By Karren Jay G. Asgar & Mikee N. Norico
CPU Administrators, students, faculty, staff, and alumni gather at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room to honor the legacy Central Philippine University during the 120th Founding Anniversary Memorial Service.
Central Philippine University (CPU) marked its 120th Foundation Day with a Memorial Service themed “CPU@120: Rooted in Faith, Advancing Innovation for a Sustainable and Inclusive World” on October 1, 2025, at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room. Prior to the program, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Philippine-American Cemetery, Commission Civil Street, Jaro, Iloilo City.
The service began with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the United States National Anthem. CPU Vice President for Administration Engr. Dany C. Molina then led the program, welcoming the CPU community and guests and expressing gratitude for their presence. In his message, he honored the American missionaries who sacrificed their lives to establish Central Philippine University, reminding everyone that every classroom, graduate, and achievement of CPU is a living testament to their legacy. He started with a reflection on Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
“We gather today in solemn remembrance and grateful thanksgiving. We stand surrounded by the resting places of those who came before us – founders, missionaries, and faithful leaders who gave their lives in service to Christ through Central Philippine University,” said Engr. Molina in his call to gathering.
An opening hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” by Isaac Watts and William Croft, followed, led by Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Quimpo-Leysa, Associate Pastor for Youth. After the hymn, the invocation was delivered by Rev. Karel Grace D. Victoria, Associate Pastor for Christian Education.
Before the Memorial Service, the ceremonial wreath-laying was led by University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy at the Philippine-American Cemetery, Commission Civil Street, Jaro, Iloilo City.
The Reading of CPU History was then led by Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting Vice President for Research, Development and Extension, recalling the rich heritage and milestones of the university. This was followed by a musical offering from the Ladies Academic Council Ensemble, composed of deans, department heads, principals, and vice presidents.
A Testimony of Thanksgiving was then shared by Ms. Flora Guillergan Cudiamat, who expressed her gratitude to God and to Central Philippine University for shaping her life and faith. She shared that CPU has been a part of her life since childhood. She recalled how the neighborhood and CPU community shaped her character, values, and faith, teaching her resilience and discipline.
Ms. Cudiamat recounted her journey from initially being offered an engineering scholarship to choosing Nursing instead, a decision that brought joy to her mother and eventually led her to a career in the United States. She highlighted how her time at CPU, from dorm life and friendships to church and Sunday school, prepared her both professionally and spiritually. Looking back, she expressed gratitude for CPU as the foundation of her growth and success, stating that everything she has achieved is rooted in the blessings she received through the University and its community.
The program continued with the Responsive Reading, led by Engr. Dany C. Molina. It was then followed by the Biblical Admonition, which began with the reading of Psalm 90:1-12 by Collyn Maxie Rose T. Moscoso, CPU Republic Vice President, and was followed with Hebrews 12:1-2 delivered by Pastor Justine Palmes-Mije, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry.
The program proceeded with the Hymn of Commitment, “We Thank Thee, Lord, Thy Paths of Service Lead” by Calvin Weiss Laufer, led by Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Quimpo-Leysa. Afterward, the Memorial Prayer and Silent Reflection was led by Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, President of CPU, expressed gratitude to God for His protection, especially following the recent earthquake, and highlighted that CPU’s 120th founding anniversary is both a celebration of God’s faithfulness and a milestone in Christian higher education. He reflected on CPU’s humble beginnings in 1905 under American Baptist missionaries and its growth into a respected university with alumni making an impact worldwide.
President Dagohoy honored the legacy of those who built CPU through faith and service, affirming the University’s continued commitment to knowledge, faith, and innovation for a sustainable and inclusive future. He encouraged the community to preserve and pass on this legacy to future generations not for recognition, but for God’s glory.
The program concluded with the Lighting of Candles, with each candle carrying a special meaning, and ended with the Benediction led by Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian.