By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

Dr. Bernabe Pagara at the Anna V. Johnson Hall.

Dr. Bernabe Pagara has been the Dean of the College of Theology since 2010. He started teaching in Central Philippine University in the 90’s.

He is a graduate of the Doctor of Theology degree from the Asia Baptist Graduate Theological Seminary (ABGTS), Baguio City in 2003 major in Biblical Studies – New Testament. He earned his Master of Theology from the Asian Center for Theological Studies and Mission (ACTS), Seoul, South Korea (1996) and Master of Divinity (With Honors), from the Asian Theological Seminary (ATS), Quezon City, Manila (1991).

His undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Theology (Cum Laude) from Central Philippine University (1983) and Certificate in Christian Education from the Convention Baptist Bible College (CBBC), Bacolod City, Negros Occidental (1978). He passed the Philippine Board Examination for Teachers (PBET) in 1986. He also had the opportunity to learn basic German language during the International Summer Institute in Tubingen University, Tubingen, Germany in 2000.

Before being appointed as Dean he was the Field Education Director of the College of Theology (1998-2000) and Chair of the Religion and Ethics Department (2005-2009).

Pagara is described by his students and peers as someone who has a big heart for the teaching and pastoral ministries. Aside from his involvement in the academe, he has also pastored several churches namely: Ochando-Dumaguit Baptist Church, New Washington Aklan (1983-1988), Masville Baptist Church, Sucat, Paranaque City (1989-1991), Bakyas Evangelical Church, Inc., Bakyas, Mansilingan, Bacolod City (1991-1994)

He is a committed husband to Paige Huelar-Pagara, a registered Guidance Counselor and teacher, and a loving father to their son, BP Heinz Windolf.