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MAY 2016

The The From

CPU

to the

World!

VOLUME 6 NO. 61

Official logo of

the CPBC 5th

Biennial General

Assembly

The 5th Biennial Conference of the Convention of Philippine

Baptist Churches (CPBC) was held at Central Philippine

University from May 17 to 19, 2016. More than 800 delegates

and guests from churches belonging to the CPBC nationwide

attended the biennial conference.

The assembly was formally opened at the University Church

by CPBC President Rev. Dr. Melvin Mangana. The Rev.

Judson Herbilla, Sr., outgoing CPBC General Secretary,

delivered the State of the Convention Address. Activities were

held at the University Church, Rose Memorial Auditorium and

other venues inside CPU.

Ms. Debbie Mulneix of the American Baptist Churches-

International Ministries; Rev. Bonny Resu, General Secretary

of the Asia - Pacific Baptist Federation, Rev. Fr. Rex RB

Reyes, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches

in the Philippines were among local and international mission

partner representative to greet the convention. Iloilo City

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog welcomed the delegates and

gave his greetings.

The Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches was formed in

1935. It traces its roots back to the early American Baptist

Foreign Mission society and is based in the Visayas region

with headquarters on Fajardo St., Jaro, Iloilo City . It has more

than 800 member churches nationwide. C.Natividad

STRATEGIC PLANNING – Deans, Unit Heads, Administrators and

Alumni representatives listen to a proposal presentation for

SY 2016-2017 Strategic Plan during the performance review at the

EMC conference Hall on May 24, 2016.

Opening program inside the

University Church

CAN PHOTO

CPU administrators, deans and unit heads held a

performance review on the previous years’ strategic plan last

May 24, 2016 . Participants reported each progress and

performance (what have been reached out of their projected

strategic proposals for the University) a few years back.

With the implementation of K-12 (Senior High school) starting

SY 2016-17, new strategic plans were needed particularly in

organizational, administrative and financial areas.

The session which will end with a Strategic Planning

Workshop on June 9-10, will impact on the new curriculum

because of the necessary changes in workforce, construction

and budgets. CAN

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May 2016

President’s Message

Central Philippine University can always be proud of her

active Alumni Chapters all over the world. Such enthusiasm

has helped CPU reach her goals and fulfill her mission of

providing exemplary Christian education. Looking at the 24-

hectare campus, with its scenic landscape and constantly

improving facilities, one cannot help but also see the many faces of alumni who,

once, have walked through her picturesque and history-rich buildings and who, now,

are generously sharing what they have so that CPU could continue her realization of

imparting knowledge and strengthening Christian faith.

As we celebrate our 9th Global Reunion this year, may we not only exchange stories

and reminisce about our time at CPU, but may we also be reminded of what we have

achieved collectively that we may look forward to what we could still achieve for our

alma mater.

The Global Reunion is not just an ordinary gathering of Centralians. It is a

celebration of the strong bond that we have established throughout the years. It is

a recollection of beautiful stories and unforgettable experiences of our stay at our

dear Central. It is a get-together of individuals who share the same passion and

steadfast dedication to keep the Central Spirit alive.

I congratulate the CPUFOAA under the leadership of Larry Lebiga for their efforts in

making sure that this Global Reunion is a success and will encourage each of us to

continuously work together for the betterment of our beloved Alma .

It is my fervent prayer that the 9th Global Reunion be a success. May God bless our

future endeavors!

Teodoro C. Robles President

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May 2016

CAN PHOTO

We’re done with elections but we’re left with questions like how

`Digong Duterte’ the incoming President of the Republic of the

Philippines got a phenomenal victory, and many other

questions left unanswered.

Well, let’s leave it at that, and move on to other issues and

priorities that will impact on our society. But before we can even

move one step away from the questions on Duterte, it is

possible that he has the answers anyway.

The overwhelming issues that have impact on our society are

among others, food security, unemployment, criminality and the

long lost sense of Filipino values. Is change really coming?

The new administration can mean any of the following

expectations to most people (as promised): eradication of

criminality, graft and corruption, proactive participation of a lot

of agencies on food sufficiency, development of job security

and social justice, and a strong federal structure under the

parliamentary system.

I would like to share some thoughts on the last item. A

respected constitutionalist, and former dean of a law school Fr.

Joaquin Bernas once predicted “ The Republic of the

Philippines will eventually go Federal”. What is it to us?

First, according to Bernas, in a federal government, power is

divided between central and local governments. Each level of

government enjoys real autonomy in the areas of legislation,

appropriations, taxation and administration – in a sense ,

decentralization that many of us have waited for.

In federalism, not just the powers and functions of government

are decentralized, progress and development are decentralized

as well. It is strategically distributed among various local

government units. How long should people in the provinces

continue to wait for dole outs from the national government?

Equal opportunity for both levels of government can generate

greater productivity and high moral of stake holders and local

government officials. Our country with a diverse culture,

language, and religion must have Federalism working with us

favorably. A federal system of government has worked

effectively with several countries - the U.S. and Japan among

others.

The political conflicts at the moment will find solutions; maybe

even safely let us realize our dream of a better Philippines

through this prospect.

Maybe this is a test of our faith. There maybe a storm, but God

our protector will surely be with us in our boat.

BY CYRUS A. NATIVIDAD

Thoughts on Federalism

BY CYRUS A. NATIVIDAD

By FRANCIS NEIL G. JALANDOON

Dear friends, Vacation Church School every summer is usually for our children and not for adults. When Pavia Baptist Church invited me to teach in the adult class, I was delighted to know that they designed a curriculum specifically for them. The teaching ministry is indeed part of the Great Commission that Jesus commanded us to do -- "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." We can see three things in this mandate: First, we are mandated to teach others. It is the duty of each Christian to teach. We cannot delegate that duty to others. Second, we must study all the commands of Jesus because that is the content of our curriculum. The people must have the knowledge of the commands of Jesus. Third, the main objective of our teaching ministry is for people not just to know the commands of Jesus, but more importantly to obey them. The desired result of our teaching is that people will be obedient to the will of God. Sincerely, Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Here comes the rain again. Students get drizzled by a

little rain inside CPU campus after a long hot summer

season brought about by the El Niño.

CAN Photo

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May 2016

SOCIAL WORK PROJECT REAPS RESULTS IN BADIANGAN

By Dimpna C. Castigador

With support from the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia, Central Philippine University (CPU) recently wrapped up a project on “Curbing the Menace of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking through Service – Learning”. The project leader was Prof. Carol kay Blando, faculty of Social Work Dept and Coordinator of Iloilo House of Refuge, a partnership of CPU and NGO ATIPAN. This project which started in 2014 suffered a temporary setback when Rev. Edwin Lariza, Chairperson of Social Work Dept, passed away. Prof. Kareen Jay Diesto then took over his position as Acting Chairperson. Social Work students enrolled in “Seminars on Social Work” and volunteers of Iloilo House of Refuge advocacy team were trained to deal with issues on domestic violence and other family welfare concerns. They were then organized into a Social Work Advocacy Team (SWAT). Other service learning activities were also done e..g. reflection on their learnings, evaluation of activities. This project gave rise to several other opportunities for partnership with the municipality of Badiangan. One of these is the partnership against malnutrition among some day care children. This also involved a feeding program and advocacy campaign about family and domestic violence. Prior to this, for three consecutive years, the LGU was No. 1 in Iloilo Province for malnutrition. When the project ended, the LGU improved in its nutrition performance and is now at No. 10 for malnutrition. Mayor Serafin Villa hopes to further improve the nutrition and family welfare status of the municipality.

The beneficiary families shared that because of the project, they

learned not only about nutrition – which served as entry point for the project – but also about the domestic violence and trafficking and family management. The self-esteem of students greatly improved as they were given the opportunity to conduct seminars to barangay officials, barangay health workers, day care center parents and pupils, and other barangay residents. Further, the students appreciated the relevance of their college program even more. Both faculty members and students highly benefitted from the application of service learning. For these, they are thankful for the support of the University, the United Board and other partner organizations. Another partnership that stemmed from the project is that with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The Social Work Department through the Outreach Office has been tapped by DILG for the pilot implementation of the Barangay Violence against Women and Children Desk (Barangay VAWC Desk) in the municipality of Oton, Iloilo. This offshoot project is For more information about the Social Work program of Central Philippine University, please contact: Prof. Kareen Jay Diesto –Lozada, Acting Chairperson Prof. Carol Kay Cortuna – Blando, Coordinator, Iloilo House of Refuge Tel. 033 3291971 loc 1095 Email carolkay_cpu@yahoo.com.ph

Mulling over K-12

CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles shared

his plans on the organization and operation of

the University, in view of the K-12

implementation starting June 2016.

The K-12 is widely seen as a necessary

additional burden to parents, teachers and

schools at large. However, global

competitiveness compelled the government to

implement K-12 thru the Department of

Education. (DepEd)

The success of the K-12 educational program

of the government hinges on the required

additional years for students in high school,

additional classroom constructions, and

adjustment in teachers’ load, and, or

displacement of school employees.

The CPU administration, on the other hand

made sure that no employees will be

terminated during the implementation. CAN

May 2016

My Vision for CPBC Jerson B. Narciso

For the past 81 years of its existence as a national organization, the Convention of Philippine Baptist

Churches has gone through different transitions and stages in its leadership and ministry. Our missional

context is constantly changing and we have been confronted with the nagging questions of how we can

make sense of our own time, and how we can make our organization more potent and relevant as we seek

to address new challenges and opportunities amidst changing times.

My appointment as General Secretary of CPBC comes as a great challenge. For me, this is a significant

moment of commitment to God’s redeeming and reconciling work. This is the beginning of a new adventure,

the end of which only God can see. But I am confident that both then and now, and as we face the demands of the ministry ahead,

the spirit of God descends with power to make us one, equipped and prepared to journey together as we do God’s mission in the

world.

To keep abreast with the call and demands of ministry in our time, we need to have a UNIFIED, STRONG and DYNAMIC

Convention. This vision can be made possible by focusing on the following program directions:

1. Utilization and maximization of our CPBC properties and other resources to make them productive and become major source/s

of our revenues. A paradigm shift is necessary. We need to transform CPBC from a donation and solicitation dependent organization

to a SERVICE PROVIDER organization.

2. Creation of local-based and sustainable income generating projects. For so long a time, we have been dependent on resources

coming from our funding partners abroad to finance many of our programs. We need to establish and strengthen local IGPs to meet

the increasing financial demands of our organization.

3. Develop a culture of dialogue, sharing and consultation with church and institutional leaders, kasapulanans, and auxiliary

organizations. As an expression of our desire to have a unified, strong and dynamic CPBC, I propose that we strengthen our

covenantal relationship with our Kasapulanans to promote the spirit of collaboration rather than competition.

NARCISO

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From the Family

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May 2016

From CPU

To the World!

4. Promote participatory and shared leadership. That

means, listening to God’s voice from different

situations, groups and individuals- even to our

critiques. It also means providing enough space for

participation from our CPBC constituents.

5. Establish intentional Succession Planning Program.

Succession planning means, having a systematic

process where we identify people with “high

potentials” to become leaders of our Convention.

These “high potential” individuals must be carefully

selected and then provided training and development

that gives them skills and competencies to make sure

that our convention is better prepared to tackle future

challenges.

6. Development of comprehensive Evangelization and

Church Planting Program. The initiative should come

from CPBC leadership through the Missions and

Evangelization Department. In the next three years,

we will explore opportunities to plant new churches in

strategic places here and abroad.

7. Create a Research Development and Publications

Department. Successful projects and programs are

products of good and scientific research. This depart-

ment can also produce literature, textbooks, Bible

Study and Sunday school materials for churches and

church-based schools.

9. Strengthen the Ministers’ Continuing Theological

Education and Pastoral Placement Program.

10 Explore creative ways of doing ministry through me-

dia, music, sports, arts and digitalized programs.

11. Establish more linkages and strengthen relation-

ships with international partners, government agencies,

NGOs, Civic organizations, and other religious organi-

zations.

The

9TH CPU ALUMNI GLOBAL REUNION 2016 REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE ON CPU WEBSITE

www.cpu.edu.ph

www.cpu.edu.ph/publications

...Narciso from page 5

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May 2016

Forty Five volleyball teams from Guimaras and Iloilo will join the

2nd Iloilo City Development Volleyball League (ICDVL) which kicks

off at Central Philippine University on June 18, 2016 at the CPU

Covered Gym. A second venue is at the Iloilo national High School.

CPU was one of the defending champions during the previous first

tournament.

CPU defends championship title in ICDVL

CARMELLE FRANCES ROMERO

Editorial Consultant

TEODORO C. ROBLES, PhD

Adviser

From CPU

to the World!

CYRUS A. NATIVIDAD

Editor in Chief

BARRY MATUTINA

Web Placement Coordinator

MIKE FLORES

Field Assistant

The

http://centralpost.cpu.edu.ph