CPU student organizations: One at heart for a stronger Central

By Niegil E. Libo-on, Work Students Organization

(1^st Place, Essay Writing Contest, 2018 Annual Evaluation and Exhibits of Student Campus Organizations)

*Niegil E. Libo-on (in blue) representing the Work Students Organization won as Champion in the essay writing competition.*

Central Philippine University has evolved through the years from a humble institution of learning into a community composed of diverse organizations fuelled by science and faith. These organizations have long been hardworking, committed, and Christ-centered as they bind their hearts for a stronger and unified Central, just as it stands today.

The dynamic and versatile student organizations have been the foundation of the bolder, firmer, and more united CPU community we are in. They have organized various programs and activities which enrich that Central Spirit in us little by little. All have been consistent in giving their time and showcasing their talent, not to compete with each other, but to muster everyone’s potential, to lend a hand to those who need it, and, most importantly, to live by the university’s legacy of excellence.

These organizations have never allowed their diversity to hold themselves away from being united as they seek a common end. They have never perceived their differences as deficiencies but, rather, looked at them as blessings as they aim for the same objective. They have never considered each other as competitors but as partners as they toil for the same purpose. The common end they seek, the same objective they aim for, and the same purpose they toil for has propelled them to treasure Central in their hearts.

The CPU organizations have treasured and will always treasure a unified and stronger Central as they continue to cling to the Word of the Lord which reminds them, “for where [their] treasure is, there [their] heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

CPU retains Level IV Accreditation Status

*A commitment to excellence is a commitment to Christ – CPU hopes to continue in giving not only excellent academic programs but exemplary Christian education for life.*

Excellence in Scientia—Central Philippine University maintained the Level IV re-accredited status of six of its undergraduate programs, namely: Secondary Education, Elementary Education, Business Administration, Accountancy, Liberal Arts, and Biology during the survey visit conducted by the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities-Accrediting Council, Inc. led by Dr. Estrella C. Buenaventura and Prof. Erlizabeth R. Camara on February 6-10, 2017. The said programs are granted a five-year re-accreditation status effective April 2017-2022.

Meanwhile, the programs in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Tourism retained their Level II re-accredited status and were advised to apply for a Level III status. The Elementary Program kept its Level III status while the Preschool Program kept its Level II, both effective April 2017-2022. The Special Education Program, on the other hand, has been granted a Candidate Status effective April 2017-2019. The ACSCU Accrediting Council, Inc. will schedule a formal visit to the said program within the two-year period, provided that the recommendations of the survey team are complied with. The Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines has also approved the elevation status of Master of Arts in Education Program, Master in Business Administration Program and Doctor of Education Program from Level III to Level IV effective April 2017 to December 2020.

As Central Philippine University prepares for the next accreditation, it strengthens its commitment to quality education and to providing professional opportunities for its students here and abroad. CPU hopes to achieve greater heights by elevating the accreditation status of its academic programs and by producing degree programs that can be hailed as Centers of Development and Centers of Excellence by the Commission on Higher Education.

It can be recalled that the university ranked first for the most number of academic programs hailed as Centers of Development and Centers of Excellence based on the list of the Commission on Higher Education for Academic Year 2016-2017, as ranked by LocalPulse, a social news and entertainment network that provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and a menu of accurate, complete and relevant information. CPU is the only university from Western Visayas to make it to the top 20. The only other university from Western Visayas to be part of the list is West Visayas State University-Lambunao Campus, which is at number 26.

Centralian wins Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018

*Showcasing the poise and beauty of an Ilongga, Jainga won Best in Festival Costume showcasing graceful interpretation of a Dinagyang Warrior’s ensemble.*

Grace, talent, and wit—Centralian Demi Patria Jainga won the coveted title of Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2018 “Golden Girl” during the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang Coronation Night held at the University of San Agustin Gymnasium on January 21, 2018. Jainga, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology graduate of CPU, bested 12 other candidates. Aside from triumphantly bringing home the crown, Jainga was also awarded the Best in Swimwear and the Best in Interview and she received various corporate nods: Miss Rebisco Choco Mucho, Miss Next Level Fitness Gym, Miss Glutamax, Miss Air Asia, Miss Manulife Philippines, Miss Earth, Water, and Fire Spa and Miss 2Go Express. She also got the Best in Festival Costume Award for the special awards.

*Beauty with a purpose – as the new face of the Dinagyang Foundation, Jainga hopes to help promote Ilonggo pride and culture.*

Besting 12 other contestants, Centralian, Demi Patria Jainga (center) was crowned Miss Dinagyang 2018 Golden Girl. Also crowned as Miss Iloilo Dinagyang Iloilo City 2018 is Centralian Maria Liza Lizada (second from left).

In answer to the final question, “Why is it so important for you to win Miss Iloilo Dinagyang?” Jainga said that, for her, “being Miss Iloilo Dinagyang is not just about the title. It’s not just about being a beauty queen. Miss Iloilo Dinagyang is about being the voice that [speaks]… not just about Miss Iloilo Dinagyang but about Iloilo City. Miss Iloilo Dinagyang is to be an advocate of Ilonggos so that they’d be aware of our rich culture and heritage.” Jainga’s answer captured the favor of the judges as well as that of the crowd and helped her clinch the title.

Representing the Municipality of Pavia and Central Philippine University, she has made her kasimanwas and the Centralian community proud with her achievements.

In 2012, Jainga was crowned as Miss CPU 1^st Runner Up and Pavia CCF Queen in 2013. During her stay in the university, she was part of the CPU Golden Lions Women’s Volleyball Team.

This is not the first time that a Centralian has won the Miss Dinagyang title. Vanessa Ann Ka’ihilani Caro was also crowned Miss Dinagyang 2016 and Merry Grace R. Tubelleja won Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang 2017 Iloilo City.

Loretizo hailed as Jose Rizal Model Student

*Keeping the Centralian flame of excellence burning – Loretizo was chosen as one of the Jose Rizal Model Students.*

Celebrating the 121^st martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal— John Elmer Loretizo, a 5^th year Software Engineering student of Central Philippine University was one of the recipients of the Order of the Knights of Rizal’s Jose Rizal Model Students. Loretizo was awarded at the Knights of Rizal International Headquarters Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila on Rizal Day, December 30, 2018. The Jose Rizal Model Students is an award recognizing young scholars that excel in their academics, engage themselves in co-curricular activities, and are passionate about community service.

A student leader, debater, and community servant, Loretizo has gained recognition in local, national, and international competitions. He bagged the top prize in National Geographic’s “Everyday Genius” with his innovative phone application PaDS or Patient in Transit Diagnostics System, a mobile app that sends a patients diagnostics to the target hospital for treatment preparation. “Everyday Genius” is a contest encouraging young minds all around the globe to submit ideas that might change the world. He was also awarded as the best delegate during the Asia Youth International Model United Nations ASEAN Regional Forum held at Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 3-6, 2017.

With another feat, Loretizo has kept the Centralian flame of excellence bright and burning.