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

As we celebrate CPU’s 120th year, we honor Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, the Centennial President whose faith and vision shaped “a beauty to behold, a beauty to remember.”

A Leader for CPU’s Century: A Vision Rooted in Faith

When Central Philippine University celebrated its 100th year in 2005, God, in His providence, had already prepared a leader whose life embodied the institution’s ideals: faith, character, justice, stewardship, and excellence. Dr. Juanito Maca Acanto, Sr., known affectionately as “Nong Juaning”, guided CPU through its most historic decade, which he later called “Years of Bliss, Years of Fulfillment.”

Dr. Acanto was a leader whose vision came from “a deep well of gratitude and a profound sense of stewardship for the institution that raised him.” During his presidency, the Vision and Mission of CPU (EXCEL) took its widely recognized and enduring form, and the Core Values were formalized, articulated, and lived out across the university community.

EARLY LIFE AND CALLING

A Son of Iloilo with a Clear Purpose

Born on April 5, 1937 in Badiangan, Janiuay, Iloilo, to Baptist parents Ruperto Acanto and Tabitha Maca, Juanito was raised in an environment grounded in faith, humility, and service. Those who knew him as a young man recall his discipline and seriousness of purpose. He was described the kind of student whose eyes were always fixed on the horizon; he was preparing himself for something greater.

At CPU, he completed Associate in Arts (Pre-Law) in 1957 and Bachelor of Laws in 1961. CPU did not simply give him a diploma; it gave him his calling. His legal career took him to roles as a lawyer and municipal judge, but his heart always returned to CPU.

He married Ruth Edis Bayona (BSN 1964), the woman whose smile would later inspire one of CPU’s most beloved landmarks.

Their children, Jan, Juanito Jr., and Ruth Jane, all grew up as full-blooded Centralians. Their grandchildren continued the legacy, forming a family whose educational roots are deeply planted in CPU’s soil.

As Prof. Perla Deocampo wrote, he emerged as: “A people-oriented person, humble, kind, generous, dedicated, devoted, and determined to achieve the Vision and Mission of the University.”

THE LOVE STORY THAT BUILT A LANDMARK

Smile Hill and the Heart of CPU

Among the many stories that define the Acanto legacy, none is more cherished than the one that gave birth to Smile Hill.

As CPU’s Half-moon Drive cradles countless memories for generations of Centralians, it holds three sacred moments in the love story of Juaning and Ruth:

1. The First Smile

While sitting with his friend Hitler Lagradilla, young Juaning saw a radiant smile from Ruth Bayona as she walked toward Valentine Hall with Rev. Bello Cato. “He felt that smile in his heart.” That moment sparked his quiet but determined pursuit of her.

2. The Tearful Plea

Years later, Ruth informed him she was leaving for the United States to work as a nurse. Standing in the same place, Juaning pleaded, through tears, that she return if she truly loved him. After a year in Chicago, Ruth returned. They married at the Rose Memorial Hall with only 14 people present — simple, quiet, and sacred.

3. The Prayer of a Husband

In 1993, before Ruth’s life-threatening brain surgery in Manila, Juaning returned to the Half-moon Drive. He stood where he first saw her smile and prayed intensely for God to spare her life. “It was the prayer of a husband who knew only God could hold the future,” Francia observed. God answered. Ruth survived a 15-hour operation, 14 days in ICU, and 32 days in the hospital.

So, when secretaries Juliet Samoro and Charity Esmaya told him in 1996 to “build something that will remain,” Juaning knew exactly what to build:

Smile Hill: a monument of love, faith, and memory

He funded it with ₱20,000 of his own money. The caption he placed — “Smile, God Loves You” — was the same message that welcomed him to CPU when he first visited as a boy.

Later, he said the Smile Hill had become for him “a mountain of faith.”

A PROVIDENTIAL CALL TO LEAD CPU

When Dr. Agustin A. Pulido ended his 25-year presidency, a new president had already been chosen: Dr. Benjamin Tayabas. The contract was signed, the oath taken, the vision delivered. Then, unexpectedly, Tayabas backed out.

CPU suddenly had no president.

It was then that the Board turned to the man who had not applied, not campaigned, and not aspired for the position — Dean Juanito M. Acanto. He initially agreed to serve only as Officer-in-Charge for six months, which extended to one year, then another six months, until finally the Board elected him Regular President in 1998. He served until 2008, making him the Centennial President.

He once said in a Thanksgiving service, “Every inch of my way, I took that powerful position on bended knees… thanking Him for the opportunities and directions.”

He often said, “My best qualification was availability and faith.” This moment is described as “the kind of providence that reveals God’s unmistakable hand.”

THE PRESIDENT WHO BUILT A BEAUTIFUL UNIVERSITY

Vision and Mission (EXCEL) made Permanent

During his administration, CPU’s Vision–Mission was sharpened, clarified, and embraced across all units: “A University committed to Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL) and responsive to the needs of the total person and the world.”

The Core Values (Faith, Character, Justice, Stewardship, and Excellence) were articulated, formalized, and integrated into university life. Indeed, more than buildings, Dr. Acanto built a culture.

His signature vision, now embedded in CPU’s collective memory, is unmistakable:

“I envisioned CPU as a beauty to behold, a beauty to think and feel about, and a beauty to be remembered.”

This was not mere aesthetics. It was the integration of faith, excellence, infrastructure, and the nurturing of the “Central Spirit.” Rev. Joniel Gico testifies: “His dream of ‘a university that is a beauty to behold…’ set in motion plans to improve and construct infrastructures supportive of academic programs.”

Prof. Perla Deocampo likewise noted: “He raised the level of competence of his people by avoiding mediocre work.”

His leadership was strong yet gentle, demanding yet compassionate, ambitious yet prayer-rooted.

THE GREAT DECADE (1997–2006): YEARS OF BLISS, YEARS OF FULFILLMENT

 1. Growth in Enrolment and Finances

Under his watch, CPU experienced unprecedented growth:

• From 9,132 students (1997) to 13,506 (2004)
• Annual budget grew from ₱93 million to ₱396 million, reaching ₱460 million in 2008
• Endowment funds reached ₱127.5 million
• The Centennial Endowment Campaign raised ₱375 million

2. Academic Achievements

During his presidency:

• CPU gained CHED Autonomous Status
• CPU obtained ISO 9001:2000 certification
• Multiple programs reached Level III accreditation
• CPU opened:
  • College of Medicine
  • Dr. Lucio C. Tan College of Hospitality Management and Tourism
  • College of Computer Studies
  • Department of Software Engineering
• CPU pioneered:
  • Packaging Engineering
  • Health, Fitness, and Lifestyle Management

3. Infrastructure Developments

More than ₱500 million worth of infrastructure was completed, including:

• High School Building
• Dr. Alfonso Uy Student Union
• Registrar Administration Annex
• Olympic-size pool
• Covered Gym (6,000 seating)
• Rose Memorial Auditorium renovation
• Medical Arts and Centennial buildings
• CPU Centennial Village

A PRESIDENT WHO PROCLAIMED CHRIST

CPU at the back of Rose Memorial

Seeing the large blank wall behind Rose Memorial while on a departing plane from Mandurriao Airport, he envisioned using it as a gospel witness. With the pastors, he crafted the famous acrostic:

C – Christ is
P – Proclaimed in this
U – University

For years, arriving and departing passengers saw the message.

THE MAN BEHIND THE OFFICE

A Servant-Leader

He often said: “I am the chief servant here.” He was as “strong but gentle, firm but fatherly.”

He valued simple conversations, walking around campus with his wife, mentoring young leaders and being a bridge “between the dreams of the past and the hopes of the next generation.”

Long before he became University President, Dr. Acanto was already known across Iloilo. Dr. Elmer Pedregosa recalls hearing his name early on: “I already heard of him… a skillful lawyer, an educator, Dean of the CPU College of Law, and a public servant.”

He served in government for 16 years, being elected Board Member of Iloilo Province in 1980, 1988, 1992, and 1995. He was admired for leadership marked by diplomacy, ethical clarity, and commitment to fairness.

He later returned to CPU as Dean of the College of Law (1993–1997). In his retirement speech to the Law College, he reminded the community: “Excellence does not happen by chance. It is a purposeful move… a consequence of the work of someone who knows what hardship and struggle are all about.”

The College of Law survived multiple closure attempts in history, and Dr. Acanto frequently reiterated: “Our story is a story of struggle and success. It is our story.” He also profoundly said, “All my life, the best years were those at Central Philippine University.”

THE CENTENNIAL PRESIDENT

When Central Philippine University reached its 100th year in 2005, it was more than an institutional celebration — it was a spiritual milestone, a historical turning point, and a grand homecoming of generations whose lives had been shaped by CPU. Under the leadership of Dr. Juanito M. Acanto, the Centennial President, the year-long celebration became a defining highlight of his administration.

Centralians from North America, the Middle East, Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa, and across the Philippines returned to Jaro to honor their Alma Mater. CPU became the meeting place of the world. There was a deepening of alumni commitment that led to major endowment contributions for scholarships, buildings, and programs. This wave of generosity helped raise ₱375 million for the Centennial Endowment Fund — one of the largest giving movements in CPU history.

FINAL YEARS AND PASSING

Even after his retirement in 2008, he continued serving the Iloilo Mission Hospital and remained active in church and civic affairs.

On April 19, 2018, the CPU Junior High School Building was renamed Juanito M. Acanto Hall. Dr. Ted Robles declared: “It is important to name a building in honor of a former CPU President, because this project was realized during his term.”

On July 30, 2023, God called His servant home. Yet the memory of his life continues in:

• the buildings he built
• the scholars he helped
• the leaders he mentored
• the students he inspired
• the hill where he first saw the smile of the woman he loved

“Smile Hill smiled because he loved. CPU flourished because he served. And heaven rejoiced because he believed.”

The book entitled, “The Story of Juanito M. Acanto: The Centennial President of Central Philippine University,” written and edited by F. Neil G. Jalando-on, preserves much of this legacy. In the words of CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, “The publication of this book is special. It allows us an intimate glimpse into the private thoughts of Dr. Acanto – from his childhood and private life, his years in public service, and his exemplary time in the academe. We also get to know him through the words of those nearest and dearest to him.”

“A Beauty to Remember, Forever and Always”

In his final message as President, he said:
“You may forget me, but never forget that CPU will always be a beauty to behold, a beauty to think and to feel about, and a beauty to be remembered.”

Today, the university he loved remembers him not only as a builder or administrator, but as a husband, father, leader, mentor, giver, and Christian servant whose life testifies:

Christ is proclaimed in this university
and His light shone brightly through the life of Juanito M. Acanto.
This is his story.
This is his legacy.
This is our remembrance.