Student Independent Democratic Party – History of CPU Republic (1988-1990)
At first, the Independents thought that their entry in the CPUR political arena was only transitory. But their noble cause became the ideals of the next line of leaders both those we were and were not involved in the movement.
Gape-Corvera Administration (1988-1989)
Thus, Peter Gape who was a senator in the Salido-Plotria administration and Jonan Castillon, Salido’s executive secretary organized the Student Independent Democratic Party or SIDP. The party maintained the slogan, “I am Independent! I am Free to Serve!” to remind SIDP leaders to work for the interest of the students and not for the party.
Peter Gape, then a senior Political Science student became the standard bearer of the SIDP in the SY 1988-89 CPUR elections. Peter Corvera of the College of Commerce and Accountancy ran as Gape’s Vice President. Both won the CPUR top posts.
Gape who became popular in the campus for his oratorical skills and the former Red-Cross Youth chairperson did not have a hard time campaigning. He reaped what the “Independents”, the forerunner of SIDP had sown—a dynamic CPUR.
Gape’s greatest achievement was the installation of the electronic bell which plays “Central, My Central” during class period. Gape commmissioned Silverio Navarro, a fifth year electrical engineering student to design the electronic bell.
During his term, Gape was able to work out the establishment of a cheaper XEROX copying services, which was then located at the old library building. He initiated the establishment of the CPU postal station.
Perhaps, the House of Senate made a very unique move in the history of CPUR when it elected Artchil Fernandez as Senate President.
Ten SIDP senators dominated the 12-member Senate. Making true the SIDP principle to work for the interest of the students, the Senate elected Mr. Fernandez because he was the most experienced and qualified among the group.
Gensaya-Palabrica Administration (1989-1990)
The SY 1989-1990 marked the third year of the SIDP in CPUR as Joseph Gensaya became the next CPUR president.
Gensaya tried his best to work for a good CPUR. Despite the perception that he had very weak cabinet members, Gensaya was able to come up with significant achievements.
CPUR participated in the establishment of the CPU Postal Station. Senator Brenda Guevarra (SIDP) donated uniforms for the CPU Band.
The CPU Radio Station Proposal
Gensaya with the assistance of Senator Gilbert Longno (SIDP-Engineering) worked out the feasibility of setting up a radio station owned and managed by CPU.
Many students scoffed upon the idea of a CPU radion staion. They thought that Gensaya’s promise would be realized within a year.
[note note_color=”#ffd566″]NOTE: This account is not complete. Former CPU Republic officials are encouraged to provide additional information. Thank you very much.[/note]
TO BE CONTINUED…
Source: Jonan Castillon, “The History of the Revived CPUR and the Emergence of the Student Independent Democratic Party,” Central Echo Summer 1999.
History of CPU Republic – The Reign of Independents (1987-1988)
The CPUR elections of 1987 resulted in the landslide victory of a group of independent candidates. With their slogan “I am Independent! I am free to Serve!” these batch of CPUR leaders captured the sentiments of the students.
Accomplishments of Salido and Plotria (1987-88)
The accomplishments of the Salido and Plotria administration were:
- The construction of the first CPUR freedom board beside Roblee Science Hall;
- Donated textbooks for the different colleges through the Council of Governors and Vice Governors;
- Putting up of the basketball court lights;
- Repair of the waiting shed near the first gate;
- Electric fans for the province of engineering; and
- The construction of a bulletin board at the high school province.
The problems and proposals which the CPUR presented to the Administration that they granted are the following:
- Gate No. 1 was limited for traffic and Gate No. 2 for the pedestrians only;
- painting of the Engineering building;
- fifteen additional stools for the engineering drawing room;
- installation of electric fans at Franklin dormitory’s study area; and
- the repair of broken switches in the Old Valentine Hall, highs school, techno, and agriculture building.
Through the Salido-Plotria administration, the students were able to persuade the Administration to refund the students of their cultural fee payment.
The fee was collected by the Administration without proper consultation from the students. Resolved with the good intentions of the cultural fee, it was then charged in the next semester.
The Salido-Plotria administration was able to conduct the first CPUR Day and homecoming of previous CPUR officials.
It was during the first year of the independents that student activism had regerated in a different approach.
They had achieved so much that their campign propaganda in the next election was, “the astounding truth is the accomplishment of the PANGMASA and Koalisyon in five years of administration could not surpass the one-year administration of the Independents.”
KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE INDEPENDENTS AFTER 1988… (TO BE CONTINUED…)
Source: Jonan Castillon, “The History of the Revived CPUR and the Emergence of the Student Independent Democratic Party,” Central Echo Summer 1999.
The Reign of the Independents/SIDP (1987-1990) – History of the Revived CPUR and the Emergence of the Student Independent Democratic Party
The Reign of the Independents/SIDP (1987-1990)
Independent candidates during their miting-de-avance parade in 1988.
The decision to boycott the school year 1986-87 election created disillusionment to some members of the USP. According to them, they were not consulted about the party’s decision. They said that only top USP officials made the decision whose pride in the “Constitution” issue was affected.
Meanwhile, some idealistic members of the Koalisyon were becoming restless because of the party’s failure to implement programs, which would make leadership impression to the studentry.
The polarization of the CPUR between USP and Koalisyon which deviated the CPUR from a real pro-student government, the failure of both parties to work in unity prompted other leaders both members and non-members of the two political parties to search for an alternative.
Right after the election in 1986, Val Salido, consistent honor student in the College of Engineering was challed by a classmate to make initial plans to organize an alternative group.
Salido was a former CPUR senator (USP) in 1984. He and the classmate discussed their visions of a true pro-student CPUR. They plotted palns for the SY 1987-88 CPUR election.
Immediately, the thought of forming a new party emerged. However, the two realized that forming a party would not be a good solution because they perceived that the students might have negative impressions on political parties based on the present party polarization in the CPUR.
Later, Val Salido, Ryan Comuelo, a high school classmate; and the engineering student leader conceived the idea that instead of forming a party, candidates for all positions would be recruited. They will be instructed to file their candidacy as independents.
This concept was later echoed to Rico Plotria, a classmate in college and in high school. Plotria was a popular leader in the College of Engineering. At that time, the Koalisyon as their next presidential bet was eyeing Rico Plotria.
In SY 1987-88, while the “independent concept” was silently being worked out by Salido, Plotria and their supporters, another group under the leadership of Roy Fajutrao, Jojie Roy Juarez, and David Mark Dominado who incidentally were high school classmates of Salido and Plotria, organize a party.
John Roldan, a fifth year EE student and the chairperson of the Work Student Organization became the standard bearer of this party known as the New Student Alliance. (NSA later became the Democratic Student Alliance).
Meanwhile, Koalisyon, the ruling party was preparing for the year’s election and with hopes to again capture the presidency. However, the party’s popularity was at the ebb because most of the students were dissatisfied with the current CPUR leadership.
The students’ cry for a change in leadership was proven true when at the prelude of the election Koalisyon could not come up with a strong national and provincial line-up of candidates. Some of their leaders in the colleges who were Salido and Plotria’s batch in high school and whom they were counting on to recruit candidates defect to the Independents.
In the college of engineering, the Phi Beta Epsilon Fraternity, which was a PANGMASA and later Koalisyon’s avid follower, shifted its loyalty to the Independent’s cause. Val Salido is a member of the fraternity.
To further strengthen the independent support in the college of engineering, Salido forged union with the Gamma Rho Upsilon, also an engineering-based fraternity. In due time, Koalisyon’s machinery broke down with College of Theology as the only supporting college left.
As the deadline for application of candidacy drew nearer, the remnants of loyal USP leaders made a last effort to establish their presence and participation in the election by circulating printed statemen, “encouraging all USP candidates to run as independents”. However, Amparo Barroma, another high school classmate of Salido and Plotria refrained from distributing such classmates as it would affect the “independent” stand of the group.
The slogan of the independent candidates was “I am Independent! I am free to serve!”. In the election, all “Independent” candidates, except a candidate for representative in high school won the election.
Thus, for the first time in history of the CPU Republic a landslide victory was achieved not by a party but by a group of Independent candidates.
READ WHAT THE INDEPENDENTS ACHIEVED IN A YEAR’S TIME… (TO BE CONTINUED…)
Source: Jonan Castillon, “The History of the Revived CPUR and the Emergence of the Student Independent Democratic Party,” Central Echo Summer 1999.
Achieving Success in the US – A Successful Juan Story
Getting the opportunity to study abroad
Berkeley Baptist Divinity School, Berkeley, California
In 1961, Juan became the Director for Mission and Evangelism of the Convention Baptists. Through the help of Rev. Jesus Vaflor, CPBC General Secretary (1954 – 1964), Juan got the chance to study Master of Divinity in Berkeley Baptist Divinity School, Berkeley, California.
When he went to Divinity School, he found out that his studies wasn’t a full scholarship. He had to work for his board and lodging. The work he experienced in the US school was worse than in CPU for he had to wash plenty of dishes, big stew pots, toilets and scrub floors. Receiving nothing from the Philippines, he found extra income by working in a Dog and Cat Hospital.
In 1964, Juan got a job in a Methodist church. This paved way for the United Methodist denomination to call him to pastor a church in 1965. While working as pastor, Juan did extra job as a house parent. He needed income to finance his wife’s travel to the states.
Venturing into real estate
In 1973, their neighbor’s house was up for sale at a low price. Having the amount, the Anchetas bought the property. Then prices of real estate properties went up because of inflation in the US. It provided the Anchetas the opportunity to resell the property at a much higher price. Thus, began the real estate business of Juan and Nellie Ancheta.
Luzon Kasapulanan pastor participants to the 2008 Celis-Ancheta Seminar that was held in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. Seated at front row are Dr. Val Gonzales (resource person) and his family members
The business did not deter them from God’s work. Juan remained as a full time pastor while Nelly busied herself with the church’s women organization and US-wide ministry involvement. Their faithfulness to God and the Christian ministry provided more business opportunities for them.
The apartment business grew and it provided Juan and Nellie the means to extend the blessings that God endowed them through financial donations. CPU has been the recipient of the generosity of the Anchetas.
The annual Celis-Ancheta Seminar for pastors of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches is one of the continuing education programs that the Ancheta family is supporting through their endowment fund donations at Central Philippine University.
Further educational advancement
Juan finished his Doctor of Ministry at the American Baptist Seminary of the West, Berkeley, California in 1984. A humanist by heart, he translated every opportunity to serve his fellowmen as his spiritual fulfillment.
His passion for service is given life both in the Philippines and the United States. As pastor, he zealously devoted himself to evangelism work with the Convention of the Philippine Baptist Churches. Proving himself to be a genuine servant of God, he was given the honor as Pastor Emeritus of Melrose Methodist Church, Oakland, California.
CPU Alumni Involvements
Imbued with true Central Spirit, Rev. Dr. Ancheta has kept the high ideals of CPU by tendering selfless service, invaluable assistance, and financial help to further the religious, educational, and humanitarian causes of the University. Indeed, his unconditional generosity, social consciousness, humanitarian concerns are Christian acts worth remembering and emulating.
Dr. Juan 'Johnny' Ancheta
He is active in the CPU Alumni Chapter of Northern California, which he and Nellie were pioneer members. Both Dr. Ancheta and Nellie were among the first five persons who started the CPU Alumni Chapter of Northern California in 1969. They both had served as either president or treasurer of the CPUNorCal.
When Nellie had a stroke in 1995, he was chosen by the group to take her place and continue to lead the group until 2009 when the Chapter accepted to host the 2010 Global reunion in San Francisco.
When the Chapter finally accepted to host the gathering, Dr. Ancheta asked to be replaced by a younger leader. He found joy in being one of those who started the CPU Alumni Chapter of Northern California.
Devotion to CPU’s welfare
For his lifetime commitment and Christian achievement as minister of the Gospel and humanitarian leader, Central Philippine University takes pride and pleasure in giving Rev. Dr. Ancheta due recognition and honor.
The Anchetas have been known for their passion for service and generosity in helping church related institutions in the Philippines , and Central Philippine University is a recipient. The Celis-Ancheta Hall for the College of Theology dedicated and inaugurated on June 25, 1997 is concrete evidence.
When Nelly joined her creator in 1998, Juan at 70 years old spend his life fulfilling Nellie’s unfinished dreams of helping those who are in need and developing the work of God both here and abroad. For his benevolent work, Rev. Ancheta received the Honorary Doctorate Degree from Central Philippine University on 3 September 1998.
Juan’s later successes
At age 83, Dr. Johnny Ancheta is still strong and busy in their business and in the work of the Lord. He testifies how the Lord is gracious to him and the members of his family. When Nellie passed away, Junell quit his teaching job and his graduate studies to take care of their business. He is blessed with three grand daughters.
On January 25, 1999, Juan married Aurora Carnaje, a US-based nurse and graduate of CPU.
Johnny and Aurora met Dr. Bernabe Pagara, the Dean of the College of Theology during their November 2010 visit at CPU.
His son, Jorge is working in the Alameda County and living alone.
His eldest, Junell and his wife, Ritsuko have three children, namely: Joan, 13; Jane, 10; and Ellena, 8.
In November 2010, Dr. Johnny Ancheta and wife, Aurora Carnaje Ancheta visited their Alma Mater, especially the College of Theology
Juan Ancheta’s story remains as one example of a man’s successful search for better life, which he achieved through hard work, determination, and most of all, his faith in God.
Indeed, the “greener pasture” is always waiting for those who are willing to commit their lives to diligently work for it, not only for personal welfare but for the greater purpose of helping humanity.
Photo credits: Engr. Pio Go, College of Theology, and Link
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