By Cyrus A. Natividad

Attendees to the commemoration of the 1st Death Anniversary of Dr. Agustin A. Pulido at Christ the King Memorial Park in Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City.

A memorial service was held to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Agustin A. Pulido, Jr. on May 9, 2023 at 7:30 AM at Christ the King Memorial Park Chapel, Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City.

“Ang Paghanduraw kag Pagpasalamat” (Remembering and Thanking) the 2nd Filipino President of Central Philippine University is commemorated in order to reflect upon the wisdom and legacy of the man who brought CPU to greater heights; remembering him for the 25 fruitful years he served as President of CPU from 1971 to 1996.

Dr. Pulido’s dedicated service and exceptional leadership earned for him and the University, recognitions from the Ministry of Education and other Philippine and international educational organizations.

On behalf of CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Vice President for Finance and Administration, and current OIC Dr. Florence P. Bogacia delivered an opening message. She acknowledged the presence of the Board of Trustees headed by Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, members of the CPU Corporation, the Faculty and Staff, alumni and students. In her message, Dr. Bogacia gave emphasis to Dr. Pulido’s legacy and faith; and the wisdom learned from him.
A musical meditation “Centralite” was rendered by Pastor Rudel Obed B. Dianala. An Invocation led by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church followed. Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarte, Vice President for Student Affairs, CPU led the Litany of Grateful Remembrance.

Silliman University President Dr. Betty Cemol- MacCann wrote her words of remembrance for Dr. Pulido. It was read by Mrs. Rosemary Versoza-Añalucas, Silliman University Alumni Representative (Iloilo City Chapter). In her message MacCann acknowledged Dr. Pulido “for touching the lives of many, for having been an inspiration of the academe and the community.” She said, “He left behind a strong and humble leadership.”

The Hymn of Thanksgiving, “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” was followed by a message of Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor University Church. In his message entitled “Living Each Day As If It Were Your Last, he reflected upon Dr. Pulido’s nickname ‘GUS’. Pointing out three things worth remembering for the life he lived- for the legacy he left, Sian gave meaning to the acrostic GUS: G – Godly Life. U – Unselfish life, and S – a life of Service. Sian underlined Dr. Pulido’s “deep concern for the work of God; his unselfish life and using always his gifts and talents, his rich experiences and wisdom.” After the message, a special duet number entitled “It is Well with my Soul” was sang by students of the College of Business and Accountancy.

Mrs. Deneel B. Pulido Enriquez, second daughter of Dr. Agustin and Dr. Dorothy Pulido gave a response from the Pulido family. She thanked everyone for coming and for remembering Dr. Pulido. Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco led the closing prayer and benediction after which a floral offering followed.

The Worship Service was led by Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, Chair, Department of Religion and Ethics. The Song Leader was Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Quimpo Leysa, Pastor for Famiy and Youth, University Church.