By Kairos Rye A. Jalando-on, The Centralian Link Intern

Students from the Convention Baptist Bible College take a photo in front of the CPU 120 sign to commemorate their tour and visit to CPU.

On February 20, 2026, students from the Convention Baptist Bible College (CBBC) visited CPU as part of their Baptist Heritage and Historical Tour. This tour was conducted as part of the CBBC’s 78th founding anniversary.

To start their campus tour, the group first visited the Henry Luce III Library. Their library tour was supervised by the university librarians, headed by Ms. Chilou Batoon, who serves as the Knowledge Development Center and American Corner Librarian. The group visited most of the sections of the library, notably spending much time in the Theology section and being allowed to view and visit the Meyer Asian Collection, which is not normally open for visitors.

The group then returned to the KDC for an opening program, where the University President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, welcomed the group. In his welcome message, President Dagohoy told the group about the history of CPU and its Baptist heritage. Afterwards, he had an open forum session, answering any questions and queries that the group had about CPU.

To mark the end of the opening program, Rev. Ivan Mars Cabillete, President of CBBC, presented President Dagohoy with a plaque of appreciation for his efforts and support of the college’s tour.

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy (left) receives a plaque of Appreciation from CBBC President Rev. Ivan Mars Cabillete (center) and Rev. Lennie Ruth Sombilla (right).

After the opening program at the Henry Luce III Library, the group conducted a campus tour led by ushers from the College of Hospitality Management. They visited sites around the campus and had a long stop at the College of Theology, where Acting Dean Milanie C. Arandela introduced the faculty and students of the college to the visiting group, sharing academic practices and pursuits in the field of theology and ministry.

To end the tour, a closing program was held at the Hopevale Memorial, where CBBC President Rev. Cabillete spoke to the group, reflecting on the tour and the Baptist heritage and history that the group had learned throughout their tour.

After their closing program, the group proceeded to Pani Hall, where they were received and hosted by the pastoral staff of the University Church. They were welcomed by Rev. Dr. Cris Sian, the senior pastor of the University Church and a CBBC alumnus. The group had lunch, and a musical trio from the college performed during their time at the Pani Hall.

When asked to comment on their Baptist Heritage and Historical Tour, Rev. Cabillete said the following:

“Our campus tour at Central Philippine University was truly a wonderful and enriching experience. From the informative library tour and our meaningful meeting with Dr. Dagohoy to visiting the Hopevale Memorial, College of Theology, and the University Church, every moment was valuable. We are grateful for the warm welcome, delicious food and snacks, and excellent guidance of our tour guide. It was not only a time of learning but also a beautiful opportunity for fellowship. Thank you for such a memorable visit!”

The visit of Convention Baptist Bible College to Central Philippine University on February 20, 2026, beautifully celebrated the shared Baptist heritage, deepened inter-institutional fellowship, and inspired both visiting students and hosts to continue honoring their common legacy of faith, education, and service to God’s kingdom.