By Mikee Natinga Norico
CPU Weston Hall and Franklin Hall residents, together with CPU administrators and key stakeholders, pose for a group photo after the Dedication Service at the University Church.
On March 16, 2025, the Central Philippine University (CPU) Weston Hall Ladies Dormitory and Franklin Hall Dormitory held their Dedication Sunday and Fellowship at the University Church and the Educational Media Center Conference Room. The event was a heartfelt gathering that celebrated faith, friendship, and shared experiences among dormitory residents.
The program commenced with the dedication of the residents at the University Church, marking a solemn moment of commitment and prayer. University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dahogoy delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the importance of community, resilience, and faith in students’ academic journeys. The event continued with the blessing of the food, followed by a lunch fellowship, where students and faculty members shared meals and meaningful conversations.
Adding to the celebratory spirit, residents of Weston Hall Ladies Dormitory and Franklin Hall Dormitory presented a special number, showcasing their talents and camaraderie. Ma’am Betty C. Ermitaño, RGC, LPT, the dormitory’s assigned Guidance Counselor, also delivered a heartfelt message, reminding students of the importance of support systems and personal growth while staying in CPU’s dormitories.
The highlight of the event was the touching testimonies from two residents: Harnega Babu, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Biology student from Sri Lanka residing at Weston Hall Ladies Dormitory, and Arnel Z. Macitas Jr., a fourth-year Bachelor of Elementary Education student from Franklin Hall Dormitory. Their testimonies reflected their struggles, resilience, and the sense of belonging they found in their respective dormitories.
Harnega shared her journey of leaving her home country to pursue her dream of studying in the medical field. She recalled her initial struggles, loneliness, and doubts but expressed deep gratitude for the welcoming environment at Weston Hall. She acknowledged her dorm matron, Ma’am Chelle, for providing comfort and support, and she expressed appreciation for her roommates, who have become like a second family to her.
“I still remember the first day I came to Weston. It was during enrollment, and I nervously asked Ma’am Chelle, ‘Ma’am, do you have any rooms available?’ She just smiled and said, ‘Oh yeah, we have two.’ She didn’t even ask why I was moving—she just knew it was urgent. She let me move in within a week and never pressured me to explain anything. She gave me time to adjust, settle in, and feel comfortable before opening up. And for that, I’ll always be grateful. She has been more than a dorm matron—she’s been like a mom to me, always making sure we’re okay and looking out for us. Now, it’s been a year since I moved in, and honestly, I still miss my parents, my home, and everything familiar. Sri Lanka and the Philippines are thousands of kilometers apart, and the time difference makes it even harder. But this dorm has never made me feel alone. It’s filled with people who have become my family here. And I can’t forget how special you made me feel on my birthday. Weston isn’t just a place I stay; it has become my second home, and the people here are my second family. I may be far from my real home, but because of you all, I’ve never truly felt alone. And I love the Philippines, too. This country has been kind to me and has taught me so much. I’d like to thank Ma’am Chelle once again for giving me the chance to share my story today. And most of all, I thank CPU for creating an environment where we feel safe, supported, and at home,” she said.
Meanwhile, Arnel humorously recounted his initial reluctance to stay at Franklin Hall Dormitory due to the curfew policy. However, he soon discovered the warmth of the dormitory community, made lifelong friendships, and embraced the guidance provided by the dormitory proctor, Sir Dexter E. Martin. He credited his experiences in the dormitory for teaching him responsibility and shaping his personal growth.
“Franklin Hall Dormitory wasn’t my first choice. At first, I found it frustrating that I had to stay in a dormitory with a 9 PM curfew—something I had never experienced before, not even at home. As face-to-face classes approached, I remembered praying, ‘Lord, I am scared. This is a new environment for me. Please help me find a dormitory where I can make new friends who will accompany and support me during my stay here in Iloilo.’ I didn’t like the idea at first. I thought, ‘Oh no, what if the dorm staff is too strict?’ (Back then, I just called them ‘the ones watching over us’ because I didn’t know what to call them. But now, I call them whatever I feel like—and I even became one of my proctor’s favorite dormers!). I also worried that I wouldn’t get along with my roommates or dormmates. Little did I know that staying here would bring me so much comfort because of the people I met inside the dormitory. My journey at CPU became more bearable because of them. I even thought about transferring back to Bacolod because I had no friends at first. But luckily, I found friendships along the way. To Sir Dexter, thank you so much for keeping us safe and protected—and, more importantly, for being a friend. But above all else, my experiences in the dormitory taught me responsibility. I will always be grateful for the experiences, lessons, and personal growth I have gained here,” he said.
The event continued with the awarding of winners for the Weston Hall Ladies Dormitory Open House and the T-shirt Design Contest for both dormitories. Exciting games further strengthened the bond among the residents.
Before the program concluded, Ma’am Rischelle Ann B. Ellamil, Weston Hall Ladies Dormitory Matron, delivered words of appreciation, acknowledging the efforts of everyone who contributed to making the dormitories a home away from home. The event ended with a closing prayer led by Sir Dexter E. Martin, Franklin Hall Dormitory Proctor, marking a meaningful and memorable gathering for all participants.
The Dedication Sunday and Fellowship reinforced the essence of community within CPU dormitories, fostering a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. With the unwavering support of dormitory personnel and fellow residents, CPU continues to provide a home where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to pursue their dreams.