By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Guest speaker Dr. TJ Jon Cuenca inspired CWTS and ROTC students of CPU-NSTP during the Christ Emphasis Week Convocation on September 20, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, sharing biblical insights and personal experiences on true service.
Central Philippine University (CPU), through the National Service Training Program (NSTP), held its Convocation for Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) on September 20, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The gathering carried the theme “Breakthrough in 3D” anchored on the Biblical text Jeremiah 33:3.
The program began with praise and worship led by the CPU-NSTP Band, followed by the reading of the Scripture text by NSTP faculty Melanie G. Hermano. A glimpse of the life of the speaker was presented by NSTP faculty Ronaliza M. Cenal.
Serving as guest speaker was Dr. TJ Jon Cuenca, who delivered the proclamation of God’s Word and shared both biblical insights and personal experiences. In his message, he emphasized the true meaning of service: “There are two types of service. One joins for prestige, rank, power, and influence. The other joins to serve protecting the country, its people, and the Philippine way of life. What directs you and what you discover leads you to very different kinds of legacies,” he said.
He also shared a personal testimony of living in what he called “Sin City,” where his life once revolved around himself rather than God and family. Despite having a nice house and connections with celebrities, he felt empty and experienced a growing void in his heart. This led him to seek God and reexamine his direction in life.
CWTS and ROTC students under the CPU-NSTP program came together for the Christ Emphasis Week Convocation on September 20, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
Addressing the attendees, Dr. Cuenca affirmed their role as NSTP students: “You want to serve the community, you are different, you are headed in the right direction, you are headed for something greater than yourself because you are serving the people… You want to discover things early so you can make a big change on your life. What you’re doing, I commend you.”
The litany, centered on the promise of God in Jeremiah 33:3, highlighted the congregation’s response through prayers of thanksgiving, obedience, and commitment.
The convocation concluded with a closing song led by the NSTP Band and the closing prayer and benediction by Pastor Neva Grace Fabila, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry.