By Mikee Natinga Norico

University administrators, faculty, and staff pose for a group photo following the 2025 Faculty and Staff Conference held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

On August 5, 2025, Central Philippine University (CPU) gathered its faculty and staff for the annual Faculty and Staff Conference held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, rallying the university community under the theme, “BEACONS OF CHANGE: Beyond Compliance, Committing to a Culture of Quality, Innovation, and Sustainable Education for Global Impact.”

 The day-long gathering served as a platform for institutional alignment, collaborative forums, and a celebration of the university’s progress. The event underscored CPU’s unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and sustainable impact in education. Attended by administrators, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel, the conference opened with a praise and worship session led by Rev. Franza Hestia Lovejoy Q. Leysa, followed by an opening prayer by Rev. Karel Grace D. Victoria.

In his devotional titled “Rooted in Faith, Growing in Excellence,” Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, reminded attendees of their spiritual calling in the pursuit of academic and professional excellence.

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivers his plenary talk on “Excellence in Education: Leading with Purpose” during the Faculty and Staff Conference 2025.

The official opening remarks were delivered by Conference Chair and College of Engineering Dean, Engr. Mary Earl Daryl A. Grio, who recognized the roles of faculty, staff, and administrators in CPU’s shared mission. She emphasized that the theme challenges everyone to go beyond compliance—not for recognition, but through service marked by integrity, compassion, and lifelong learning.

“Together, all of us are the heart, mind, and hands of CPU’s mission: to deliver exemplary Christian education for life and for excellence,” Engr. Grio said.

The morning plenary sessions featured key university leaders delivering talks on strategic themes:

• Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, spoke on “Excellence in Education: Leading with Purpose.”
• Florence P. Bogacia, VP for Finance and Enterprises, emphasized fiscal responsibility in “Accountable and Ethical Resource Management for Sustainable Growth.”
• Dany C. Molina, VP for Administration, presented “Creating Sustainable Spaces: Building the Future of Learning through Infrastructure and Innovation.”
• Merle L. Junsay, Acting VP for Academic Affairs, simplified the concept of OBE in “Outcomes-Based Education Made Simple.”
• Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting VP for Research, Development, and Extension, tackled “Nation Building Through Research, Development, and Extension Services.”
• Ma. Victoria G. Bellosillo, RAFFLU President, addressed staff development in “Strengthening Staff Engagement for Sustainable Excellence.”
• Esther Rose A. Romarate, VP for Student Affairs, advocated for inclusive education in “Optimizing Student Services: Building Holistic, Inclusive, and Globally Relevant Student Experiences.”

An energizing icebreaker activity titled “Faith, Fellowship, and Fun: Strengthening Bonds in Service and Spirit” brought the morning session to a close, followed by an open forum. During lunch, the election of faculty and staff representatives to the Retirement Board and Board of Trustees took place, facilitated by COMELEC Chair Engr. Jeriel G. Militar. The results were announced during the coffee break.

In the afternoon, the conference resumed with another energizer activity titled “Cultivating Connections: Advancing Institutional Identity, Partnerships, and Impact,” followed by a session on “Holistic Human Resources Development” led by Dr. Darril F. Pamocol, Officer-in-Charge of the HRD Office.

Video presentations showcasing CPU’s initiatives were also screened, highlighting the university’s participation in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) through its innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability programs.

CPU WURI awardees together with University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy pose for a photo after being recognized during the 2025 Faculty and Staff Conference at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

CPU Faculty Association President Engr. Ferdinand T. Monoso gave a talk on “Educators as Catalysts for Innovation and Quality.” Ms. Ella Kathrina A. Gutierrez, HR Career Development Officer, introduced new appointees and recently hired employees. This was followed by COMELEC Chair Engr. Jeriel G. Militar, who officially announced the winners of the elections:

• Retirement Board Faculty Representatives: Hermely Jalando-on and Prof. Corazon Nievales
• Retirement Board Staff Representative: Stephen Yuson
• Board of Trustees Faculty Representative: Frank Robite
• Board of Trustees Staff Representative: Ma. Victoria G. Bellosillo

A special highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of CPU’s WURI Awardees. The university ranked 75th in the SDG-based Responses to Global Challenges category through the project “Kumikitang Kabuhayan, CPU ang Kaakibat” by the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences. The award was received by Ms. Danna Marie E. Gabasa and Ms. Allyssa M. Depasupil on behalf of Dr. Jaime C. Cabarles. Meanwhile, Dr. Mary O’T. Penetrante, Director of the University Research Center, received CPU’s 46th ranking in the Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Trend category.

To keep the atmosphere lively and engaging, raffle draws were held during both the morning and afternoon sessions, giving attendees the chance to win cash prizes. This added a fun and exciting touch to the conference, much to the delight of the faculty and staff.

The conference culminated with the Pagdayaw 2025 Quality Awards, recognizing outstanding academic and administrative units for their commitment to quality assurance. Attendees then participated in a Litany of Commitment and sang the Alma Mater Song before Pastor Justine P. Mije, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry, closed the program in prayer.

With meaningful discussions, recognitions, and shared reflections, the 2025 Faculty and Staff Conference renewed CPU’s unified commitment to excellence, innovation, and transformative Christian education in today’s ever-evolving global landscape.