the memory of our roots.”

The three-day reunion ended with Centralians filled with encouragement from one another and with the Word of God. The next CPU Worldwide Reunion will be on February 5-7, 2020 at the CPU campus.

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles leads the oath taking of the newly elected CPUFOAA Officers for 2019-2020.*

The following are the newly elected CPUFOAA Officers for 2019-2020:

President: Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat

1st Vice President: Rod Gonzales

2nd VP for US: May Celiz-Rogers

2nd VP for Canada: Norma van Dusen

2nd VP for Australasia: Joseph Beloria

2nd VP for Middle East/Africa: Mildred Majeed

2nd VP for Europe: None

Regional Vice Presidents

Region 1: Lee Plagata

Region 2: None

Region 3: Lilian Lau

Region 4: None

Region 5: Manuel de la Fuente

Region 6: Rufino Gonzales

Region 7: Easter Arora

Region 8: Lydia MacDonnell

Region 9: Dot Cuales

Region 10: Leynebelle Leysa

Corporate Secretary: Yolanda Jain

Asst. Corporate Secretary: Dianabin Penacerrada

Corporate Treasurer: Melba Debulgado

Corporate Auditor: Kathy Kriewall

Board of Directors (At-Large):

Melinda Boice
Elma Divinagracia
Rick Falco
Erlinda Galanto
Tito Gervacio
Pio Go
Lilia Magdamo

Webmaster: Rodney Gicana

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.