CPU holds 1st Mental Health Summit

By Cyrus A. Natividad

*Senator Risa Hontiveros together with the CPU Republic officers.*

The Iloilo Mental Health Summit was held on September 21, 2018 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, Central Philippine University. Senator Risa Hontiveros was invited as a guest and resource speaker. The conference, which is a first of its kind, was a CPU Republic initiative and its goal was to contribute to mental health awareness. Other resource speakers from the medical profession were also invited and some Iloilo City officials were also present at the event.

University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, welcomed the participants, expressing his gratitude for the relevance of the summit to society today. Hon. Joe Espinosa III, Iloilo City Mayor and Dr. Maria Sophia Pulmones, Chief, MPM, Local Health Support Division, Department of Health – Region 6 delivered their messages, respectively.

Two winning films, Abyan and Indi na Ko Tani, were then shown to the participants. These films tackled topics in relation to mental health to highlight the importance of mental health and why it needs to be addressed.

Afterwards, Dr. Candice Tupas, Iloilo City Councilor, talked about the science of mental health while Jo Jan Paul Peñol, Centralian alumnus and former Editor-in-Chief, Central Echo, talked about overcoming mental health issues by leading a healthy lifestyle. Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian, Rev. Sian talked about the spiritual aspect of mental well-being. Several other speakers took turns in sharing insights about mental health and real stories of struggling against and surviving their mental health issues.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, for her part, discussed the essence of the Mental Health Law to the youth and society. It can be recalled that Sen. Hontiveros is the author of Republic Act No. 1103, the Mental Health Law.

Before her talk in the summit, Hontiveros held an audience with representatives from the Iloilo media. She emphasized that her presence in the summit is an opportunity for her to discuss and detail the essence and fundamentals of the Mental Health Law.

The open forum was then held, followed by an awarding ceremony for video campaign competition.

CPUR President, John Michael Suelo, delivered the closing message before the lunch break. A roundtable discussion took place with Senator Hontiveros and the students after lunch.

During the event, a song number, “Who You Are,” was rendered by Ms. Sharie Faith Biñas, a World Championship of Performing Arts medalist, USA-California and ABS-CBN Tawag ng Tanghalan daily winner.

CPU American Corner holds SCS Certification Workshop

By Keziah G. Huelar

*Prof. Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña, CPU Director of Libraries, in her welcome remarks, highlighted the importance of social media literacy.*

Emphasizing the use of digital media to promote social justice, the American Spaces Philippines held a Smithsonian Civil Society Certification Workshop in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution at the CPU American Corner, 3^rd Floor, Henry Luce III Library on September 25-26, 2018. With the theme “Building Skills with Digital Tools for Social Justice,” the activity aimed to encourage Centralians to use the social media as a platform for advocacies.

For the welcome remarks, Prof. Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña, CPU Director of Libraries, thanked the U.S. Embassy for promoting activities that encourage the youth to use social media for a purpose.

The workshop included a discussion on photography and videography basics by Homer Patriarca Superio, founder and CEO of Finished Work Studios. Keziah G. Huelar, a fellow of the Study of the United States Institutes for New Media and Journalism, lectured about the importance of social justice and the use of social media to promote such, as well as news, feature, and editorial writing.

At the end of the seminar-workshop, the participants conceptualized and produced advocacy videos that tackle issues about cyber-bullying, mental health, education, and indigenous people’s rights.

CPU conducts Pre-employment Training Seminar

by Glaiza Joie D. Aranda

*Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, encouraged Centralians to do their work as unto the Lord.*

A Pre-employment Training Seminar for the graduating students was conducted on September 13 and 14, 2018 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium in Central Philippine University, sponsored by the Career Placement Office in partnership with CPU Alumni Association Inc. and the University Church.

The seminar started with a prayer, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Graduating students of 2018 and 2019 participated in this training that aims to teach the students the skills they would need to get a job and expose them to some real-life work situations after graduation.

Speakers from their different fields of expertise shared their knowledge in job hunting and the biblical learnings associated with their work experiences. One of the speakers reminded the students to “put God first in everything you do.” On creating a good impression on the employer by taking care that one looks good or dresses well, the speaker emphasized that it is “character that matters.” Speakers also mentioned that although a company could hire great workers, Christian workers are still better, not only for the skill that they may possess, but more importantly, the values and character that they hold.

*Centralian asking a question during the open forum.*

To strengthen this point, another speaker alluded to some great corporate leaders who became successful because they used the principles of Jesus. According to Dr. Lejo C. Braña, a CPU alumnus, the formula to success is the 6 I’s and 3 G’s. The 6 I’s include the following: interested, involved, investment, intense, inspiration and improvement. The 3 G’s, on the other hand, refer to the grace and goodness of God. Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of University Church, said that success should be based on biblical principles. We should make the Scriptures as our guide in making godly choices.

Towards the end of the pre-employment seminar, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of CPU Office of Communications, reminded the Centralians that the University Church was designed similar to the Malay Balangay Boat, which implies unity among Centralians in rowing towards the same direction. Students may leave Central Philippine University but the vision of CPU—that is, Exemplary Christian Education for Life—must be lived out. The legacy of EXCEL is not just to know what is right and wrong but to live a Christian life worthy of emulation. As St. Paul wrote, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” In terms of honesty, integrity and hard work, people will look up to Centralians as examples to be followed. He continued by challenging everyone: CPU gives the legacy that gives life, not just in this lifetime but life for eternity. When one thinks of the Central Spirit, one should think and look back to the vision of CPU.

*Centralians eagerly listening to the lecture.*

The CPU Alumni Association Inc., headed by their President, Engr. Isagani Jalbuena, also presented the members of the Board of Trustees, and all the activities and projects of the organization. He also challenged the soon-to-be alumni to attend homecoming activities and to join an alumni chapter wherever they would be later on.

Certificates of appreciation were given to the invited speakers: Dr. Lejo C. Braña, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on and Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian. Those involved in organizing this seminar included the chair and co-chair of PETS Committee, Career Placement Officers, Ms. Rouella Cheyenne C. Aberia, and Mr.Stephen A. Yuson, respectively; the Director of the Guidance Services Center, Ms. Raquel L. Polec-eo; and the Vice-President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico.

The Pre-employment Training Seminar ended with a conviction that the participants gained knowledge and positive learnings that would be helpful in their chosen career and in their life’s journey.

CBA, BCYF hold seminar on CSR-Based Social Entrepreneurship

*Dr. Antonio S. Yap, founder and Chairman of the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation, encouraged Centralians to pursue excellence in their endeavours.*

The Central Philippine University College of Business and Accountancy, in partnership with the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation, held a seminar entitled “Understanding Social Development: CSR-Based Social Entrepreneurship” at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on September 11, 2018.

The opening prayer was led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications. It was then followed by the singing of the National Anthem conducted by Mrs. Crista S. Huyong, Director, CPU Cultural Affairs Office.

For the welcome remarks, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, CPU Vice President for Administration and Finance, shared the strong bond of the university with the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation: “It is a blessing that we are partnering with the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation in the conduct of the social enterprise campus tour. The foundation espouses not only CSR [corporate social responsibility], but more importantly, personal social responsibility. Our society needs students, graduates, professionals, and citizens with a true understanding of what our responsibility is.”

Dr. Antonio S. Yap, founder and Chairman of the Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation, thanked CPU for the warm welcome. He also inspired the participants to celebrate life through a perspective of faith by pursuing to do what is good: “We believe that every single one of you matters—whatever we are, we have a chance to do good.”

Ms. Marian Bartolome, Communication Officer, talked about the background and awards programs of BCYF.

The seminar showcased a talk from Mr. John Michael P. Lava, Ayala Young Leader and Head of the Visayas and Mindanao Operations of Deloitte. He shared about the Deloitte CSR Youth Awards. Lava also highlighted the importance of CSR and he recognized the university’s help in the promotion of CSR.

The talk was followed by a panel interview, consisting of innovative leaders from the community and all over the country. The members of the panel shared their ideas and their grassroots application of CSR as a medium of changing communities.

The event was made possible through the earnest efforts of the program committee led by Dr. Lorna T. Grande, Dean, College of Business and Accountancy.

CPU College of Education holds Basic Sign Language Workshop

*Ms. Catherine B. De La Torre inspired the participants of the seminar with her faith and confidence.*

With the aim of promoting inclusivity in the community, the Central Philippine University held a Basic Sign Language Workshop at the 4^th Floor Conference Room, Henry Luce III Library on August 28, 2018.

The seminar featured Ms. Catherine B. De La Torre, the first hearing-impaired graduate of CPU (2012). She is also the first hearing-impaired from Western Visayas to pass the May 2015 LET examinations. She is currently a scholar of the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where she will be studying for one and a half years.

*Participants during the Basic Sign Language Workshop.*

De La Torre taught the basics of sign language and encouraged Centralians to develop appreciation for sign language conversations. She also shared her journey in CPU. According to De La Torre, her stay in the university taught her to persevere and to rely on God for strength.

WSSP holds seminar on Personality Development

*WSSP Officers with the donations given by the CPUAAI Florida Chapter.*

Empowering Centralians by innovating the heart and mind—The Central Philippine University Work Student Study Program held a Personality Development Seminar for Centralian work students at the Educational Media Center on March 5, 2018.

For the opening remarks, Prof. Annalie Gilongos, WSSP Coordinator, encouraged the work students to persevere, to work hard, and to offer their success to God. The seminar featured Mandy Salcedo, a graduate of CPU Development High School and one of Iloilo City’s top fashion designers. Salcedo studied at the Manchester School of Fine Arts in London, England.

*CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with Prof. Annalie Gilongos, WSSP Coordinator, Mrs. Nica Abaldo, Adviser, WSSP and Guest Speaker, Mandy Salcedo.*

*During the open forum, participants got to express their queries.*

In his message, Salcedo encouraged the working students to pursue their dreams and to be strong in times of challenges because success is bound to arrive. He also shared his journey as an aspiring designer. Salcedo talked about the importance of believing in oneself and one’s capacity for success.

Apart from protecting the welfare of the Centralian work students, the WSSP seeks to conduct activities and seminars that cater to the holistic training of Centralian work students. The organization’s dedication is seen in their continuous support to enrich and inspire work students to achieve their dreams.