By Mikee Natinga Norico
From left to right: Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, presents the plaque of appreciation to Mr. Christian Philip S. Jimeno, inspirational speaker, together with Mr. Franklin G. Robite, Senior High School Principal, and Ms. Abigail J. Vilches, SHS Assistant Principal during the SHS Excellence Awards Ceremony.
Central Philippine University Senior High School (SHS) held its Excellence Awards Ceremony yesterday morning, May 22, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium to honor the outstanding academic achievements of its students.
The ceremony began with the solemn entrance of colors by the CPU ROTC, followed by a grand processional featuring awardees accompanied by their parents or guardians, CPU administration, Senior High School officials, faculty, and staff. Ms. Jean B. Cruz De La, a faculty member of the University Senior High School, led the opening prayer, setting a reflective tone for the event. The National Anthem was conducted by CPU SHS faculty member Mr. Jerel Kim E. Esmama.
Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the opening remarks. He warmly welcomed the awardees, their families, and faculty members, emphasizing the importance of hard work and wise choices. “Today is your day. Remember this moment, for it will serve as a guiding light in your life’s journey ahead,” Dr. Rio said, highlighting that academic success is a product of perseverance and faith. He reminded everyone of Proverbs 14:23: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty,” inspiring students to continue striving for excellence.
Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivers his opening remarks, encouraging students to pursue excellence through perseverance and faith during the SHS Excellence Awards Ceremony.
Following the opening remarks, Prof. Ma. Lindy B. Saquibal introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Christian Philip S. Jimeno, a proud CPU Senior High School alumnus from the Batch of 2019. In his heartfelt message, Mr. Jimeno shared his personal journey of faith, resilience, and growth amid trials. He recounted how faith in God transformed moments of failure and despair into powerful testimony and triumph. Mr. Jimeno encouraged the students to trust in God’s purpose for their lives, emphasizing that “the future is not just ahead of you—it is already within you.”
“To all Grade 11 and 12 students: I urge you to pray about what the Lord has prepared for you. Reflect on the challenges ahead. Take every opportunity for growth. Seek His will above all. Trust Him. You are not just the future of the Philippines—you are God’s workmanship, created with purpose, shaped by trials, and destined to make a difference,” he said.
In recognition of his inspiring message and continued success, Mr. Jimeno was presented with a plaque of appreciation by University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, Senior High School Principal Mr. Franklin G. Robite, and Assistant Principal Ms. Abigail J. Vilches.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of academic awards, which began with Batch 1 — Top 10 Grade 12 awardees, followed by Batch 2 — other Grade 12 awardees, then Batch 3 — Grade 11 awardees, and concluded with Batch 4 — additional Grade 11 awardees. All student awardees received their medals and certificates together with their proud parents or guardians.
CPU Senior High School student receives their medals and certificates alongside proud parents and guardians during the Excellence Awards Ceremony.
The event also featured a musical intermission by Ms. Denise Louisa Keith M. Mendoza, a Humanities and Social Sciences student, adding a touch of artistry to the celebration.
Special awards were announced by Mr. Mark P. Casaquite, recognizing recipients of the CPU Faculty Union Academic Excellence Incentive Award, the President’s Incentive Award, and the CPURAFLU-FFW Cash Incentive Award.
Prof. Ella Lee P. Galve, a faculty member of the University Senior High School, extended heartfelt acknowledgments to the CPU Administration, Senior High School Administration, faculty, staff, and the Excellence Awards Committee for their unwavering support in making the event a success.
The closing prayer was led by Prof. Maria Fe B. Dequito, followed by the Alma Mater Song conducted by Mr. Jerel Kim E. Esmama. The ceremony concluded with a recessional of awardees and their families alongside university officials and faculty.
The Senior High School Excellence Awards not only celebrated academic achievements but also highlighted the enduring spirit and commitment of CPU students to pursue excellence with faith and purpose.
To view the full list of Academic Awardees for Grades 11 and 12, visit:
https://cpu.edu.ph/…/list-of-academic-awardees-for…/