A Glimpse of the CPUR Elections

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Albert Jan Matthew Java encourages Centralian to be united as the university ushers in a new set of CPUR officials.*

Together in sea of tarpaulins and placards, Centralians, with their cheers, filled the Rose Memorial Auditorium with the Central Spirit—the 2019 Central Philippine University Student Republic Election Grand Rally is a spectacle of the supremacy of the student body in the voting process and their involvement in the future programs and initiatives of the next set of CPU Student Republic Officials.

This kind of exhibition has been witnessed by the university for 113 years. Being the oldest student republic in South East Asia, the CPU Student Republic has been an emblem, inspiring young leaders not only to serve Centralians but the community at large.

Throughout the years, the CPUR Elections have been dominated by two student parties—the Reform Party and Koalisyon Party. Both are veteran student institutions celebrating a deep commitment to student leadership and community service.

Koalisyon takes pride in its 35 years of history in the university. According to Albert Jan Matthew Java, CPUR President 2012-2013, Koalisyon’s beginnings started within the CPU College of Theology: “The real name of our party is Koalisyon ng Demokratikong Mag-aaral Para Sa Sambayanan, Our origins are really from the College of Theology. It [was] actually a coalition of two parties. Koa is a pro-student political party that pushes for the rights of the students. It has withstood the Martial Law; it [has] survived throughout the years.”

*Jothamme Enriquez highlights that principled leaders are those who stand for what is right rather than what is popular.*

Java became a part of the Koalisyon Party in 2006 when he ran for Board Member of the CPU High School Student Council. His journey with the party has continued to the time when he became the CPUR President until after his graduation as he mentors the next generation of Koalisyon leaders: “The vision [that has] passed on from generation to generation is that Koalisyon is for the students and by the students. Koalisyon advocates for servant-leadership. Being founded by theology students, Koa dwells on the leadership style of Jesus—which is servant-leadership. In order to be first, you have to be last—you have to serve first before you can lead.”

The Reform Party, on the other hand, was established in 2002. It was formed by five Totoong Partido ng Mag-aaral members, who decided to dissolve TPM and instead organize the Reform Party. According to Jothamme Enriquez, CPUR Senator, 2011-2012, Reform offers a liberal approach in its leadership style: “Ever since I became part of Reform, the party really believed in a more liberal approach [to] student government. We want leaders that are firm in their beliefs but open to new ideas.”

When asked what makes a good CPUR leader, Java highlights the importance of intentions not only in serving the students but in committing oneself to the cause of uplifting and protecting the welfare of Centralians: “For me it’s pure intentions; if you have any other ulterior motive aside from the pure intention of serving the student bod, at the end of the day, when you are stuck with all that you have to do, you will always go back to your motivation and intention. And if there’s just one, slight malice in your motivation, you will get tired of serving. If you have the purest of intentions in serving the students, whatever color you represent, whatever party you come from, whatever course you may be, I tell you, you are right for that position.”

Enriquez, on the other hand, shares that one’s principles are the backbone of serving the studentry: “Principles are important. We need student leaders that disregard the colors of the party and work for the entire studentry—even [for] those who did not vote for them. The moment one wins, the colors you represent don’t matter. I hope you do not forget why you are there in the first place. It’s cliché but it’s all about service and [the] principles you stand for.”

Sharing the challenges that come along with being a CPUR officer, Java and Enriquez agree that it is about handling expectations and implementing their events and advocacies successfully that keep them on their toes. “Just like any other person up in a position, there are always expectations. It’s a challenge because it’s always there but you don’t have to be stressed about it. It’s just a challenge; you can do something about it. At the end of the day, it’s how you manage those expectations and criticisms. You are in control of how you react. You have to react out of love,” Java says.

For Enriquez, the success of every activity depends not only on the CPUR officials. It is the entire student body participating and helping one another that ultimately determines how efficient the CPUR programs and initiatives are: “I hope we help the CPUR Officers because it’s a two-way street. Their activities won’t be as successful if we do not participate. I hope that students will also give credit to their CPUR officers because it’s motivational on their end and encourage them to do more—when [they] see the students enjoying or benefiting from what [they] did, even if [they] just work on the sidelines; when people remember [them] as a student leader serving and giving [their] best for CPU. Being in the CPUR means working behind the scenes most of the time—and it entails a lot of work.”

Emphasizing the Central Spirit, both student leaders share how their fellow CPU alumni mentors help them in their leadership journey. “We have that feeling of interconnected-ness with our alumni and [the alumni] always do what we can to mentor the next generation. We don’t just want to prepare them for the CPUR positions, we want to prepare them for the real world,” Java shares. Enriquez adds, “Until now, we still communicate with our adviser and other fellow alumni who are also part of Reform. We have developed a strong sense of commitment of serving the studentry and along the way, we also gained strong connections and friendships with one another that really embody the Central Spirit.”

As for their message to the Centralian community as the CPUR transitions to new student leadership in the next school year, Java and Enriquez encourage Centralians to be united and set aside party colors. “Let’s forget about the red and the green and go back to the blue and the yellow,” Java urges.

Enriquez also encourages those candidates who did not win to continue serving Central in their own capacity. According to her, the opportunity to serve is not limited in being a CPUR official: “There are so many ways to serve Centralians. You don’t have to be in the CPUR to serve. It’s a wrong notion to believe that you have to be in position to help your fellow Centralians. At the end of the day, yes, the CPUR primarily serves the students but behind the CPUR are also volunteers and willing Centralians, [who] help. The CPUR officers cannot do the task alone.”

As CPU welcomes a new era of student leadership, both the Koalisyon and Reform are united in serving Centralians. At the end of the day it is not the colors they represent during the election but the service and commitment they offer to Centralians for the pride of Central and, most importantly, for the glory of God.

SHS holds Entrepreneurship Week 2019

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Celebrating young entrepreneurs – the event aims to encourage and promote business-minded Centralians.*

CPU Senior High School celebrated Entrepreneurship Week from March 4 to 8, 2019. Twenty-one (21) colorful booths were installed at the Half Moon Drive. The decorated booths sold a variety of meals, snacks, and drinks. The objective of the week-long activity is for the students to apply the business plan that they developed in their Entrepreneurship subject.

Abdullah Essa Obordo, a Filipino-Kuwaiti national and a student of the University Senior High School, displayed his skills in preparing shawarma at their section’s booth. He even offered some visitors a small sample of their product. Abdullah observes, “I enjoyed learning more about selling in our entrepreneurship class.” He adds, “I was really inspired to include [shawarma in this event].”

Angelo Dalumpines, Obordo’s classmate, stressed the importance of cooperation. He pointed out the growing inclination of the students towards business. The Senior High School entrepreneurship activities in the campus started with Entrepreneurship Week in 2017, Dalumpines said.

The students will be graded according to how they implemented the business plan (how they ran the business) and how they performed their assigned tasks individually as assessed by their group mates.

CPU Libraries host WorkAbilities

By Keziah G. Huelar

*The Henry Luce III Library aims to promote a holistic and inclusive services to all members of the community.*

Promoting inclusivity in programs and services—The Central Philippine University Libraries hosted three On-The-Job trainees from WorkAbilities from February 25 to March 8, 2019.

For 10 days, Ana Patricia L. Ildesa, Grabiel Anthony Aujero, and Valerie Faith B. Fallarco were assigned to different sections of the library performing tasks such as encoding, arranging books, and other clerical work with the help and guidance of CPU Libraries staff.

Being persons with autism, Ildesa, Aujero, and Fallarco were exposed to tasks that would improve and increase the efficiency of their social and clerical skills in a working environment.

According to Prof. Cynthia T. Peleña, the internship program is an opportunity not only to promote inclusivity but to assess CPU Libraries’ capability for providing services and opportunities to differently-abled members of the community.

Prof. Peleña also highlights CPU’s commitment in providing opportunities to all members of the society for holistic development.

WorkAbilities is a transition center for youth with developmental disabilities, autism, and intellectual disabilities. They provide training for daily living, social thinking, work skills and work behaviors.

CPU to hold CPUR Elections

By Keziah G. Huelar

The CPU Republic Elections is not only about choosing the right candidates for the position but also of recognizing the power of Centralians to choose the university’s new vision of student leadership.

As the school year comes to an end, Centralians are now tasked to choose the next set of CPU Republic Officials for the school year 2019-2020. Elections for the College of Law and School of Graduate Studies will be held on March 9, 2019 while the elections for the undergraduate colleges will be held on March 15, 2019.

Running as CPU Republic President for the KOALISYON Party is Jikko S. Belejerdo, a 3^rd Year J.D. Law student while the REFORM slate is led by Riego Ferrer Garcia, a 2^nd Year, J.D. Law student.

Centralians will be electing one president, one vice president and eight senators.

The election campaign started on March 4, 2019 and will end on March 14, 2019.

CPU holds College Day

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Fun in the sun – the College of Business and Accountancy held their College Day program and activities at the CPU Big Field. Photo Credit: Ronan Dumagit.*

A celebration of faith and camaraderie—Central Philippine University holds its annual College Day in the CPU Campus on March 1, 2019.

The different colleges of the university showcased their creativity, talent, and solidarity by holding different events and programs in their respective venues in the campus. A spectacle of sights and sound, CPU’s College Day is a celebration recognizing God’s faithfulness to CPU and the hard work and perseverance of the students, faculty, and staff as the school year comes to an end.

*The CPU College Day is a time to commemorate the Central Spirit by celebrating friendships and connections within the CPU community.*

*The College of Computer Studies celebrated College Day by highlighting Filipino party games.*

Spearheaded by the different college councils, the celebration is an ode to CPU’s creed of not only producing exemplary Christian learners for life but of establishing a lasting bond among its students anchored on Christ and driven by the Central Spirit.

CPU boasts of its close-knit alumni here and abroad. Such connections have been fortified by events such as the “College Day” where Centralians all over the campus create wonderful memories that last throughout their lifetime.

CPU Student Campus Organizations hold Annual Evaluation and Exhibits

By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico and CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia together with CPU Office of Communications Director, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on and Student Development Programs Director, Dr. Margen A. Java led the ribbon cutting to officially start the exhibit.

The Annual Evaluation and Exhibits of Students Campus Organizations this year was held from February 6 to 7 at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. The committee, chaired by CPU Student Development and Programs Director, Dr. Margen A. Java, worked in cooperation with the leaders and members of different student campus organizations.

The opening celebration was held on the first day with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico; Vice President for Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia; Director of Communications, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on; Cultural Affairs Office Coordinator, Ms. Crista Huyong, and Dr. Margen A. Java.

*CPU SPED Society highlighted their advocacies in their booth.*

The annual event requires each student organization to be accredited before joining the exhibit. The organizations are responsible for putting up exhibit booths at the Promenade and the Half-moon Drive. The display items include representations of academic, community, and civic organizations.

The displays made by the College of Engineering were interesting and aptly represented the Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software and Packaging Engineering.

*The CPU Medical Laboratory Science Society showcased laboratory equipment and devices during the exhibit.*

*The Institute of Packaging Professionals’ booth highlighted ingenuity and creativity.*

For Recel Joy Debil, booth manager of the Institute of Packaging Professionals-CPU Student Chapter exhibit booth, she enjoys having her concept included among the display. Their booth included various packaging materials and designs used by McDonalds.

A batch of students from the College of Hospitality Management, who appropriately presented themselves in suits, created an attractive hotel and resort setting in their booth.

The closing celebration was held at 4 in the afternoon of February 7, after the judges had decided on the winners for Best Exhibits, Best Student Organization, Best Adviser, and other consolation prizes.

CPU holds Foot Parade and University Picnic

By Keziah G. Huelar

*The CPU College of Law Junior students during the University Picnic. Photo Credit: Mark Greg Salaya*

Celebrating 113 years of the Central Spirit—CPU’s annual tradition of holding the University Foot Parade early in the morning from CPU to Jaro and conducting a CPU Picnic continues as Centralians from different colleges and units showcased their own interpretation of honoring God for his faithfulness to the University. The opening parade highlighting the Central Spirit ended at the CPU Big Field where a short program was conducted where CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, officially opened the festivities. The picnic then followed suit, where the colleges and units held different events and activities at their assigned areas around the campus on September 26, 2018.

*All Blue – The College of Business and Accountancy during the Street Dance Competition.*

*The Senior High School giving a passionate performance during the Street Dance Competition.*

With plenty of fun, food, and friendship, the event highlighted the Central Spirit by emphasizing unity in diversity. Centralians showcased their skills through the street dance and the folk dance competitions. In the street dance competition, participants from different colleges and units swayed and bopped their way around the CPU Campus, dressed in their creative ensemble. The folk dance competition, on the other hand, showcased the beauty of Filipino culture through the dancers’ graceful steps and traditional costumes.

*The CPU Street Dance Competition showcases the fun and energy.*

*An audience of Centralians at outside the Rose Memorial Auditorium witnessing the Street Dance Competition.*

Aside from the dance competitions, the Battle of the Bands was also held. Centralians gathered at the Big Field to support their representatives and rock to awesome tunes. It has been a tradition in this competition to play at least one song of faith testifying that Christ is and will always be the cornerstone of the university.

The CPU U-Day Foot Parade is a showcase of the Centralian Spirit of friendship and Christian values.

The CPU VPFA Office staff during the Foot Parade.

Glorifying Christ for 113 years, the University Picnic is a testament of the continued celebration of faith and excellence, a tribute to God for blessing CPU.

CPU celebrates U-Day 2018

By Keziah G. Huelar

*CPU College of Law contestant during the English Oration Competition.*

With the theme “Be a Centralian A.S.S.E.T.: Accountability to Self, Society, Environment Today and Beyond,” Central Philippine University celebrates the University Day 2018 in various venues inside the CPU Campus from September 17-29, 2018.

In sports, literary, and musical competitions, Centralians showcased their skills and talents highlighting the Central Spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. The English literary contests, namely—oration, extemporaneous speech, declamation, and character interpretation—and the Filipino literary events—declamation, oration, extemporaneous speech, and binalaybay—were held at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park.

*Women’s Trio Singing Competition contestants proudly wearing their Filipiniana.*

Simultaneously, the musical competitions—male quartet, women’s trio, and others—were held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

Aside from these, Centralians could still look forward to more exciting events, such as the Mr. and Ms. CPU’s Talent Night on September 21, 2018 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium and the crowning of Mr. and Ms. CPU 2018 during the pageant night on September 25, 2018 at the same venue.

A battle of the words will also ensue on September 25, 2018 as the top colleges and units compete for the debate finals.

*A passionate expression – a Binalaybay contestant performing his heartfelt piece.*

On September 27, 2018, the University Picnic will be held around different venues in the campus. The Street Dance Competition, the Battle of the Bands and the Folk Dance Competition will also be held on the same day.

The CPUAAI also invites all CPU alumni to the 2018 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on September 29, 2018, 8:30 AM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. 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.

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.

CPU Elementary School: Advocate of War on Waste

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications and member of the CPU Sustainable Committee encouraged the elementary pupils to be good stewards of the environment.*

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart on it” (Proverbs 22:6).

With the aim of teaching the CPU elementary students the importance of environmental stewardship, the CPU Elementary School held a campaign entitled “War on Waste—Trash to Cash.” The said project was launched on September 11, 2018.

The campaign was an initiative of the CPU Sustainable Campus Committee composed of Mr. Prim Vergara III, Technical Assistant to the President and Occupational Safety and Health Officer; Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications; Engr. Jeriel Militar, Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering; Engr. Aries Romallosa, Department Coordinator, College of Agriculture, Research and Environmental Science; Dr. Stella Fernandez, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Mrs. Hermely Jalando-on, CPU Purchasing Officer; and Engr. Amy Castigador, Director, Office of Institutional Advancement.

*CPU Elementary School students working together to help clean the CPU Campus.*

The launching began with a devotional led by Rev. Jalando-on. His message highlighted the importance of taking care of the environment by: A—Accepting that God is the owner of the world and that is why it is important to be good stewards of His creation. B—Believing that God can do great things through everyone. Everybody has a role in preserving the beauty of the environment by sharing one’s time, talent, and treasure. Lastly, C—challenging others to join. The task of saving the environment will be easier and more enjoyable if family and friends join in.

The devotional was then followed by the opening remarks of CPU Elementary School Principal, Prof. Janet P. Jaco. In her message, Prof. Jaco encouraged the elementary pupils to love and protect the environment by participating and promoting the “War on Waste—Trash to Cash” advocacy.

“Trash to Cash” encourages CPU elementary students to gather recyclable materials in exchange for cash. The said materials will be sent to a materials recovery facility.

After the program, the elementary students, armed with gloves and trash bags, conducted a clean-up all around the CPU campus.

Sports parade opens U-Day Celebration 2018

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*The CPU Junior High School during the Opening Parade.Photo Credit: CPUR.*

The intramurals for the University Days celebration for 2018 began with a sports parade at 3 PM last September 6, 2018. Athletes of each unit and college in their respective sports uniforms walked around the campus before proceeding to the University Covered Gym.

The opening program started as soon as the college teams settled. The Sari-Saot Dance Troupe delivered the opening prayer through a dance interpretation. It was followed with the Pambansang Awit by the CPU Symphonic Band.

*The College of Engineering Titans showcasing a “Wonderman” theme in their parade costume.Photo Credit: CPUR.*

Victory shouts filled the gym as names of the colleges and units were called by host Angelo Yulo, CPUR Senator. Each group made a short presentation for the audience. The parade was covered by a drone camera, and the opening program at the gym was featured live on the CPUTV Facebook Channel with Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the Office of Communications, directing his crew for the show.

*The College of Business and Accountancy mascot are all smiles during the parade.Photo Credit: CPUR.*

The fun-filled event also signaled the month-long 113^th University Foundation Celebration. Highlights include the 2018 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on September 29, Saturday at the Rose Memorial Auditorium; the Alumni Night, also on September 29, at the Grand Xing Hotel, Iloilo City; and the Foundation Day Memorial Service on October 1, 2018 at the Philippine-American Cemetery in Jaro, Iloilo City.