By Mikee Natinga Norico
CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (6th from left) and former President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles (7th from left), with CPU faculty, staff, and guests, pose after the Hopevale Memorial Celebration on January 15, 2026, honoring the 82nd anniversary of the Hopevale Martyrs.
On December 20, 2025, Central Philippine University (CPU) commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the Hopevale Martyrs during the Hopevale Memorial Celebration held at the replica of the Cathedral in the Glen, located between the CPU Library and the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The gathering honored the memory and legacy of eleven American Baptist missionaries and the son of a missionary couple who were martyred by Japanese soldiers on December 20, 1943, at Hopevale in the forest of Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz. The commemoration highlighted their enduring legacy of faith, sacrifice, and service, which continues to inspire the Filipino Baptist community and the Centralian family.
The program opened with an invocation led by Rev. Karel Grace Victoria, Director of Christian Education at the University Church, followed by welcome remarks from CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy. Speaking on behalf of the University administration, Dagohoy expressed gratitude to the participants who attended despite the early schedule and the holiday break. He also acknowledged the individuals and offices involved in organizing the event and emphasized the deep historical and spiritual connection between CPU and the Hopevale Martyrs. He urged the Centralian community to draw inspiration from their courage and faith as guides in serving the community, the nation, and future generations.
A musical number was then rendered by the CPU College of Theology, setting a reflective tone for the commemoration.
A floral offering is laid in remembrance of the martyrs’ sacrifice and faith.
Assoc. Prof. Rea Angelica Villeza, head of the Department of Religion and Ethics, read “When Christmas Morning Dawns: Remembering the Hopevale Martyrs 82 Years Later,” written by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on and published in the CPU Centralian Link. The reading revisited the final days of the missionaries, recalling their lives of prayer, fellowship, creativity, and steadfast faith despite harsh conditions after evacuating to the mountains during World War II. Central to the story was the Christmas hymn “When Christmas Morning Dawns,” translated by martyr Signe Amelia Erikson, which survived the fire that destroyed their belongings and symbolized hope, repentance, and longing for Christ. Though the missionaries never reached Christmas morning, the story affirmed that their faith and hope continue to shine across generations.
The ceremony also included a floral offering in remembrance of the Hopevale Martyrs and a prayer of remembrance, allowing participants to reflect on the martyrs’ sacrifice and legacy.
The program concluded with a closing prayer and benediction led by Pastor Louvel Edson Caspe, University Church interim pastor for outreach, calling on the community to renew its devotion to Christ and commitment to service even amid challenging times.
Through the annual commemoration, CPU continues to uphold the legacy of the Hopevale Martyrs as a living testimony of faith, courage, and hope that transcends generations.