By Prof. Evy Jansien Victoria P. Casas & Prof. Charis Emmelynn M. Bautista
Attendees during the 20th Anniversary reunion of CPU Development High School’s Batch 2004 gather for a photo opportunity at the Platinum Ballroom of District 21 Hotel in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Last November 30, 2024, Batch 2004 of the CPU Development High School celebrated its 20th Anniversary reunion at the Platinum Ballroom of District 21 Hotel in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, with the theme “CPUDHS Batch 2004: Reuniting with Central at 20.” The batch was able to reunite with their senior year classmates, batchmates, and 15 of the batch’s former teachers and administrators, with all eight sections of the batch represented.
The reunion program started with Prof. Oliver Fritz A. Bunda leading the opening prayer, and Dr. Freya Angela Salem-Cuarez introducing Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, who delivered the devotional message to the batch. Focusing on Luke 12:13-21 as the Scripture text, Rev. Quimpo shared lessons from the Parable of the Rich Fool with the Batch and their guests. Engr. Saylor Job A. Caver, former governor of CPUDHS Batch 2004, gave the opening remarks, while Mr. Jose Carlo Tomas S. Treñas, former CPUR Senator, sent a video message to greet fellow batchmates and teachers, and Mrs. Ma. Angela Hilario-Forro hosted the event.
Dr. Nelson A. Pomado, former CPUDHS Principal, gave his inspiring message to Batch 2004. In his message, he highlighted key ingredients to strengthen the bond of friendship within Batch 2004. Further, Prof. Lilian Rose J. Asesor, current Assistant Principal of the CPU Junior High School, gave a heartfelt message to Batch 2004 and shared updates about the recent achievements of the Junior High School Department. Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat, President of the CPUAAI, gave his message of encouragement and support to Batch 2004 toward recognition as a formal alumni chapter of the University. He also shared insights and lessons on values to strengthen the cooperation and unity of Batch 2004 and provided updates on the Balik-CPU program of the Alumni Association.
Members of the Batch who were not able to attend the in-person program and lunch were invited to participate by joining a Zoom meeting, where the program was broadcast in real-time. Batch members from Metro Manila, Japan, and the US were able to view the program and interact with each other.
To wrap up the event, the University President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, sent a written message of support and encouragement to Batch 2004, which was read by Prof. Charis Emmelynn M. Bautista, a current faculty member of the College of Business and Accountancy. In addition, the Office of the President supported the event by providing video and photo documentation through the CPU TV Channel. After a few Batch updates shared by Prof. Bautista, the event was concluded with a picture-taking session involving the attendees of Batch 2004, former and current CPUDHS faculty, and invited guests.
Currently, Batch 2004 is led by a Steering Committee, with 1 to 2 volunteer representatives from each of the eight 4th-year sections, along with the former CPUR officers of the Batch in figurehead managerial roles. The reunion on November 30, 2024, was the actual implementation of reunion plans that were made as early as December 2019 but were shelved due to the pandemic.
The organization of the Batch Reunion was spearheaded by Mr. Josef Godfred R. de Juan, Ms. Vikki Natalie D. Cordero, Prof. Evy Jansien Victoria P. Casas, Prof. Charis Emmelynn M. Bautista, and Mr. Lloyd C. Hisuan. Further, the organizers would like to thank Prof. Charlett Dianala, Principal of CPUJHS, Ms. Jonalyn Berjamen of the Office of the Principal of the Junior High School, Rev. Francis Niel Jalando-on, Director of the Office of Communications, Mr. Simon Peter Jandinero and Mr. Dionisio Coronado of the CPU TV Channel, and Mrs. Tina Hortelano of the CPU Alumni Office.