By Nestle G. Taala
Delegations from CPU, ASCO, Fortress College posed for a photo opportunity after the signing of the Deeds of Donation.
Reaching the point of no return; the first step is over. – Central Philippine University sealed and formally accepted the donations from Asian Christian Outreach, Inc. (ASCO) and Fortress College, Inc., established by the late Reverend Dr. Gregorio “Greg” J. Tingson, through the signing of the Deeds of Donation held on June 12, 2023, at Seda Hotel, Bacolod City.
A meaningful and productive holiday, the momentous event started with the announcements from Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Vice Chairperson, CPU Board of Trustees and the Chairperson of CPU Technical Working Group on Fortress, wherein he laid down the commitments of CPU and the recommendations of the CPU BOT in this endeavor. He also revealed that the CPU-BOT is preparing a resolution acknowledging the generosity of the Tingson family.
He said, “This is not a matter of investment. This is a matter of our work for the continuance of the mission. We are very thankful that CPU was given an opportunity to serve through Fortress College.”
Meanwhile, Atty. Renecito Novero, Chairperson, Fortress College Board of Trustees, acknowledged and thanked the CPU BOT for making things as well as each transaction go smoothly between the parties. He said that everything in this undertaking is Godsent; “God’s mysterious graciousness in working out things for the good of His people and for His great plan especially through CPU and Fortress College.”
In her message, Mrs. Grace Tingson-Hughes, President of ASCO, shared how the endeavor started 8 years ago with just a talk with Dr. Robles. Now that the transfer of said property in the name of CPU has been made possible, she said that her mother is “at peace, happy, and excited to see what CPU can do.”
Believing that this is God’s doing, she thanked CPU for this ceremony and “looking forward to the partnership with you.” Since its inception, the Tingson family has been considering Fortress College as a ministry.
By signing the deeds, CPU becomes now the owner of the property. But the signing did not remain as an act of endless flipping and inking of pages of the deed but became a testimony of how “God works mysteriously and graciously” for both institutions.
In response, Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, Chairperson of the CPU BOT, related the event to the celebration of Philippine Independence Day – “freedom from all the preparations” in this very first step. But on a serious note, he “thanked the Lord for having this activity made into reality and now sealed with signatures.”
CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles also gave his response saying, “Finally, we have reached the point of no return.” He expressed gratitude for the generosity of the Tingson family “enabling CPU to continue the legacy that was started or led by Rev. Dr. Tingson. We are happy that we are able to extend this field of influence of CPU to Kabankalan and Negros Occidental.” Dr. Robles went on to acknowledge the effort of the CPU BOT and the CPU team.
This historic event was also witnessed by Rev. Dr. Armando Kole, Hon. Matt Palabrica, Engr. Eddie Cañuto, CPU Legal Counsel Atty. Aila Rae Endonila and Atty. Ina Noellene Bernales, and the group from ASCO and Fortress. Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Florence P. Bogacia was also present and served as the host during the said event.
CPU’s history reveals that its establishment started as a mission. A hundred and seventeen years later, it is still a mission but it extends, expands, and explores the possibilities of many great things. For as long as Christ is Proclaimed in this University, He always provides – never late, always on time.
God be praised!