By Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

In celebration of Central Philippine University’s 120th year, we honor Dr. Agustin Aguilar Pulido, whose 25 years of faithful and excellent leadership transformed CPU into a beacon of faith, learning, and service to God and community.

As Central Philippine University (CPU) celebrates 120 years of God’s faithfulness, the institution looks back with deep gratitude to one of its most transformative leaders — Dr. Agustin Aguilar Pulido, whose 25-year tenure as president marked a golden era of academic expansion, spiritual grounding, and institutional excellence.

A Scholar and Scientist of Faith

Born on March 20, 1932 in Cadiz, Negros Occidental, Dr. Pulido showed early brilliance and discipline in both science and faith. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Silliman University in 1953, pursued his Master of Science in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Diliman (1955), and earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Chemistry from Indiana University, Bloomington, USA in 1961 (CPU Wall of Remembrance, 2005).

Before joining CPU, he had an illustrious academic career at the University of the Philippines, serving as Chairman of the Department of Chemistry (1962–1969), Dean of the UP Iloilo College (1969–1971), and Co-Director of the Iloilo Center for Regional Development Studies (Nelson and Herradura, 1981).

He was known not only for his scientific intellect but also for his deep Christian commitment – a hallmark that would define his presidency at Central.

The Young President and His Vision for Central

At only 39 years old, Dr. Pulido became the second Filipino President of Central Philippine University on September 8, 1971, succeeding his mentor and friend, Dr. Rex D. Drilon. In his inaugural address, he described the CPU presidency as requiring “a different and higher level of chemistry” — symbolizing his belief that true leadership fuses reason and faith (Central Echo, 1971).

During his assumption to office, CPU Board of Trustees Chairman Engr. Ramon Doromal, Jr. remarked that Dr. Pulido was “a man whose Christian commitment is beyond question and whose dedication to work is exemplary” (Central Echo, 1971, p. 1).

He inherited from Dr. Drilon the vision of “A Great Central” and built upon it with quiet strength and intellectual humility. His presidency was marked by transformation — academically, spiritually, and structurally — as CPU entered a new phase of self-reliance and national recognition.

Achievements and Legacy

Under Dr. Pulido’s leadership, CPU experienced remarkable growth and stability. His achievements include:

• Academic Advancement and Accreditation: He strengthened CPU’s academic reputation through program accreditation, curriculum modernization, and faculty development.
• Infrastructure Development: His administration was responsible for the construction of major landmarks — the Engineering Building, New Valentine Hall, Henry Luce III Library, new Rose Memorial Auditorium, and the Elementary School Building, later renamed Agustin A. Pulido Hall in 2018.
• Financial Strength and Endowments: Dr. Pulido established endowment funds and broadened alumni engagement, ensuring financial sustainability and institutional independence.
• International Partnerships: He fostered linkages with government agencies, research institutions, and international academic organizations, elevating CPU’s global reputation.
• Spiritual Integrity and Christian Commitment: Throughout his presidency, CPU’s motto Scientia et Fides — Science and Faith — was deeply reflected in his governance and personal example.

Because of these achievements, CPU was recognized as one of the top eighteen quality educational institutions in the Philippines during his tenure (Link, 1986). He was later awarded the Distinguished Centralian Award in Education (1996), the University Service Award (1991), and conferred the Doctor of Science (School Administration), honoris causa (2005) (CPU Wall of Remembrance, 2005).

Faith That Speaks Beyond Life

Upon reading archival documents and testimonies, it becomes clear that Dr. Pulido worked closely with Dr. Rex D. Drilon in addressing the needs of educational institutions in Iloilo. Living near the CPU campus as Dean of UP Iloilo College, his family worshiped at the University Church. He was discipled by Dr. Drilon during their days at the Diliman Forum in UP and later in Iloilo City (Nelson and Herradura, 1981).

Dr. Drilon once remarked that “here was one who would qualify to be president of CPU one day.” Just months later, following Dr. Drilon’s passing, Dr. Pulido succeeded him as the second Filipino President of CPU.

This remarkable connection underscores the continuity of faith-based leadership at CPU. At his necrological service on May 12, 2022, Rev. Jalando-on reflected:

“Dr. Pulido is teaching us to live a life of faith. Dr. Pulido lived a God-centered life. Dr. Agustin A. Pulido assured the delegates of the 43rd Annual Assembly of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches that CPU will be true to its calling. He stated that, ‘CPU’s mission now and in the years to come is to build an institution of higher learning that is obedient to the Lord; an institution that endures because it is sustained by a living faith and not because it is fossilized. We shall strive to protect and to foster what is true, what is beautiful and what is good. And our aim is to discover new ways to give substance to these aspirations.’ This is a beautiful description of the faith of Dr. Pulido — a faith that is obedient to the Lord because that is a living faith.”

In the same message, he added,
“The life of Dr. Pulido challenges us in the academic community to reflect on who we are mentoring. True leadership is not only about administration or intellect — it is about investing in people, nurturing others’ potential, and guiding the next generation to serve faithfully.”

Indeed, Dr. Pulido’s life continues to speak — of faith that endures, leadership that inspires, and service that glorifies God.

A Partnership in Faith and Service: Dr. Dorothy Ann Bermejo-Pulido

Beside Dr. Pulido throughout his life and ministry was Dr. Dorothy Ann “Doris” Bermejo-Pulido — a devoted physician, servant-leader, and steadfast Christian. A practitioner of family medicine, she served as Medical Director of the Iloilo Mission Hospital, Board Member of CPU and IMH, and Chairperson of the Board of Deacons at the University Church.

She was also First Lady of Silliman University (1996–2006) and Chairperson of the Personnel Committee of the Silliman Church, responsible for pastoral selection and care.

Dr. Doris passed away at the age of 88 on December 25, 2020. As Asst. Prof. Ian Rosales Casocot wrote, “She was a woman of faith and conviction, who served her community not just with medicine, but with her heart — quietly but steadfastly shaping lives with compassion and grace.”

Their shared faith, service, and humility remain an enduring example to all who serve in Christian higher education.

A Legacy of Faith and Excellence

Dr. Pulido’s influence reached far beyond CPU. After retiring in 1996, he became the 11th President of Silliman University, leading his alma mater with the same vision and faithfulness that defined his years in Iloilo. Even after stepping down, he continued to serve as Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees (2009–2013) and as Board Member until his passing in 2022.

He and Dr. Dorothy Pulido were blessed with two daughters — Cybele Ann, married to Engr. Luther C. Risma, and Deneel, married to Brig. Gen. Ezra James P. Enriquez (Ret). Their grandchildren: Idra Ann, Chai Lee, Mark James, and Joshua James, continue the legacy of faith, service, and learning that their grandparents lived and modeled so well.

In April 2018, CPU honored him by renaming the Elementary School Building as Agustin A. Pulido Hall, a living tribute to his leadership and commitment to Christian education. During the ceremony, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles remarked:

“We are here to honor a man who has served Central Philippine University for most of his professional life… His valuable knowledge and practical experience have guided the present administration through many challenges.”

In response, Dr. Pulido offered a reflection that captures his life philosophy:

“Life must be lived forward and understood backward. You live your life forward — you don’t know what’s going to happen — and you look back and begin to understand why things happened” (Weekly Centralian Link, 2018).

In every sense, Dr. Agustin Aguilar Pulido embodied the heart of a true Centralian: intellectually excellent, spiritually grounded, and selflessly dedicated to God and community. His life remains a testimony to what Christian education can achieve when led by faith.

As CPU journeys forward in its 120th year, it does so standing on the shoulders of leaders like Dr. Pulido — servant-leaders who built not only classrooms and libraries but also faith, hope, and character in the lives of generations.

References:

Central Echo. (1971, September). CPU Has a New President. Central Philippine University Archives.
Central Philippine University Wall of Remembrance. (2005). Distinguished Centralian Award Citation, Doctor of Science (School Administration), honoris causa citation.
Weekly Centralian Link. (2018, April 20). CPU dedicates Agustin A. Pulido Hall.
Jalando-on, F. N. G. (2022, May 12). Necrological Message for Dr. Agustin A. Pulido. University Church, Central Philippine University.
Link. (1986, April). Pulido Starts Fourth Term. Vol. 21(11), p. 2.
Herradura, R., & Nelson, W. (1981). Scientia et Fides: The story of Central Philippine University. Iloilo City: Central Philippine University.