“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)

Attendees during the Heads of Institutional Strategy Summit in Singapore on July 15-19, 2024.

Dear Centralian family,

In underscoring the University’s commitment to leadership in higher education, I attended the Heads of Institution Strategy Summit jointly sponsored by the United Board for Christian Education in Asia (UBCHEA) and Singapore Management University in Singapore on July 15–19, 2024. This summit gathered 27 top university leaders across Asia, where we discussed academic strategies through the exchanging of ideas on the evolving landscape of higher education. Guided by the theme “Empowering Higher Education in Asia,” the event focused on the critical trends and challenges facing institutions today. We engaged in discussions on Key Trends and Challenges – Preparing for Tomorrow, Leading Transformation and Innovation, and Leading the Organization.  The topic Making Transformation Happen highlighted the necessary steps that we must practice and implement in relation to the strategic initiatives of our respective institutions.  The week ended with a topic focusing on Making It Happen, where we were able to summarize and consolidate what we have learned throughout the summit. CPU’s participation in such high-level discussions reflects our desire to be at the forefront of educational excellence and innovation in the region and beyond.

As we reflect on the recent commencement exercises for the CPU-College of Law and the CPU-College of Medicine, we are filled with gratitude. These events represent significant milestones in the ongoing journey of our University as evidenced by the conferral of 31 Juris Doctor degrees and 70 Doctor of Medicine degrees. I express my deepest thanks to our esteemed faculty and staff for your unwavering support and guidance in shaping the lives of our Centralian graduates. Also, to the graduating classes of both colleges, always remember that your commitment to excellence, your perseverance, and your faith in God have brought you to these remarkable moments.  We are proud of you.  The world awaits your contributions, and I am confident that you will bring the same level of passion and diligence you have learned here at Central. Finally, I would like to acknowledge our distinguished commencement speakers, who made these exercises memorable. To Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, your willingness to share your time, insights, and stories with us speaks volumes about your commitment to fostering the next generation of legal professionals. To Rev. Dr. Limuel R. Equiña, Executive Director of the Association for Theological Education in Southeast Asia, and Dr. Leilanie A. Nicodemus, MD, FPAFP, MSCM, thank you for inspiring and motivating our graduates. Your impact on their lives is immeasurable, and once again we are grateful for your contribution to this special occasion.

On July 22, we took a significant step towards building a disaster-resilient campus and community by hosting a lecture-workshop held at the Educational Media Center Conference Room. The event, themed “Bantayog ng Katatagan at ang Pagbubuklod sa Layuning Kahandaan,” is part of a month-long observance aimed at enhancing the country’s preparedness and resilience when natural disasters and calamities occur.  Our goal is to position CPU as a center of excellence in disaster resilience, working closely with government and private institutions.

Aside from initiatives towards resiliency, we are also committed to setting an example for other educational institutions and contributing to broader environmental conservation efforts. On July 23, we signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) together with the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. for Project AGUBAY (Awareness, Guidance, Unity, Biodiversity, Action, Yield). This serves as another significant step in our efforts to enhance solid waste management on campus and in our local communities. I encourage the Centralian community to embrace and actively participate in the future programs and activities of Project AGUBAY. Let us work towards excellence in every aspect of our mission, always keeping sustainability at the forefront of our efforts for a cleaner and greener future.

As we continue to explore, learn, and grow, let us hold fast to the core values of Faith, Character, Justice, Stewardship, Excellence and embrace the journey ahead.

Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy
CPU President