Central Philippine University

By Nestle G. Taala


Beauty, brain, and a generous heart—Dr. Santos’ portrait as member of CPU BOT.

Central Spirit truly lives on—Dr. Carmen Pama-Santos, an Alumna, Consultant for Basic Education, and Corporate Secretary of the Central Philippine University Board of Trustees (CPU-BOT) donated one (1) unit of Hyundai County 3.9L E4 Mini Bus to CPU on May 17, 2023.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between parties whereby Dr. Santos “voluntarily gives, transfers and conveys to CPU the above-described vehicle.” The CPU, represented by its President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles “accepts and receives the above-described vehicle and the conditions that go with it.”

On this tenor, Dr. Robles expressed his gratitude to Dr. Santos, “We are happy that one of our active donors, Dr. Carmen P. Santos, donated a recent version of the coaster that is a good replacement for the old one. It is timely indeed because it is time that we have to transport many of our students and faculty and staff in the different activities the university is engaged with.” One example he mentioned was the WVPRISAA which took place from May 17 to 21, 2023.


Hyundai County 3.9L E4 Mini Bus.

This act of Dr. Santos was deeply appreciated by Dr. Robles saying that the former has “been very consistent in her efforts to support CPU.” This consistency can be seen through the construction of the Santos Park, the Engr. Jose U. Santos Multi-Purpose Center (a gymnasium for the CPU Elementary School) and other things that Dr. Santos and her family have donated, including cash awards and incentives for the University athletes and the honor pupils in the basic education schools in the University, and also cash awards for the honor graduates and board topnotchers in the College of Education.

According to Dr. Santos, the mini-bus can be utilized (through proper approvals) by CPU faculty (members) to travel around Iloilo City for them to see many of its scenic spots, and for them to relax after some strenuous classroom activities.

Dr. Carmen Santos earned her Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English and Mathematics (Summa cum laude), and her Master of Arts (MA) in English at Central Philippine University College of Education and School of Graduate Studies, respectively. She is a Distinguished Centralian Awardee in the fields of Education and Business. And, Central Philippine University awarded her the degree Doctor of Humanities (HD), honoris causa, in 2006.