COE dominates Centralian Fest: League of Legends Tournament 2018
The College of Engineering was hailed as Champions, in the Centralian Fest League of Legends Tournament 2018
Victory!—The Central Philippine University College of Engineering reigned supreme in this year’s Centralian Fest: League of Legends Tournament 2018 held at Cyberzeen Zone on February 12, 2018.
The College of Engineering battled in the championship round against the College of Arts and Science, who placed second while the University Senior High School bagged third place. Hannibal Leonard “Me Hannibal” Pasamanero was hailed as the tournament MVP.
Hannibal Leonard Me Hannibal Pasamanero, from the College of Engineering emerged as the Tournament MVP.Five on five – the different colleges battle their skills in League of Legends Tournament 2018.
The League of Legends Tournament 2018 is one of the activities held by the CPU Republic in line with the College Week.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles talked about the spirit of excellence that Dr. Rex D. Drilon embodied.
Celebrating the life and contributions of Central Philippine University’s first Filipino President, CPU held a memorial service in honor of Dr. Rex D. Drilon at the Evangelical Memorial Garden on February 21, 2018.
For the words of welcome, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles talked about the importance of examining oneself and imparting a cause and legacy that the next generation could look up to, just as what Dr. Drilon has done. “This is not only a celebration of Dr. Rex D. Drilon’s life but a reminder that we are but mere mortals and that we have to examine ourselves and the legacy that we want to impart not only to the university but to our friends and family as well.”
Furthermore, Dr. Robles remembered the life of excellence that Dr. Drilon led and his commitment to lifting the university to greater heights. “We will always be reminded by the contributions of Dr. Drilon not only to Central Philippine University but the institutions that he was involved in. Let us look back and be reminded of his life and may we be inspired to complete our task for the university.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Board of Trustee member, Mr. Noli Bajada place wreaths of flowers in Dr. Drilon’s tomb.CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon led the ribbon-cutting of the Rex D. Drilon Hall.
Ms. Susan Herga, CPU Elementary School Assistant Principal, shared her recollections of Dr. Drilon. “Forty-nine years ago, in 1969, when I transferred to CPU from Southern Baptist College, I heard from friends and relatives that Dr. Rex. D. Drilon was the President of Central Philippine University but I didn’t have any idea what he looked like, so when I met him in the campus I did not know it was him. One time, I was on my way to attend my class and ahead of me was a tall man wearing black pants and a long sleeved polo shirt. He was walking three meters away from me but what caught my attention was that from time to time he would stop and pick up something along the way. I did not walk past him because I was ashamed. I just walked observing what he was doing. I noticed that he was picking up rubbish along the way and I did not see him doing this once but several times.”
After returning home, Ms. Herga told her aunt about the man she saw. It was then that she realized that the man picking rubbish along the halls of CPU Elementary School was the Dr. Drilon. “When I came home, I told my aunt about the incident and she remarked, ‘Oh! Don’t you know that is Dr. Rex D. Drilon, the university president?’ I then said to myself, ‘A president of the university? Picking up the rubbish the elementary student threw in the campus?’ But he was not ashamed to pick them up!”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon unveil the marker of the Rex D. Drilon Hall.Present CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles with previous university presidents, Dr. Juanito C. Acanto and Dr. Agustin A. Pulido pose beside Rev. William O. Valentine’s (First Principal, Jaro Industrial School) bust.
According to Ms. Herga, that incident taught her a very important lesson about excellence and love for Central Philippine University. “A mediocre teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior teacher demonstrates but a great teacher inspires. Without saying a word, Dr. Rex D. Drilon had inspired and demonstrated how to care for our environment and above all, the CPU Campus.”
For the reflection, Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, shared his memories with the late CPU President and talked about the importance of leaving behind a good legacy. “I recall that when I was young, my friends and I would play around CPU campus and we would see Dr. Drilon. He would usually ask us what we were doing and who our parents were. Today, as we look back at the values and legacies of Dr. Drilon, we are reminded of our own legacies. A man can either spend his life, waste his life, or invest in his life—and the greatest thing we can do with our lives is to invest it in something that can outlast us. Time is our most valuable possession. What do you want to be remembered for? There is a universal desire to be remembered, to make a significant contribution to future generations. To do this, we must give our lives away to a cause greater than ourselves”
Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon thanks CPU for keeping his father’s legacy alive.Mr. Rex Lincoln D. Drilon with Present CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, previous university presidents, Dr. Juanito C. Acanto and Dr. Agustin A. Pulido and Board of Trustee members, Mr. Noli Bajada and Mr. Carl De La Peña.
After the reflection, a floral offering was placed on the tomb of Dr. Rex D. Drilon. It was then followed by the singing of the “Hymn of Assurance” and the prayer and benediction.
Following the memorial service was the dedication of the Dr. Rex D. Drilon Hall, the administration building. Gracing the event was Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon, who led the ribbon-cutting with Dr. Robles.
For his response, Mr. Drilon thanked the university for remembering and honoring his late father, keeping his memories alive for future Centralians. “Rex D. Drilon was a political scientist, writer, molder of lofty values, and pillar of institutions. His approach to every job was one of dedication and passion. His commitment was unwavering and inspiring.”
Mr. Lincoln went on to share his father’s love for CPU. “In his life, with all the roles he had to play, perhaps the most fulfilling were the ones that involved CPU. His years of service to Central were his happiest years. He loved CPU. Today’s commemoration of his death and the renaming of the administration building in his honor is a capping honor given to a man who loved this institution.”
Cultural Affairs Affair Director, Ms. Crista Huyong and Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon sings opens the musical show with a duet of the classic Try to Remember.CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon together with the Dr. Rex D. Drilon Day Committee.
He thanked Dr. Robles for the university’s love and dedication of keeping his father’s legacy alive. “The keeping of this tradition of remembering was started by CPU former President Agustin A. Pulido, followed by other presidents, but it was during President Robles’ watch that that the tradition of remembering was institutionalized through more varied celebrations that involved more student participation. At this moment, I would like to give thanks to all who made this celebration creatively successful. Perhaps this will be the last Rex. D. Drilon Day that I will attend as an active celebrator, when the veils of old age is upon us and diminishing health takes its throng, when our days are no longer long and endless, and we can no longer outrun the sun, and we are no longer full of fish and vinegar, manmade edifices makes us remember. I thank all of you friends, family, relatives, and classmates who have come.”
In line with the celebration of Dr. Rex D. Drilon Day, the Cultural Affairs Office, the CPU Handbell Ringers, Teatro Sining Atbp., CPU Sari-Saot, CPU Visual Arts Club, and the EXCEL Chorale partnered together to offer a theater performance featuring songs and dance numbers from Broadway musicales The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Annie, and The Sound of Music at the 4th Floor, Henry Luce III Library.
Opening the show was Mr. Lincoln Rex Q. Drilon singing “Try to Remember” with Cultural Affairs Affair Director, Ms. Crista Huyong.
Wear your heart on your sleeve—On February 14, 2018, Central Philippine University Republic encouraged Centralians to wear their feelings. With ten colors to choose from, there is an option for every emotion and a hugot for every Centralian. Red is worn by those happily in-love while black signifies heartache. The trend is an annual tradition for Centralians.
Stalls filled with chocolate and flowers welcome the students as they walk through the half-moon on Valentine’s Day. A dominant white fills the university, expressing the opinion on love of the majority of the students.
As the celebration of Valentine’s Day comes to another close, may Centralians be reminded of the greatest love of all—the love of Christ.
“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
“Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself? Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
May our relationships be centered on Christ, the Author and Creator of love.
The Annual Evaluation and Exhibits of Student Campus Organizations aims to showcase CPU’s unity in diversity through the different advocacies. They were awarded as the best organization, special category.
A total of 75 student organizations from CPU participated in the Annual Evaluation and Exhibits of Student Campus Organizations 2018 held last February 8-9 at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park. The student organizations were classified into Academics, Special, Sports, Religious, Cultural and Arts, Municipal/Regional and Fraternity. Each group installed and decorated their kiosks for the judges and bystanders. They displayed admirable cooperation, talent, and determination for their work to be judged as this year’s “best of the best.”
The awards included “Best Student Organization” and “Best Adviser.” An Essay Writing Contest was also included in the events.
The CPU Gospel Team booth at the Half-Moon. They were awarded as the best religious organization.
The opening celebration started at 2 pm on the first day and was attended by Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs and Co-Chair of Student Organizations Committee and Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President, Finance and Administration. Other attendees included Dr. Margen A. Java, Director, Student Development Programs and Chair, Student Organizations Committee; Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, Office of Communications and Member, Student Organizations Committee; Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator, Cultural Affairs Office; and. Ms. Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia, Placement Coordinator.
Rev. Gico delivered the inspirational message to the participants while Rev. Jalando-on led the invocation and closing prayers.
Dr. Bogacia and Rev. Gico cut the ceremonial ribbon at the exhibit venue. The rationale of activity, criteria, and judges were read by Dr. Java. The judging started on the first day and continued onto the second day.
With a ranking of 95.07, in the Academic classification, the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. was awarded the overall Best Organization. Their organization got a prize of P10,000.00.
The Library Student Assistants was the best among the Special organizations category with a total ranking percentage of 92.27. The top rank among the Sports organizations category is the Central Philippine University Mountaineering Society from with a ranking 90.9 %. CPU Gospel Team led the religious organization with a rating of 93.47%. CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp. was best in Cultural and Arts category. The best Municipal/Regional Organization was claimed by Leon Centralians, and the Best Fraternity is Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity.
The following are the Best Advisers in their categories: Mr. Ron Adrian Dionaldo of the Institute of Packaging Professionals CPU-Student Chapter (Academics Category), Mr. Jojee Roy T. Juarez of CPU Emergency Response Team (Red Cross Youth Council) (Special Category), Ms. Grace Ann C. Jardenil of CPU Teatro, Sining, Atbp. (Cultural and Arts Category), Mr. James Peter Trasporto of Central Philippine University Mountaineering Society (Sports Category), and Dr. Florentino Alerta II of Every Nation Campus (Religious Category).
In the Essay Writing Contest, the following are the winners: 1st Place, Niegil E. Libo-on, Work Students Organization; 2nd Place, Denise Marie Aldea, CPU Biological Society; 3rd Place: Nestle G. Taala, CPU Gospel Team.
Vice President Gico congratulated the participants and appreciated the event for promoting student-university relations. He also pointed, among other benefits of the activity, the students’ holistic development in their academic and social disciplines.
Dr. Alfred Aaron Lee, world-renowned musician shares his testimony during his concert at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee during his piano concert at the Central Philippine University Rose Memorial on February 8, 2018 shared the message that the symphony of life is composed of diverse melodies of highs and lows that intertwine our hearts to the choices that lead us to our purpose. Life is therefore a song—a duet with our Creator, an infinite harmony of grace and thanksgiving.
A pre-CEW event—For the words of welcome, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked Dr. Lee for sharing his time and talent to the university. “This is indeed a rare opportunity for us to listen to a great performance from a world-renowned artist. We’re happy that Dr. Lee, who is an honorary Centralian, will perform for our entertainment. We decided that since our Christ Emphasis Week is in the last week of February, we will call this a pre-CEW event. I thank the students and guests for joining us tonight.”
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee for once again sharing his talent to CPU.
Christ Emphasis Event will be held on February 26 to March 2, 2018.
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, in his message, talked about this year’s CEW theme entitled “With You Always.” He shared that the theme is a response to the growing percentage of youth who experience depression. “This coming February 26 to March 2, we will again celebrate the Christ Emphasis Week. Our theme for semester highlights the text in Psalm 23:4, which says, ‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’ We are cognizant of the fact that behind the façade of great technological and scientific innovation that grant us remarkable capacity to travel, communicate, and explore the world, a lot of people are still lonely.”
According to him, this year’s CEW is about reaching out to those who are experiencing depression and anxiety. “We are aiming to minister to those who are undergoing tough times by tapping into our spiritual resource in the Scriptures. We are also aiming to increase the awareness of the Centralian community on this topic of loneliness and to encourage the hearers that there is a need for us to create a safe haven, caring and compassionate, where our uniqueness is honored and respected, our gifts are celebrated, and our brokenness is restored by the power of God.”
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church talked this year’s CEW theme “With You Always”.CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Ma’am Angel Robles with world-renowned musician, Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee.
Music and testimony—Before the performance proper, Dr. Lee shared his love for CPU and his devotion to Christ. “My first trip in the Philippines was to visit CPU. I consider this university my home away from home. The focus of my life, if you know me well, is Jesus. When you hear Christ Emphasis Week, you need to know who that Christ is—and that Christ is Jesus. The most important person of tonight’s program is Jesus.”
The two-hour concert showcased Dr. Lee’s musical prowess and his commitment to share the love of Jesus to others. In the middle of his performance, Dr. Lee talked about the importance of knowing the purpose of one’s gift. “It’s good to know what talent you have. Every one of us has been given a talent but it is better to know why the talent is given—to know the purpose. Having the talent is no good if you don’t know the purpose; knowing the purpose is greater. How you use your talent is very important.”
Dr. Lee performed classic Christian hymns, a couple of his compositions, and for his finale song, he played John William’s “Across the Stars” from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Humorously, before playing, Dr. Lee remarked, “I will play Star Wars but let us not go to the dark side but to the side of the light.”
To the delight of Centralians, Dr. Lee’s concert was a testimony of encouragement and grace. His musical talent has inspired a generation of dreamers and his love for Christ has helped others pursue Christ and His purpose. An adopted son of Iloilo City and an honorary Centralian, Dr. Lee will always find a home at Central and a stage for his testimony to be shared.
“Dr. Aaron Alfred Lee hails from Malaysia, but has been residing in the United States of America since 1991. He received his degree in music composition from the University of North Texas of Denton, Texas, USA and an honorary Doctorate of Music from the Central Philippine University of Iloilo, Philippines. His success as a composer, arranger, performer, and vocalist has earned him many awards and accolades, plus an extensive experience of traveling around the world as a renowned musician. However, he considers being known as the ambassador of the Gospel of Christ the most thrilling, and the highest position in life.
“For Dr. Lee, his conversion to Christianity at the age of 17 remains his best experience of all. His supernatural encounter with the Lord Jesus appearing to him has caused him to forever consecrate his life to God, and dedicate all his talents to serving Him. Sharing his testimonies of God’s grace working in his life constantly makes it real for the world to see the existence of the one true God who still communicates and is present in the lives of the faithful today.”
CPU students can look forward to the College Day celebrations from February 12 to 15, 2018. An array of enjoyable activities have been prepared by the CPU Republic, with the annual Centralian Festival on the 14th and 15th.
The festival will be composed of events, games, and programs for the students. On February 12, the Councilympics will be held at the Promenade from 8:00AM to 11:00 AM and the Frisbee/Ultimate and Softball Tournament at the Softball Field at the same time. The Kurukasa (Amazing Race) will be held from 1:00PM to 5:00PM.
A Valentine’s Day display of novelties and souvenirs will be displayed in a booth, in the former shelter of the CPU Scale Model at 11:00AM to 1:00PM on the 14th. The “All Star’ Basketball event is expected to fill the University Gym with enthusiasts and spectators on February 13 at 1:00 to 4:00PM.
The Laro ng Lahi will be held at the Big Field at 2:00 to 4:00 PM, and at 4:30 PM, a Boodle Fight participated by students will be held at the Big Field.
There will be no regular classes during the College Day highlights on February 14 and 15, 2018. However, on February 14, 2018, college students are required to attend alternative classes.
Centralian, Mr. Melvin Espiga, Head of the 2018 IAVIA Delegation shared how being a work student in CPU trained him to excel in his professional career.
A heart for Centralian scholars—The Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. (FAFQI), Ilonggo Association of Victoria, Inc. (IAVIA) held a Scholarship Awarding Ceremony at the Educational Media Center Conference Room on January 26, 2018.
With the spirit of generosity and Christian excellence, the event recognized the individual donors. A Certificate of Recognition to FAFQI and IAVIA donors was awarded by CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles assisted by Director for Student Development and Programs, Dr. Margen A. Java and Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico.
Dr. Margen A. Java, Director, CPU Office of Student Development Programs thanked the donors for supporting Centralian scholars.
Ms. Maria Rimando, Head of the 2018 FAFQI Delegation encouraged the scholars to pursue their dreams.
In her message, Ms. Maria Rimando, Head of the 2018 FAFQI Delegation encouraged the scholars in achieving their dreams, “If you want to be successful in life, study hard, try your very best. That’s why people like us are supporting you, because we want you to have a successful life one day and hopefully, just like Mr. Mauro and the other donors, you will do the same.”
Mr. Melvin Espiga, head of the 2018 IAVIA Delegation and a Centralian, inspired the scholars to dream big and pursue excellence wherever their career takes them, “Fourty-nine years ago, I was like you guys—I was working as a student assistant at the university library from 1969-1973. During my time, there were no computers so we manually labelled the books and took care of the books. I was awarded as one of the top 10 outstanding library student assistants and it was my training in CPU that made me have a winning character in my career later on. Because of my training here, I learned about persistence, resilience, team work and hard work.”
Both speakers enlightened the scholars that success is a long process that pays in bulk at the end.
The following are the donors and their scholars:
FAFQI Donors
FAFQI Donors with their scholars.
Filipino –Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc.
Individual Donors solicited by FAFQI
Linneah Laserna
Somodio Family
Engr. Marion Douglas Diesto
Dr. Neill Jover
Anika McCarthy
Carl Desacola and Emele Bulewa
Individual Donors Solicited by IAVIA
Ben Tabanquerao
Badian, Johna May P., BSPkgE 4
Anabel Tabanquerao
Baylen, Davyne Gayle G., BSBA FM 4
Jack F. Moffat
Caangay, Michelle S., BS HRM 3
Jennifer Yunsay Welk
Eduria, Michelle S., BSBA FM 4
Melvin and Frances Espiga
Pestaño, Joy L., BS SW 3
Julie and Wayne Norling
Sumper, Dennis D., BSEd 2
Nenita and Roger Wallis
Venus, Prince Charles M., BS IT 3
Gloria Kerr
Villagomez, Jyx Bryan A., BSEd M 3
Ivan Monte
Calucab, Joelever Nissi B., BSCE 3
De los Reyes, Camille S., BSBA BM 2
Fuertes, Michael C., BS PkgE 3
Villanueva, Ferlyn Mae P., BSBA FM 3
Yanguas, Dona Mae O., BSBA BM 3
Carmi Clark
Pasilan, Jessica L., BS SW 2
Carwel, Sarah and Alexia Casimiro
Berjamin, Jocelyn C., BS SW 1
Rafael “Popoy” Alamo
Rumay, Aljun Mark J., BEEd 1
St. Peter’s Chanel Parish Church
Sartin, Arnel B., BSBA BM 3
Claritian Missionaries of Melbourne, Australia
Jamola, Precious Mae H., BSEd F 3
SiSTA CLUB INCORPORATED
Palmes, Mary Jane R., BSBA MM 3
Aurelia Cerdana
Pasilan, Reyjane, BS SW 2
Marigold Espiga
Tolones, Margie E., BSpEd 3
Marithes Dumapias
Golen, Jerry Jr. E., BS HRM 2
Bedelia Agius
Alolon, Rosa Angelica E., BSpEd 3
DIVINA and CHRISTELLE LEBANAN-CARREON Divine Outreach Program Philippines
Ansino, Honey Grace D., BSBA FM 3
Jonathan and Michelle Batey
Berjamen, Jonalyn C., BSBA BM 4
Sarah Dofeliz Sammut
Camacho, Jezza Pearl B., BEEd Z 3
Mr. and Mrs. Wenifredo O. Catilo
Sogo-an, Joy Reline B., BSEd S 3
Sherley Hart
Sucaldito, Dalyn S., BSBA MM 3
Ilocano Association of Victoria, Inc. (IAVI)
Serisola, Susie Faith T., BS SW 2
Orville and Cecilia Lim
Torrecampo, Jenelyn R ., BS Psych 3
Angelito and Jesusa Rodriguez
Ruel, Rose Mary A., BS IT 3
Murray-Stark Family
Soriano, Rona Mae S., BLIS 3
The IAVIA donors together with the Centralian scholars.
As commitment to the Philippine Red Cross’ cause, Centralians pledged their signatures in the Red Cross Freedom Wall.
The Dinagyang Blood Olympics was held for the first time at Central Philippine University’s Alumni Promenade and Concert Park on January 22 to 23, 2018. The Blood Olympics was a concerted effort of the Philippine Red Cross, CPU, and the Dinagyang Foundation.
Six schools and universities in Iloilo City participated in the event: John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Arevalo, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Molo, St. Therese MTC Colleges – Magdalo, Iloilo Doctors College, St. Therese MTC Colleges – La Fiesta, and CPU. The schools competed among themselves to raise the most number of blood units of 500 cc per blood donor. Overall, there were 80 blood donors from six participating schools—delivering a total of 490 units (blood bags). The collected bags of blood were to be distributed to hospitals for use in the Dinagyang Festival in case of need or emergency.
CPU’s entry in the Dinagyang Blood Olympics Digital Poster Making Contest.Centralians donate blood for a cause during the First Dinagyang Blood Olympics.
“There may be serious incidents in the festival that requires emergency medical treatments so standby blood packs are needed,” according to Iloilo Blood Bank Manager Dr. Denise Roy Pasadilla. The unused blood units will be stacked at the Red Cross blood bank.
According to Mr. Jojee Roy Juarez, CPU Red Cross Youth Adviser, the blood collection on the first day is consigned to the inter-school competition, while blood collected on the second day would be acknowledged as CPU’s donation to the Red Cross.
The Rose Memorial Auditorium has been a witness of many talents throughout the years.
The former Ilonggo Music Festival, an original project of Bombo Radyo Iloilo, goes national, with the recent Music Festival of Bombo Radyo Philippines held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium last Saturday, January 6 at 6:30 in the evening.
Due to insistent public demand from several cities at Bombo stations, Bombo Radyo Philippines decided to include provincial songwriters and singers to join in the national finals of the singing competition. It has chosen Rose Memorial Auditorium at Central Philippine University to be the venue.
The music festival is only among several national and local events and concerts that have been held at the CPU Rose Memorial Auditorium. Big concert events of popular music groups like the world famous Platters, Cascades, John Ford Coley and Filipino performers like Zsa Zsa Padilla were held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. Beauty pageants like Miss Earth and local Miss Dinagyang Beauty pageants have also been organized at the Auditorium. Several summits like agriculture, business and governance, organizations, religious and community events have also taken place here.
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, encouraged Centralians and partner-organizations to support the advocacies of the Philippine Red Cross.
With the aim of encouraging more volunteers to donate their blood, the Philippine Red Cross Regional Office in partnership with the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation will be holding the Dinagyang Blood Olympics on selected dates this January 2018 at participating schools and universities. The opening program of the said activity was held at CPU Alumni Promenade Concert Park on January 10, 2018.
For the welcome message, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President, thanked the Iloilo City Government and the Philippine Red Cross for holding activities that promote the spirit of volunteerism, “We hope that events like this will continue as long as there is a need to help others who need blood donations. I thank the Iloilo City Government, the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, the Philippine Red Cross and all its partners for holding this kind of activity.”
Atty. Dominador C. Co., Executive Assistant to the Mayor, expressed the city’s thanks to the partner-agencies and universities for their support and commitment to the said activity.
Representative of Iloilo City Mayor, Jose Espinosa III, Atty. Dominador C. Co, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, expressed the city government’s gratitude to the partner-universities for their support and commitment to the said activity, “This noble endeavor is saving the welfare, well-being, and lives through the spirit of volunteerism. Volunteerism is one basic value we all share—giving our time and talent for the betterment of all. It is a culture that promotes community service.”
Dr. Mae Ann Sta. Lucia, Regional Blood Program Coordinator, Department of Health Region VI, on behalf of Dr. Marlyn Concovar, highlighted the role of youth in keeping the spirit of volunteerism alive, “We encourage the youth to inculcate the spirit of volunteerism, especially to participate in our blood drives. The spirit of volunteerism is very much alive in the provinces of Panay.”
CPU Prime Minister Charles Arthel Rey, in his message, encouraged his fellow youth to develop a heart for community service and empathy, “It is a great honor that the opening of the1st Dinagyang Blood Olympics was held here in our university. We should have a heart of empathy and volunteerism for our fellowman by supporting and promoting causes like this.”
The CPU College Red Cross Youth spearheaded the morning parade.
Dr. Paul Francia, Chairman, Blood Committee Philippine Red Cross-Iloilo, representative of Mr. Ramon Cua Locsin, President, Iloilo DinagyangFoundation, officially opened the 1st Dinagyang Blood Olympics.
The program began with a prayer, led by CPU Vice President for Student Affair, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico. The singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the CPU Hymn followed, both conducted by the Director, CPU Cultural Affairs, Ms. Crista Huyong with the CPU Symphonic Band conducted by Mr. Asuncion O. Bautista.
Also part of the Dinagyang festivities is a special screening of the entries for the short film making contest. The screening will be at Cinematheque Iloilo on January 23, 2018.