By Mikee Natinga Norico
CPU key administrators, academic and non-academic heads, faculty, and staff pose for a group photo with Dr. Susan De La Paz (seated in front, 7th from right), Fulbright Specialist and Professor Emerita from the University of Maryland, at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room.
Central Philippine University (CPU) administrators, deans, faculty, and staff gathered at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room on August 26, 2025, for the Closing Program of Dr. Susan De La Paz, a Fulbright Specialist and Professor Emerita from the University of Maryland. Dr. De La Paz was in CPU from August 4 to engage in a series of consultations and capacity-building activities on inclusivity and special needs education.
In his opening message, University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy welcomed the attendees and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. De La Paz for her valuable contributions to the university. He emphasized her impact on strengthening CPU’s commitment to persons with disabilities through inclusive education and policy development. Rev. Dr. Dagohoy also highlighted the significance of the Fulbright partnership, linking it to CPU’s historical foundation with American Baptist missionaries. He closed by sharing Matthew 5:14–16, encouraging the community to let their light shine for the glory of God.
In her closing message, Dr. Susan De La Paz congratulated CPU for successfully designing its inclusiveness policy but underscored that the true challenge lies in effective implementation. She recommended key steps for sustainability, including hiring a special education expert, introducing character education in basic education, strengthening the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, adopting closed captioning, refining syllabus design, and promoting faculty collaboration. She also encouraged CPU to celebrate teaching excellence, develop inclusive education electives, and explore funding opportunities and institutional partnerships.
“I want to emphasize that progress will take time. Some initiatives will succeed quickly, while others may need to be revisited. What matters most is that you continue to move forward with commitment, openness, and creativity. It has been my great honor to work with you, to learn from you, and to witness your dedication to creating a more inclusive learning environment at CPU,” Dr. De La Paz shared.
Following her message, expressions of gratitude and takeaways were delivered by several academic leaders, including Ma’am Praise E. Glory, Principal of the University Kindergarten; Dr. Ma. Corazon Perucho-Porras, Dean of the College of Medical Laboratory Science; Mary Earl Daryl A. Grio, Dean of the College of Engineering; Prof. Melba C. Sale, Dean of the College of Nursing; Charlett B. Dianala, Principal of Junior High School; and Dr. Maredil R. Ambos, Officer-in-Charge Dean of the College of Education.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, delivered the program’s final message, extending appreciation to Dr. De La Paz for generously sharing her time, knowledge, and expertise. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the College of Education, the PWD community, the Guidance Services Center, administrators, faculty, and staff in making the institutional visit meaningful. Dr. Romarate highlighted the successful finalization of CPU’s proposed University Policy on Students with Special Needs, soon to be presented for Board approval. She concluded with gratitude to God for blessing CPU with this partnership and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to cultivating an inclusive and caring academic community.
The program ended with a group photo before the fellowship lunch, marking not just a send-off for Dr. De La Paz but a renewed commitment of CPU toward inclusivity and educational excellence.