“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)

During the 43rd Commencement Exercises and Moving Up Ceremony of the Fortress College, Inc. in Kabankalan City, together with their President, Ms. Grace Tingson-Hughes.

Dear Centralian family,

Greetings!

Recognizing the importance of bridging the gap between job seekers and employers, we hosted the JOBFAIR@CPU held at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park on May 8. A total of 1,307 applicants were interviewed, and 29 individuals secured employment on the spot. CPU’s involvement in this event represents our commitment to fostering initiatives together with the Iloilo City government to address the evolving needs of the job market.

On May 20, we accepted Mayor Jerry Trenas’ invitation to participate in the launch of Iloilo City’s legacy book, “Iloilo City Rises – Padayon sa Pag-Uswag” held at the Iloilo Convention Center. As we look to the future, we remain committed to deepening our engagement with community partners and leveraging the collective power of the University populace to create positive change.

In addition, we took part in the 43rd Commencement Exercises and Moving Up Ceremony of the Fortress College, Inc. in Kabankalan City. It was a momentous occasion, not just for the graduates and their families, but for me personally since it was the first commencement exercise I attended as the guest speaker. Fortress College, Inc. conferred a total of 152 students, composed of 10 from kindergarten, 23 from elementary, 36 from the junior high school department, 54 from the senior high school department, and 39 graduates from the technical vocational program. The record number of graduates this year is a testament to the institution’s dedication to expanding opportunities and fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community under the management of Central Philippine University.

We continue to build and solidify partnerships in our respective departments here at CPU. We are excited to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement by the CARES headed by Dr. Jaime Cabarles, Jr. for an upcoming entrepreneurial project. Also, the CPU-Packaging Engineering Department will have its own project known as the ASTM Student Chapter, led Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo.

As we reflect on a month filled with celebration, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the Centralians who have excelled in their respective fields. To Centralians Hubert Canto and Hannah Rose Chavez Tipan, who have dominated the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 6 Online Chess Tournament 2024, out of 137 participants from various schools across Western Visayas. Also, to Centralian Jetirene Iwayan Bayles, for placing 9th in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) – Elementary Level, and to our new Centralian LET passers. For the Elementary Level, CPU achieved an overall rating of 85.71% and 86.57% for the Secondary Level. Students from College of Engineering, namely Hans Gabriel B. Daduya (also the Mr. CPU 2024) and Jenny Rose M. Suelan, were awarded Most Outstanding Students in Technology for this year’s Tech Awards Western Visayas 2024. I am immensely proud of what you have accomplished. Your dedication and hard work serve as an inspiration to us all.

Let us celebrate the milestones we have reached, the partnerships we have fostered, and the camaraderie that always make us proud to be called Centralians!

Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy
CPU President