By Keziah G. Huelar

Celebrating Christ as the center of CPU—The University held its bi-annual Christ Emphasis Week for the Second Semester of the School Year 2018-2019 on February 19-22, 2019.

Committed to EXCEL (Exemplary Christian Education for Life), Central Philippine University adheres to the principle that for students to live their lives to the fullest, they must know the living Word of God.

This year’s theme, “Thrive,” is grounded on Ecclesiastes 11-8:10 and John 10:10. Both verses speak about how God desires for His people to have a relationship with Him in order to live a life anchored in His purpose and rooted in His joy.

Addressing issues of depression, anxiety, and lack of purpose, the aim of this semester’s CEW is to encourage Centralians that a life of joy and abundance is possible through faith and obedience to God.

CEW Convocation Speaker, Dr. Japhet G. Fernandez de Leon, talked about the importance of conquering the mind—taking captive every thought for the glory of God to assure focus and dedication to one’s dreams.

On the other hand, Pastor James Peter T. Trasporto encouraged Centralians to make Jesus as the cornerstone of their lives to experience unfailing love and unshaken purpose: “How do you live and not die? What is the foundation of your life? If you live your life with Jesus as your foundation, you can live for eternity.”

 Pastor Jesse Magno told Centralians to value and pursue a relationship with God. According to Pastor Magno, putting God first will eventually invite the right relationships in your life.

Pastor Kim Lair de la Cruz encouraged CPU Elementary students to pursue a relationship with Jesus.

Pastor Russell M. Ban, in his message, highlighted the love of Christ as true source of joy.

Other convocation speakers were Pastor Normandy Notes in the college convocations, Pastor Jamilo Pendo for NSTP convocation, Mrs. Neva Ruth Pineda Pendon for the College of Medicine convocation, Pastor Joshua Zonita for the Graduate School convocation, Pastor Russell Ban for the High School convocations, Pastor Sunsen Guirjem for the Kindergarten convocation, Pastor Kim Lair de la Cruz for the Elementary convocations, and Rev. Joniel Howard Gico for the faculty and staff convocation.

As hundreds of Centralians dedicate their lives to the purpose and will of God, CPU is committed to creating an environment of faith anchored in the Word of God. The CEW is one of the testimonies of God’s legacy in the university.