By Mikee Natinga Norico
Leading with faith and excellence—Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, CPU Vice President for Student Affairs, reflects on her academic journey, from earning prestigious honors as a student to mentoring the next generation of Centralians.
At the heart of Central Philippine University (CPU) lies a deep commitment to academic and spiritual excellence. For many Centralians, CPU is more than just an educational institution—it is a home where dreams are nurtured, character is shaped, and faith is strengthened. Few exemplify this spirit more profoundly than Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, CPU’s Vice President for Student Affairs. A true Centralian at heart, Dr. Romarate’s journey is one of unwavering dedication, faith, and service—an inspiring testament to the University’s motto, Scientia et Fides (Knowledge and Faith).
Born on January 1, 1967, to Ligaya Tejada Agus and Carlos Garrido Romarate, Dr. Romarate’s life has been intertwined with CPU since childhood. From kindergarten to college, she honed her academic and personal values within the University’s walls. She is a proud alumna of CPU Elementary School Batch 1979 and CPU High School Batch 1983. She later earned her AB in English, graduating Summa cum laude. Her commitment to CPU is a family tradition—her three siblings also studied and worked at CPU, following in the footsteps of their parents, who were also Centralian graduates and dedicated employees.
“All three of my siblings completed their education from kindergarten to college at CPU and also worked here—Carla Romarate-Knipel (BTh), Claire Zimmermann (BSN), and Donna May Reyes (BSMT). Now, only my sister Donna May and I continue to serve at CPU,” Dr. Romarate said.
Dr. Romarate has dedicated nearly 37 years of service to Central Philippine University, beginning her career in June 1988 as an instructor in the Department of English. Her leadership skills led her to serve as the head of the Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities (DLMCH) in 2004. In 2019, she assumed the role of Vice President for Student Affairs, a position she continues to uphold with excellence. In addition to her administrative roles, she has been a CPU Corporation member since 2024 and has served as a Board of Trustees member of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUAAI) since 2019, where she was also appointed as Corporate Secretary in 2022.
For Dr. Romarate, CPU is more than just an academic institution—it is home. Growing up on or near campus, she filled her childhood with joyful memories: playing under the acacia trees, swimming in the clear waters of the campus canal, and spending hours in the Student Center. As a high school student, her most significant milestone was her personal encounter with Jesus Christ during Christ Emphasis Week, a moment that shaped her lifelong faith and dedication to Christian service.
“If acacia trees could speak, they could very well attest to my daily dose of Chinese garter, ‘ins,’ 7-up, tumba patis, and kick using kalachuchi flowers or a candy-wrapped coin fastened by a rubber band. Sometimes, my sisters and I would play Monopoly, Chinese checkers, or sungka at the Student Center (now known as D’ Hub). During summer after harvest, my friends and I would glean left-over tomatoes in the fields where the Main Library, Rose Memorial Auditorium, and University Gym now stand. During the rainy months, we would swim in the clear waters of the ‘canal’ in front of the University Church,” she recalls.
Dr. Romarate’s passion for language and literature led her to pursue further studies, earning a Master of Arts in Literature, majoring in English Literature and Language, from Ateneo de Manila University in 1988. She later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics from the University of Saint La Salle. These academic achievements have greatly enhanced her expertise in communication and education, enabling her to mentor both students and educators.
She credits her CPU education for shaping her critical thinking and communication skills. From the rigorous Home Reading Reports in elementary school to the self-paced SRA reading series, she developed a deep love for language and literature—one that would define her academic and professional journey. Her college years were marked by prestigious accolades, including the Alma Mater Award (Alton Bigelow Memorial Award), the highest honor bestowed upon a Centralian graduate, and the Rotary Award for Most Outstanding Graduate.
Dr. Romarate reflects on the profound impact of the CPU community on her success. She resonates deeply with the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” She acknowledges the teachers who inspired and challenged her, along with those who guided her through her journey. She recalls older friends who advised her on course selections, classmates who made challenging subjects bearable, and teachers who went beyond their duties to support student activities.
She also remembers the security guards who reminded them when it was time to go home, the janitorial staff who maintained clean learning spaces, and the office secretaries who assisted with academic and personal concerns. The CPU administrators ensured academic and spiritual growth opportunities, while her family provided unwavering support. Above all, she expresses gratitude to those who prayed for her and encouraged her, believing that the Central Spirit, infused with the love of Jesus Christ, has been the common thread tying together all these efforts to shape her into the person God intended her to be.
As Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Romarate’s tenure has been marked by resilience and innovation. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she played a crucial role in adapting student services to online and limited face-to-face engagements, ensuring that the CPU community remained connected and supported. One of her proudest achievements was coordinating the historic first-ever localized, digitized Bar Examinations at CPU in 2022—a landmark event in the University’s history.
Beyond administration, she has contributed immensely to academia. She has co-authored nine textbooks, including Tali-ambong: A Textbook on Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions and Art Appreciation for College Students. She has also written modules on professional communication for ASEAN universities and actively participated in international research and leadership programs, broadening her perspective on education and governance.
Dr. Romarate’s advice to students is rooted in both faith and practical wisdom. She shares Proverbs 3:5-6 as her guiding verse: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” She encourages students to excel academically, develop strong communication and critical thinking skills, and seek out scholarships and leadership opportunities that can open doors to a brighter future.
“On a more practical note, consistently studying well and getting good grades won’t hurt. Also, strive to develop your communication and critical thinking skills. They matter. They can get you ahead of others. I have proven this when I applied for a leadership program, which brought me to experience the Western and Eastern styles of educational leadership in the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and India. My exposure to different leadership styles helped me gain a better perspective of my administrative tasks in CPU,” Dr. Romarate said.
Her own academic journey—supported by scholarships from CPU, ACUCA, UBCHEA, and Ateneo de Manila—demonstrates that hard work and faith can lead to great achievements. Her exposure to diverse leadership styles across various countries enhances her role at CPU, ensuring that students receive the best support and opportunities possible.
From a young girl playing in the fields of CPU to a respected leader shaping the University’s future, Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate’s story is one of lifelong dedication to her beloved alma mater. Her passion for education, commitment to student development, and deeply-rooted faith make her an exemplary model of Centralian excellence. As she continues to lead and inspire, her journey remains a beacon of hope and success for generations of Centralians to come.