By Elaisha L. Pomida, BA Comm-4, Centralian Link Intern
Nessa Joy Calantoc, BS PckEng 2, poses with her winning design for the official logo College of Engineering’s 90th Anniversary Celebration.
Central Philippine University’s Engineering community officially launched the college’s year-long 90th anniversary celebration with the theme, “A Nonagery Legacy of ENGRS: Excellence, Nation-Building, Growth, Resilience, and Stewardship”, on January 21, 2026, at the Knowledge for Development Center, Henry Luce III Library.
Both in person and online via Facebook livestream, the kick-off event was attended by College of Engineering (COE) faculty, staff, students, and alumni, together with the support of the university’s administration in the presence of Dr. Merle Junsay, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, former University President and a proud COE alumnus of Batch 1964.
The program opened with reverence through a prelude led by the Engineering Praise and Worship Team, an opening prayer given by Engr. Glenn Fernandez, a faculty member of the Mechanical Engineering Department, and a devotional led by Pastor Justine P. Mije, who emphasized the importance of setting Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of Centralian engineers.
The singing of the Philippine National Anthem, the CPU Alma Mater Song, and the Engineering Diamond Jubilee Song soon followed, in honor of the country, the institution, and the college.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, former Central Philippine University President and proud alumnus of the College of Engineering Batch 1964, engagingly shares his message of support and inspiration with the Centralian Engineering community present at the kick-off event.
COE Dean Engr. Mary Earl Daryl A. Grio formally welcomed the Engineering community with a message, building excitement for the year-long celebration ahead while showing gratitude for the successes of the college throughout history.
Engr. Grio further emphasized the individual and collective efforts of COE’s student body, student leaders, faculty, staff, and alumni in preparation for the college’s milestone: “Our concept for our roadmap is we have monthly themes for the twelve letters of ‘nonagenarian’…this is actually a shared undertaking of the entire Centralian Engineering community and our partners.”
The COE Dean also reaffirmed the college’s commitment to continue producing Centralian engineers that EXCEED, through Exemplary Christian Engineering Education.
Following the welcoming remarks was the highlight of the celebration—the unveiling of the College of Engineering’s 90th Anniversary official logo, led by Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo, Chairperson of the Packaging Engineering Department and program host.
Engr. Cangrejo expounded that the official logo for the nonagery year of the college was selected from contesting entries coming from COE students and alumni, eventually presenting the winning entry created by Nessa Joy Calantoc, a 2nd year BS Packaging Engineering student, who was awarded a symbolic ₱9,000 cash prize.
“The main icon of the logo is a torch which symbolizes legacy: the timeless and valuable heritage of the CPU College of Engineering, passed down from past generations to the present,” began Calantoc, as she further explained the significance of each element of her winning design to the community.
The kick-off celebration continued on with messages of support coming from different representatives of the COE community, beginning with Alexa Laguna, Governor of the Province of Engineering, followed by Dr. Alberto Java, faculty member of the Electrical Engineering Department, and Engr. Jeriel Militar, President of the Engineering Alumni Association, all who shared personal stories of the college’s impact in their lives and pledged their commitment of support behalf of the student body, faculty and staff, and alumni, respectively.
Dr. Junsay also expressed the profound support and pride of the university administration headed by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy for the college’s milestone, while emphasizing honor for the “pioneers who laid the foundation, and the trailblazers who continue to build upon it.”
Most anticipated by the community was the message of inspiration and support by Dr. Robles who reminded students to think of how one’s talents and skills can help others, while also expressing his own desire to work with the college for its year-long endeavors.
“If there is anything that you need, I will be around,” promised Dr. Robles.
Finally, as the program came to a close, a prayer was led by Dr. Shiela Mae B. Pingul-Ong, Chemical Engineering Department faculty member, followed by a photo session and fellowship meal with all attendees of the event.
As the College of Engineering celebrates its nonagery anniversary, the college invites all members of the Centralian Engineering community to look out for its monthly events and encourages all members of its alumni to anticipate their grand homecoming celebrations in September and December of this year.