TheThe - Central Philippine University

PUBLISHED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY JARO, ILOILO CITY, PHILIPPINES
The
REV. WILLIAM O. VALENTINE
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2014
VOLUME 4 NO. 48
From CPU
to the
OLD VALENTINE BUILDING (CPU ARCHIVE)
On October 1, 1905, American missionaries established the Jaro Industrial School in a rented house in Jaro, Iloilo with
Rev. Dr. William O. Valentine as its first principal. There were initially 20 boys who had to work in order to study. By the
time it had a campus in Jaro, the school had 70 students ( Nelson & Herradura ) .
The missionaries gave part –time services with some Filipino instructors and Ilonggo businessmen helping the school to
grow. Buildings were constructed, several courses were added and enrolment increased every year.
The development and progress of the educational system made it possible for Jaro Industrial School to become Central
Philippine College in 1923 and Central Philippine University ( CPU ) in 1953. One hundred nine years after, CPU looks
back to its humble beginnings as it becomes stronger, bolder and firmer.
Central Philippine University celebrated its 109th Founding Anniversary on October 1, 2014. A memorial service was
held at the Philippine –American Cemetery at 6:30 AM in remembrance of Rev. Dr. Valentine and other missionaries
who are buried there. In his reflection, Rev. Francis Neil Jalando-on shared the stories of four men of faith who did not
hesitate to say yes to the call of the Lord. He emphasized how one life can make a difference in mission work.
An Opening Program was also held at the Centennial Walkway and Anahaw Road. Rev. Joniel
Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs, gave the Welcome Message and
Kindergarten classes gave special performances. The CPU ROTC Unit Fancy Drills
performance and the Street Dance competition added more fun to the celebration. Photography
and Poster-Making Contests showcased the artistry of Central ’ s students. In the afternoon, the
CPU ROTC Unit had their Annual Presentation of Sponsors with LTC Enriqueto R Deocadez Jr
INF ( GSC ) PA as Guest of Honor and Speaker. Another highlight of this year ’ s Foundation
Day Celebration is the weeklong
exhibit ( September 29-October 3, 2014 ) of CPU
memorabilla at the lower ground floor of SM City Iloilo. By Cyrus A. Natividad
WATCH OUT!
1
2
3
September-October 2014
INSIGHTS
by Cyrus A. Natividad
Events and festivals
Just came back from a week-long vacation; a respite from a period of activities in school. What did I get? Of course I
had rest, but kids and my family also took advantage of the school semester break. If anything, it was a wholesome time
to bond with brothers, sisters and our dear old mom. All the while I scanned pictures of the recent university events in my
mind.
On October 1, CPU celebrated its 109th Foundation day with the several activities that began with a memorial service at
the Philippine American Cemetery in Jaro. It was doubly significant compared to the past years because the committee
decided to put up a mall display of the CPU Fil-Am cooperation at SM City Iloilo. It’s time other people learned about our
deep rooted friendship with the Americans.
The 87th Commencement Exercises of the University Colleges for the First Semester, SY 2014 – 2015 was held on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. Central Philippine University conferred upon Iloilo Governor
Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. the degree of Doctor of Public Administration, honoris causa . Defensor was the Commencement
Speaker. Hon. Ramona Palabrica Go also received her Outstanding Centralian Award during the ceremony.
We participated in the 19th Philippine UNIGAMES held in Iloilo City from October 20-28 and won several awards. The
annual national event was mainly hosted by another university but the exciting swimming and football games were held
in CPU. I recalled how festive the campus was when we hosted the Unigames in
2009.
Back on my desk is a stack of materials to look at for the new semester. It doesn’t
make a difference that I was refreshed. There’s a kind of excitement with music of
yuletide season already in the air. A few more weeks can spell the rush of people
with the Festival of Lights now undergoing preparation in the University.
But ahead of that is the 4th Regional Agri-Research Fair and Seminar on November
17-21 to be held in CPU. This year’s theme : Organic Agriculture: Opportunities
and Challenges in ASEAN 2015” is encouraging everyone to take awareness of
the need for organic agriculture, as well as business to be shared by farmers in the
ASEAN cooperation. A `festival of towns’ segment in this year’s agri-fair comes with
a food festival-courtesy of the selected municipalities that celebrates Manggahan
Festival, Tinuom Festival, Pantat Festival, and many others. With this development,
our last two months will be full of excitement and festivals. Welcome to CPU!
CPU Boy Scouts raise U.S. and Philippine Flags
during the memorial program at the Phil-am
cemetery.
2
2
3
September-October 2014
87th Commencement Exercises for the 1st Semester, SY 2014 - 2015 of Central Philippine
University
by Carmelle Frances M. Romero
Central Philippine University (CPU) held its 87 th Commencement Exercises of the University Colleges for the First Semester,
SY 2014 – 2015 on Sunday, October 26, 2014, 3:00 PM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
Hon. Arthur D. Defensor Sr, Governor of the Province of Iloilo, was the Commencement Speaker. Central Philippine University also
conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Public Administration, honoris causa, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and
public service, among others. With his numerous achievements in public service, his number of long-term advocacies in various fields,
his fervent dedication to serve and with his transparent and honest governance, Central Philippine University is confident that Gov.
Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. truly inspired and challenged the young graduates of this generation.
During the Commencement Program, the University also recognized Hon. Ramona Palabrica
Go as Outstanding Centralian Awardee for 2014. Hon. Palabrica Go earned her Bachelor of
Science in Chemistry degree from CPU in 1977. Soon after, she enlisted in the Armed Forces
of the Philippines (AFP) where she faithfully and honestly served for more than 31 years. She
retired with the rank of Brigadier General and is the only
lady general in the AFP. Presently, she is the Mayor of
San, Enrique, Iloilo.
At 9:00 AM of the same day, a Baccalaureate Service for
all graduating students was held at the Rose Memorial
Auditorium. The Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, faculty
member of the CPU College of Theology, was the speaker.
Rev. Dr. Narciso earned his Bachelor of Theology and
Master of Divinity degrees from Central Philippine
University and his Ph.D. in Interreligious Studies from
Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He
was formerly the University Chaplain. /CP
Hon. Ramona Palabrica Go receives
the award as Outstanding Centralian
for 2014 from Dr. Robles.
University President Dr. Teodoro
C. Robles confer upon Iloilo
Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. the
degree of Doctor of Public
Administration, honoris causa, with
Ms. Cosette Rivera-Defensor
assisting.
About the honoree
Defensor started his distinguished political career at the young age of 26, when he was elected as the first
Mayor of his hometown Mina, Iloilo. When Martial Law was declared in 1972, Defensor chose to concentrate on
his law practice becoming one of the most brilliant and sought-after lawyers in the City and Province of Iloilo.
DEFENSOR
In 1984, he ran and won as an Opposition Assemblyman of the Batasan Pambansa, representing the Province
and City of Iloilo. In 1986, after the EDSA Revolution, Defensor was appointed by President Corazon C. Aquino,
as Undersecretary of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports. In 1989, he was appointed Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG). In 1992 he was elected as Governor of
the province of Iloilo and was reelected in 1995 and 1998, thus, finishing his three terms as Governor. In 2001
he ran for congressman in the Third District of Iloilo and won. He was also elected for another two terms in 2004
and 2007.
As Congressman
As a third termer congressman Defensor has steered into passage a number of bills considered as landmark legislation and bills of
national significance and import.
During the 12th Congress, Defensor was appointed as Assistant Majority Leader. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Committee
on Basic Education and Culture. He authored or co-authored 110 House Bills, some of which have been passed into law, namely, RA
09160 or An Act Defining the Crime of Money Laundering, Providing Penalties therefore and for other purposes; and, RA 09189 or An
Act Providing for a System of Overseas Absentee Voting by Qualified Citizens of the Philippines Abroad, Appropriating Funds therefore, and for other purposes.
During the 13th Congress, Defensor was appointed as Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Good Government. He was, likewise, a member of all standing committees. He authored or co-authored 130 House Bills, including RA 09346 or
An Act Prohibiting the Imposition of the Death Penalty in the Philippines.
continued on next page
3
2
September-October 2014
Defensor...from page 3
In the 14th Congress Defensor was appointed House Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Rules. He also
helped push important legislations, among which, HB 02844 or An Act Providing for Cheaper Medicines and for other
purposes; HB 1740 or An Act Granting Benefits and Special Privileges to Former Overseas Filipino Workers and for
other purposes, and HB 2112 or An Act Establishing a New Labor Code of the Philippines.
Awards
Defensor is recipient of various awards, among which are the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Fellowship for Professional
Development; the Most Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Iloilo National High School (1989 and 2001); and, more
recently, the Most Outstanding Alumnus Award in the field of Public Service from the UP in the Visayas on the occasion
of its Centennial Anniversary.
Family man
Defensor is happily married to the former Cosette Rivera. They have three children, Arlette, married to Atty. Eric Pilapil;
Arthur, Jr., a lawyer and former Board Member and now incumbent Congressman of the 3rd District of Iloilo, married to
Michelle Camacho-Defensor; and Lorenz, also a lawyer and an associate in the Law Offices of Quasha, Ancheta, Peña
and Nolasco, married to Atty. Vaneza Ungson-Defensor./ CPost
SPORTS
CPU EVENTS STANDING
(From Overall Official Results)
1st RUNNER UP
KARATEDO TERTIARY MEN
1ST RUNNER UP
KARATEDO TERTIARY WOMEN
Congratulations!
From CPU
Sports &
Athletics Family
2ND RUNNER UP
SEPAK TAKRAW TERTIARY MEN
2ND RUNNER
TENNIS TERTIARY MEN
3RD RUNNER UP
BADMINTON TERTIARY MEN
Source: Office of Sports & Athletics
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles
develop your strengths. When you go through hardships
and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”
4
2