By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Attendees gather for a photo opportunity during the 55th death anniversary memorial service of Dr. Rex D. Drilon, the first Filipino president of Central Philippine University, held at Evangelical Memorial Gardens, Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Central Philippine University (CPU) commemorated a memorial service today, February 20, at 6:30 a.m. at the Evangelical Memorial Gardens in Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City, in commemoration of the 55th death anniversary of Dr. Rex D. Drilon, the first Filipino president of the University.

The ceremony opened with the Words of Welcome delivered by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President. In his message, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy cited Dr. Drilon’s significant roles in the institution.

“Dr. Drilon became a catalyst in the Philippinization of the University. His advocacy led to the entire property of the University being turned over by the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society to the Filipinos in 1968,” he said.

The Call to Celebration, anchored on Proverbs 10, was led by Justine P. Mije, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry, who also served as master of ceremony. Attendees then sang the morning hymn, “Morning Has Broken.”

The Prayer for a Godly Life from Psalm 101 was delivered by Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, followed by an Affirmation of Faith and the Hymn of Commitment, “Once to Every Man and Nation,” with Rev. Karel Grace Victoria leading the hymn. The Litany of Affirmation was then led by Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Q. Leysa.

As the Closing Hymn was sung, a floral offering was brought to Dr. Drilon’s marker by Rev. Dr. Dagohoy, together with former CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. The service concluded with the closing prayer and benediction delivered by Pastor Neva Grace L. Fabila.