By Karren Jay G. Asgar
CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and former CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles pay their respects by placing flowers on the tomb of Dr. Rex D. Drilon.
Commemorating the 54th death anniversary of Dr. Rex D. Drilon, Central Philippine University’s first Filipino President, the University held a memorial service in his honor at the Evangelical Memorial Garden, Balantang, Jaro on February 21, 2025.
The service commenced with the welcome remarks delivered by CPU President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy. In his message, he acknowledged and honored the leadership of past Filipino Presidents of CPU, recognizing their dedication to the institution’s growth and success.
“As we gather here today, may we continue to honor his life and his works. Furthermore, may we continue to live out the ideals of faith combined with the unrelenting pursuit of knowledge, which he exemplified, and which were also inculcated among those who passed through the halls of Central. Finally, may we find comfort in the fact that the Central he left behind will continue to thrive because of our unbroken link to our storied past, that has propelled us to where we are now and will ultimately bring us to a future that God has already prepared for us.,” Dr. Dagohoy stated.
Greatly loved by the Centralian community, Dr. Drilon’s life and legacy are celebrated through the remembrance of his life, love, and works—continuing to inspire and guide future generations.
After the remarks, a moment of reflection accompanied by instrumental music took place, followed by a meditative reading and a sung response. Pastor Justine Palmes Mije, Associate Minister for Campus Ministries, then delivered the invocation.
“Today, we gather to honor the precious gift that Dr. Rex Drilon was to all of us. We give thanks for the life he lived—a life of purpose, service, and faith. His legacy of leadership, integrity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the entire CPU community will not fade but will continue to inspire us,” Pastor Mije remarked.
Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, shared his brief reflection, anchored from the text of 2 Peter 1:15.
“I believe we can all say, without fear of contradiction, that one of the strongest foundations upon which CPU was built was the vision of the first Filipino President of Central Philippine University, Dr. Rex D. Drilon. He always dreamed of a greater Central. The fulfillment of that vision, according to Dr. Drilon, depends on the lives of Centralians who have walked on the hallowed grounds of Central,” Rev. Sian highlighted.
Following the reflection, a Litany of Commitment was recited by the school administrators, faculty, staff, and the Centralian community. A Hymn of Affirmation followed, led by Prof. Crista Huyong, while flowers were placed on the tomb of Dr. Drilon by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and former CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles. The service concluded with a closing prayer and benediction by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian.
This memorial service stands as a reminder of Dr. Drilon’s enduring legacy to the Centralian community. His dedication to Christian values, active involvement, and steadfast support of the university’s principles continue to inspire the community to this day.