By Karren Jay G. Asgar
CPUR Vice President C-Sar Mart P. Aguirre exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose—balancing academics, service, and leadership to create meaningful change.
Curious about what it’s like to be a student leader? Think about the considerable weight they carry, juggling academic pressures while leading an entire student body. Being a student leader means advocating for your peers, addressing their concerns, and tackling complex challenges to meet everyone’s needs. It’s about actively listening, finding solutions, and creating opportunities for growth and connection within the community—often in ways that go unseen by many.
C-Sar Mart P. Aguirre, a 4th-year BS Civil Engineering student from the College of Engineering, is the Central Philippine University Republic (CPUR) Vice President of the 20th Parliament. Beyond his academic pursuits, he has been actively involved in the student council, serving as both a senator and vice president of the CPU Republic.
“While my study revolves around technical concepts in civil engineering, my college journey has also been heavily influenced by the call for leadership and service,” Aguirre shared in an online interview.
While C-Sar has greatly valued his academic training in college, some of his most memorable experiences have come from his time with the CPU Republic, particularly during the annual University Week celebrations. One of the key moments in his journey was being entrusted with the chairmanship of the Foot Parade event. Organizing such a large-scale activity involved extensive coordination with various offices, including the CPU Administration, local Barangays, and the Iloilo City Hall, as well as managing a crowd of over 5,000 people.
“Despite the challenges, witnessing the event’s success, especially the human formation of ‘CPU 119’ going viral and receiving praise, made the hard work worth it,” he added.
When asked how the CPU community has supported him in his academic and personal growth, the community has played a significant role by fostering an environment of support and trust. For him, one of the most impactful experiences was working closely with the university administration, particularly the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs under Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, who oversees the activities of the CPU Republic. “This culture of mentorship and trust enhanced my leadership skills as it reinforced my confidence in decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork.”
He added that the Civil Engineering Department, under the leadership of Engr. Shevanee Ruth Dela Cruz, has been equally impactful in his academic journey. The department has consistently challenged and empowered him to achieve his academic goals while staying active in the student council. Their encouragement and guidance have shown him that it is possible to maintain a balance between student council responsibilities and academic pursuits.
“These experiences have shaped me into a well-rounded individual, making me more ready for future challenges that require both technical expertise and strong leadership skills,” he remarked.
C-Sar Mart P. Aguirre is proud of several academic and extracurricular achievements at CPU. In 2024, he represented the university at the 10th International Student Start-Up Conference in Busan, South Korea, where a class project with Engr. Gelvie Lagos turned into an international competition opportunity. He also represented the CPU Republic at the 2023 International Student Start-Up of Youth for UNESCO (Y4U) in Manila, where the organization’s alignment with UNESCO’s ideals led to the CPU Republic being recognized as an Outstanding Club for UNESCO. Additionally, he led the reestablishment of CPU’s official debating organization, the Dr. Rex D. Drilon Debate Society, in 2024, reviving a platform for students to engage in productive argumentation and public speaking.
“I am extremely grateful to my mentors and the people who supported me along the way for me to participate in activities both outside and inside the university,” he shared.
His advice to students considering enrolling at CPU is to remember that college is more than just academics. Coming from an academically focused high school, he entered college with the sole goal of graduating first in his class with Latin honors. However, this plan was quickly derailed. As the possibility of achieving that goal grew more distant, he realized that college is about much more than just grades. Instead of staying fixated on a single path, he was led to new opportunities. He immersed himself in debate, student council, and competitions—experiences that shaped him in ways a 1.0 GWA in his TOR never could. He can confidently say that his college journey has been worthwhile, not because of academic achievements, but because of the personal growth and friendships he has gained along the way.
“So, to you, reader – and to you, 1st year C-Sar – make the best out of your college life. Do not limit yourself to just academics. Explore! Join organizations, meet new people, create change. CPU is the right place to be.”
The journey of Vice President C-Sar Mart P. Aguirre is a testament to the power of leadership, vision, and the unwavering desire to make a difference. Through his work, he has proven that true leadership is not about titles, but about the positive impact one person can have on an entire community.