By Keziah G. Huelar
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, challenged the Centralian community to emulate the life, love and works of the late Dr. Rex D. Drilon.
Commemorating the 48th death anniversary of Dr. Rex D. Drilon, Central Philippine University’s first Filipino President, the University held a memorial service in his honor at the Evangelical Memorial Garden, Balantang, Jaro on February 21, 2019.
For the words of welcome, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles encouraged the Centralian community to remember Dr. Drilon and his legacy of excellence: “This is a great day of celebrating the life of our first Filipino president whose shoes are too large for us to fit in. We hope that we have learned a lot from his life and from his accomplishments and from the direction that has led CPU to where it is today.”
It was then followed by a brief reflection given by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University.
Dr. Evangelica Diesto-Padernilla places flowers on the tomb of Dr. Rex D. Drilon.
In his reflection, Rev. Sian highlighted the life of the prophet Joshua whose legacy of faith and obedience to the Lord helped the Israelites reach the Promised Land. According to Rev. Sian, the legacy of excellence and devotion to God is a legacy we must pass down from one generation to another, each having a sturdy grip around the Word and promises of the Lord: “In the game of relay, you have to pass the baton to the next runner. The last runner should arrive [at] the finish line with the baton in his hand. The moment the baton is absent, they will lose the game even if they finish first.”
Rev. Sian adds that as one Centralian community, the University should commemorate and remember the legacy of Dr. Drilon, passing down his life, love and works as an inspiration to others to also tread the path of excellence for the glory of God.
Greatly loved by the Centralian community, Dr. Drilon’s life and legacy is celebrated by remembering his life, love and works.
Following the reflection, administrative officers, members of the alumni and deans from the different colleges and departments placed flowers on the tomb of Dr. Drilon.
After which, Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Director of the CPU Cultural Affairs Office presented the Dr. Rex D. Drilon Coffee Table Book entitled “The Vision of a Great Central.” The said book contains the journey of Dr. Drilon from his study in CPU until his death.
A musical offering was then given by Joshua Jonathan C. Quimpo, the great grand-nephew of Dr. Drilon. It was followed by the closing prayer and benediction by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Pastor for Outreach, University Church.