By Cyrus A. Natividad

The June 15, 1966 issue of the Link featuring Dr. Rex D. Drilon.

The 51st Death Anniversary celebration of Dr. Rex D. Drilon Day on Monday, February 21, 2022 was a well-prepared tribute. It presented the history and significance of the life of the First Filipino President of Central Philippine University through a video documentary.

The Chairman for the Rex D. Drilon Day 2022 celebration, Prof. Crista Siansion-Hyong, Director, CPU Cultural Affairs Office made sure that the sequence and artistry of production are excellent; thanks to CPU TV and its staff for the valuable commitment and support.

The video started with a collage of historical pictures from CPU through the years. The Excel Chorale sang “All My Hope” from the Hillsongs.

Prof. Huyong made an Introduction. In her message, she mentioned that “the highlight of the presentation is the launching of the long-awaited coffee table book entitled, ‘DR. REX D. DRILON: The Vision of a Great Central’. She considers the book as an “Ode to Dr. Rex D. Drilon. The book came out interesting and beautiful with the dedicated effort of Miss Keziah G. Huelar (former Office of Communications employee and Mr. Mark Ortaliz (Webmaster of CPU Office of Communications), who spent time in research and content and for the cover and design of the book, respectively.

University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles wrote the Preface of the book. Part of it says, “it is the story of a great man who need not change the world to be great. He valued education, so he strived, worked hard and didn’t stop learning. He worked his way up, so he led guided by wisdom, driven by compassion.”

“But this can also be the story of every man and woman; of every boy and girl. The man who pursues his dreams, the woman who weaves words to tell stories, the boy who finishes his homework, the girl who reads in her class in a project.”

“This is for the ones who choose to be good at what they have; the ones whose hearts are filled with compassion, whose lives are ignited by faith.”

To Dr. Drilon’s son, Lincoln Q. Drilon, “He was an accomplished man of letters, A political scientist and journalist, he was also known as the editor and unforgiving English teacher. He taught at the University of the Philippines and edited books of his colleagues, and even wrote speeches for politicians. As a journalist, he wrote in academic journals, national magazines and maintained a column in the Manila Bulletin.”

The documentary presented the past recorded songs of Lincoln which was during the Rex Drilon Day of yesteryears. Lincoln had a talent in music which he shared with everyone who are interested, particularly the youth and students at Central. Sadly, Lincoln has also passed away.
For the record, “Dr. Drilon served CPU in different positions. He rebuilt and nurtured the school that was closed by World War II. He was observed to have never been indifferent or sensitive to the forces that were at play around him.”

It was told, “Being dedicated to his calling, Dr. Drilon is known to keep nothing materially valuable to himself, though he has a good collection of books.”

According to some of the employees at that time, “The day before he died, he kept giving away his clothes to the campus maintenance crew, and also to ill-clad pastors from the mountains that came to visit.” Many other stories were relayed so that we know that Dr. Rex D. Drilon was the consummate democracy practitioner.

On June 1, 1961, President Rex D. Drilon signed the contract –making him the first Filipino President of the University, after 61 years. The historical moment was witnessed by members of the Administration Staff and Board of Trustees.

Dr. Drilon’s installation into office as the First Filipino President of CPU on April 21, 1967 was administered by no less than His Excellency President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

A closing prayer was led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.

The video documentary was excellent with its background music rendered by the Excel Choral with the support of the CPU administration, Office of Communications, and the Cultural Affairs Office.

You can watch the virtual celebration of the Dr. Drilon Day at https://fb.watch/bmRNJXKyZn/