By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

Pearl Dency Drilon- Catalan gave the response in behalf of the family.

CPU commemorated the 50th death anniversary of its first Filipino President Dr. Rex D. Drilon through Palanublion, a showcase of cultural presentations and tributes aired last February 24, 2021.

“His appointment signalled the transition to a Filipino- led university administration. As a leader he envisioned a great Central and worked tirelessly to advance the cause of academic freedom,” said CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles in his opening remarks. He also said that in looking back at Dr. Drilon’s life and achievements, we are reminded to make our lives more meaningful and our lives better.

Mrs. Nellie Bermejo-Obligacion talked about her experience as a student of Dr. Drilon.

“He impressed upon us the importance of speaking and writing good English. He spent time with each student, and sometimes he would make funny gestures that will make us laugh. Once we got to know him, we weren’t scared anymore. I had so many fond memories of him,” said Obligacion.

Mrs. Nellie Obligacion shared her experience as a student of the late Dr. Drilon.

“CPU would not have become what it is today without the vision, love, and steadfast loyalty of Dr. Drilon. He loves CPU. He challenged his students to be their very best and to be loyal and proud of this school. He wanted the best legacy to be passed on to the next generation so CPU will continue to improve and live on.”

A devotional was led by University Church Pastor for Outreach and Dr. Drilon’s nephew, Rev. Roger Quimpo.

Special performances by the CPU Handbell Ringers, Teatro Sining, ATBP, EXCEL Choral, CPU Dance Company were featured throughout the program. A video clip of Dr. Drilon’s son, Lincoln Rex singing “I’ll Be Seeing You” was also shown. Before he passed away in 2019, he would perform for Drilon Day and other university programs.

In her response on behalf of the family, Dr. Drilon’s daughter Pearl Dency Drilon-Catalan thanked CPU for remembering the life of her father. She also talked about the difficult circumstances we are currently experiencing this pandemic and how like us, Dr. Drilon, was also no stranger to struggles.

The CPU Handbell Ringers performing the Beatles medley.

“My dad was not a stranger to difficulty. He lost his biological mom early in life. He had known war and hunger, he had known discrimination and isolation. He had known inability to pay tuition, to pay rent, or put food on the table. And yet through these challenges, he persevered to reach his goals. As Centralians, we have persevered and continue to persevere. We are resilient, we keep going.”

Drilon-Catalan ended her response by thanking the CPU administration, faculty, and staff for working hard and persevering in these difficult times.

The program ended with a closing prayer led by CPU Rex Drilon Debate Society Adviser Pastor Alfred Morales.