By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Centralian achievers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other law enforcement agencies were honored during the Pasidungog for their distinguished leadership and service to the nation.

Central Philippine University (CPU), in partnership with the CPU Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUAAI), held the 2025 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly on October 11, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, anchored on the theme “CPU@120: Centralian Excellence, A Living Legacy.”

The day-long event opened with welcome music by the CPU Symphonic Band under the direction of Mr. Ascension Bautista. Part I featured the Opening Ceremonies, including Arrival Honors and a Morning Meditation led by the University Church Pastoral Staff. The National Anthem and CPU Alma Mater Song were conducted by Ms. Crista S. Huyong, former Director of the Cultural Affairs Office.

For the welcome remarks, CPUAAI President Dr. Anita U. Illenberger expressed her heartfelt appreciation to alumni for their continued support and guidance to the Centralian community. CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy greeted the attendees and emphasized the University’s enduring legacy of faith and learning throughout its 120-year history. Meanwhile, CPU Board of Trustees Chairperson Dr. Matt P. Palabrica also shared his greetings, underscoring the institution’s commitment to cultivating excellence and leadership among its alumni.

The 2025 Alumni King and Queen from the College of Nursing (center pair) were crowned during the celebration, with the College of Commerce/Business Administration (left pair) as First Runner-Up and the College of Education (right pair) as Second Runner-Up.

The Roll Call of Alumni was led by Atty. Lorena Pearl Roseluz Gellada-Tubongbanua, CPUAAI Corporate Secretary, and the singing of Central songs was led by Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne and Ms. Huyong. Following this, Atty. Doriedel G. Lozañes, Chairman of the Nomination and Election Committee, presented the nominees for the CPUAAI Board At-Large and the alumni nominees to the CPU Corporation.

Part II, Pasidungog, honored recent board topnotchers and distinguished alumni in national service. Recognized board topnotchers included Faith Grace D. Rivas (9th Placer, September 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers); Jose Miguel S. Dumal-ot (5th Placer, February 2025 Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination); Jywelle Nae Nacional (5th Placer, February 2025 Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination); Di-anne Mei Evangelista (6th Placer, February 2025 Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination); Charisse Joy Rubino (6th Placer, February 2025 Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination); and Engr. Frank Lloyd Magno (4th Placer, July 2025 Master Plumber Licensure Examination).

Centralian achievers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other law enforcement agencies were also recognized:

• JCSUPT Joel S. Superficial, BJMP (Ret.) – Former Director, Personnel & Records Management, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, National Headquarters
• BGen Oriel L. Pangcog, PA (Ret.) – Former Commander, 601st Infantry “Unifier” Brigade, Philippine Army
• MGen Neil B. Alinsañgan, PNP (Ret.) – Former Commander, Eastern Mindanao Area Police Command
• RAdm Eustacio Nimrod P. Enriquez Jr., PCG (Ret.) – Former Commander, Coast Guard Education, Training, and Doctrine Command
• LtGen Stephen P. Parreño, PAF (Ret.) – Former Commanding General, Philippine Air Force
• BGen Nhel Richard E. Patricio, PA – Commander, 301st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army
• BGen Billy O. Dela Rosa, PA – Commander, 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, Philippine Army
• Jeremiah D. Sargado – Director III, Region VI, National Bureau of Investigation
• LtGen Luis Rex D. Bergante, PA – Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines
• LtGen Jimmy D. Larida, PN (M) – Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines

Representing the honorees, LtGen Luis Rex D. Bergante, PA, and LtGen Jimmy D. Larida, PN (M) delivered the Response from the Honorees, expressing gratitude to CPU for shaping their values of faith, discipline, and service, and encouraging fellow Centralians to embody these ideals in all aspects of life.

Part III, the Business Meeting, featured updates on alumni projects, committee reports, and discussions on policies and initiatives to further strengthen CPUAAI.

Photo opportunity of the CPU Elementary School Class of 1975 celebrating their 50th Anniversary as Golden Jubilarians.

Part IV included a luncheon, special presentations from batches and alumni chapters, major door prizes, recognition of CPU Alumni Jubilarians, and continued festivities.

Part V featured the Proclamation and Coronation of the 2025 Alumni Homecoming King and Queen, celebrating the spirit and pride of Centralians.

Afterward, Atty. Doriedel G. Lozañes, Chairman of the Nomination and Election Committee, announced the results of the CPUAAI elections. The elected members of the CPUAAI Board At-Large for Term 2026-2028 are: Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne, Dr. Esther Rose Romarate, Dr. Florentino Alerta II, Dr. Anita Illenberger, and Rev. Dr. Francis Neil Jalando-on. The alumni nominees to the CPU Corporation are: Atty. Peter Irving Corvera, Glenn A.M. Catedral, Flora Grace Guillergan-Cudiamat, Marvin Segura, Annalie Gilongos, and Elmo Familiaran.

The program concluded with the singing of the Alumni Theme Song “Centralite” and the Closing Prayer and Benediction led by Dr. Milanie C. Arandela, OIC of the CPU-College of Theology. The event was hosted by Nico J. Gumban and Carmelle Frances M. Romero.

The 2025 Alumni Homecoming and General Assembly provided a platform for Centralians to reconnect, celebrate achievements, and reaffirm their commitment to the values of Scientia et Fides, honoring 120 years of Centralian excellence and living legacy.