By: Kairos Rye A. Jalando-on, Centralian Link Intern

Atty Doriedel G. Lozañes, Chairperson of the Resource Generation Committee, delivers her welcome remarks.

On January 21, 2026, the CPU Resource Generation Committee hosted the awarding ceremony of their recently concluded songwriting and jingle writing contest on the theme: “Together We Build, a Journey Toward Excellence”, held at the Conference Room of the Rex D. Drilon Hall.

The program opened with an opening prayer led by Atty. Liza Lyn Garcia, Assistant Dean of the CPU-College of Law, followed by welcome remarks from Atty. Doriedel G. Lozañes, Chairperson of the Resource Generation Committee and Vice Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees. Speaking on behalf of the committee, she emphasized that the contest was about the celebration of the Centralian community, that champions excellence and collaboration. Furthermore, she said that there were 14 entries for the song writing contest and only one entry for the jingle making contest, adding that all entries went through AI checkers such as Turnitin and GPTZero for transparency, originality, and excellence.

In closing, she said that the contest aims to convey the message that “We do not just build walls and structures but also trust, talent, and a culture of excellence”.

As for the winners of the contest, 3rd place went to Mr. Jeremiah Jude Panes, with his song titled “Journey”. He spoke about how his song was centered on never being ashamed and that one should always look forward. 2nd place went to Ms. Alyssa Daine L. Gimotea with her song entitled “Centralian Days”. She said her entry was inspired by her Centralian journey, reminiscing on her long walks down the Centennial Walkway and the infamous “waterfalls”, adding that this song was also a testament to her recently passing the licensure exam for nurses. The honor of 1st place winner went to Engr. Rodney C. Gicana, an alumnus of CPU currently based in Toronto, Canada who is also former Dean of the CPU College of Computer Studies. His song entitled “We Can Build Again” emphasized that we should not forget where we come from, adding that the inspiration for his song was CPU being built on the “foundation that is the grace of God.”

Members of the Resource Generation Committee and the awardees pose for a photo.

After the awarding, Atty. Nestle G. Taala, Resource Generation Secretariat, spoke about the continued need of campaigning for resource generation for the building of the new hall for the College of Law and the College of Medicine.

Dr. Esther Rose Romarate, Vice President of Student Affairs and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President, expressed surprise and delight in her message of thanks, adding that it was not only the older generation who joined the contest but noting that the younger generation of Centralians were enthusiastic about participating. She added that we already know and have memorized the older Centralian songs and that these new songs are now the next step in the evolution of CPU. In closing, she thanked God and the participants for sharing their time and talents for this competition.

The program was then closed with a prayer led by Dr. Diadem Pearl S. Equiña, Associate Dean of the College of Medicine.

When Dr. Castigador of the RGC Administrative support committee was asked for a comment, she said: “We are grateful to witness the expression of talents and passion of our students and alumni regarding CPU and what it stands for. This initiative for the fundraising campaign is envisioned to have an impact that will reach the future generations of Centralians and those beyond the walls of CPU.”

Atty. Lozañes also added that “These songs will be used by the university and the committee for fundraising. The committee hopes that the building of this new hall will address the challenges the university faces, particularly the lack of classrooms.”