By Mikee Natinga Norico
The iconic Centennial Walkway at CPU, symbolizing the university’s enduring dedication to God and education, features the National Historical Landmark marker unveiled on September 19, 1980.
Central Philippine University (CPU), a historic institution in Iloilo City, has been officially recognized as a Marked Structure by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and listed in the Philippine Registry of Heritage (PRH), also known as the “Talapamana ng Pilipinas,” honoring its significant contributions to the nation’s cultural and historical legacy.
This recognition complements the university’s designation as a National Historical Landmark, commemorated by a marker unveiled on September 19, 1980, at the Centennial Walkway, which faces the iconic University Church. The Centennial Walkway, symbolizing CPU’s enduring dedication to God and education, was the project of the CPU High School Class of 1966 and was formally turned over to the university on January 4, 2003, during the presidency of Dr. Juanito M. Acanto.
The rostrum-esque structure containing the plaque was issued by the National Historical Institute (NHI), now known as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. In 1980, the NHI awarded this marker to commemorate CPU’s 75th founding anniversary. Its inscription highlights the university’s beginnings as the Jaro Industrial School, established in 1905 by the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society under the leadership of Dr. William O. Valentine. Notably, CPU was the first school in the Philippines where students worked to support their education. It also pioneered the establishment of the first student government in the country in 1906.
The marker also traces CPU’s transformation from Jaro Industrial School to Central Philippine College in 1923, and finally into a university in 1953. It recounts the challenges of World War II, when the campus was destroyed, and its revival in 1945 following the liberation of Iloilo City. In 1966, Dr. Rex D. Drilon became the university’s first Filipino president, and full Filipino administration began in 1968.
In the signage, the text being marked states this way:
Central Philippine University
(1905–1980)
Dating Jaro Industrial School na itinatag noong 1905 ng American Baptist Foreign Mission Society sa pangunguna ni Dr. William O. Valentine, ang unang naging punong-guro.
Ito ang unang paaralan sa Pilipinas na ang mag-aaral ay nagtrabaho para sa kanilang edukasyon. Nagtatag ng unang pamahalaan ng mga mag-aaral sa bansa noong 1906.
Naging Central Philippine College noong 1923 at pamantasan noong 1953.
Nasira noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig. Muling binuksan matapos palayain ang Lungsod ng Iloilo noong 1945.
Si Dr. Rex D. Drilon ang naging unang Pilipinong pangulo noong 1966. Noong 1969 ipinagkaloob sa mga Pilipino ng mga American Baptist Foreign Mission Society ang buong ari-arian ng pamantasan.
Beyond its historical significance, the rostrum-esque structure containing the plaque are shrouded in unique lore. Many Centralians recall tales of a supernatural sound resembling falling water that can only be heard once. This phenomenon has become a cherished tradition for new students, fostering a sense of wonder and connection to the university’s spiritual and cultural legacy.
CPU’s Centennial Walkway, marked by this historical landmark, continues to inspire generations of Centralians. It stands as a tribute to God’s glory and as a reminder of the university’s storied past and bright future.
For more details about cultural properties listed in the Philippine Registry of Heritage, visit the official NCCA database at https://talapamana.ncca.gov.ph/index.php/talapamana/cultural-property-database/talapamana.