By Cyrus A. Natividad
Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Director IV, Commission on Higher Education, administers the Oath of Office to the new CPU President Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy.
Dr. Ernest Howard Buenaventura Dagohoy was formally installed as the 18th President of Central Philippine University, in an investiture ceremony held on Friday November 24, 2023 at 4:00PM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.
The investiture drew together members of the Board of Trustees, the CPU Corporation, the Deans and Department Heads; Faculty and Staff, as well as other community representative and organizations with ties and linkages to the University. The presence of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and other dignitaries; representatives of other Universities, particularly The University of Antique made it a momentous event. The family of Dr. Dagohoy, his relatives and friends who came from far and near were present at the Investiture.
The ceremony started at 4:00PM with a processional hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory”. Ms. Faith Alexis Dagohoy-Bentulan offered a violin rendition of “Meditation from Thais” for the Prelude. The Invocation was led by Rev. Dr. Lemuel R. Equiña, Executive Director, Association for Theological Education in Southeast Asia.
In his Welcome remarks, Board of Trustees Chairman Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera said that, “The presence of everyone underscores the collective commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence and community service that CPU stands for.” He added that “The decision of the Board of Trustees to declare Dr. Dagohoy as the 18th University President marks not just a change in leadership, but a reaffirmation of the values and ideals of Scientia et Fides.”
Atty. Corvera acknowledged the presence of the immediate past president of the University, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and said that “His legacy, dedication, integrity and excellence will continue to inspire and leave an indelible mark upon us.” He encouraged every Centralian to support the new President of Central Philippine University.
Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees, gives the Welcome Remarks.
A Musical Reflection “The Majesty and Glory of your Name” followed. Dr. Carmen P. Santos, Treasurer Board of Trustees read the Roll of Election. Dr. Teodoro Robles presented the Presidential Medallion to Dr. Dagohoy. Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Vice Chairman CPU Board of Trustees presented the University Mace, and Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of University Church gave the Bible. After the presentation of the symbols, Dr. Cecile Gonzales Dagohoy, wife of the CPU President, sang “The Lord’s Prayer”.
Dr. Raul F Muyong, Director IV, Commission on Higher Education, administered the Oath of Office, and afterwards the Prayer of Dedication was led by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Minister of Jaro Evangelical Church.
In his Inaugural Address, Dr. Dagohoy proclaimed, “We owe to the future not to stop here. We owe to the future to press forward with as much vigor and determination as our forefathers did in the past. We owe it to the future to be as bold in the future as they were in the past. There are no days for timidity. These are no days for fearful cowards. These are no days to go slow. These are the days to go all out for the good of Central Philippine University, and more importantly for the glory of God.”
Expressions of support to the 18th President of CPU came from Ms. Mitzi Ruth D. Delector – President CPU Republic; Mrs. Ma. Ligaya V. Canie l- Secretary CPU Rank and File Labor Union; Mr. Joel Encajonado – Vice President CPU Faculty Association; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia – CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration; Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat – President CPU Alumni Association, Inc.; Engr. Jeriel G. Militar, Moderator, University Church; and Dr. Cecile G. Dagohoy.
The Deans and Academic Department Heads with the 18th President of Central Philippine University, Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy.
After the speeches, the singing of the Alma Mater Song followed, and the program was closed by a Benediction by Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara,- Dean, CPU College of Theology. The Recessional followed the singing of the Song of Blessing entitled “The Blessing.”
The audience exiting the Rose Memorial Auditorium were greeted by a spectacular fireworks display at the Big Field. There was a program during the dinner at the CPU Gymnasium as well as in the Big Field.
The Investiture marks yet another significant milestone in the rich history of Central Philippine University.
The program was hosted by Mr. Nico J. Gumban. The Bahandi Singers was the Official Investiture Choir – with Dr. Jose Denzil D. Daquiado and Mr. Joshua Jonathan C. Quimpo (Musical Directors, The Bahandi Singers); Mr. Jimel P. Lapatha and Mr. Asaph S. Lapatha (Musicians).