By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Robles candidly answers the questions of Mr. Natividad sharing his experiences as university president.
Hopes, dreams, and visions – Central Philippine University president Dr. Teodoro C. Robles graced CPU TV Channel’s Looking Forward, a public affairs program, on Thursday, June 15, 2023, as a guest wherein he was able to express and speak about his engagement with CPU, his commitments, and management of the university as president for fifteen (15) years.
Dr. Robles was introduced as “a humble person with a passion for excellence.” He graduated valedictorian of his elementary class in Leon Elementary School, and later in his high school class. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree at Central Philippine University as a working student assigned to the Physics and Electronics Laboratory.
It was hard work, perseverance, and the tremendous sacrifice of his parents that brought him and his siblings to college. He served his alma mater for five (5) years before moving to the United States. He taught in several educational institutions abroad and received the Distinguished Teacher Award – chosen by the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 2003. In 1997, he was chosen as one of the Distinguished Alumni of CPU.
A portion of the said interview revealed Dr. Robles’ journey as university president, to wit:
LF: “How did you see CPU when you first came to serve as University President?”
TCR: “I think there was a need to modify some systems which has to be done by employing specific functions and assignments to physical development –such as janitorial and maintenance, particularly in buildings, comfort rooms and other facilities; the items could have been included in every department’s budget. The needs were changing every year. A committee was assigned on its development since then.”
LF: “How did the pandemic affect the programs and progress of the university?”
TCR: “Despite the difficult situation during that time, CPU was able to save in operating expenses. Programs and progress were sustained with good generated income from the operation.”
LF: “How do you solve problems affecting the organization and the academe?”
TCR: “I consult. I call on our Unit Heads and technicians who specialize on the problem at the moment. I focus on the need; calling a meeting, listening to ideas, suggestions or proposals.”
LF: “What do you look forward to for the university after you have turned over the presidency to a new administrator?”
TCR: “What I look forward to is for the university to be provided with more faculty who are involved in research, and that has to have the cooperation of the Dean.
LF: “What do you want to say to our faculty, staff, and students?”
TCR: “The success of the university depends on all of us. For you, there is a need to keep learning. Like me, as Electrical Engineer I had to learn about how to maintain the building. Technology changes over time. You have to learn as you go.”
Aside from his teaching stints, Dr. Robles has authored several technical articles and undertaken numerous research projects for the US government, private industries, and academic institutions. He also received many educational research and grants from corporations in the United States.
In November 2008, he assumed the responsibility of becoming the President of his Alma Mater Central Philippine University, a position he holds until today. His dynamic leadership has brought many positive changes and improvements to the university. He is also involved in other organizations: as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Coordinating Council for Private Educational Associations of the Philippines; The Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities; and the Iloilo Mission Hospital. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).
He is happily married to Angeles Antonio Robles, a Nursing graduate of CPU, from San Dionisio, Iloilo. They are blessed with a son, Theodore, who is a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Theodore is married to Dr. Jennifer Preston. They are blessed with two children: Madelyn Kaye, and Evan.