Guest speaker, Sen. Bam Aquino shared his insights and perspective regarding the TRAIN Law.
Central Philippine University Republic (CPUR) organized a youth forum on Philippine economic situation as a means to shed light on the country’s current economic plight. The forum was held on September 7, 2018 at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The pioneering initiative was done by the Office of the CPUR President in cooperation with the Office of Senator Bam Aquino.
The forum was attended by student leaders of other schools and universities in Iloilo City. Prof. Patrocinio Pudadera, CPU faculty, gave an overview of the TRAIN Law and tax reforms in the country.
Senator Bam Aquino then talked about the consequences of the passage of the TRAIN law, the economic challenges that the government is facing due to inflation, and the role of the youth in today’s economic situation. One of the highlights in Aquino’s message is his comparison of the current price of rice and that of three months ago. He explained how the TRAIN law affected the price of rice and that of other basic commodities.
Aquino has been recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines in the category of Social Enterprises and Community Development. He is also the author of Republic Act 10679 known as the Youth Entrepreneurship Act. The youth forum was part of the Iloilo leg of Aquino’s interaction with the youth and students on issues related to the economy.
CPUR President John Michael Suelo first thanked Dr. Robles for his support to the CPUR and the students of the University. Suelo then commented regarding the forum that “we should be grateful for this support and privileged to engage in a discussion on issues concerning our current economic situations.”
CPUR Senator Niegil Liboon introduced the keynote speaker.
CPU Vice President of Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, in her welcome remarks, highlighted the importance of family relationships in attaining happiness in life.
With the aim of strengthening family ties and rebuilding broken relationships, Raphah Ministries Malaysia conducted a seminar on “Reclaiming Families and Generations” for the CPU faculty and staff at the Educational Media Center (EMC) on May 28, 2018.
Leading the opening prayer was CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico followed by the welcome remarks by CPU Vice President of Finance and Administration, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia. In her message, Dr. Bogacia highlighted the role of CPU, as a center for academic and Christian education to encourage young people to pursue God’s calling in their lives.
Featured guest speakers included Rev. Vincent Lau, Ministry Director and his wife, Pastor JayZee Cheah, co-founders of Raphah Ministries Malaysia.
Rev. Vincent Lau, Ministry Director, talked about the importance of faith in God in strengthening family ties.
The first topic was “The Best and the Worst of Times,” which talked about the real dangers and threats to the family and the true call of the Church for such a time as this. The said topic tackled relationship, marriage, and family breakdowns caused by missing parents, the rise of divorce, abandonment and abuse of children, destruction of generational links, and the loss of personal identity and roots. It highlighted the importance of biblical education and raising strong families and disciples to fulfill end-time purposes.
The second topic was “God’s Blueprint for Families and Generations,” which included a lecture on blessings and curses, the family structure ordained by God, the calling of earthly fathers and the Seven P’s of Godly Parenting, namely: passionate, principled, permanent, positive, preserving, purpose-driven, and prayerful.
The third topic on the other hand tackled about “The Reality of Human Lives,” which included an in-depth talk about hurting sons and daughters and the heart of brokenness, which discussed the issue on identity (self-worth) and significance. Pastor Cheah said that “[e]motions are time travelers; we do not bury emotions dead but alive.”
Participants eagerly listen to Rev. Vincent Lau, Ministry Director and his wife, Pastor JayZee Cheah, co-founders of Raphah Ministries Malaysia.
Pastor Cheah further talked about the stories of Tomohiro Kato, Michael Jackson, and a character she simply called “Son.” All of their stories illustrated the importance of self-worth and identity. Pastor Cheah highlighted that it is important to anchor oneself in Christ to realize that one’s worth is priceless.
The last topic entitled “Reclaiming Families and Generations” discussed God’s heart to heal his broken children. It highlighted the need to heal the individual as a pre-requisite for healing the family. According to Rev. Lau, the keys to reclaim family and generations include: humbling oneself, forgiving, repenting, seeking forgiveness and praying, cleansing and re-dedication, reviewing and renewing, intentional set-up, and seeking Christian professional help.
After the lecture, Rev. Lau prayed for the participants and the families represented in the seminar. For the closing remarks, Dr. Bogacia encouraged the CPU faculty and staff to pursue their God-given purpose in the university: “There is a reason why God placed you here in CPU. He has placed you here for the fulfillment of His glory. It is no accident that you are here and that you are part of the CPU family.”
Dr. Mary O’ T. Penetrante, in her closing remarks, highlighted the importance of conducting talks on economic legislations.
In line with the celebration of CPU’s 15th University Research and Development Week, The Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) in coordination with the University Research Center (URC), Human Resource Development Office (HRDO), and Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCECC) held a seminar entitled “DevTalk on the TRAIN Law” at the KDC Hall, Henry Luce III Library on March 6, 2018.
The objectives of the seminar included discussing the salient changes to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 and other affected laws, determining implications of these changes to educational institutions and individual taxpayers and promoting awareness in price monitoring.
For the welcome remarks, Engr. Amy C. Castigador, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement, highlighted the partnership of research and taxation in community development. “Recognizing the role of taxation in Research and Development not only for CPU but for the country as a whole, CPU is hosting this DevTalk. We hope that we could have more DevTalks or events that tackle burning development issues with a view to getting some questions answered and identifying actions that may need to be taken. All these we consider as part of our stewardship of God-given resources.”
Atty. Joenifer S. Joslito, Revenue Officer II talked about the benefits of TRAIN Law.Participants composed of CPU faculty, staff and students eagerly listen to the lecture.
Ms. Judith Degala, Consumer Protection Division Chief, Department of Trade I Region VI talked about consumer protection and price monitoring. She also discussed the effects of the TRAIN Law on the price of basic necessities and the role of DTI in regulating the prices in the market.
On the other hand, Atty. Brianna Kay T. De Los Santos, Attorney II, Legal Division; Atty. Joenifer S. Joslito, Revenue Officer II; and Mr. Cecil Rey F. Panelo, Group Supervisor, Revenue Officer IV from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, discussed the effects of the law among private employees. They also tackled the amendments on the NIRC Code and the benefits to be expected in the long term application of the law.
An open forum was then moderated by Engr. Jeriel G. Militar, Chairperson, Mechanical Engineering Department. The questions addressed to the DTI and BIR focused mainly on the effect of TRAIN law to consumer goods and the benefits of its implementation.
For the closing remarks, Dr. Penetrante thanked the resource speakers for sharing their time and expertise and the participants for contributing to the discussion. The closing prayer was led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.
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