By Cyrus A. Natividad

Group photo of CPU College of Agriculture Alumni Association.

Central spirit leading us again–The CPU College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences (CPU CARES) Garden in Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo near the entrance to CPU Centennial Village is not just an agricultural learning center but also a hub of classmates and friends from the olden days of CPU College of Agriculture.

More stories of success and updates on one another are heard when the “Cares Club” alumni get together for lunch at the Aganan junction – every Wednesday. The fitting buffet for seniors would include, kamote salad (without the dressing), tinolang manok, lankang kare-kare (without beef), with mongo and gata; laswa with sariwang gulay, pritong manok, lumpia and tinanok nga saging (boiled banana) once in a while.

“We got it all for you from the garden” was overheard from one of the members. Everyone is allowed to bring their “baon” or lutong bahay for potluck. But more than just lunch and updates are meetings and plans for the organization.

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, over lunch, the CPU CARES group led by its president Blanquita Soledad Garcia took the moment to finalize the plans for this year’s CPU CA/CPU CARES Grand Reunion on October 9-11, 2023. The 3-day celebration will take place at Castin’s Place in Norala, South Cotabato. The overall coordinator of the event is centralian agriculturist Eugene Glenn Paraico.

“It is expected to be attended by many CPU Agriculture alumni,” said Garcia. She added, “A fellowship night will be held upon arrival at the venue.”

The program proper will be on October 10; starting with a Motorcade in the morning and there will be time for Agri-entrepreneurship. The program will also include Centralians Night whereby recognitions and awards will be given. CPU President Dr. Ted Robles, and Atty. Jeremy Bionat, CPUAAI President will speak during the program.

Updates will be posted for interested CPU CARES and CPU CA alumni and groups.