CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

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A Legacy of Heritage: Central Philippine University Buildings Listed in the Philippine Registry of Heritage

by | Nov 15, 2024 | Centralian Link

By Mikee Natinga Norico

Central Philippine University’s iconic heritage buildings – Stuart Hall, University Church, Old Valentine Hall, Franklin Hall, Weston Hall, Mary J. Thomas Hall, Eugenio Lopez Memorial Hall, and Roblee Science Hall – now listed on the Philippine Registry of Heritage. Click this link to explore more photos: CPU Heritage Buildings.

Central Philippine University (CPU) has long been a cornerstone of education and history in Iloilo. Founded in 1905 by American Baptist missionaries, the institution has not only contributed significantly to the development of local education but has also become a symbol of rich cultural heritage. As of August 2024, several of CPU’s iconic buildings have been officially recognized and listed on the Philippine Registry of Heritage (PRH), also known as the “Talapamana ng Pilipinas”, under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). This recognition is a testament to the university’s pivotal role in shaping Iloilo’s history while preserving its architectural legacy.

Initially established as the Jaro Industrial School, CPU began as a vocational institution for poor boys in Iloilo. These students worked to pay for their education, marking the beginning of what would become the first student government in the Philippines, founded in 1906. Throughout its journey, the school evolved, first becoming Central Philippine College in 1923 and later attaining university status in 1953. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, CPU reopened after the liberation of Iloilo City in 1945, continuing to serve as a beacon of hope and learning for generations.

Today, CPU is recognized not only for its academic excellence but also for the rich cultural history embodied in its buildings, many of which are now part of the Philippine Registry of Heritage. This inclusion highlights the importance of preserving these architectural landmarks for future generations.

The Philippine Registry of Heritage (PRH), created under the National Heritage Act of 2009, is an essential initiative that identifies and preserves cultural properties across the country. It serves as a central repository for all information regarding cultural heritage, and the buildings at CPU are now among the officially recognized cultural properties in the Philippines. These buildings hold historical and cultural significance, contributing to the identity and story of both the university and the nation.

The following buildings at CPU have been included in the PRH:

  • Franklin Hall (Bulwagang Franklin): A male dormitory located near the Engineering Building, facing the CPU Football Field. Its windows overlook a refreshing green field, offering a peaceful study environment.
  • Weston Hall (Bulwagang Weston): A female dormitory across the football field from Roblee Science Hall and Franklin Hall.
  • Stuart Hall (Bulwagang Stuart): Originally built between 1913 and 1914 as the Principal’s Residence, this is the oldest structure on CPU’s campus. Although damaged by fire during World War II, its basic structure survived and was later repaired. Renamed in honor of Dr. Harland Stuart, the building now houses the Student Service Enterprise on the first floor, with the Legal and Technical Office, Safety Officer, Purchasing Office, and CPU Republic on the second floor.
  • Old Valentine Hall (Bulwagang Old Valentine): Named in honor of CPU’s founder, Dr. William O. Valentine, this building is now home to the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education.
  • Mary J. Thomas Hall (Bulwagang Mary J. Thomas): Named to honor early university benefactors.
  • Eugenio Lopez Memorial Hall (Bulwagang Eugenio Lopez): A memorial dedicated to the Lopez family’s philanthropic support of CPU.
  • Roblee Science Hall (Bulwagang Pang-agham ng Roblee): Reflects CPU’s commitment to science and innovation in education.
  • University Church (Simbahan ng Pamantasan): A spiritual landmark that has served as the heart of CPU’s campus for decades.
  • Anna V. Johnson Hall (Bulwagang Anna V. Johnson): Constructed in 1939 and reconstructed in 1950 after World War II. The home of the Baptist Missionary Training School (BMTS), Religion and Ethics classes (formerly known as Bible 101), and the College of Theology. It was named in honor of Anna V. Johnson, a visionary missionary who championed the theological education of women pastors. Affectionately called the “House Beautiful” by its graduates, Johnson Hall is a revered landmark on campus.

These buildings not only reflect the university’s rich history but also stand as living testaments to the Filipino people’s enduring commitment to education, culture, and heritage.

To further enhance the accessibility of the Philippine Registry of Heritage, the NCCA has introduced the MAPAMANA Lokal, a web mapping tool that allows users to explore geotagged cultural properties across the Philippines. This initiative empowers local government units (LGUs) to actively protect and declare significant cultural properties within their areas. CPU’s buildings are part of this valuable resource, ensuring that these heritage landmarks are preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

The inclusion of Central Philippine University’s buildings in the Philippine Registry of Heritage is a significant milestone for both the university and the wider Iloilo community. It reinforces the importance of safeguarding historical and cultural sites, which are essential in understanding and appreciating the country’s rich past.

As CPU continues to grow and evolve, these heritage buildings will remain as integral pieces of its identity, standing proud as symbols of the university’s deep-rooted history and its ongoing commitment to the Filipino people. Through initiatives like the PRH and the MAPAMANA Lokal, the stories and legacies these buildings carry will continue to inspire future generations of students, educators, and historians alike.

In the heart of Iloilo, Central Philippine University remains a beacon of both education and cultural preservation, honoring its past while looking toward a bright and heritage-filled future.

For more information on the cultural significance of Central Philippine University and other historical landmarks in the region, you can explore the Talapamana ng Pilipinas registry via the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) website at Talapamana Cultural Property Database(https://talapamana.ncca.gov.ph/index.php/talapamana/cultural-property-database/talapamana). To view the mapped locations of CPU’s heritage buildings and other cultural properties in the Visayas, visit the MAPAMANA Lokal interactive tool (https://talapamana.ncca.gov.ph/index.php/talapamana/cultural-property-database/mapamana).

These resources offer a deeper understanding of the cultural properties that define the region’s rich history and heritage.