For 112 years and counting, Central Philippine University has been providing Exemplary Christian Education for Life to Filipino and international students.
The enrollment figures of Central Philippine University are steadily rising again amidst the implementation of the K-12 program that saw no second year and third year college students for this year. The CPU Registrar’s Office reported a rise of 4% compared to that of last year’s enrollment statistics. Last SY 2017-2018, CPU had 11,887 students while this year it rose to 12,367.
Pre-collegiate (kindergarten, elementary, junior high school, and senior high school) statistics show that CPU has 4,348 students for this school year compared to 4,032 last year. The collegiate figures show an increase also from 7,123 students to 7,358. As of the moment, the post-graduate figures show a decrease of statistics from 732 to 661 students. However, this does not include the College of Medicine, which has not started its enrollment yet.
By 2021 when the K-12 and college cycles will be completed, CPU is expecting about 16,000 students to be enrolled.
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.
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles with Transnational Program Office Director Dr. Rowena Libo-on and Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence P. Bogacia.
Dr. Rowena Libo-on, Director for Office of Transnational Programs, in an interview stated that one of the reasons for the existence of the university transnational programs is “to initiate and strengthen national and international linkages with individuals and institutions for mutual development here and abroad” as provided in the Administrative Manual.
The initial discussion and the preparation of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) was spearheaded by the President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, and ably assisted by Atty. Aila Endonila, Legal Counsel; Dr. Rowena Liboon; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Administration; and Dr. Jessica Chin, then Director of the International Programs.
The program started with the undergraduate course offering in Master in Business Administration and Master in Public Administration. As the number of students grew, the CPU Board of Trustees through Resolution No. 11, dated December 7, 2013, approved the creation of the Department of Vietnam Programs under the College of Business and Accountancy.
Dr. Liboon with the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Myanmar Institute of Theology.
The strategic plan also included plans to increase enrolment, such as offering distance education program and increasing the number of programs abroad. The Department of Vietnam Programs was changed to Office of Transnational Programs and was approved by the CPU Board of Trustees during a Regular Meeting in its Resolution No. 6 on November 11, 2015.
The new name gave way to more opportunities for academic programs and linkages with foreign universities and institutions. As of now the Office of Transnational Programs is preparing for its academic programs with the Myanmar Institute of Theology, College of Liberal Arts for its joint programs in Master in Business Administration. Another project for Transnational Programs this year is the offering of degree programs online.
The advantage with CPU Transnational Programs according to Dr. Libo-on is that “our partner,” Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) has its own International Cooperation Center for Training and Study Abroad (ICCTS). The Center has support staff for each of the program with CPU.
Dr. Robles (5th from Right and Atty Von Lovel Bedona (fourth from Right) with CPU VIP+s are in the front row with Graduates of TNU-TUEBA in Vietnam.
On the other hand, CPU’s best practices on the Transnational Programs with Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration (TUEBA) include choosing highly qualified faculty, faculty orientation prior to the teaching assignment, full compensation for the local teaching load while teaching CPU programs in TUEBA, mutual support for students in TUEBA—including CPU faculty participation in thesis evaluation and defense.
Only those with master’s degrees can teach in the undergraduate programs while only those with doctoral degrees can teach in the graduate programs. In their Vision, it is stated that “the Office for Transnational Programs endeavor to achieve national and international recognition as a top institution of higher learning in the Philippines and in Asia.”
Dr. Fernandez ( second from the left) with the other BIOTA –WV officers and convention lecturers.
The 18th 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.
The participants.
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.
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 President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles accepts the Certificate of of Recognition for being the 6th Top Performing School in the November 2017 Nursing Licensure Examination. from Hon. Cora A. Añonuevo, Member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing.
The Professional Regulation Commission Board of Nursing, Professional Regulation Commission Region VI in collaboration with the Central Philippine University College of Nursing held the Oath-Taking Rites of New Nurses at the University Church on January 30, 2018.
For the welcome remarks, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the new nurses for passing the November 2017 Nursing Licensure Examination. He also commended the CPU College of Nursing for their exemplary performance on the said examination, “This is but the beginning of your professional career as nurses. Your hard work and the love and support of your parents have helped you reach this moment. I thank your college because they have helped you become prepared for what you will be facing in your new journey.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, CPU College of Nursing, CPU College of Nursing Faculty and Staff, Ms. Joy S. Jalbuena, MPA, Senior Professional Regulations Officer of the Professional Regulation Commission Regional Office VI and Hon. Cora A. Añonuevo, Guest Speaker and Member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing together with the Centralian nurses.
Ms. Joy S. Jalbuena, Senior Professional Regulations Officer of the Professional Regulation Commission, Regional Office VI, introduced guest speaker Hon. Cora A. Añonuevo, Member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing.
In her inspirational message, Hon. Añonuevo congratulated the new Centralian nurses and talked about the importance of the nursing profession, “As we welcome 56 new Centralian nurses today, I congratulate you—because, now, your names are in the roster of Philippine nursing professionals. Our profession is the backbone of Philippine health care, your education and training in your college will help you in the challenges of discharging your duties.”
She also encouraged the new nurses to take confidence in themselves, “What does it mean when one takes an oath? It means that you will now be looking for a job. Here, branding is important. It is important to brand yourselves as confident nurses. Confidence is the most important tool in your toolbox. Be aware of your strengths. Filipino nurses are the best for Filipinos, the choice of the world.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the new Centralian nurses and their parents.For the Glory of God and the pride of Central -CPU nurses officially take their oath at the University Church.
After the message, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, College of Nursing, presented the 56 new Centralian nurses for the official oath-taking. Leading the oath-taking is Hon. Añonuevo.
She then presented Dr. Robles and Atty. Salex a Certificate of Recognition to CPUas the 6th Top Performing School in the November 2017 Nursing Licensure Examination. It was then followed by the reading of the Code of Ethics by Alexis Michaela R. Tomon and the Florence Nightingale Pledge was led by Marinel Jane L. Palermo.
Joshua S. Giguera gave the response on behalf of the batch. In his speech, Giguera thanked CPUand their families for honing them and encouraging them to finish the challenging task of their aspirations to be nurses. He highlighted that it was his faith in God that made him persevere. He encourages his fellow batch mates to pursue God and to pray when difficult times meet them in their journey, “It wasn’t just about passing the board. It was about challenging yourself to do beyond what you can do. In those difficult times, my prayers to God made me persevere. I knew he was listening. I knew I could leave my fears and doubts behind. I encourage my fellow colleagues to pursue God and to value the strength of family ties in order for us to succeed in our chosen profession.”
Carolyn L. Yoro, President of the Philippine Nurses Association, Region VI, then led the PNA oath.
Prof. Adele Grace G. Fegarido shares her insights about the struggles of being a pastor and how to overcome them with faith and persitence.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:25
More than 700 pastors from all over the country gathered at Camp Higher Ground, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo as the Convention Baptist Ministers’ Association Inc. (CBMA) held its 77th Annual Assembly on January 18-20, 2018.
With the theme, “Reinventing Servant-Leadership, Responding to the Call of Times,” the assembly aimed to equip and empower pastors as servant leaders in their ministries. According to Pastor Jec Dan Borlado, CPBC Director for Pastoral Placement, Theological Education, and Ministerial Concerns, “This event is a visual expression and a concrete expression of our unity and our fellowship that we belong to one community of faith. It helps renew relationships and revive old friendships as the minsters and church leaders share their testimony to encourage one another.”
Rev. Rosan Valencia-Tabaodaja encourages the participants to hold on to the promises of God.The ordained ministers of the CPBC during the CBMA General Assembly.
There were lectures aimed at encouraging church leaders to believe in themselves and in their calling and to enhance their knowledge in leading their churches to become an integral ministry of serving the community where they are located. Prof. Adele Grace G. Fegar talked about “Servant-Leaders Ministering Self and Family,” Rev. Dr. Steve Smith lectured on “Servant Leadership Ministering to Institutions and Organizations,” and together with Rev. Dr. Smith, Dr. Emo Yango, Rev. Jasher M. Gastaya and Pastor Russell M. Ban shared their insights on “Servant-Leaders Ministering to other Faiths, Races and Ideologies.”
The annual CBMA General Assembly aims to unite and to encourage church leaders of the convention all over the country.
CBMA is the national organization of pastors serving the churches of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
The CBMA officers are: Pastor Elizer G. Geromiano, President; Rev. Oliver E. Lambatin, Vice President; Pastor Danna Beatrize R. Yee, Secretary; Pastor Nilo Bacas, Treasurer; and Rev. Mark A. Vergara, Auditor.
Educational 