“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)

On July 30, we had a renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SM City Iloilo held at the SM City Mandurriao Activity Center.

Dear Centralian family,

We are delighted to announce that Atty. Peter C. Corvera, Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees, has been appointed as the Undersecretary of the Department of Education (DepEd). To Atty. Corvera, thank you for your invaluable and sterling service to your Alma Mater. You will be missed here at Central, but you have been tasked with serving our country in a much higher capacity. CPU is proud of you, we support you, and we are praying for the impact you will undoubtedly make in this new chapter of your journey.

Last summer, CPU athletes participated in two major sports events: the 2024 Palarong Pambansa that took place in the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu City, from July 9 to 16 and the 2024 National PRISAA Games held in Legazpi City from July 20 to 26. It’s worth noting that many who represented Western Visayas in both events, including coaches and trainers were Centralians. We were crowned champions during the National PRISAA Games 2024 across the following categories: volleyball tertiary women; softball tertiary women; chess tertiary women; chess secondary girls; secondary girls poomsae; table tennis secondary boys and girls (team event); table tennis tertiary men (team event); 3×3 basketball secondary girls; basketball tertiary women; and football tertiary men. Once again, congratulations to all our athletes, coaches, and trainers. We celebrate with you.

I would like to take this opportunity to shine a spotlight on one of our campus organizations: the CPU Symphonic Band. Over the years, their performances have captivated audiences and showcased the depth of their talents and skills. They have not only brought honor to our community but have also enriched our musical life. We look forward to many more years of beautiful music and wish them continued success.

Collaboration has always been a cornerstone of CPU’s progress, as we remain dedicated to deepening partnerships that will enrich our academic programs, enhance research opportunities, and create real-world impacts. On July 30, 2024, we renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SM City Iloilo. The signing took place at the SM City Mandurriao Activity Center and was attended by the company’s top executives and managers. The said memorandum is in effect for three years, ensuring a long-term partnership between SM and CPU. We are proud to say that our University has been continuously chosen by SM City as an academic partner, which is a testament to the outstanding performance of Centralian students during their on-the-job trainings there.

On July 31, 2024, the Supreme Court of the Philippines officially announced the local testing centers for the upcoming 2024 bar examinations through the Office of the Bar Chairperson. The Supreme Court established 6 LTCs in the National Capital Region (NCR), 2 LTCs in Luzon, 2 LTCs in Mindanao, and 3 LTCs in the Visayas, including Central Philippine University. This year marks the second time that our University has taken on this significant role, reflecting its commitment to supporting the legal community. We are deeply honored and grateful that CPU has once again been chosen as one of the local testing centers in the region. We are committed to playing a key role in the bar examination process, thereby contributing to the advancement of the legal profession.

We are expanding our global research network through strategic partnerships with other institutions, particularly in the Asian region. On July 31, 2024, we had an online launch of an international research collaboration with Tra Vinh University in Vietnam. One of my long-term plans as President of CPU is to increase our research capabilities. I am excited that we are taking a step in the right direction through this research collaboration. International collaboration builds bridges with other institutions and paves the way for a more integrated pursuit of academic excellence.

Just last week, I met with Lee Plagata, President of Central Philippine University Federation of Overseas Alumni Association (CPUFOAA). In that meeting, we agreed to strengthen the relationship between CPU and its alumni around the world. We also discussed the many ways we can enhance our engagement to foster a more connected and supportive alumni network. In line with this, I would like to invite Centralians around the globe to our upcoming 12th Alumni Global Reunion in Toronto, Canada. This event, set to take place on July 10–13, 2025, promises to be a momentous occasion, as we gather in the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Center to reminisce our days at Central, celebrate the remarkable legacy we share, and dream big about the future.

As we look ahead, may the Central Spirit lead us onward – for the betterment of our Alma Mater and for God’s glory and praise!

Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy
CPU President