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).
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.
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 113th 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.
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.
The 25th “Year of Service” celebration of the CPU Alumni Association Special Chapter-The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline (RCJC) was held last Sunday evening, July 29, 2018, at Gerardo’s, The Castle Hotel on Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City. It was attended by the officers of the club and other notable people in Iloilo City. Both the Rotarians and Rotaractors (Youth Chapter of RCJC) consider the event as a historic assembly of RCJC’s past presidents.
Seated at the presidential table was Rotary District 3850 Governor, Mr. Lindon See Diet, the guest speaker and inducting officer at the event; Current CPU Alumni Association President, Engr. Isagani J. Jabuena; Charter President, Dr. Andresito Millamena; Outgoing RCJC President Jude Marsh R. Grande; and Incoming President RCJC President, Mrs. Evelyn Rose A. Catilo (see related article).
President Grande, R.I. (Rotary International) of 2017-2018, banged the gavel and called the event into order. The program started at 6:00 PM, with Centralian, Pastor Jec Dan Borlado, leading the invocation. Dr. Lorna T. Grande, Dean, CPU College of Business and Accountancy, acknowledged the Rotarians and guests.
Dinner was then served. All the while, the affair was being shown live on widescreen TV, courtesy of the CPU Office of Communications, which provided coverage of the program with Mr. Dionisio Coronado and his team from CPUTV.
RCJC welcoming its new members.
A brief history of the Rotary Club was read by the RCJC Charter President shortly after dinner was served: The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline was founded by Dr. Andresito “Nonong” Millamena, also a member the CPUAAI Board of Trustees and CPU Corporation, in 1993. He served as Club President from 1993 to 1994.
Some of the Centralian past Presidents have also served at Central Philippine University in different departments and offices. Among them are the late CPU BOT Chairman Narciso “Narcing” Maravilla who served as RCJC President from 1997 to 1998; Ricardo “Ric Patricio, Planning Officer, Office of CPU President) and RCJC President from 2004-2005; Alma “Tita Doc” Frondoza, Asst. Dean of the College of Medicine and served as Chapter President of RCJC from 2005 to 2006; and Dr. Fely P. Chin, former Vice President for Academic Affairs and who served RCJC from 2006 to 2007; Novy Lagradilla, CPU Alumni Association Liaison Officer and served as Chapter President from 2008 to 2009; Freddie “Butch” Salvania, Franklin Hall Dormitory Coordinator and served as RCJC President from 2010 to 2011; Johnny “JV” Villanueva, faculty and served from 2012 to 2013; and Jude Marsh R. Grande, Engineering faculty, 2017 to 2018, and served as RCJC President.
It was a “Night of the Presidents” as the past presidents of RCJC, since it was founded in 1993, were invited to the affair and were awarded with personalized gold medals by new RCJC President Catilo.
The newly inducted officers of the RCJC are: Evelyn Rose Catilo, President; Trinidad “Trenz” Sorongon, President Elect; Jude Marsh Grande, Secretary; Rotarian Lorna T. Grande, Treasurer; Cyrus A. Natividad, Chairman for Public Image; Lyds Grio, Director for Membership; and Budz Senorio, Chairman, Rotary Foundation.
In his message, President Grande promised to do more, having been elected as the current Club Secretary. Under his leadership, RCJC was able to initiate and sustain a feeding program to the indigents and youth of Barangay Tirador in Janiuay, donate desks to selected schools, launch youth and sports program with which he was able to mobilize a Fun Run in support of Central Philippine University’s Alumni Homecoming in 2017, and other various socio-civic projects.
President Evelyn Rose Catilo delivered her inaugural speech with a commitment to extend more to the needy and do her best to make RCJC a worthy cause. Mrs. Catilo selflessly facilitated, among others, a gift-giving activity to indigent communities at Christmas and medical missions intended to support senior citizen in selected communities.
The Inducting Officer DG See Diet who has been visiting Rotary Clubs in Iloilo City admired the cooperation of the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline and CPU Alumni Association, Inc. He expressed gratitude to Central Philippine University for the support it has been giving to RCJC.
Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, CPUAAI President, delivered his message of support to the Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline, “As a Special Chapter of Central Philippine University Alumni Association, your club is assured of support and cooperation on any activities and partnerships during my leadership.”
The program was hosted by Miss Camelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer, CPU Office of the President.
Summer Picnic of the CPUAA North Eastern USA with its president Rev. Felix Colinco (first from right, in blue) and Ms. Gladys Pearl H. Gico-Jabalde (sitting fourth from right).
The Central Philippine University Alumni Association of North Eastern USA held an alumni summer picnic at the Calvary Baptist Church of Clifton, New Jersey on July 21, 2018.
Invited guest speaker, Ms. Gladys Pearl H. Gico-Jabalde (CPU BS Nursing Batch 1977) in her message entitled “Just Do It,” talked about the importance of obedience and gratitude in one’s walk with the Lord. She shared the favorite Bible verses of her parents, Mrs. Pacita Huelar Gico, a graduate of CPU Baptist Missionary Training School, and Rev. Jose T. Gico, Jr., a graduate of CPU College of Theology, as well as that of her aunt’s, Mrs. Felicidad B. Huelar, a graduate of the CPU College of Education.
She shared her experiences as a pastor’s kid waking up early to attend Sunday Service. According to her, one’s faith is not only a passionate endeavor but a faithful discipline one must work with fear and trembling. Mrs. Jabalde shares that “obedience of the Word of God is the mark of a true Christian.”
Mrs. Jabalde also encouraged fellow Centralians to continually share the message of the salvation: “My daddy said to me, ‘You do not stop telling others about the Lord. You continue until you die to the end. Tell your spouse, children, brothers, sisters, coworkers, neighbors, friends, everyone. Do not be ashamed to share the good news with them. That’s your responsibility as a believer. The Lord will teach you, equip you, empower you, mold you and help you on what to say. The Holy Spirit is going to be with you all the way. Just continue His work.’”
Recollecting on the wisdom of her parents and aunt, Mrs. Jabalde shared that when they were still alive, she was able to preserve their conversations about God and the Bible through a recording teddy bear. She shared the sound clips of the said conversation during the picnic.
As a family of Centralians serving the Lord, Mrs. Jabalde highlighted the importance of families not only in strengthening and encouraging one another, but in helping each other fulfill their purpose in the Lord.
At the end of her message, Mrs. Jabalde read a poem entitled “Do It Anyway” by Mother Teresa.
Members of the CPU BSN Batch 1993 at Washington D.C.
The Central Spirit at the Capitol—The Central Philippine University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class 1993 held their Silver Jubilee Celebration at Washington D.C. on July 29 to 31, 2018.
During the said get-together, 63 Centralian alumni rekindled their friendships and recalled their nursing days at CPU. Apart from touring the different historical sites such as the White House, the group held a family picnic at the Embassy Church and a gala night at the National Union Building.
Section D was the most represented section with 17 alumni. Jonathan Gapilango was hailed as Silver Reunion King while Mary Love Magbanua was crowned as Silver Reunion Queen.
CPU BSN Batch 1993 Section D together again after 25 years.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his message to the batch written in their program, said, “Your 25th Reunion is a testament of how blessed you have been these past years and how privileged CPU is to have you as alumni. I hope that this occasion be filled with glittering eyes and glamorous smiles as you exchange stories of the good old days and as you celebrate God’s greatest glory and enduring grace.”
The Reunion Planning Committee was composed of Vivian Piang-Canneti, Overall Chair; Jonathan Gapilango Vice Chair; John Xerxes Estenor, Gala Chair; Mary Love Magbanua and Marilyn Junin-Jabasa, Gala Co-Chairs; Florigyn Gonzales-Cordero, Finance Chair; Voltaire Buenjemia, Communications Chair; Patricia Palonpon-Heramis, Picnic Chair; Carol Joy Limoso-Cabahug, Tour Chair; Elipido Sandig and Leo John Espinosa, Logistics Chair.
CPU takes pride in its strong community of alumni around the globe. As Centralians gather to celebrate the Central Spirit, they place at the center Christ which is the heart and foundation of CPU.
Back in the arms of Central – CPU BS Bio Batch 1983 revisits the CPU Campus.
Thirty Five years has been a fruitful period of time, and which was the reason why the CPU BSBio Alumni Batch ‘83 held a Reunion at Damires Hills in Janiuay, Iloilo on April 30 to May 1, 2018. They had their names registered at the CPUAAI Alumni Hall, from 8 – 9 in the morning before making a courtesy call to the CPU Life Science Department (LSD), and the University President. They made a tour of the CPU campus as well.
CPU BS Bio 1983 with faculty and staff of the CPU Life Sciences Department.
A Thanksgiving Lunch for the BS BIO Alumni was held at the Life Science Department Function Hall. The exciting trip to Damires Hill in Janiuay followed after lunch.
The Fellowship Dinner at Damires Resort was enjoyed by everyone. It was exquisitely prepared by the committee. Dr. Vita Gasataya and Mr. Nonet Jaconob hosted the program. The invocation and National Anthem was led by Mr. Virgilio Gemoto. Dr Susana Amiscuawelcomed the BS Bio alumni present.
A memorable video – slide presentation related to the events and experiences of the BS Bio alumni was played; the presenters and the attendees were acknowledged; a toast followed with an acoustic entertainment.
Prizes were raffled off before the awarding ceremony. Dr. Daniel Aguilar Jr. made his closing remarks. Everyone enjoyed the Video Challenge before they called it a day.
On the second day – May 1, a “team building/bonding was held after breakfast. The alumni formed groups had a sharing and learning time with one another.
Paying it forward – CPU BS Bio Batch 1983 donates a Panasonic refrigerator to the CPU Life Sciences Department.
The CPU BS Bio Alumni Association then held its Election of Officers and planning session for their next reunion. The group made a Tour of the City after the meeting
CPU BS BIOLOGY BATCH 1983 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS FOR 2018-2019:
Atty. Joseph Celis, Director, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Region 6 shared how CPU honed him to act with integrity and discipline. Photo Credit: Aksyon Radyo Bacolod Facebook Page
Attorney Joseph S. Celis, Director of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Region 6 is a leader who exudes loyalty, love, and respect—among the core values he imbibed from Central Philippine University. Joseph Celis, also known as Jong-jong, revisited CPU after being installed with a Special Order as Director II at the Iloilo City NAPOLCOM Headquarters. He reminisced his good old college days as an idolized football star, an active student leader in the CPUR, and a member of the Political Science Student Organization and Order of Kalantiao.
The son of Jose A. Celis, CPU Commerce graduate and a businessman, and CPU Education graduate, Elvira Celis, Joseph studied in CPU from Kinder 1 up to Grade 2. He graduated from CPU High School in 1984 and he finished his AB Political Science, also from CPU, in 1988. Celis recalled how he was supported in his studies by their family business—the famous Jackson Steel Cabinet manufacturing in Western Visayas, producer of quality vaults and other equipment. He helped his father in the business while also doing well in school.
He proceeded to study at University of Santo Tomas Law School after he finished college in CPU. Later, he worked hard to finish his Bachelor of Laws at the Philippine Law School. After that, he was appointed to several government agencies as legal officer, Assistant Regional Director, and Director, particularly at the National Police Commission, which is attached to the Department of Interior and Local Government.
His early engagements in the police included monitoring, inspection of police stations, spot checking, and compliance level for the police assigned. His job also included press and media interviews. His first assignment was in July 7, 2004 as Acting NAPOLCOM Assistant Regional Director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), after which, he was promoted to Assistant Director on December 2006. He became the Regional Director in December 2008.
He is the youngest Director in an Army Camp’s Instructional Defense Risk Association in Camarines Sur. He covered five provinces as NAPOLCOM Regional Director in Tuguegarao City’s Regional Office in 2010. In 2011, Celis served as NAPOLCOM Assistant Regional Director of Davao before being appointed in the same year as NAPOLCOM Regional Director for Muslim Mindanao. He has become the longest sitting non-Muslim Regional Director.
From 2004 to 2006, Celis was the Regional Director for Negros Island Region (NIR) while serving as concurrent NAPOLCOM Provincial Officer for Iloilo. He was assigned as Provincial Officer of Aklan and other provinces until his appointment as Regional Director of Western Visayas with Special Order: NAPOLCOM 2018-001, dated January 4, 2018.
Celis has been assigned another responsibility when he was elected President of Central Philippine University Elementary School Parent-Teachers Association for 2017-2018.
All his stints, positions and responsibilities, he carried on with excellence and integrity. These he attributes to his basic training at CPU, a strong Central Spirit and discipline in himself.
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.
alumni 