By Cyrus A. Natividad
Flowers were offered at the Drilon shrine to commemorate the life of Dr. Drilon and to remember his legacy.
The commemoration of the 52nd Death Anniversary of CPU’s First Filipino President, Dr. Rex Divinagracia Drilon included a Memorial Service on February 21, 2023, at 6:00 in the morning at the Evangelical Memorial Gardens, Quintin Salas in Jaro, Iloilo City.
Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs welcomed everyone and expressed his admiration for Dr. Drilon’s “living legacy” – as one who was called a trailblazer to this day. Dr. Rio recalled Dr. Drilon’s fondness for journalism, writing, and research; adding that “the future will be influenced by the past.” Furthermore, he said, “the works of the First Filipino President of CPU remain a valuable legacy for today and in the future.”
Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, Christian Education Director, University Church, led the invocation while the group called 2QSF Quartet rendered an inspirational song thereafter.
UC Senior Pastor, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, gave a short reflection emphasizing the life of Joshua in the Bible. “The impact of his (Joshua) leadership was that the people of Israel continued to live faithful to God even after his death” but “somewhere along the line, parents failed to instruct their children and the larger spiritual community failed to honor God,” Rev. Sian shared. He then reminded everyone of the Centralian legacy, stating that “the passing on of the legacy must continue to be refreshed with each generation.” This highlighted the reason why the Centralian community commemorates the death anniversary of Dr. Drilon.
In the Rite of Remembrance, it was mentioned that “Dr. Drilon left a wide array of written articles that is worth remembering.” He was also remembered to have said, “there are two worlds for you, the University world and the outside world. You are now going to the outside world to test the validity of the University world.”
Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Dr. Rio, and CPU Board of Trustees Chairperson Dr. Elmer Pedregosa led the offering of flowers at the Drilon shrine.
The memorial service concluded by singing Hymn of Faith “Once to Every Man” followed by the closing prayer and benediction by Rev. Sian.
Breakfast was then served and shared at the Reference Section, Henry Luce lll Library.
(See related article for Drilon Day 2023)