By Elaisha L. Pomida, BA Comm-4, The Centralian Link Intern
The Agogo dancers from CPU BSN Class of 1981 kick-off hours of dancing at the Gala Night of their 45th anniversary reunion celebrated on January 29, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriot Iloilo.
In honor of 45 years of advocating for patient care, Central Philippine University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (CPU-BSN) Class of 1981 celebrated their 45th anniversary reunion on January 28-31, 2026, with festive activities held around the province of Iloilo.
Commemoration of past experiences, recognition of CPU-BSN’s present achievements, and hours of dancing took place at the Courtyard by Marriot Iloilo on January 29, when the Nursing alumni celebrated one of the highlights of the reunion—the Gala Night.
The program commenced with a group dance entrance of all attendees dressed in blue long gowns, suits, and barongs, followed by the opening prayer led by Sharon L. Doromal, expressing gratitude to the Almighty for “45 years of faithfulness.”
Vienafe Jordanal Recinto then formally welcomed all attendees with a message of empowerment, reminding the batch of their strength in surviving the drastic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic while being called to service and courage as healthcare providers.
“We held on to our faith, we held on to our families, we held on to each other. So tonight, after 45 years, we’re back, and we’re still together and going strong,” said Recinto.
CPU BSN Class of 1981 pose in front of the Loreto D. Tupaz Building, home of the College of Nursing, during their kick-off and welcome gathering to officially commence their four-day 45th alumni homecoming celebration on January 28, 2026.
Following this message, program host Pelita C. Barrera invited all alumni to stand for the singing of CPU’s Alma Mater song led by Recinto together with CPU University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, invited as one of the distinguished guest speakers for the Alumni Gala Night.
Before the president’s speech, another warm welcome was also given to the alumni by Paulette Panes Chua, who conveyed her gratitude for all her batchmates for making the effort to be present, especially for all those who traveled from different places in the country and from around the world.
In his message, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy shared with the Nursing alumni the national and global accomplishments of the university, its students and graduates, and of the College of Nursing (CON) under the leadership of Dean Melba C. Sale for the last two years, including the university’s inclusion in the 2026 QS Asia Rankings, the obtainment of a 100% passing rate and recognition as Top 1 best-performing school in the recent Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination, and the global partnership formalized between CPU and University of California, Davis in 2025, among others.
“Every day we are working hard to enhance academic quality, increase scholarly activity, expand the reach of our community service, strengthen linkages both locally and internationally, strengthen alumni relations, renovate and repurpose our aging facilities…and provide our students with the best possible environment for them to learn, grow, and prepare for the future,” assured Rev. Dr. Dagohoy.
Ultimately, the University President offered all laurels for the glory of God, reminding all alumni that it is through God’s grace that all is made possible, while closing with his sincere congratulations for CPU-BSN Batch 1981.
As the Gala Night progressed forward, Dean Sale, the following guest speaker introduced by Recinto, delivered a message centered on recognizing the Christ-centered service given by the alumni for 45 long years, further affirming the pride the class has given to the alma mater.
“Through the years, you have stood as advocates of patient care guided by competence, conscience, and compassion in hospitals, communities, for those who are in the academe, in the classrooms, and other endeavors…Your achievements are not just measured only by your titles or awards, but by lives touched, prayers whispered at the bedside, and the dignity upheld in moments when it mattered most,” expressed Sale.
Furthermore, the Dean of CPU-CON shared the college’s achievements in honor of continuing the legacy left by Batch 1981, while also imparting her gratitude and congratulations to the group.
Following the speakers’ messages, Meriam Garrido Amy invited fellow former choir members together with Rev. Dr. Dagohoy to lead the group in singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the class theme song, accompanied by a video presentation of batch memories through the years. Recinto then emphasized its significance, underscoring that it was also the international anthem for COVID, 42 years after their graduation.
A toasting ceremony led by Rade D. Rafols and Eduardo A. Concimino followed suit, preceding a prayer before the banquet led by Doromal. Dinner soon commenced as the venue filled with conversations, laughter, and live music, highlighted by a Then and Now video presentation conceptualized and prepared by Ma. Corazon G. Barrientos.
As the second half of the program began, CPU-BSN’81 held a solemn In Memoriam to remember fellow classmates and loved ones who passed on. This was led by Amy who lit the candle of remembrance, followed by an offering of white roses from members of the alumni class, the singing of “At the Journey’s End,” an original composition by Rodney Gicana, Centralian alumnus and former Dean of the College of Computer Studies, and a prayer led by Rev. Dr. Dagohoy.
Thereafter, Chua and Barrientos were welcomed back to the podium to give special recognition for the international community among the batch, specifically those who came from the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom, as well as classmates who travelled from other parts of the province of Iloilo and the Philippines, the university administration, esteemed guests, family, and the core group of organizers for the reunion.
Finally, as the program formalities came to a close, the highlight of the night—the dance party—began: kicked off by a retro-inspired performance by the Agogo dancers, the CPU BSN Class of 1981 participated in non-stop dancing to live song performances led by an instructor until 10 in the evening.
The 45th anniversary reunion of CPU BSN Class of 1981 was celebrated over the course of four days: a welcome and kick-off gathering at the university on January 28, the Gala Night on January 29, a day of fun and games at Sol Y Mar Beach Resort on January 30, and a farm tour and farewell dinner on January 30.