By Nestle G. Taala

A photo opportunity with CPU representatives and Fortress College, Inc. personnel, faculty and staff.

One God-ordained step at a time – The CPU Administration led by the University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and the CPU Board of Trustees Fortress Technical Working Committee chaired by Atty. Von Lovel Bedona spent a day with the administration, faculty, and staff of the Fortress College at Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on August 3, 2023, for a meet and greet activity.

The program was brief, but it was filled with hope and new beginnings through introduction, appreciation, and clarification. It aimed to introduce the various changes that may take place and the what-not. The concerns of both sides were also addressed as the personnel of Fortress College were given the chance to raise them which were immediately accommodated by the group from CPU.

In his message, Atty. Bedona, the chairperson of the Fortress Technical Working Committee said that for them, this is an opportunity to serve. He is grateful to the Tingson family for this chance to expand the mission of CPU outside Iloilo City. Meanwhile, Dr. Robles expressed “We would like to learn more about what you are doing here, and we will come up later on with ideas on how we can make it work together.” As part of the plans, he also mentioned considering “programs that are basically CPU programs.”

CPU BOT Vice Chairman Atty. Von Bedona, BOT Member Dr. Carmen Santos, Vice President for Student Affairs Esther Rose Romarate and Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence Bogacia were also present to accommodate queries from the Fortress College, Inc. personnel.

Dr. Carmen P. Santos, CPU-BOT Treasurer and member of the said committee gave them an assurance by saying, “If you stay with Fortress College, one thing I could assure you. I will give you intensive training, workshop-seminars to make you a good instructor and competent teacher.” She was tasked by the CPU- BOT to take charge of the academic affairs of Fortress.

This undertaking officially started when CPU accepted the donation of the Tingson family of their properties which included the Fortress College. Mrs. Grace Tingson-Hughes thanked and recognized God’s work done through CPU and as a response, she has been very vocal in expressing that CPU has been God’s instrument to continue this ministry.

Fortress College, Inc. is now under the management of CPU.

Also present during the meet and greet were Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Mrs. Josette G. Jalando-on, and Rev. Armando Kole. Atty. Aila Rae Endonila and Atty. Ina Noellene Bernales, as CPU Legal team, were also at Kabankalan City to finalize all the legal matters concerning the donation.

The endeavor has yet to end; in fact, these steps were just part of the beginning process. But just as this university was established 117 years ago, with God’s provision and leading the Fortress College will continue to be used for God’s glory under new management by Central Philippine University.

READ: https://cpu.edu.ph/news/cpu-signs-deeds-of-donation-with-asco-fortress-college-inc/