By Carmelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer – CPU Office of the President
Turnover Ceremony of the School President
Fortress College
Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
August 16, 2025, 9:30 am
Ms. Grace Tingson Hughes (left), who served as President of Fortress College from June 1995 to July 2025, officially turns over her duties and responsibilities to Dr. Rowena Monzon Libo-on (right) during the formal Turnover Ceremony held on August 16, 2025, at Fortress College in Kabankalan City.
On August 16, 2025, a program was held for the formal turnover ceremony of the school president of Fortress College in Kabankalan City. Ms. Grace Tingson Hughes who served as President from June 1995 until July 2025 officially turned over her duties and responsibilities as Fortress College President to Dr. Rowena Monzon Libo-on. Dr. Libo-on formerly served as Vice President for Finance and Enterprises and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
In his welcome remarks, Rev. Dr. Armando S. Kole, Chairman of the Fortress College Board of Trustees, stated that the ceremony is a realization of the dream of the Rev. Dr. Greg and Mrs. Egla Tingson for CPU to be the donee of the properties of Fortress College of ASCO Ministries.
The ceremony also honored Mrs. Grace Tingson Hughes, and words of appreciation were given by Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona and Dr. Matt P. Palabrica.
Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, the immediate past Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees who also served as Chairman of the CPU BOT Technical Working Committee for Fortress College shared that Mrs. Hughes, whom he fondly calls “Manang Grace” graciously accommodated the committee’s request for the extension of her appointment several times as the search for the next President was still underway. Atty. Bedona shared that “Aside from being President, Manang Grace is a very competent negotiator. She always negotiates on the point of strength.” He also shared this donation was special not only because the donor themselves wanted it completed immediately but because the donation was without any conditions.
Congratulations to Dr. Rowena Monzon Libo-on on her installation as the new President of Fortress College during the Turnover Ceremony held on August 16, 2025, in Kabankalan City. The Centralian community came together to honor the dedicated leadership of outgoing President Ms. Grace Tingson Hughes and to extend their full support to the incoming President. To God be the highest glory!
Dr. Matt P. Palabrica, immediate past Chairman of the FC Board of Trustees and current Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees shared that even with the changes in Fortress College, “the spiritual and moral leadership still belongs to the Tingson family.” He added that the presence of the CPU Administrators, Deans, and Principals is “a show of support from the leadership of Central Philippine University that helps spread the message that Fortress College is now owned and operated by Central Philippine University.” Chairman Palabrica added that this transition is “a challenge and also a blessing for CPU, expanding the ministry of God and spreading the message of hope” and thanked Mrs. Hughes and the Tingson family for their passion to help people through education.” He also congratulated Dr. Libo-on and Dr. Eriman, the new Fortress College Principal, and hoped they would “sustain and promote the ideals and vision of CPU”.
Chairman Palabrica further stated that “Ma’am Grace will forever be an inspiration to the Fortress College” and added that he came to know and accept the Lord as savior in 1986 through Dr. Greg Tingson who was the evangelistic speaker at CPU. Finally, Chairman Palabrica shared that he has already imbibed the vision of Mrs. Hughes for Fortress College to be “one of the best schools in the Negros Island Region and later on, a University that will be looked up to through CPU.”
In her response, Mrs. Hughes shared that her “journey the past 30 years has been one of FAITH – a Fantastic Adventure in Trusting Him, our sovereign Lord.” She further added that when Pastor Tingson suddenly left them to join the Lord, others said the downfall of ASCO Ministries was imminent, but they did not realize “that the ministry was rooted and built up on Christ.” Mrs. Hughes also acknowledged three employees who have faithfully served Fortress College for more than 30 years and are also retiring. These were Mrs. Elvie D. Española who served as School Registrar for 34 years, Mrs. Jorita M. De La Cruz, Principal for 35 years, and Mrs. Raquel Y. Dizon, who served as School Director for 39 years.
Mrs. Hughes thanked “the Lord for the smooth transition of donation of FC to CPU”, saying “Our family is so grateful to the Lord for His perfect timing. Our mother was still very alert when CPU accepted our donation.” She further added that “the words of reassurance from the CPU Board of Trustees saying that Fortress College will be taken care of and our dad’s legacy will be protected gave my mother peace during the last years of her life.”
During the Ceremonial Turn Over of Responsibilities, Mrs. Hughes shared that her “father’s dream was to establish a Christian school that would provide livelihood skills to the young people of Kabankalan who could not afford college education. Over 45 years ago, Fortress College started as a school that taught woodworking skills and practical electricity. And this was before TESDA was established.” All these years, Fortress College has truly been a beacon of learning and service to Kabankalan and surrounding areas. Her alumni are working abroad, hold positions in local and national government, businesses in Kabankalan usually have Fortress College graduate as employees and the graduates of her technical vocational courses are gainfully employed.
Mrs. Hughes then explained the meaning of the symbols in the seal of Fortress College before formally handing it over to Dr. Libo-on, signifying the transfer of responsibility and leadership.
Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on shared that she consulted a lot of people whether she should come to Fortress or not and most of the answers were in the negative because they have their reservations. However, she “…cannot ignore the inner voice saying her to go and be an instrument of blessing.” She thanked her full community of supporters who will be with her in her new journey at Fortress College and committed to “work as a corporate team and as a family where respect and dedication will have to be observed.”
In her Words of Commitment, Dr. Libo-on said that “this moment is not simply a change in leadership. It is a renewal of shared commitment to the values that define us – academic excellence, integrity, inclusivity, service and innovation. It is our commitment, with the help of God Almighty, to bring about change in the lives of people.”
She committed to lead with vision by honoring the foresight and commitment of the founders of Fortress College while actively embracing the future with hope and perseverance. She also committed to listen to students, faculty, alumni, and partners adding that communication is very important in working things out. Dr. Libo-on also committed to act on time especially in decision-making which will address issues, concerns, and challenges.
She further committed to Commit to collaborate, adding that progress comes not from individual effort alone. She urged everyone to function as a team and as a community united in working together with a purpose. She stated that she will uphold academic freedom and rigor to ensure that ideas are explored, challenged, and expanded. This also ensures free access where every student is seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Dr. Libo-on also committed to develop teachers and administrators, review the curriculum to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and make it relevant to the present time, make the school more research-oriented and open to internationalization
Lastly, she committed to “serve Fortress College with integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedication not just in words but in actions and decisions.” In closing, Dr. Libo-on emphasized that in this journey, both she and the Fortress College personnel “need each other as a corporate team bound by policies, rules, and regulations but with the love and respect of a family.”
Messages of support were then given by Rev. Dr. Armando S. Kole and Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy.
Rev. Dr. Armando S. Kole stated his full support for Dr. Libo-on as new President of Fortress College, stating that in his years of knowing Dr. Libo-on as former Dean of CPU’s School of Graduate Studies, she has proven her track record. He further added that she will be able to meet certain expectation and deliver new methods of management. Recognizing that a transition period is never easy, he urged the Fortress College family to uphold her in their prayers. He expressed the Board’s committed support for her leadership as they look forward to a more fruitful, pragmatic, and developmental management under her leadership.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, President of Central Philippine University, shared that he is “humbled and honored to be part of this historic event for both Fortress College and Central Philippine University as we witness the passing of the baton from one leader to another.” On behalf of Central Philippine University, he expressed “our profound gratitude to Mrs. Hughes for her dedicated and selfless service that brought Fortress College to where it is now.” He also added that everyone goes through transitions, and everyone is a witness to this transition as Dr. Libo-on assumes the role of President of Fortress College and as Dr. Edgar A. Eriman, a native of Bucana, Ilog also serves as new Principal of Fortress College.
Dr. Dagohoy stated that, “Since both Dr. Libo-on and Dr. Eriman hail from CPU, there is an expectation for them to bring with them what we know as Tatak Cental, highlighting our adherence to the core tenets of CPU, Scientia et Fides or Knowledge and Faith and our unwavering commitment to the delivery of Exemplary Christian Education for Life, EXCEL. Their efforts alone will not suffice, so the entire Centralian community will rally behind them alongside their colleagues at Fortress College to ensure a bright and promising future for this institution.”
Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, CPU Vice President for Finance and Enterprises gave a powerful Prayer of Dedication and Benediction seeking the Lord’s guidance and strength and declaring victory for this new chapter in both Fortress College and Central Philippine University.
Also present during the ceremony were Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, VP for Student Affairs, Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Acting VP for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Aries Roda D. Romallosa, Acting VP for Research, Development, and Extension. Also present were Academic Heads Principal Praise E. Glory (Kindergarten), Principal Janet P. Jaco (Elementary), Principal Charlett B. Dianala (Junior High School), Dean Stella G. Fernandez (Arts and Sciences), Dean Ma. Christina A. Quijano (Computer Studies), OIC Dean Maredil R. Ambos (Education), Acting Dean Althea U. Denuevo (Graduate Studies), Dean Melba C. Sale (Nursing), Dean Ma. Corazon P. Porras (Medical Laboratory Science), and OIC Dean Milanie C. Arandela (Theology).
The lady members of the Academic Council present also gave a beautiful rendition of the song “Find Us Faithful” as a musical number.
Administrative and support staff from the Office of the President, the Office of the Board of Trustees, and the Office of Communications were also present.
The ceremony was also made more special with the presence of Dr. Ted Robles, former CPU President and his wife Mrs. Angel Robles. Dr. Robles. It was during Dr. Robles’ term as University President when the donation process was begun. Other members of the CPU Board of Trustees who were present were Engr. Eddie P. Cañuto, Mr. Noli Bajada and former Trustee Mrs. Josette G. Jalando-on.
To God be the glory!