By Mikee Natinga Norico

Marking a decade of leadership, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio poses proudly with CPU key stakeholders and administrators during his last ACAD and CDPDH meeting.

On July 17, 2025, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio presided over his final joint meeting of the Academic Council (ACAD) and the Council of Deans, Principals, and Department Heads (CDPDH), marking the culmination of his nearly ten years of dedicated service as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Rio will officially retire on July 31, 2025.

During this significant gathering, Dr. Rio formally introduced the incoming Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Merle L. Junsay, and the incoming Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa. Both will officially assume their respective offices on August 1, 2025.

The meeting opened with a devotional shared by Prof. Rea F. Villeza, which highlighted the biblical perspective on leadership continuity and the importance of stewardship in transitions. Members of the ACAD and CDPDH expressed their appreciation for Dr. Rio’s strong, no-nonsense leadership and extended warm messages of support to the incoming vice presidents. The collegial atmosphere underscored a shared enthusiasm for a smooth and inspired transition. As a tribute, the deans, principals, department chairpersons, University Registrar, and University Research Director presented a surprise number for Dr. Rio, adding a heartfelt and joyful touch to the occasion.

Council members conveyed their gratitude for Dr. Rio’s guidance, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to academic integrity and institutional excellence. Several noted that his steady leadership helped sustain the University’s momentum through challenging transitions in higher education.

On July 26, 2025, Dr. Rio was honored at a surprise party held at Ocean City, informally organized by the academic administrators. The evening was filled with warm expressions of gratitude, laughter, and shared memories, as academic middle administrators came together not only to honor a leader but to celebrate a colleague and friend whose humility, wisdom, and support have helped shape the University’s academic direction over the years.

The lively program was emceed by University Registrar Ms. Charissa June Deocampo and featured impromptu speeches and heartfelt testimonials. Many reflected on how Dr. Rio’s calm, humble, and straightforward leadership style helped steer their units through difficult transitions—particularly during the pandemic and the implementation of institutional reforms.

In his brief response, Dr. Rio expressed heartfelt thanks and said, “The appointed time for the sun to settle in the west has come, and hopefully, it will shine in a different environment.”

The tribute at Ocean City was not just a farewell or a send-off—it was a celebration of shared work, mutual respect, and deep camaraderie among academic leaders whose lives and careers were enriched by Dr. Rio’s servant leadership.