By Karren Jay G. Asgar

(From L-R) Engr. Dany Molina, VP for Administration; Dr. Florence Bogacia, VP for Finance and Enterprises; Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, current CPU President; Dr. Rex Casiple, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED-VI; Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, former CPU President; Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, VP for Student Affairs; and Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, OIC of the Office of VPAA, pose for a photo following the successful Thanksgiving Service celebrating the renewal of CHED autonomous status.

On October 9, 2024, Central Philippine University (CPU) hosted a Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the renewal of its autonomous status granted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The event, held at the University Church, brought together a diverse group of attendees to acknowledge this prestigious recognition which underscores CPU’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development through Christian education.

According to CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 7, Series of 2024, CPU is one of 77 private higher education institutions (PHEIs) granted autonomous status, valid from September 16, 2024, to September 15, 2027. This assessment cycle thoroughly reviewed the performance and achievements of PHEIs from July 1, 2019, to September 15, 2023.

“Today, we are gathered here to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness manifested in the renewal of the autonomous status of the university by the Commission on Higher Education effective September 16, 2024, ‘til September 15, 2027. Only by God’s grace have we attained this distinction that we share with 76 other institutions of higher learning in the Philippines. We are thankful that with this status, the University has attained a degree of independence that grants us considerable latitude in our day-to-day operations and challenges us to continue upholding strict standards and advancing higher education,” said Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs.

Dr. Rex Casiple, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED Regional Office VI and an alumnus of the College of Engineering, reaffirmed CPU’s status as one of six autonomous schools in Western Visayas during his address. He highlighted the benefits of autonomy, including exemption from the issuance of special orders for graduates, freedom from regular monitoring and evaluation, and priority access to grants, subsidies, and other financial assistance. Additionally, CPU has the privilege to determine and prescribe curricular programs for global competence, offer new undergraduate and graduate courses without needing CHED approval, establish branches or satellite campuses, provide extension classes and distance education, increase tuition and other fees, and award Honoris Causa to deserving individuals.

Former University President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles also acknowledged the collective efforts behind the achievement, stating, “We should remember that if we want to maintain as we have maintained for the last 15 years this autonomous status because it is not only a recognition of our excellence in many ways, but rather a recognition that our mission and vision is being uphold and we want to make sure that we produce students with Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL).”

Current University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy emphasized Central’s responsibility to ensure that all its actions align with its shared mission, vision, goals, and objectives, which will drive further improvements. “Today, we celebrate this worthy milestone but let us never forget to attribute all glory and honor and praise to God,” Dr. Dagohoy said.

In Region VI, the other institutions granted Autonomous Status include John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Bacolod), John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo, STI West Negros University, and the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod.

The Centralian community celebrates this milestone as a significant achievement for the institution, highlighting CPU’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation, all while integrating Scientia et Fides into its educational framework.