By Patricia Pedroso, BA-Communication 4, The Centralian Link Intern
Students, faculty, and alumni of the College of Engineering assemble in a human formation to commemorate the college’s milestone anniversary.
Celebrating nine decades of engineering excellence, the College of Engineering recently held their 90th Anniversary Grand Opening at the Grandstand in Central Philippine University. The opening was held at the pinnacle of Engineering Week 2026, capping off a week’s worth of engagements led by the Engineering Student Council (ESC). With attendance from students, faculty, and alumni, the event was made memorable through its games, performances, and invaluable fellowship among the Titan community last March 28, 2026.
To show camaraderie and solidarity, the attendees paraded around campus and organized themselves in a human formation, shaping into the numbers 90. The ESC also led an invigorating community dance, followed by the unveiling of the COE’s official 90th anniversary logo. Designed by Nessa Joy S. Calantoc (BSPkgE-2), the emblem celebrates the “Nonagenary Legacy of ENGRS,” symbolizing Excellence, Nation-Building, Growth, Resilience, and Stewardship through nearly a century of engineering education and service.
COE Faculty gather with University President Fr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy during the celebration’s picnic.
Kicking off the event strong, the Engineering Praise Jam Team led the attendees in song and praise which was followed by a prayer from Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne. Anchoring the event in the Word of God, Rev. Love Joy Q. Leysa imparted her message to the session. The attendees also sang, “Turn Ideas Into Reality: the College Of Engineering Theme Song.”
The event also received word from its Dean Engr. Mary Earl Daryll Grio, an alumnus, Dr. Anita Illenberger on behalf of the University, and BM Izza Lopez on behalf of the student council. “For ninety years, this college has proven that what begins as an idea can become something real, something lasting, and something that serves others,” BM Lopez asserts, citing how despite obstacles, the College of Engineering continues to stand as a community who grows and moves forward.
In friendly competition, numerous games were held to test the strength and speed of alumni versus students. Chess, Laro ng Lahi, and the 4th Walden S. Rio Engineering Football Alumni Fellowship Games were a part of the celebration. Naturally, as the home of innovation, the student council also held an IdeaHatch Hackathon Pitching for the students as they battled their wits, ideas, and research.
As the sun reached its peak, so did the excitement from the engineers and engineers-to-be in their picnic session by the Grandstand. Samira Nawja Laud, incumbent JPIChE Vice President for External Affairs, noted that the picnic set-up was a refreshing change from the previous years, observing how students from different departments mingled better in the open field. The blasting karaoke and rowdy laughter further attested to the fact.
Amidst the double celebration of its anniversary and annual festivities, Dean Grio noted that the Grand Engineering Day was a testament to their history and quality. As she put it: “We are always true (with our) commitment for excellence.”
Indeed, Central has consistently produced quality graduates who have scored places in engineering board exams from civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, electronics, software, and packaging specializations. Beyond the title, being a Centralian engineer means leaving behind a legacy that simply cannot be shaken—forged in faith and in humble greatness.