By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Attendees pose for a photo opportunity, celebrating the successful conclusion of CPU’s 2025 Father’s Day Talent and Skills Showcase, organized by the CPU Gender and Development Committee in collaboration with the Review, Continuing Education, and Consultancy Center.

The Central Philippine University (CPU) Gender and Development (GAD) Committee, in collaboration with the Review, Continuing Education, and Consultancy Center (RCECC), successfully hosted the 2025 Father’s Day Celebration entitled “Talent and Skills Showcase” on June 19, 2025, at the Educational Media Center (EMC).

Anchored on the theme, “Pasundayag sang mga Tatay sa Central,” the event brought together grandfathers, fathers, stepfathers, single fathers, and father figures from CPU’s full-time faculty and staff.

The program began with the registration facilitated by RCECC, followed by the opening prayer led by Prof. Adele Grace G. Fegarido, a GAD Committee member. The welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Jelvit Amor C. Alicante, Chairperson of the CPU-GAD Committee. CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy gave the opening message, inspiring attendees with his words on the significance of fatherhood.

The celebration featured engaging games split into two parts: Part I – Uncovering Hidden Talents and Part II – Talent Show, where participants showcased their unique abilities ranging from musical performances to creative displays of craftsmanship.

A special musical number was presented by Mr. Ascension O. Bautista, Band Master of the CPU Symphonic Band.

Certificates and tokens of appreciation were presented to all participants, followed by an awarding ceremony recognizing the top talent groups. The winners received cash prizes, with the first prize awarded ₱5,000, the second prize ₱3,500, the third prize ₱2,500, and two consolation prizes of ₱1,500 each.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Dennie Erwin Tan, GAD Committee member, and a closing prayer by Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza, also of the GAD Committee. The entire event was hosted by Prof. Rhys B. Camacho, from the Department of Languages, Mass Communication, and Humanities under the College of Arts and Sciences.

CPU continues to celebrate and support the valuable contributions of fathers within its community through initiating events like this, fostering a culture of recognition, camaraderie, and empowerment.