By Mikee Natinga Norico

New and transferee students gather at the Rose Memorial Auditorium during the two-day College Orientation for the First Semester of SY 2025–2026.

Central Philippine University (CPU) officially welcomed its new and transferee students for the First Semester of School Year 2025-2026 through a two-day College Orientation held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on July 28–29, 2025. Designed to equip students with key information and resources for their academic journey, the orientation also provided a warm introduction to the university’s values, services, and vibrant campus life.

The first day focused on building a sense of community among students and familiarizing them with the identity and mission of CPU. The program opened with a thanksgiving worship service and a meditation led by Pastor Neva Grace Fabila, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.

Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs, delivered the opening remarks, expressing gratitude for the presence of the incoming students and reflecting on the importance of beginning the orientation with worship. She encouraged students to embrace the year ahead with perseverance, faith, and a readiness to form meaningful connections. Dr. Romarate also introduced the “We Are CPU” orientation program, which combines informative sessions with engaging activities, and extended appreciation to university administrators and CPU Republic officers for their support.

Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU President, inspires the incoming Centralians with insights into the university’s heritage and future direction.

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy followed with a message outlining the university’s vision, mission, quality policy, and core values. A historical video presentation provided students with a glimpse of CPU’s rich legacy and contribution to education.

Fun and engaging activities rounded out the day. Students participated in an ice breaker facilitated by the CPU Republic, learned the CPU Alma Mater Song led by Cultural Affairs Office Coordinator, Prof. Crista Huyong, and received valuable announcements from the Guidance Service Center (GSC) and CPU Republic (CPUR). Pastor Neva Grace Fabila offered the closing prayer to conclude a successful first day of college orientation.

Day 2 focused on equipping students with essential information for academic success and campus life. The morning session started with registration facilitated by GSC and CPUR, followed by an opening prayer by Pastor Neva Grace Fabila, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry and devotional by Pastor Karel Grace Victoria, Associate Pastor of the University Church. Welcome remarks by Dr. Merle Junsay, Dean of the College of Education and Officer – in-Charge Vice President for Academic Affairs then set the tone for the day.

The session delved into academic matters with an introduction to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) office, its services, and the ‘Honors’ Policy. A CPUR Icebreaker added a touch of event. Subsequently, a recorded video walkthrough of Microsoft 365 provided students with valuable digital tools.

Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate delivers the opening remarks, encouraging new Centralians to embrace their CPU journey with faith and resilience.

Ms. Chilou P. Bato-on, AC/KDC Librarian presented the library’s services. A recorded overview of CPU Canvas followed, guiding students on how to access their Canvas accounts and navigate the platform.

Interactive ice breakers with CPUR fueled engagement throughout the morning, while an open forum addressed any questions students might have. CPU leadership, including Dr. Junsay; Dr. Aries Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; Dean Ma. Christina A. Quijano of the College of Computer Studies; and University Registrar Ms. Charissa June G. Deocampo, ensured all inquiries were addressed.

In the afternoon, students learned about campus policies through recorded videos on rules and regulations, dress codes, and traffic and parking policies. Engr. Dany C. Molina, Vice President for Administration, emphasized environmental responsibility through his talk on “Caring for Our Campus.” Students then engaged in a forum on campus safety and security with Engr. Molina, Mr. Jonathan Tumalay of the Office of the Safety and Health Officer, and Prof. Lennon Pajar.

An audiovisual recap prepared by the AVP Team set the stage for the financial orientation, which included a video on payment procedures, insurance, exam permits, and promissory notes. Students also learned about innovation and entrepreneurship at CPU through a presentation by CPUGAD TBI PackUp CEO and Founder Matt Rafael M. Genito. This was followed by an open forum with VP for Finance and Enterprises – OIC Delia Ciriaco, Ma’am Welna Roxas, and Mr. Genito.

The final sessions focused on student welfare. A recorded video from the Vice President for Student Affairs Office detailed available student support services, scholarship opportunities, and medical requirements such as physical examinations. Dr. Charity T. Trestiza-Catamora of the University Medical Clinic presented the M Pox Protocols. An open forum followed with representatives from the Student Development Program, Guidance Service Center, Multicultural Commission, Discipline Committee, and Student Affairs Office.

The program concluded with final announcements, an evaluation session facilitated by the Guidance Service Center and CPUR, closing remarks by Asst. Prof. Marissa Dy Buco, and a final prayer by Pastor Fabila.

Through meaningful interactions, informative presentations, and opportunities for reflection, the College Orientation 2025 successfully prepared CPU’s new Centralians to begin their academic journey with confidence. Central Philippine University extends a heartfelt welcome to its newest community members and looks forward to their active participation in campus life.