Commencement Exercises held for the College of Medical Laboratory

Cyrus A. Natividad

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the graduates along with their parents, mentors and family.*

The Commencement Exercises for the graduates of the SY 2017-2018 of the College of Medical Laboratory was held on Sunday June 24, 2018 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The program started at 3 PM with an Overture by the CPU Symphonic Band with Mr. Ascenscion O. Bautista directing.

The graduating class of 2018, CPU Board of Trustees and CPU Corporation members, officers of the administration, dean, faculty, and program participants were at the processional, following the entrance of colors by the CPU ROTC cadets. The National Anthem was then sung with Ms. Crista S. Huyong conducting the “Lupang Hinirang.”

University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, welcomed the guests, members of the corporation and the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and candidates for graduation. He also acknowledged the presence of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUAAI) President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena. Dr. Robles encouraged the graduates to acknowledge their teachers, their parents, and even their classmates, reminding them that “without them, you would not have become what you are today.” He challenged the graduates not to rely on themselves alone, but to be guided by the unseen hand of God. Furthermore, Dr. Robles asked them to always remember to give thanks to the Lord. He ended his message with a reminder, “Do not forget that education is a life-long process.”

*Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President CPUAAI led the alumni pledge.*

Dr. Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Ronaldo E. Puno, President of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET). Puno congratulated the graduates and told them that “if there are people to be honored here today, they are your parents.”

He gave an inspiration by telling the graduates about his life story. He was a student who struggled in order to graduate in college. In challenging the graduates, Puno told them, “You just have to study hard and prove to the world how fortunate you are to have your parents and loved ones to support you. In the real world every minute matters; your patience is the reason for your existence, your license and success as a medical technologist. Your true success will be defined by how you handle yourself and manage time.”

*Guest speaker, Mr. Ronaldo E. Puno, President of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) encouraged the graduates to pursue excellence in their professional career.*

*The graduates of the College of Medical Laboratory Batch 2018 make their way inside the Rose Memorial Auditorium.*

Emilyn Lou A. Isiderio, BMLS alumna 2017, rendered a musical number before the conferment of degrees. Dr. Robles was assisted by Charissa June G. Deocampo, Acting Registrar and Emerald Joy E. Perucho, Assistant Registrar in conferring the degrees on the graduates.

Daryl Jasyl L. Cañon, Summa Cum Laude, delivered the response on behalf of the graduates. Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor, University Church, offered a Prayer of Dedication which was followed by the Alumni Pledge by Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAAI.

Ms. Huyong once again led the singing of the Alma Mater Song. Rev. Quimpo said the Benediction. The event ended with the exit of colors and the recessional of the graduates 2018, members of the Board of Trustees and CPU Corporation, officers of the Administration, deans, faculty, and program participants.

U.S. Ambassador Kim visits CPU

*Ambassador Sung Y. Kim talked about the importance of stregthening people to people ties.*

Establishing closer ties – United States ambassador to the Philippines Mr. Sung Y. Kim visited Central Philippine University on April 20, 2018. He had a courtesy call with CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, after which he spent time with a Centralians for an open forum at the 4^th Floor Henry Luce III Library.

For the opening remarks of the forum, Dr. Robles spoke about the historical and cultural bond of the university to the United States, as the school was established through the efforts of American Baptist Missionaries. “We are all eager to listen to Ambassador Kim this morning. It has been a tradition of U.S. Ambassadors to visit our university since we host one out of the 14 American Corners in the country. Ambassador Kim is the third ambassador to visit. We are happy to have him today to talk on issues that affect our relationship with the United States.”

*Centralians eagerly listen as Ambassador Sung Y. Kim.*

Ambassador Kim talked about the Philippine’s deep ties of the Philippines with the United Sates. He highlighted Asia as an exciting region for economic and social development. “Currently, Asia holds 25% of the Global GDP, in the next few years the percentage is expected to reach 60%.” He also talked about strengthening U.S. and Philippine relations through cultural and educational exchanges among the youth.

There are about four million Filipinos staying in the United States and 300,000 American citizens in the Philippines, this According to Ambassador Kim indicates the kind of relationship between our two states – “A relationship that bases its strength on people to people ties, transcending economic and political agreements.”

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU Board of Trustees Chairman Atty. Von Lovel Bedona together with Ambassador Sung Y. Kim.*

*CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence P. Bogacia together with Ambassador Sung Y. Kim.*

He also talked about the recent cultural heritage conservation training program held in Iloilo last April 17-20, the goal of which is to train participants on best practices of conservation management planning, including historical research, legal frameworks, architectural and materials documentation, conditions and hazard assessments, and conservation policy-setting.

After his message, Centralians asked questions regarding EDCA, diplomatic relations between U.S. and the Philippines, environmental, political and economic issues and future projects and partnership between the two nations.

CPU Junior High School Building renamed Dr. Juanito M. Acanto Hall

Dr. Jaunito M. Acanto CPU President from 1996-2005 led the ribbon cutting with present CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and CPU Board of Trustees Chairman, Atty. Von Lovel Bedona.

In honor of the hard work and dedication of Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, Central Philippine University’s third Filipino president from 1996-2005, the university renamed the Junior High School Building into Juanito M. Acanto Hall on April 19, 2018. Former CPU President Dr. Agustin A. Pulido and incumbent CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, as well as Board of Trustees Chairman Von Lovel Bedona and members of the Board, were present at the ceremony.

Dr. Acanto was born on April 5, 1937 in Barrio Badiangan, Janiuay, Iloilo to Baptist parents, Ruperto Acanto and Tabitha Maca. Christened with the name Juanito by his parents, the boy grew up to become a brilliant lawyer. He passed the Integrated Bar Examinations in 1961, and worked in his legal profession, eventually becoming a Municipal Judge of Janiuay, Iloilo. Dr. Juanito M. Acanto also served as Dean of the CPU College of Law from 1993-1997. In June 1998, the Board of Trustees elected him as President of Central Philippine University. He had served Central Philippine University for 18 years, including nine years as CPU President and other positions in the College of Law and as Regular, Ex-officio Member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

*A legacy of hard work and gratitude – Dr. Juanito M. Acanto thanks the CPU community for the honor of naming the Senior High School Building after him.*

Dr. Acanto made a stint in public service after he was elected Board Member of the Province of Iloilo from 1988 to 1998 and from 1980 to 1986. He was a well-respected public servant of his Ilonggo constituents

Dr. Acanto obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration from The International School of Missouri, USA in 1998; his Master of Management, Major in Public Management, from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas in 1990; his Bachelor of Laws at Central Philippine University in 1961; and his Associate in Arts (Pre-Law), also at Central Philippine University in 1957.

*Dr. Juanito M. Acanto with his CPU family.*

The Junior High School Faculty and Staff prepared a short program. Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomed everyone and acknowledged Dr. Acanto, the Honoree, before the unveiling of the marker. In his message Dr. Robles made mention of the importance of remembering people behind the progress and development of an institution, adding that “it is not enough to name buildings in honor of the missionaries; it is also important to name a building in honor of a former CPU President, being that this project was realized during his term of office”.

A Litany of Dedication was read after the unveiling of the marker. In his response, Dr. Junito M. Acanto mentioned the blessings that God showered upon Central Philippine University during his watch. He was sentimentally thankful for the remarkable development that made CPU more beautiful.

He looked back to the memorable times and mentioned the Smile Hill to be his inspiration. “All this blessings were sent by God to the University during my time,” said Dr. Acanto.

CPU dedicates Agustin A. Pulido Hall

*At 86 years old, Dr. Agustin A. Pulido continues to inspire the Centralian community with his passion and dedication to excellence.*

Honoring the longest serving president of Central Philippine University, CPU renamed and dedicated the CPU Elementary School Building as Agustin A. Pulido Hall on April 12, 2018.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was led by Dr. Agustin A. Pulido himself who was president of CPU for 25 years (1971-1996) and CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.

Dr. Robles highlighted the role of Dr. Pulido in ushering the university to greater heights. “We are here to honor a man who has served Central Philippine University for most of his professional life in the history of the university. He has served the university as president for 25 years and 10 years at Silliman University.” Dr. Robles further talked about Dr. Pulido’s love for CPU and his continued commitment to help the university even after his retirement. “Dr. Pulido’s love for CPU led him and Dr. Doris [Dr. Pulido’s wife] to reside near the university. I am very thankful that during my tenure, we still have Dr. Pulido in the Board of Trustees and in the corporation. His valuable knowledge and practical experience has really helped the present administration through many challenges.”

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Dr. Agustin A. Pulido led the ribbon cutting.*

The marker was then unveiled by Dr. Pulido and Dr. Robles along with the Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Chairperson of the CPU Board of Trustees. Dr. Robles also presented Dr. Pulido with the coffee table book, “Faith and Commitment,” published as a token of gratitude for Dr. Pulido’s dedication and excellent service to the university. The coffee table book committee is composed of Prof. Anna Mae Zerrudo, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on Prof. Kay Gallo, Keziah Huelar, Mark Clemens Ortaliz and Mrs. Ramona Elevado.

Pastor Alfred C. Morales, Student Recruitment Officer, then led the act of dedication.

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, in his messages, highlighted the valuable contributions of Dr. Agustin A. Pulido to the university.*

In his response, Dr. Pulido thanked the CPU administration for the recognition and the efforts in organizing the event. “Doris and I thank all of you for your presence here this morning and the CPU Administration for scheduling the event today, which is Doris’ 86^th birthday. Soon after I moved to CPU in 1971, we realized and agreed that we needed to improve the elementary school. It was realized that we needed a three-storey building and this is now the completed structure. ”

Dr. Pulido encouraged the attendees to ponder on their lives and their God-given purpose. “Life must be lived forward and understood backward. I thought it was a very meaningful statement—you live your life forward, you don’t know what’s going to happen and you look back and reflect and you begin to understand why things happened.”

*Dr. Agustin A. Pulido and Dr. Dorothy B. Pulido together with their CPU family.*

*Dr. Agustin A. Pulido together with Atty. Juanito M. Acanto, CPU President from 1998-2008 and current President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles.*

*The event also highlighted the 86th Birthday of Dr. Dorothy B. Pulido, the supportive and loving wife of Dr. Agustin A. Pulido.*

Recounting his experience as president of two universities, Central Philippine University and Silliman University, Dr. Pulido shared the humorous story of a Japanese professor who visited CPU during his term. After he moved to Silliman, he met the same Japanese professor who recounted, “You know ever since I walked into this office, I have been wondering how two presidents could look so alike.”

Ending his speech, Dr. Pulido thanked the committee who labored on the coffee table book for their perseverance. He also spoke of his gratitude to those who helped make the book possible and those who organized the event. He thanked God above all for having shown him His favor and faithfulness throughout the years. “Above all, we thank the Lord for all these. May God be praised.”