CPU College of Nursing holds “Successology” of Nurses Abroad

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Mrs. Ann Catedrilla Seisa, BSN Class 1977 shares her life and testimony during the “Successology of Nurses Abroad” held at the Loreto D. Tupaz Building.*

A testimony of faith and excellence – the Central Philippine University College of Nursing held a talk entitled “Successology of Nurses Abroad” at the Audio Visual Room, Loreto D. Tupaz Building on February 12, 2019.

Guest Speaker, Mrs. Ann Catedrilla Seisa, BSN Class 1977, shared her experiences as a Centralian nurse working abroad, a philanthropist and businesswoman.

As a Centralian nurse, Mrs. Seisa encouraged CPU nursing students to pursue their profession with excellence and commitment. “I am committed to do the best. That means when you are a Filipino nurse, when you are a CPU nurse, not only when you compete with the rest of the nurses you have to give not a hundred percent of yourself but a thousand percent.”

Sharing her life and testimony, she gave 3Fs: focus on your goals, follow through and finish strong, which according to her are the key factors of her successes.

Mrs. Seisa highlighted the importance of dedication and hard work coupled with grit in order to achieve one’s dream. According to her, the challenges of life are there to promote and hone us for bigger things. “The challenges prepare you for the next big thing. You have to have the determination and the grit to achieve your dreams. Be open to opportunities, you need to be ready for them.”

She also talked about the importance of being grateful to God and to appreciate the people He placed in one’s life. “Don’t forget to bring the Lord in your life and [your successes]. To be able to [thank Him] and be grateful for the [love and support] of your family and friends.”

It can be recalled that in 2008, Mrs. Seisa and her husband, Mr. Narciso “Loy” Seisa, sponsored the construction of the covered stage located in the center of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building in honor of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Ponciano Catedrilla. She and her Batch BSN 1977 donated 2 million pesos for the repainting of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building.

In 1986, the couple founded the Vagthol’s Residential Care Center, Inc. in Los Angeles, California. The center started as a boarding facility for senior citizens. Now, the center serves individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU).

Mrs. Seisa is also the Chief Executive Officer of Solarex Energy International. She was a volunteer at the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center and later became a member of its Board of Directors and the chair of its Program Services and Strategic Committee. Currently, Mrs. Seisa serves as managing partner for ASN, LLC and Vagthes, LLC, real estate holding companies.

The CPU College of Nursing takes pride in its alumni here and abroad. As the college gears up for new developments and breakthroughs, it recognized the role of the alumni not only in supporting the endeavors of the college but in coming back and sharing their insights and perspectives to the new breed of CPU nursing students for the glory of God and for the pride of Central.

CPU supports Philippine Librarians Association’s “Bibliotherapy” program

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*“Bibliotheraphy” aims to promote Christian values among Centralians. Photo Credit: Prof. Ana Mae Cantel.*

The Philippine Librarians Associations, Inc. (PLAI) and the Western Visayas Regional Librarians Council (WVRLC) promotes “Bibliotherapy,” an initiative which recognizes the inherent quality of literature not only as a source of enjoyment and entertainment, but as materials that promote well-being.

Book-reading has been found to offer therapeutic benefits which can result to developing self-confidence, increasing intellectual capacity, as well as building healthier interpersonal relations. Mr. Christian George Acevedo, PLAI-WVRLC President, further explains that reading “books and other literature can facilitate structure interactions between and among individuals.”

According to Prof. Ana Mae Cantel, the event facilitator, CPU’s Henry Luce III Library is one of the recognized centers of the program as the library holds one of the biggest collections of reading materials in the whole of Western Visayas.

CPU allots 40.3 Million for Scholarship and Grants in S.Y. 2016-2017

*Dr. Margen A. Java, Director, CPU Office of Student Development Programs spearheads the scholarship program of the university.*

Investing in the potential and talent of Centralians – Central Philippine University allocated 40,351,679 pesos in university scholarship, discount, grants and aids to deserving students, athletes and faculty and staff dependents, CPBC pastors’ kids and IMH staff and dependents during the school year 2016-2017.

9,859,298 pesos from the said amount went to the free tuition program of faculty and staff dependents. 8,382,749 pesos was allocated to cash discounts on tuition, 6,904,843 pesos was given to scholarship aids for entrance scholarship, 6,510,937 pesos went to athletic scholarships of the CPU Golden Lions, 1,639,528 pesos was given to tuition scholarship of the College of Theology, an additional 497,575 pesos was allocated to the board and lodging subsidy of the College of Theology scholars. 1,477,114 was given to family discount on tuition fees, 1,421,792 was allocated to the free tuition of the kids of pastors of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, 1,055,592 went to the one-half free tuition program of Iloilo Mission Staff and their dependents.

The budget also included 1,092,400 pesos for the CPU band scholarship, 664,323 pesos for scholarship awards, 482,500 pesos for collegiate honor graduate awardees, 260,666 for the 25% free miscellaneous fees, 66,362 pesos for the free tuition of faculty and staff under the faculty and staff development program, 24,000 pesos for the university grant on loyalty awards and 12,000 pesos as gifts to Centralian topnotchers.

CPU offers entrance scholarships for high school valedictorians which includes full free tuition for the entire school year until second year subject to grade requirement and 3,000 pesos book allowance per semester – subject to grade requirement, salutatorians can get a half free tuition for the entire school year until the second year subject to grade requirement and a 1,500 peso book allowance per semester – also subject to grade requirement, and with honor high school graduates can get one third free tuition for the entire school year until second year subject to grade requirement.

Continuing Entrance Scholarships are also given, scholars may continue to avail full tuition (regardless of the form of scholarship previously enjoyed – i.e. valedictorian, salutatorian or freshmen with honors) until fourth/fifth year as long as the scholars have a grade point average of not lower than 1.63 provided he/she has no grade lower than 2.25 in all subjects for the semester. The first and second semesters’ grades during the second year are the bases for the continuance of scholarship in the first semester of third year.

Other university funded scholarships include Work-Study Student Program (WSSP), College of Theology scholarships which include a 50% discount on tuitions for the first year, a 75% discount on tuitions for the second year, 100% discount on tuitions for the third year and full free tuition and fees for the fifth and fourth year for CPBC members, members of the CPU Sari-Saot scholarship, Central Echo are also given discounts on tuition and fees, free tuition for faculty and staff dependents, free tuition for CPBC workers and pastors’ kids, half free tuition for IMH dependents, University Symphonic Band scholarship, athletics scholarship with categories: A – full tuition and fees, A1 – full tuition and half miscellaneous fees, B – full tuition and C – half tuition (maximum of 21 units only in all categories).

Grants-in-aid of 4,000 pesos per semester are also given to freshmen CPBC Member as recommended by the CPBC General Secretary. CPU also gives academic scholarships of 4,500 per semester after three semesters of study at CPU and other Grants-in-aid of 4,000 per semester after one semester of study at the university.

The Scholarship Program of the University is geared towards the intellectual development of the faculty, staff and students coupled with the spiritual and moral upliftment, which are in line with the University’s core values and guiding principles. Its objectives include: facilitating access and equal opportunities to intellectually gifted, talented and deserving faculty, staff and students to high standard of quality Christian education geared towards the development of the total personhood, initiating development programs that will sharpen the skills, enhance the talents and potentials of the scholars, providing adequate assistance to scholars on their academic endeavors and holistic learning through mentoring and coaching and provide updated and relevant information on scholarship opportunities, policies and privileges and establishing a systematic scholarship management information system for monitoring and decision-making functions.

In school year 2016-2017, the university has supported 377scholar athletes, 607 faculty and staff dependents and 161 CPBC pastors’ kids.

Centralians attend 8th PSSA National Convention

*The newly elected PSSA National Officials.*

Three Centralians joined this year’s 8^th Political Science Students’ Association of the Philippines National Convention held at Kool Adventure Camp in Balamban, Cebu on March 5-8, 2018.

Mark Jester Silloriquez (ABPOLS-2), Marynol Alvarez (ABPP-4), and Niegil Libo-on (ABPP-3) represented Central Philippine University in the forum. All three participated in the National Quiz Bowl and won third place.

*Mark Jester Silloriquez (ABPOLS-2), Marynol Alvarez (ABPP-4), and Niegil Libo-on (ABPP-3) won 3rd place in the Quiz Bee Competition.*

Libo-on, on the other hand, was elected as the National Secretary of PSSA.

The PSSA Convention is a gathering of 100 of the most active and brightest Political Science students in the country.

Fernandez is new BIOTA-WV president

*Dr. Fernandez ( second from the left) with the other BIOTA –WV officers and convention lecturers.*

The 18^th Annual Regional Convention and Scientific Session of Biology Teachers Association of the Philippines, Inc., Western Visayas (BIOTA-WV) was held at Tierra Verde Farm Resort, Damires Hills, Brgy. Damires, Janiuay, Iloilo on February 9-10, 2018. In this convention, a Centralian was chosen to head their organization. Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Chairperson of the Life Sciences Department, was elected as President for the term of 2018-2020.

In cooperation with the Commission of Higher Education and the Department of Education, Biology/Science teachers and secondary and tertiary students both from public and private institutions participated in the said event. This year’s theme, “Uncovering Critical Content in Biology in the Context of K-12,” was substantially tackled by regional and national experts through plenary lectures, scientific sessions, teaching Biology content through student activities and lectures.

As part of the plan of the new president, BIOTA WV will hold a Quiz Bowl competition on March 9, 2018 for both secondary (at 8:00 am-12:00 pm) and tertiary levels (at 1:00 to 5:00 pm) at the CPU Alumni Promenade Park, Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City. Furthermore, on March 10, 2018, the Research and Poster Competitions will be conducted at Educational Media Center (EMC) and CPU Half-moon Drive.

BIOTA-WV Chapter is a professional organization of Biology Teachers in Western Visayas and has been active in promoting Biology in the Region.

CPU Mass Communication Students attend WVACS Ugyon Media Camp

*Centalians who attended the UGYON Media CAMP.*

Strengthening the link among the Communication students of Western Visayas, Mass Communication students from Central Philippine University attended the 3-day media camp held on January 23-25, 2018 at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Granada Eco Park, Bacolod City.

A year ago, the creation of an alliance among communication students was made possible through the efforts and perseverance of the Central Philippine University MassCom Circle. They brought together communication students from different schools all throughout Western Visayas. Through an event entitled COMvention the (WVACS) Western Visayas Alliance of Communication Students was established.

*Centralian, Joanne Berona is the New President of Western Visayas Alliance of Communication Students.*

The theme for this year’s event was “Breaking Media Barriers in the New Millennium,” a challenge for future media practitioners to decide whether they will imbue communication with honest emotion and human sentiment or they will become a part of the barriers themselves.

The camp was packed with activities and lectures from day 1 to day 3. There were a total of eleven speakers who discussed topics in relation to their specialization. Senior Reporter of ABS-CBN Bacolod, Yasmin Pascual Dormido, discussed Media Law and Ethics in the Digital Age. According to her “A good name is worth more than anything. If credibility is lost, then it’s time to leave.”

After all the program and activity, an election was held for the next batch of officers of the WVACS. Joanne Berona, a third year Mass Communication student of CPU, was elected President. She will be replacing fellow Centralian Izza Cassandra Abolucion. The Centralians, indeed, have earned the trust and approval of other institutions as they display the Centralian spirit of leadership.

CPU College of Nursing holds International Balik-Turo Program

*Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, CPU College of Nursing thanked the alumni for their strong commitment and support to the activities of the college.*

With the aim of equipping Centralian nurses with the updates and current trends in the professional practice, the Central Philippine University College of Nursing held an International Balik-Turo Program on “Current Trends in Nursing Practice in the United States of America” by Dr. Susan B. Gabayeron, BSN Class 1990. The event was held at the Audio Visual Room, Loreto D. Tupaz Building on January 31, 2018.

The general objective of the program is to create a venue for academic exchange to update and enrich the perspectives of Centralian nursing students regarding international health care issues. Its specific objectives include discussing the different health care issues confronting the world, explicating the role of nurses in global health care issues confronting patient care, and allowing the participants to express their own perspectives on international issues affecting the nursing profession.

For the opening remarks, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean of the CPU College of Nursing, highlighted the importance of the Balik-TuroProgram in helping CPU nursing students gain ideas about the international trends in nursing to prepare them before they get into professional practice. He also thanked the strong alumni support of Centralian nurses here and abroad by sharing their time, talent, and expertise to the series-lecture.

*Centralian eagerly listen to Atty. Alibogha’s opening remarks.*

CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, in his message, thanked the CPU College of Nursing for holding the Balik-TuroProgram. According to him, the program helps the university produce globally competitive nurses, “This Balik-Turo Program is a matter of privilege; it is free of charge and I thank the CPU College of Nursing and its alumni for creating an activity that encourages our nurses to excel.”

Academic Coordinator, Ms. Joelah V. Rio, introduced guest speaker Dr. Susan B. Gabayeron, a 1980 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate of CPU. She took up her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Phoenix and her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at Chamberlain College of Nursing. She is currently a registered nurse at Saint Francis Medical.

She is a recipient of the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award given to nurses who have passion and as excelled in their professional practice. Gabayeron is also part of the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau, a group of recognized nurses around the globe.

For her lecture, Gabayeron talked about the importance of evidence based practice in creating the best practice and protocols for the nursing practice, “After getting a research fund for sepsis, I was given the task of studying and researching for the best nursing practices to address the disease. Here, I realized the importance of evidence-based practice in finding the best health care solutions in bed care.”

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irving Domingo Rio, commended the CPU College of Nursing for holding activities that encourage nurses to pursue excellence in their future professional practice.

*A heart for excellence and commitment to the nursing profession, guest speaker, Dr. Susan B. Gabayeron, BSN Class 1990 encouraged the Centralian nursing students to love their profession.*

She also answered frequently asked questions on Stroke Preparedness, Bedside Shivering Assessment Score, PT Care Cooling Phase and Pre-Warming Phase and other bed care practices. Gabayeron emphasized the importance of proper documentation in the nursing profession, “Documentation is crucial in the nursing practice. You have to be very detailed in the time, the symptoms, the documentation. This will determine how good you are as a nurse.”

For the closing remarks, Ma. Lourdes Sampiano, Clinical Instructor, CPU College of Nursing thanked Gabayero for sharing her time and expertise to the college. She also hoped that the participants would take into heart the lecture as they become professional nurses later on carrying the banner of CPU.