By Cyrus A. Natividad

Dr. Manuel C. Palada has always been a fervent alumnus uplifting the Central Spirit. Photo Credit: Dr. Manny C. Palada

Central Spirit has purportedly served as a “social glue.” This comment comes from a true blue Centralian, CPU Board of Trustees member, Dr. Manuel C. Palada, a 1966 graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Centralians who came back for their batch reunions this year may also borrow the glue analogy from Doc Manny as Central Spirit is the “spirit of camaraderie and unity.” Doc Manny adds that “reminiscing their fond school day memories and activities at Central has become symbolic of the bond that unites Centralians.”

In a conversation, Dr. Palada emphasized that his love of Central, coming back several times to serve CPU as a visiting professor at the College of Agriculture, being a member of the CPU Board of Trustees, were all inspired by the Central Spirit in him.

This inspiration also led Dr. Palada to what he is today, to whatever stations he went to work in—whether assigned as a researcher, consultant, professor, or even just as a tourist in many parts of the world. The Centralian Spirit, he said, is the spirit of one who always longs for CPU.

Dr. Palada even expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to stay and teach in CPU before leaving for the US and other countries to share his expertise in agriculture. He has served farmers improve their production, thereby also improving their standard of living. The success of his projects which help other people in several Asian and African countries have brought Dr. Palada many personal rewards and blessings.

Being a Centralian has not only led him to opportunities for his career. CPU has also touched his personal life: “If I did not stay and teach in CPU, I would not have met my beautiful life partner Elisa Hortelano.”

Doc Manny is indeed a Centralian who has the Central Spirit of gratefulness, generosity, and love.